CHAPTER EIGHT

 

 

 

Connor sat in his office, swiveling around in the chair, staring at the top of his desk. He smiled at the memory of the time he’d spent worshipping Rey as she lay there spread out for him, looking like his own personal wet dream. Since that magical moment, he made a point to take Rey everywhere with him. He wasn’t happy unless he knew right where she was and what she was doing. Connor showed her off at restaurant openings, on red carpets, and even the latest movie premiere he’d attended the night before. They’d been spending almost all their time together and he was having the devil of a time keeping his hands off her. Considering the fact that he was supposed to limit their sensual time to kissing, Connor made sure to make out with Rey at every opportunity – in his penthouse, at her condo, in the office, in the back of the limo, or any small corner they could find to be alone.

Easing back in his chair, Connor gazed out the big window of his office. “God, she’s incredible,” he whispered under his breath. Glancing at the calendar, he looked to see how many days remained without a great big red X through the number. Six more to go. He groaned. “I don’t think I’ll live to see this through.”

Two doors down, Rey worked at her computer, typing away. She had to stop every few seconds and correct a word. Her concentration was shot to hell. Connor had no idea how weak she was and how much she wanted him. By the time the thirty days were over, she’d be stripping off her clothes and demanding he throw her to the floor and fuck her into another dimension.

Hearing something at the door, she glanced up. Connor. “Hey,” she said with a smile, her fingers going to her wrist to touch the exquisite bracelet he’d given her, a gold charm bracelet full of tiny hearts, in different sizes and carvings.

Connor stood in the door frame to her office. “You got your dress for tonight?”

“Tonight? For the charity gala?” Rey had known about the event, she knew everything Connor did and often reminded him of his schedule. He’d been taking her everywhere lately and she was beginning to feel a little odd about it. She couldn’t get it out of her mind that he might miss escorting some of the beautiful arm candy he was used to dating.

“Yeah, the charity ball.” Connor tapped the doorframe with a finger. “You’re coming with me.”

“I am?” This event was a big deal. She didn’t normally go to things like this, they were too dressy, and she didn’t really have anyone to invite. Truth be known, other than Connor, Rey had been fairly oblivious to the opposite sex. She’d always kept to herself, turning down any dates from men who didn’t interest her. Unfortunately, that was all the offers she’d received – just ones from men who didn’t interest her. Trouble was, the only man who did catch her fancy didn’t have a taste for ugly ducklings. Until now…  

Connor came to her desk and gave Rey a kiss. “You have no idea how hard it is not to just grab you and take you over this desk.”

“Don’t tempt me. What time shall I be ready?” Rey smiled up at him, taking a bit of satisfaction in knowing he was finally experiencing what she’d been feeling all these years. She’d spent countless hours daydreaming about the day when Connor would walk in and tell her he absolutely, positively couldn’t live another day without her.

“I’ll pick you up at eight, beautiful.”

Beautiful. Her? Rey watched him go, remembering how she’d stared at her reflection in a compact last night, trying to see what he saw in her. Oh well, she might not be a good judge of her own looks, but she sure could appreciate his. Connor was wearing a dark blue suit today, he had the suit coat off and his crisp gray dress shirt was tucked into his pants. The man looked good enough to eat. Leaning over her desk, she managed to get one last good look at that thickly muscled behind of his as he walked away. “Damn, get ahold of yourself, Rey,” she said as she sat back down in her chair. “You’re acting like a horny teenager.”

The thought gave her a little chill. Her summation perfectly described how she was acting, and the funny thing about it – she wasn’t ashamed. A part of her hoped Connor would turn around and catch her ogling him. Rey had always guarded her heart when it came to Connor. And now when he was finally noticing her, pursuing her, she was still acting the same way. What if he didn’t know how she felt? Had she made it clear how much she wanted him?

Well…there was no time like the present.

This time it was her who went to his door and knocked.

