A ripple of pleasure crests over my body and I cry out. Distantly, I’m aware of Connor cutting off a curse and groaning while I ride out my orgasm. As I come back down to earth, Connor chuckles. He’s moved to his bed, covering his lap after tossing aside a used tissue. Blushing, I scramble for my discarded body suit and shift around to curl in the chair with more modesty.
“You feel better now?” Connor asks. His eyes are bright with amusement. “All ready for me to tuck you into bed?”
“I, um.” It hits me hard. I just had phone sex with Connor. And I started it. So do I want him? Blinking, I push my hair out of my face. “Yes?”
His shoulders shake as another amused sound rasps out of him. “Sweet dreams, sunshine.”
Whether he can tell I need the space after taking things so far with him, or he got what he wanted and he’s eager to get rid of me, he winks and ends the video call. I melt into the chair and hide behind my hands. When I peek between my fingers, his shadow fills his window again, facing my bedroom. He doesn’t hide behind curtains as he watches me because he doesn’t have them. I close my sheer lavender curtains and dive into bed, not bothering with getting dressed.
“Well. That happened,” I say to the empty room.
My heart races. I have to face Connor tomorrow and we just did that. Were my last two brain cells on vacation?
Eighteen
Thea
As I pace by the front door, waiting for Connor to knock when it’s time to go, my hands itch to sink into dough. I still don’t know what happened the night before. I mean, I know the obvious. Phone sex. Really hot phone sex.
My cheeks heat and I fan my hands to cool myself off so I don’t mess up my makeup. The elegant, beaded gold gown I’m wearing swishes as I pace. It’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever worn.
I don’t know what I want. I don’t know why I started things with Connor last night.
A knock on the door makes me startle. “Oh god.”
I open the door and gape. Connor stands there, one hand in his pocket and the other braced on the doorframe. His tuxedo is tailored to fit his body, and his floppy light brown hair has some product in it, styled to make him look even more dapper.
This isn’t fair. My heart lurches.
He looks amazing. Irresistible. Then he smirks at me and I lose all breathing capabilities.
Sweeping his gaze over me, his full lips stretch into the charm-up-to-eleven smile I’ve never experienced the full force of. Oof.
“Looking good,” he says, offering his hand. “Ready to be thrown to the lions?”
I have every intention of responding, but my tongue gets twisted. Connor takes my hand and tugs me against him.
“Don’t worry, little mouse. I’ll protect
you.”
Behind him, an expensive SUV is parked in the street. He waits for me to lock the door, then tucks my hand in his elbow, guiding me to the car.
“I’m nervous,” I admit.
Connor pauses halfway down the walkway from my house. “Hey.” He cups my face, smoothing a thumb over my cheek. “I’m the one who made you go. I won’t abandon you. I’ll be with you all night. Okay?”
I nod, feeling better.
My nerves spike again as we pull up to the hotel where the benefit is being hosted. Photographers and reporters line the plush carpet leading into the building.
Isn’t Connor’s mom running for city council? This is like a movie star or presidential welcome. It’s a lot more attention than I expected for a local event, but this is Ridgeview. Everything is a big to do.
Connor squeezes my hand as he helps me out and tucks me against his side. Camera flashes and questions start up immediately as we turn to follow his parents.
“Just keep your head down or look up. Those flashes are blinding,” Connor says.
“Councilwoman Bishop, this way! Are you hoping to beat out the funds raised from your election campaign last term tonight? Are you here with your family?” The reporter catches sight of me. “Miss, what’s your name?”