Page 49 of Nathan
“But she’s stronger than she thinks,” I said with conviction.
Alyssa appraised me, and I waited for her verdict. Finally, she clapped me on the shoulder. “You seem like a good man, Connor James. I hope you’ll stick around. You’re good for her.”
My chest puffed with pride but quickly deflated. “I would if she’d let me,” I admitted, surprising myself.
“She won’t do long-distance,” Alyssa said. “Not after—” She shook her head, and I tried not to let my disappointment show. “Well.”
“Her parents,” I supplied. I kept my focus trained on Olivia, even as I scanned the room for any threats. I felt this intense need to keep her safe. Even if that meant protecting her from me.
“Yeah.”
Olivia said her goodbyes to the other soldiers and turned in our direction. One of the men checked her out from behind, and I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to claim her. To declare to the room and the world that she was mine. But she wasn’t—not really. And that left a sour taste in my mouth.
“I see you two met,” Olivia said, redirecting my attention.
Alyssa grinned. “We did.” She turned to me. “It was nice chatting with you, Connor. I’m going to go mingle and try to find my own sexy soldier.”
I laughed. That girl was something else. But it was good to know that someone was looking out for Olivia. That Olivia would have someone after I returned to New York. My chest tightened.
I ignored it and placed my hand on Olivia’s lower back and leaned in. “You were amazing.” I grazed the shell of her ear with my lips, gratified when she shivered.
“Thank you. And thank you for what you said in your speech. I had no idea you felt so strongly about the program.”
“Are you kidding?” I asked, coming to stand before her. “I can’t tell you how much this program means to me.”How muchyoumean to me.
“Thank you.” She dipped her head, and my heart rate ratcheted up.
There was so much more I wanted to say, but I didn’t. I smothered those feelings. Because in a few days, I’d go home, and her life would return to normal. Without me.
CHAPTERNINETEEN
Ipulled a tray of cookies out of the oven and placed them on a rack to cool. Connor reached out to grab one, and I slapped his hand.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “No more cookies.”
I was completely at ease with this mountain of a man after just a week together. In some ways, it felt as if he’d been here forever, as if this was where he belonged.
It didn’t seem possible—how quickly things could change. But they hadn’t, not really. This past week together had merely built on the relationship we’d already established. Like a natural extension of our conversations on the phone.
Except, we’d been able to continue those conversations while visiting the Huntington Gardens or walking on the beach. While grocery shopping and cooking at home together. Cuddled up on the couch, watching movies while Luna fought me for Connor’s attention. Or in bed, when we were reading or…driving each other wild.
“But they’re so good,” Connor groaned, sending a fresh wave of desire to my core. “Please.” He pouted, batting those beautiful gray eyes at me.
“Nuh-uh.” I shook my head, trying to ignore the way his gray T-shirt clung to the muscles of his chest. Muscles I had explored and licked, yet still couldn’t believe were real. “You already had two. If you keep eating them, there’ll be none left for the party.”
“So?” He lifted a shoulder.
“So.” I glared at him, placing my hands on my hips. “I’m not showing up at your boss’s house empty-handed.”
“Technically, Maverick’s not my boss.” He smirked.
“Right,” I scoffed, spinning to move the cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack. “He’s just the owner of Hudson Security. No big deal.”
I wasn’t sure what I was more nervous about—being the outsider at a work event, or the fact that Connor had invited me at all. Whether either of us realized it or admitted it, we were letting each other in. And the deeper I got, the harder it was going to be to extricate myself when it came time to say goodbye tomorrow.
Tomorrow.My heart stilled.
Oh god. He was leaving tomorrow.