Back in his office, Connor was standing at the window looking out on the city, a city he and Rey had helped shape. Noticing Rey’s reflection in the tinted glass, he joked. “Missed me?”

“Yea. I missed you.” Rey walked over, placed her palms flat on his chest and stood on tiptoe to kiss him full force right on the lips. She slid her tongue into Connor’s mouth and let it tangle with his. The kiss caught him off guard, but Connor moaned deep in his throat and joined in with all his heart. This woman drove him crazy. No other woman kissed like her. No one. When Rey kissed him, Connor felt as though their spirits connected. She kissed with her entire body and with her whole heart, as if she was gifting him a piece of her soul.

When she pulled away, Connor was dazed with pleasure. “What was that for?”

Even though Rey had initiated the moment, she was breathless. Connor never failed to make her weak in the knees. “I just wanted to show you how badly I want you too.” She reached up to give him one last kiss. “And how much I appreciate you respecting my wishes.”

“You’re worth it, Rey.”

The look in his eyes gave her the assurance she needed and Rey floated around on a cloud for the rest of the day.

…To Rey’s surprise, Connor arranged for a car to pick her up and take her shopping for a dress for the gala. He called ahead to one of Austin’s trendiest boutiques and from the moment she entered the shop, she was plied with champagne and chocolate while the sales staff lavished her with attention and even custom tailored a glamorous gown for her right on the spot.

When she finally walked into the door of her condo a bit tipsy from the champagne, Rey admitted to herself how pampered she felt. All of this was so new, she kept expecting to wake up from a dream.

As she dressed for the evening, she had to admit she was just as nervous and excited as the first time she’d gone anywhere with Connor. If they were together for a hundred years, Rey knew it would never get old. And…if it didn’t, she’d have a lot of good memories to look back upon.

Her old worries returned. What would happen if this didn’t end well between them?

Going back to the way they were before would be impossible. She would lose a friend, a job, as well as the love of her life.

But if they could make it work…the possibility made Rey feel lightheaded.

The promised reward was definitely worth the risk. 

Before she knew it, the attendant at the guard gate buzzed to inform her a limo was on the way to the door. She rushed around to find her bag and to check her lip gloss one final time. When Connor rang the doorbell, Rey hurried to the door and answered it with an out-of-breath, “You’re early.”

“Just anxious to see you,” he said, cupping the side of her neck with one big hand and layering his mouth to hers.

By the time he was through kissing her, Rey felt faint with excitement. “Early works for me.”

Offering her his arm, he let his eyes rove over her body. “Wow. You look incredible.”

“Thank you for the gown, it’s fabulous.” Rey had never owned anything so beautiful. The designer, floor length, cobalt blue sheathe shimmered with a million tiny sequins.

“I’m not talking about the gown,” Connor assured her. “You look gorgeous no matter what you have on.”

His compliment made Rey happy. She knew the gown hugged her body perfectly, but the body beneath the gown left something to be desired. At a few inches over five feet and a B bra cup size, Connor’s seeming never-ending parade of six-foot beauties with voluptuous bodies always made her feel inadequate. Until recently.

Connor had always been complimentary of her looks. He was a lady’s man, after all. But since their trip to Toledo Bend, Rey had no doubt he was attracted to her. The way he looked at her, his eyes full of heat and the way he touched her as if she were something to cherish, left no room in her mind for self-doubt. He had gifted her with a new sense of confidence she’d never felt before. Singlehandedly, he was dispelling the years of criticism her mother and sister had heaped upon her. As a result, Rey was wearing tighter fitting clothes, showing more cleavage, and walking with her chin a bit higher than ever before.

Once they were in the limo, Connor took her hand. “Can I pour you a drink?”

“Oh, I think I’ll wait till dinner. The champagne I drank while shopping went to my head.”

“Did you eat any lunch?” he asked with concern.

She shook her head. “I was too busy to think about it.”

He grazed her forehead with his lips. “You shouldn’t forget something so important as food.”

