Page 44 of Bozo

With a sigh, I get up and head to the shower. As the hot water cascades over me, I try to wash away my doubts and fears. This arrangement with Connor might be complicated, but it's better than nothing. And who knows? Maybe it will be enough.

As I dry off and get ready for bed, my phone chimes with a text. It's from Connor.

Connor: Sweet dreams, Sunshine.

I can't help but smile, even as my heart clenches. God, I think I’m in trouble. I’m so in love with him that I don’t think I could say no to him. This is going to end in heartache. I can feel it. I just pray that it doesn’t leave me broken.

FOURTEEN

GRÁINNE

Present Day

“Gráinne,” I hear Mike say as I exit the hospital. I turn and see him striding toward me, a sexy smile on his face.

He’s still my friend and is now a doctor at the same hospital I am. I’m not blind; Mike is hot, and his smile would make anyone weak at the knees.

It’s eight in the morning and the emergency room is already busy. Last night was crazy and I was rushed off my feet. Right now, I can’t wait to crawl into bed and fall asleep. Thankfully, I have the next two days off before I do it all again.

"Hey, Mike," I respond, trying to keep my voice steady. "Heading home?"

He nods, falling into step beside me. "Long shift. I could use a coffee. Care to join me?"

I give him a soft smile. “If I have coffee right now, I won’t be able to sleep. Can we have a rain check?”

His gaze heats as he grins wider. “Tell you what, Grá,” he says thickly. “How about we change the coffee to dinner?”

My heart races. Holy crap, I hadn’t expected him to ask me out. Shit. What do I say?

Things between Connor and I are still up in the air. We have sex—frequently—but he keeps me at arm’s length. He’s a fully patched member of the Fury Vipers MC and he’s hell bent on ensuring that I’m not in any way, shape or form a part of it. I get it to some extent, but I work for Jerry Houlihan, for Christ’s sake. That man has more enemies than anyone else I know.

But I love Connor. I have since I was a kid and had no idea what the feelings actually were, and I have no doubt that I’ll love him until I die. But something’s got to give. I can’t keep coasting through life being his fuck buddy. I want more. I deserve more.

I give Mike a sad, small smile. “I appreciate the offer,” I begin, hoping I don’t hurt him by rejecting him, “but I'm kind of involved with someone." It’s not a lie, but not exactly the complete truth either.

Mike's smile falters for a moment, but he recovers quickly. "Ah, I see. Lucky guy."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Lucky? Maybe. Complicated? Definitely.

"Well, the offer stands if things change," Mike says, his tone light and filled with a little hope. "You're a beautiful woman, Grá, and you’re a good friend."

Heat rises to my cheeks. "Thank you, Mike. That means a lot."

We reach the parking lot, Mike close to me, matching me step for step. I fumble for my keys, suddenly eager to escape and get home.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" he says softly. "You work too hard."

I manage a small laugh. "Look who's talking. But I will. You too, Mike. I’ll see you in a few days."

As I drive home, my mind races. Mike's invitation lingers in my thoughts, a tantalizing what-if. But as I pull into my driveway, I see a familiar motorcycle parked there. My heart leaps at the sight.

Connor.

I take a deep breath, knowing that he’ll be here for a few hours before he’ll leave again. I can’t remember the last time he actually spent the entire night with me. I’m nothing more than a booty call, and I’m so deeply in love with him that I’ll let it continue.

I step out of my car, my exhaustion momentarily forgotten as anticipation thrums through me. Connor's here, waiting for me.

As I approach my front door, it swings open. Connor stands there, all six feet of tattooed, muscular biker glory. He’s gotten a lot more muscular in the past year. His dark eyes rake over me with a hungry look that sends shivers down my spine.

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