Page 72 of Freshmeet
When I walked into my room, I found Connor sitting on my bed, freshly showered and in one of his McCormick Construction t-shirts and shorts.
He must’ve gone to his place and come back. How long was I in the shower?
He stood, running a hand through his wavy, wet hair. “I didn’t know if you wanted to be alone or?—”
I dropped my dirty swimsuit and towel on the floor and walked right into him, needing his steadiness. He immediately wrapped me up in a bear hug, burying his nose in my hair. Despite the shower, the subtle scent of the campfire clung to his skin.
“I needed that,” I said, leaning back and giving him a soft smile.
“Are you okay?”
“As okay as I can be considering there’s a murderer on the loose.”
Connor tilted his head toward the bed. “You want me to stay tonight?”
“If you don’t mind.” I hugged him tighter, resting my cheek on his chest.
He chuckled, kissing the top of my hair. “Not at all. You can keep me safe.”
I gave him a tired smile. “Jamie still here?”
“Yeah. He’s passed out on the couch across from Carter. I’m surprised we can’t hear them snoring all the way up here.” Hecupped my face, running his thumb across my cheekbone. “You look exhausted.”
I leaned into his hand and shut my eyes. “It‘s been a long few months.”
Connor kissed my forehead. “Let‘s get you to bed.” One more good squeeze, and he let me go.
While I picked up my dirty clothes and put them in the laundry basket, Connor glanced around. “So, this is your room.”
“Sure is.” I turned on a lamp and flipped off the overhead light.
“What’s that?” He stood next to my desk, pointing at the wall.
I sat on my bed, leaving space for Connor to join me. “Oh, just a tiny mystery door.”
“Why is it a mystery?” He sat on the bed, adjusting the pillows.
“It doesn’t open.” I wiggled my eyebrows. “Who knows what’s behind it.”
“It’s where you keep the bodies, isn’t it?” His eyes went wide when he realized what he had said. Holding up his hands, he started to explain, and I waved him off.
I threw the duvet over my legs, pinning him with a serious look. “Don’t make me add you to the count. You’d take up too much space.” I let my gaze wander over his large frame. “I’d need a second murder door.”
Connor’s shoulders relaxed. “I’ll do my best not to get murdered by you. I’d hate to be an inconvenience.”
I scooted down the bed, nervously waiting for him to settle in. “That’s what I like most about you. You’re not a bother.”
“Just how my mom raised me.”
We lay side by side for a moment, then Connor lifted his arm and said, “Get over here.”
I don’t need to be told twice.
I carefully laid my head on his chest, and he pulled me closer. Throwing a leg over his, I sighed.
“You okay, pretty girl?”
“I’m doing surprisingly well, all things considered.”