“Stop worrying about me. I’m fine. Did you talk to Doug Rogers today? How are things going?”

“It’s my pleasure to worry about you.” Connor chuckled and laid a possessive hand on her knee. “We’re on a date tonight. No business talk.”

Rey made a small face. The ambiance lighting in the limo allowed them to see one another. He worried about her now? Even though twenty-four days had passed since their seismic shift, Rey still couldn’t get used to the differences in their relationship. “What do you suggest we talk about?”

His thumb kept tracing lacy patterns on her skin. “How soft you are,” he murmured, huskily, “God, I want you so much.”

“I’m beginning to believe you,” Rey whispered, more for her own ears than his.

“Good, believe it.” He kissed her on the tip of the nose and gave her a cocky grin. “I’ll be glad to prove it to you in six days.”

Six days sounded like an eternity to Rey.

The drive downtown took about fifteen minutes. She’d ridden in Connor’s limo many times, but this was different. The very air around them seemed charged with electricity. “Look, Connor,” she said, pointing to the Austin skyline, “I can see three of our buildings. How many other people can say they changed the landscape of a city?”

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” He lifted a hand and brushed a bit of hair from her cheek. The city wasn’t the only thing that had changed, so had he.

“Oh, you could have, Connor. You’re the magical one. You can look at a blank canvas and say ‘what if?’. I’m just a master of making lists and coercing people to do my bidding.”

“I’ll be glad to do your bidding.” He brushed his lips over her temple. “Let me work my magic on you.”

Oh, she was weakening. The man definitely had her under his spell. Once they arrived at the downtown Driskill Hotel, the rest of the night flew by in a blur. The charity being feted was Angel House, one of the most dedicated and valuable organizations in the city. They ran a homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, and a safe haven for abused women and children. Many people were there – the powerful, the rich, the movers, and the shakers. Governor Kyle Chancellor and his lovely wife, Hannah, were recognized for their efforts, as well as Micah Wolfe, who served on the shelter’s Board of Directors with Connor. The McCoys of Tebow ranch were in attendance, as well as country singer Desiree Holt Barron and her husband, Tanner. Desiree sang a beautiful song for the occasion written by Grammy award winner, Lia Walker, wife of one of Austin’s premier neurosurgeons. The famed doctor and his wife were both in attendance. Rey recognized many others, including another well-known Austin lady’s man, Jimmy Dushku.

When it came time for them to walk the red carpet and be photographed, Rey was unsure. This wasn’t their first time to be interviewed together – but this was the first time since they were…together, together.

“Good evening, Mr. McGregor, how wonderful to see you,” the television emcee greeted them. “This lovely lady is your business associate, isn’t she?”

“Rey Cassidy is my partner,” Connor corrected the woman, “and my date. She’s very special to me. I can’t envision my life without her.”

Rey was so shocked at Connor’s bold declaration that the incredulous look on the female reporter’s face didn’t faze her.

“Marvelous! We’re thrilled you chose to share that information with us.” The woman continued to address Connor. “I know this is one of your favorite charities. What plans do you have for Angel House?”

Used to answering these types of questions, Connor was smooth. “Giving aid to those less fortunate is a blessing to me and Rey. It is our hope to expand the facility and to open a new branch on the east side of town.”

As soon as politely possible, they made their escape from the reporter. Rey didn’t know what to say. She knew Connor well and had seen him interviewed on the red carpet with a dozen different dates. He’d never spoken of any other woman the way he talked about her. What was he feeling? Rey couldn’t envision Connor saying something like that if he didn’t mean it. She was torn between wishing the evening would end so they could be alone, and wanting the magical time they shared together to go on and on.

Connor never left her side, even though several women approached him. A live band played and he danced every dance with her. When they sat down to eat, Rey assumed the food was amazing – shrimp, beef tenderloin, twice baked potatoes, and roasted asparagus – but she didn’t taste a bite, her attention was solely focused on the man intent on mesmerizing her with his charm.

