Page 81 of Undeniable

But that wasn’t the real reason why I’d chosen the name for her. Yes, she was a bit of a Goody-Two-Shoes. She liked to follow the rules, and I respected that. But it was more that she was a good person. She had such a kind, giving heart, and she made me want to be a better person.

She shook her head. “No way. Nuh-uh.”

“Sorry, Goody.” I shrugged. “You don’t pick ’em. They pick you.”

“Easy for you to say. Your call sign makes you sound like a badass.”

“If the name fits…”

She gave me a playful shove as we entered the elevator. “I’m not a Goody-Two-Shoes.”

“You’re not?” I taunted.

“No.” She crossed her arms over her chest as the doors slid closed behind us, the elevator beginning its ascent to the ballroom.

“Prove it.” I stepped closer, invading her space. I cupped her cheek, sliding my hand over her shoulder and down to palm her breast.

“Connor,” she gasped when I squeezed her nipple through her bra, my lips ghosting over hers. She pressed her palms to my chest, gently pushing even when it felt like she wanted me to stay. “We can’t.”

I stepped away, leaning against the metal wall as I struggled to get my raging hard-on under control. “That’s what I thought.”

“I’m not making out with you in an elevator to prove a point. Do you really want security to see us?” Her cheeks were flushed, eyes a bit wild.

“Goody…” I stalked toward her, caging her in with my arms. “Your body is for my eyes only. And—” I glanced over my shoulder, up at the security camera “—the camera isn’t even on.”

She whipped her head to look at it. “It’s not? How do you know?”

“It’s what I do, remember?”

She bit her lip and then tugged me to her so our bodies were flush. We fit together like puzzle pieces—a perfect match. “Like I could forget it. God, you look so sexy.”

I’d worn a suit for the occasion, and I’d seen the way she looked at me when I’d stepped out of the bathroom. I’d stood a little taller, knowing that she liked it. Now, I definitely liked it when she crushed her lips to mine.

I was so lost in her that I barely registered the ding signaling we’d arrived. But when the doors started to slide open, I forced myself to release her. Her eyes went wide, and she hastily stepped away from me, smoothing down her hair.

I chuckled to myself, placing my hand on her lower back. “Come on, Goody. You look beautiful.”

Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. I smiled to myself as we joined the crowd, walking among the guests and making small talk. Large round tables were spread throughout the room, covered in white tablecloths and topped with red, white, and blue decorations. Chandeliers glittered overhead, and the décor was elegant and patriotic.

She introduced me to a number of people, including several of her coworkers. And even though she’d said no touching, I couldn’t seem to help myself when it came to her. Especially not when she was wearing a fitted skirt that clung to her shapely ass, emphasizing her narrow waist and wide hips.

I met a few other soldiers—and then her boss.

“Seth, this is my reading buddy, Connor. Connor, this is my boss, Seth.”

Olivia excused herself to handle something for the event, and I eyed Seth up and down. Finally, begrudgingly, I shook his proffered hand.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, deciding to seize the opportunity. “Olivia has told me how much she enjoys working for Igloo. And judging from this event—” I swept my arm wide “—it’s clear that she’s a huge asset to the company.”

“Oh, she is.” He nodded, wide-eyed.

“Good.” I clapped a hand on his shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. “I hope you’ll make it clear just how much you value her.”

Everyone was invited to take their seats, and Seth gestured toward the stage. “I, um—” He breathed. “Yeah.”

He climbed to the podium and cleared his throat, his eyes meeting mine before scanning across the crowd. He said a few words about the Spines for Soldiers program before giving Olivia a warm welcome.Good.

I was so damn proud, watching her walk across the stage. Even more so when she began her speech.

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