Page 7 of Conner's Choice
Conner indicated a black, custom-built Jaguar convertible. He opened the passenger door for her. As he slid behind the wheel, Elizabeth noted the classy interior of the Jaguar decked out with the latest technology, and she shook her head.
“You get rich off other people’s misfortune,” she remarked with a caustic edge in her voice.
Conner gritted his teeth and started the engine, reveling in its low thrum. He shifted into reverse and backed out of his reserved spot. What was it with women, anyway? Britain had censured him for the exact same thing six months ago.
“Not all of my clients consider themselves misfortunate. I’ve handled many amicable divorces. Sometimes couples love each other but can’t stay together for a variety of reasons.”
Elizabeth muttered, “Not mine. Kevin wants to get rid of me permanently.”
Conner glanced sideways at her and laid a comforting hand on her upper leg. Color rose in Elizabeth’s cheeks, revealed by the dashboard lights.
“Not on my watch. I’m not going to allow anyone to hurt you.”
“Thank you, Mr. O’Donnell,” Elizabeth responded softly.
He removed his hand. “Call me Conner.”
Damn! He shouldn’t have touched her. His hand burned, and he ached to feel that firm thigh again.
When they arrived at a small diner on the outskirts of Denver where they were unlikely to be recognized, Conner opened the car door for Elizabeth and placed his hand on the small of her back as they headed toward the restaurant entrance.
Hands to yourself, Conner warned himself. What’s wrong with you? First Britain and now Elizabeth Warner. Once bitten, twice shy. Remember that.
After placing their order, Conner leaned forward and said in a low voice, “I need to know everything, Elizabeth. All your dirty little secrets. Indiscretions. If you cheated on a test, plagiarized an essay, or told a lie, I need to know about it. Boyfriends. Men you slept with. Your business accounts. When we go to court, I can’t be taken unaware. Believe me, Warner will attack you on every level.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Do you really think we’ll have to go to court?”
“Yes, I do. And we need to be prepared. So, let’s start with the obvious. Have you ever been unfaithful to your husband?”
She held his stare. “No. Never. I’m not that type of woman.”
“Even though Kevin has had multiple affairs?” Conner pressed her.
Elizabeth shook her head. “Conner, I swear, I’m telling you the truth. You can accuse me of being the dumbest woman on earth for tolerating Kevin’s previous affairs, but you cannot call me an adulteress. I stayed with him because I believed in him and in our marriage. I wanted to have faith. Is that so difficult to understand?”
Her voice rang with conviction, and Conner believed her. A waitress set two tossed salads in front of them, refilled their water goblets, and left before Conner spoke. “Well, then, Elizabeth, let’s start at the beginning. Tell me about your family.”
Her maiden name was Bennett, and, yes, she’d been named after the popular heroine ofPride and Prejudice.The daughter of a general in the Air Force and a nurse who also served in the military, Elizabeth grew up in Colorado Springs with two older brothers now stationed overseas. She discussed her education, her friends, past boyfriends, and her current business. They spoke through the duration of their meal, covering every aspect of Elizabeth’s personal and professional life, right down to how often she and Kevin had sex. Humiliation burned in her cheeks when she admitted Kevin hadn’t made love to her for six months.
When Conner dropped Elizabeth off at her car after they left the diner, he asked, “Will you be okay?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine. Thank you for your concern.”
“Have your accountant fax those financial records to me as soon as possible,” he reminded her.
“I will.”
He opened the driver’s side for her. “Good night. Don’t hesitate to call if you need me.”
She nodded and slid behind the wheel. “Good night, Conner.”
Chapter Three
As soon ashe reached his apartment, Conner’s phone vibrated with a call from Britain. “Hey, Brit.”
“Do you have any updates?”
He filled her in on the latest developments and ended with, “Guess who’s getting a divorce.”