The entire night seemed like a dream and when they found themselves in the limo on the way to drop Rey off at her condo, she couldn’t hold back anymore. Turning to him, she touched his face to make sure she had his full attention. “Thank you for bringing me, I had a wonderful time.”

Connor moved his cheek against her hand so he could kiss her palm. “I’m grateful you went with me. I enjoyed every minute.”

Rey’s heart was pounding. Yes, she made the rules and she could break them. “Connor, I’m sorry, but I don’t think you’re going to make thirty days of celibacy.”

Being close to her was messing with his ability to think. Confused, Connor protested. “Oh yes, I will. This is damn important. I plan to see the whole month through, even if it kills me.” Whispering in her ear, he teased, “I’ve got to tell you, though, you’ve given me the worst case of blue balls in history.”

Rey blushed, their mouths so close they were almost touching. “I’m so sorry, we can’t have that. Can I help?”

Connor pulled back. “Wait. What? Are you serious?” His mouth went dry and his heart rate went through the roof.

Rey could see the concern in his eyes. “I’ve never been more serious in my life. I’ve had a few drinks tonight, but I’m completely sober. The only thing I’m drunk on is you.” She stroked his face, pressing up against him. “I want you, Connor. I can’t wait another day. I need you tonight.”

Connor didn’t give Rey a chance to say more. He hadn’t realized how her news would free him. The self-control he’d been holding onto for dear life…slipped. Clasping Rey to him, he crashed his mouth to hers, setting out to seduce with a series of long, slow, drugging kisses – all designed to convey his desperation for her. Rey climbed into his lap, straddling him, responding to his lovemaking with delight, branding him with one searing kiss after another.  

Connor was past aroused, he was near combustion. He could’ve taken her there in the limo, but Rey deserved better. He wanted her in a bed, where he’d have enough room and plenty of time to show her how he felt. When they arrived at her place, his tuxedo coat was left behind and so were her heels. Sweeping her into his arms, Connor carried her in, shoes were unnecessary. All along the way, Rey peppered his face with kisses. Both of their attention was required to unlock the door, but that was a small hindrance to their goal.

Once inside, she wiggled a little. “Put me down.”

Connor reluctantly set her on her feet. “I was headed to the bedroom,” he said with a harsh breath, “what could be more important?”

“This.” Despite his size, Rey became the aggressor, pushing Connor against the wall.

“You’re strong for a little girl,” he chuckled. Her need for him turned Connor on more than anything else ever could. 

Rey ignored his words, she was too busy undoing his shirt. “Damn buttons.”

Connor had to laugh. “Rip it, baby.” Her eyes held his as she worked her fingers between the buttons and clasped the edges, yanking the fabric in opposite directions. Buttons popped off and skittered across the floor. “Fuck! God, you’re sexy, Rey.”

“And you’re hot as hell,” she whispered, pausing to run her hands over his chiseled chest and leaning in to lick his nipple.

“Let’s get this gown off you,” he muttered. As she worked on his pants, he pulled the shoulder straps off her shoulders. The iridescent shawl she’d worn fell by the wayside. “Damn,” he growled when he felt a small hand slip beneath the waistband of his underwear. Few things in this life felt as good as the first contact of a woman’s hand on a man’s cock.

“The gown can wait, you can’t.”

She went to her knees and Connor thought his heart would stop. “Rey?”

“You’ve been so patient. I just want to make sure you know it was worth it.” Stringing kisses across his abdomen, she hooked her fingertips in the waistband of his briefs. Before she pulled them down, she gazed up at him with big eyes. “I’ve never done this before, so don’t expect much.”

“You’ve never once disappointed me in anything you’ve ever attempted, I don’t expect you’ll start now.” Connor didn’t know how he was stringing words together, the sight of Rey on her knees at his feet was all he could comprehend.

“Hope so.” Taking a deep breath, she tugged on the cotton material, unveiling his hard, throbbing cock. “Oh, God, Connor,” Rey whispered as she took him in her hands to stroke the stiff, aching length of him, delicately nuzzling the tip.

