Page 95 of Desperate Needs

Connor might not be there yet, but he seemed so earnest when he said those things to me the other night.

About not going anywhere. About me being his. And about him coming to my family’s Christmas party.

Last year, Michaela and Liam were the center of a major drama. I was happy they’d both worked it out, but I was really looking forward to a good old holiday time.

Connor didn’t seem like the kind of man to celebrate, but when he walked me through the club, one hand around my waist the other in front of us, making sure no one bumped me as we walked, he’d mentioned how much he was looking forward to it.

“Connor, are you sure? We can just wait to see each other after,” I told him, willing to try to come up with a compromise for us.

“Are you kidding me? I haven’t had a family Christmas since I was a kid. Do you mind me coming?” he asked, frowning.

“Not at all. I just don’t want you to worry. I’m not going to read anything into it,” I said as we reached the truck.

He closed his hand around the handle, but didn’t open the door. With his other hand, he cupped my neck and spun me towards him.

“If you aren’t reading anything into it, then I’m doing something wrong, Darlin’. Now, me coming to your family’s house for Christmas means exactly what you think it means. Get in the truck. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he grunted, slamming a kiss on my lips and smacking my ass as I climbed inside the vehicle.

The following day, I spent my time packing and answering correspondence with the construction team working on Drew’s Place.

It was so close to being finished. I was nervous and excited, eager to start that new chapter of my work life.

But I was even more eager to take this step with Connor. To see if we could really be together.

Please. Oh please.

Chapter 41-Connor

“Have all the employee records been transferred to Sigma? I asked, practically racing to the garage.

“Yeah,” Balor said, eyebrow raised as he no doubt noticed my hurry. “Uh, why the rush?”

“Nothing. Well. I’m going to spend Christmas with her family,” I muttered.

“Oh shit, it’s like that?” he asked.

I paused and looked at my cousin, dipping my chin once.

“Good for you, cuz. I was gonna stop by your mom’s but?—”

“Do that. Actually, stop by my place and grab the gifts I have for her and my sister first and tell her I’ll be there next weekend, hopefully with a plus one,” I said.

“Fuck yeah. I’ll get that done,” Balor nodded and clapped my back.

“Thanks. And thank you for accepting the board position at Sigma,” I told him.

“Are you kidding? It’s a great opportunity for me. You know, I never thanked you for getting me out of that tight spot all those years ago.”

“You’re my family, Balor. It’s my job to protect family,” I said.

“Yeah, well, some of our family sucks. They’re not happy about the merger, Connor.”

I knew who he meant, but I honestly did not give two fucks about those old bastards.

My skin was tingling. Twenty-four hours without her, and I was a fucking mess. I needed my woman. Needed to breathe in her vanilla orange scent, To taste her on my lips.

I thought of the ring I had waiting in my glove compartment. Thought of the promise I made to her father.

I was going to ask Clementine to marry me this weekend.

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