“I would’ve let you win…a few,” he teased. “So, what do you say? Let’s get off this chopper and get some rest.”
The helicopter was just landing on top of Henderson Corp and he still had no idea what she was thinking, never mind what her answer would be. Krista had a mind of her own. And from his firsthand experience, a voice, and not afraid to use it.
The pilot came around and opened the door. Connor asked, “Tired?”
“Exhausted,” she replied. “Okay. One more night away won’t do any harm.”
He stepped out of the chopper and then offered her his hand. Once she was out, he didn’t release it. Instead they walked across the helipad hand and hand.
“I don’t know how I’m ever going to pay you back for all this,” she said.
Connor leaned over and said, “I do.” She shot him a warning look and he gave her a smile. “How are you at making breakfast?”
Krista gave him a slap on his arm and said, “You might not want to eat anything I cook if you’re going to tease me like that.”
“It’s too late. You asked and now you need to pay up. By the way, I like my eggs over easy.”
“No problem. But you’re going to get them scrambled,” she replied.
“Why? Can’t do over easy?” he asked.
“I can. But that will cost you extra,” she said.
“And what exactly will that be?” he asked. He had a few thoughts run through his mind on things he wouldn’t mind. None of them were going to happen, but it didn’t stop him from thinking about it.
“You wouldn’t have any pajamas I can borrow would you? I mean, this was supposed to be a day trip. Not a few overnight stays.”
His body flinched with the thought of her wearing one of his t-shirts to bed. The only part of it that sucked, was she’d be in the spare room, and not in his.
“I have that and maybe even a change of clothes too.”
“Sorry, but I don’t think I’m going to fit in any of yours,” she said.
“No. Kollette had come by a few months ago and she forgot a few things. Can’t promise you’ll like anything in there, but at least they’re women’s.”
“Oh. Now we’re talking. Two over easy eggs it is,” she said.
“I was thinking more like four,” he replied.
“Sorry. I’m a doctor. Two is the limit. You’re not a kid anymore and you need to think about your cholesterol levels.”
“Hey, I’m not that old,” he said.
Krista chuckled. “And I was only teasing. But three it is.”
Connor had to be out of his mind. What was he thinking asking her to stay at his place? He was enjoying their little playful banter but they were alone at his apartment. Innocent could quickly change to something more. He wasn’t going to cross that line. He’d offered her a place to sleep, and that’s all that was happening tonight.
He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. It was as though she had no clue how beautiful she was which only enhanced it even more. It was the first time he noticed, but she didn’t wear any make-up either. Then again, she didn’t need it. Her cheeks have a natural glow that he loved watching turn red hot when she blushed. And her eyes, blue like he’d never seen before. And shined like some gemstone. And those sassy lips of hers that had put him in his place more than once, probably were even sweeter than they looked.
The elevator arrived on the ground floor and the doors opened. The security guard greeted them. “Mr. Falciano, will you need the limo tonight?”
“No. I’m going home,” he replied and placed a hand on the curve of Krista’s back.
Connor noticed the guard give Krista a quick look before he turned and headed back to his desk.
That’s right. She’s with me.
He’d never had been jealous or possessive of anyone before, yet here he was making sure the guy knew Krista was with him. Kind of funny, because Krista was a strong, independent woman he had a feeling no one ever decided anything for her. Yet there he was, acting like there was something between them, when in fact there wasn’t. What the fuck is wrong with me? Nothing has been normal since the moment he met her. And if he wasn’t cautious and didn’t somehow kept his distance, it was possible that nothing would be normal again.