 “Jesus Christ,” Connor moaned, coming up on his tip-toes.

Seeing the effect her touch had on him, Rey became bolder. She licked down one side of his shaft and back up, swirled her tongue around the tip and flicked the tiny slit she found there. Connor jerked, threw his head back, and closed his eyes.

“God, yes, baby,” the words hissed from his lips as she teased him for a few more licks, then wrapped her lips around the head and let them sink down until she enveloped about half his erection into her mouth. The sensation was heaven and when Connor groaned his approval, Rey grasped the thick base and pumped it, letting her mouth slide up and down in rhythm with her hand.

As she suckled and stroked, Rey hoped it felt as good for him to receive as it did for her to give. Having Connor McGregor in her mouth and under her control made her feel feminine, yet powerful. Rey let the unfamiliar, heady feeling wash over her. She was so excited and wet; Rey’s hips were moving in the same rhythm as her head.

When she suddenly pulled back, Connor’s heart dropped. “We did say kissing was allowed. Right?” Looking up at him with a teasing smile, Rey feathered kisses along his shaft and took him back in her mouth.

Connor was in heaven, his pants around his ankles, leaning against the wall being worshipped. He felt like a fuckin’ king. Rey gave head like she kissed, with her entire body and soul. She moaned softly when it felt especially good in her mouth and the sexy sounds caused Connor’s cock to flex, the head to expand, and his pleasure to intensify.

The sex act itself was far from Rey’s mind. She was so intent on the task of giving Connor pleasure, she could think of nothing else. As she took him deeper down her throat, she caressed his strong legs, rubbing them up and down. She was also fascinated with his balls, they weren’t blue now, but an intriguing shade of pink. Rey discovered this when she moved her mouth down to take one between her lips. When he tightened his grip in her hair, she smiled seductively, returning to her task. She picked up the pace, using her lips and tongue to make him feel good. 

“Oh, fuck, yes,” Connor growled. He gazed down on her, watching his cock disappear into her mouth time and time again. “Good girl.” Rey looked up at him. Seeing her beautiful eyes gazing into his as she gave him such a gift was more than Connor could handle and he felt the end approaching.

Rey wished she were bolder, wished she could have said or done something sexy to make him cum, but she would do her best with her hands and mouth. When she looked up at him, she felt his body tense. The expression on his face was one of complete ecstasy. Knowing she was doing something right, she just gave him more.

“God, baby. I can’t hold back,” Connor said suddenly.

His words sent a chill through her entire body. He tried to pull out of her mouth, but Rey didn’t want him to. She grasped his hips and held him in place. She knew some women didn’t enjoy a man coming in their mouth, but she wanted to try. Nothing about Connor turned her off, and she didn’t think this would either. Working Connor faster, she lavished attention on him until he bellowed, exploding in her mouth, shooting his cum down her throat.

The first jet startled her, but Rey soon settled into a rhythm, swallowing around him as he came. Connor pounded a fist against her wall, shouting just about every obscenity mankind had ever come up with.

When he was sated, Connor pulled Rey to her feet. Before she knew what was happening, he spun her around and unzipped her gown. Kissing the back of her neck and halfway down her spine, he growled, “I fucking love your skin.”

Rey gave herself into his hands. The experience of giving Connor pleasure had aroused her to such a point that she was shaking.

Moments ago it had been her with the power, but now Connor was in charge and he meant business. With scarcely held control, he pulled the gown down and off his woman.

His woman?

Hell, yes. Rey was now his woman and it felt incredible. Her skin was so soft and smooth, he relished the sensation as he let his hands slide down her arms until they found her hands. Crossing her arms at her waist, Connor held her, stepping close to her from behind, his throbbing cock pressing into the bare skin of Rey’s back.

