Page 94 of Desperate Needs

Quicker than I could say Jingle Bell Rock, the holiday music station was locked and loaded, and we were on our way to the worst sing-along ever.

And I meant that with love. But really, none of us could carry a tune. And it showed. Still, it was fun.

And I sure as shit needed a little of that.

Especially when I imagined being alone with Connor and my whole extended family for an entire weekend.

I’d tried texting my father to ask him what the hell he was thinking, inviting the man who tried to take down his business, and he only laughed.

“Clemmy mine, if he’d really tried to do that, I’d be spending the weekend with lawyers and computer geeks and not my beautiful family.”

“But what about the virus?”

“Connor is responsible for pointing out some serious flaws in our system. I fired Jameson, by the way.”

“Stoole? Why?”

“Because Callahan proved his half-assed work was responsible for a lot of what happened. That and the sonovabitch had a file on you. You didn’t date him, did you, Clemmy mine?”

“What? Ew, Dad gross!”

“That’s what Connor told me. Anyway, the man had words with Stoole, but don’t worry. He didn’t kill him. However, he did sell me his company and if I can convince him, he is going to work for me.”

“Are you serious?” I whispered.

“Clem, is that okay? Would you rather I didn’t?—”

“No! I mean, yes, please do. I mean, if he is qualified, then hire him.”

“Okay, good. See you soon, Clemmy mine,” Pop said, and I smiled.

Clemmy mine was how I used to say my name when I was barely more than a baby. I’d almost forgotten, but every now and then one of my parents used it.

It was like they wanted to remind me I was still their baby girl. Like I would forget.

What Pop didn’t mention was if Connor had really hurt Sigma International, or even if he’d just tried to, he would probably have also called in his special team.

The one Pop used when I’d been kidnapped all those years ago. The one that left no evidence behind.

Just scorched earth.

Speaking of which, I should probably tell Connor not to bring that up since Mom didn’t know. None of the moms did.

Pop and my uncles had me promise back then, and I did in exchange for fighting and shooting lessons.

I grinned, wondering what Connor was going to say when he found out I could shoot and spar.

Maybe if I was lucky, he’d let me wrestle with him.

The idea made my pussy clench and my mouth water.

It was early days yet, and while I wasn’t sure I trusted him, I was pretty sure my heart was still invested.

Oh, who was I kidding?

Mom was right when she said our family tended to fall headfirst into love.

I knew without a doubt I was head over heels, and admitting it, even if only to myself, felt fantastic.

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