She stood, only her bra and panties between them, enjoying the embrace Connor held her in. He brushed his lips across her shoulder, placing soft open-mouthed kisses and the occasional nibble on her skin. “I knew that one night with you was never going to be enough, Rey,” he whispered into her ear. Moving his hands to her chest, he pushed her bra down and ran his fingertips over her pebbled nipples. “I knew I’d need you more and more every day. I’ll abide by your wishes, but know if I’m not allowed inside of your beautiful body soon, I might not survive.”

Rey covered his hands with hers, pressing them closer to her sensitive breasts. “I don’t want to wait.” Stepping from his arms, she took his hand and guided him along, walking backwards toward her bedroom.

“Are you sure?” He felt like a broken record, but this was too important, he needed to be sure she was sure.

She opened the bedroom door, tugging him inside. “Yes, I’m sure.” With her decision made, Rey’s voice and face reflected her sincerity. “I want you, Connor.”

Stepping closer to Rey, Connor kissed her softly on the lips. His cock flexed between them. They played with each other’s tongues for a few moments, paying homage to the original ground rules. But soon that wasn’t enough. Connor’s hand found a place on her mound. The silky fabric of her underwear was an annoyance and he put a hand down the front and massaged her clit, working it back and forth. “I want you nice and wet for me,” he whispered into her ear.

Rey held his shoulders and stood on tiptoe, riding his hand. The sensation felt so good, that she clung to him, grinding down on him, her nails digging into his flesh, her teeth scraping the hard muscle of his pec. “What you do to me!” Rey cried with disbelief as she dissolved into a screaming orgasm.

Her response humbled him. He didn’t think he’d played with her enough to give her an orgasm and when she shattered in his arms, his mouth fell open. “God, you’re amazing.”

Rey rested her head on his chest, glad she had pleased him. “You’ve always had this effect on me, Connor. You’ve given me countless orgasms over the years.”

Always? Her words drove him wild with desire. “I want to be there to share them from now on.” Finding her mouth, he inhaled her, kissing her with helpless passion. Needing her more than air, Connor gently pushed her to the bed. Following her down, he slid between her legs. “It’s feels like a lifetime since I was last inside you, love. May I come in?”

Rey threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, my God, yes.”

The warmth of her opening was like a magnet to his cock and Connor felt the heat on the tip before he slid into her. “You are so fucking tight,” he groaned, closing his eyes at the absolute and total relief of being enveloped within her body. “Let me in, baby.”

He pushed in halfway and Rey lost her breath. She rubbed her face on his chest. “You fill me up so good.” Biting her lip, she endeavored to relax enough to accept him within her body. The burn was exquisite as Connor began to move in and out with long, deep thrusts. He fell onto her, their chests pressing together, skin on skin, the friction incredible for both.

Keeping his pace even, Connor found her lips with his, they kissed for an eternity. Rey’s hips moved in a circle, rising up to meet his each time he plunged his full length deep inside of her. “I never want to be with anyone but you again, Rey.”

The words were unexpected and she gasped at their import. To hear him say that he never wanted to be with anyone else, fueled Rey’s desire like nothing else could. Their moans and groans came in perfect sync. “Please don’t stop,” Rey begged.

Connor had no intention of letting her down. He drilled harder, pumping his hips feverishly, letting her feel every rock-hard inch with each thrust. Knowing he wouldn’t last much longer, he bent his head to suckle at her breast. The extra stimulation was all it took, Rey cried out her pleasure and Connor almost passed out when her pussy clamped down on him, milking him with every flutter.

The moment was pure ecstasy and totally different from the last time they’d had sex. This time both were aware of a deep and total emotional connection. This hadn’t been an act of lust, or about Rey trying to satisfy a desire she’d felt so long for this man. No, this was much more and they both felt it. Connor McGregor had just made love to her and Rey Cassidy fell asleep with his arms around her and a smile on her face.

 

*  *  *

 “Wake up, sweetheart.”

Rey opened her eyes to find Connor standing at her bedside with a tray. She blinked trying to make sure he was real. “You fixed me breakfast?”

“I did.” He joined her. “Breakfast in bed. With me. Doesn’t that seem like a good way to start the day?”

“The best.” He’d get no argument from her.

She sat up, eager to begin this new day with him. Glancing out the window, she saw that the sun was already up. Rey couldn’t help but notice that the world looked different – brighter. Everything was made new. “I can’t believe you did this.” She lifted her face for his kiss. “Thank you.”

“You’re so beautiful.” He fed her a bite of buttered toast.

She took it, but lowered her head. There was something she needed to say. “Connor, I need to ask you something.”

He felt a cold spear of fear shoot through him. “Of course, is something wrong?” Please, don’t let anything be wrong.

“No,” she said softly, “I just need to know why you call me beautiful.” She lifted her eyes to his. “We both know I’m not.”

Connor was struck speechless for a moment. He stared at Rey as if she’d lost her mind. “What gave you the absurd idea that you aren’t beautiful?”

It was Rey’s turn to glare at him as if he was senseless. “My mirror. My mother. My sister. The lack of male attention through the years. I am ordinary. The fact of my plainness isn’t up for debate, I just need to know why you keep insisting that I am.”

Connor removed the breakfast tray to the floor. When he raised up to face her, his face was unreadable. “Whoever convinced you that you are anything less than perfect was a fool.” He took her by the hand and drew her into his lap, facing him. “Your mirror reflects what you expect to see.” He raised a hand to touch her face. “I’ve always thought you were beautiful. I took one look at you and knew you were special.”

She shook her head. “No, you didn’t. You never said anything. You treated me like your buddy, not like a beautiful woman.”

Connor captured a lock of her hair and let it curl around his finger. “Forgive me. I was selfish.”

Rey frowned. “What do you mean?”

“From the moment we met, I knew you were different. There was so much more to you than a pretty face. You were brilliant, motivated, so full of life that I felt energized just being around you. Separate we were good, together we were unbeatable. I wanted more from you than a date. Women come and go in my life and I wanted to keep you around.”

Women come and go in my life.   

She could read between the lines, he wasn’t attracted to her back then. Rey couldn’t fault him for that, he hadn’t been the only man to find her wanting. “Our friendship and our ability to work together was more important.” Even though those things hadn’t stopped her from having feelings for him. “Until we kissed.”

“Yea, until we kissed.” He lifted a hand to trace her features. “I guess I’d put on blinders early in our association.”

“You stopped seeing me as a woman.” Rey bowed her head. The thought was unsettling. “I always knew who you were, Connor.”

“Hey, look at me. I’m not saying I was right, but having you in my life was essential. You’re my best friend.”

“That’s how I feel now, you’re essential to me and I’m afraid,” she spoke softly.

“Don’t be, beautiful. My eyes are open now. I’ve tried the rest, I know the best when I see it.” When she laughed at him, he began to trace her features. “Look at that smile, now that’s beautiful.” She shook her head, but he kept on. “You have the prettiest lips, so soft.” Connor pulled her close and stole a kiss. “They taste as sweet as they look.” Lifting a finger to her cheek, he studied her face. “And when I look into those beautiful eyes, I see a brilliant sun set in jade.”

“My eyes are just hazel,” she said simply.

“There’s nothing about you I would describe as ‘just’ anything.” He wound his fingers into her hair. “Soft as silk, the color of honey, infinitely touchable.” Connor let his eyes fall to her body. “As is the rest of you.”

Rey crossed her arms over her breasts, knowing he would say something about them.

He gently pulled her arms down. “You don’t realize how elegant you are. Your body is sleek, all soft curves, softer skin, and mile-long sexy legs. If you think your breasts are too small, I beg to differ.” He cupped them. “These are the most beautiful breasts in the world. They’re my perfect handful. Most of those women you envy are fake. Not just their breasts, everything about them.” Pulling her close, Connor hugged her close. “You’re real. You’re beautiful. And you’re mine.”