CHAPTER 10
CONNER
Conner had a great date with Keisha, even though her asshole ex-husband tried to ruin their fun time. There was something off about the man that he didn’t like at all. However, once he told him to get lost, the date got back on track. It was a little awkward at first, but the tension eventually died, and their conversation picked up right where they had left off before the intrusion.
Although the conversation that they’d had was interesting and even enlightening, Conner couldn’t get the kiss with Keisha out of his head. She was so sensual without even trying. The way her breath had caught when he’d pushed his erection against her soft body drove him insane. But it wasn’t just her body or her reaction to him. It was her overall sweet nature that attracted him like a moth to a flame.
He picked up the phone. He had made a decision. “Hello?” her sweet voice reverberated through the line.
“Hey, it’s Conner.”
“I know who it is silly.” The sound of her giggles made Conner smile.
“Right.” He chuckled. She always made him feel like a teenager. “I was wondering if you would like to go out with me tonight… if you weren’t busy that is.”
“Yeah. I mean yes. I would love that.”
Conner could picture the smile on her face because he could hear it in her voice.
“How about I pick you up around seven? Dress warm.” Conner wanted this date to be better than their first. He wanted it to be special.
“Okay. That sounds cryptic though. Are we going to be outside? Because I have to tell you, I’m not outdoorsy at all,” Keisha replied, and Conner could hear the slight worry in her voice.
Conner laughed. “Don’t worry, we’re not rock climbing or anything like that. Just wear something warm and comfortable. I promise to take care of you.” And he meant those words.
Keisha chuckled softly. “Great. I can’t say that I’m good at rock climbing, but I’m glad you’re going to take care of me.”
Once the words left her mouth, Conner wanted her to believe them as much as he did. He would prove to her and himself that he was more than the grumpy stressed out man she met at the grocery store. He was a man that could offer her compassion, and conversation.
“I will always take care of you.” The words left his mouth before he could stop them, but that didn’t make them untrue.
“Wow, umm… you’re really not the guy I thought you were…” He could hear in Keisha’s voice that it was a statement, and not a question.
Conner cleared his throat to break the intensity of the moment. If he was going to have a deep conversation with Keisha, he wanted to be able to look her in her face. Or more importantly, those big beautiful brown eyes. He wanted to see all the emotions she couldn’t hold back because they were written all over her beautiful face.
“I’ll pick you up at seven then?” Conner confirmed.
“I’ll see you at seven.” Keisha disconnected the call, and Conner was instantly excited about the prospect of seeing her again.
****
Conner had everything all planned out. He would make it up to Keisha that their first date was semi-ruined by her ex-husband. He was determined to make this date memorable. Because it was the middle of January and surprisingly cold for North Texas, he wore loose fitting jeans, a big sweater, and a heavy coat. His long hair was tucked beneath a gray beanie.
When Keisha opened her door, she was dressed very similar except she was wearing furry boots, and a pair of earmuffs.
“I dressed warm,” she said with a shy smile.
“I see that. Good thing, cause it’s pretty cold out. You ready?” Conner smiled down at her.
She was a petite little thing, and he had the urge to scoop her up in his arms and kiss her senseless.
“Yep.” Keisha grabbed her keys and slid a wallet into her pocket. He watched her lock the door, and turned to him with a bright smile. He could watch her do mundane things and be satisfied just to be in her presence.
Conner grabbed her hand out of necessity. There was no way he could be so close to her, and not touch her in some way. He led her to the passenger side of his pickup, and helped her inside. Once he hopped into the driver’s side, he gave her a grin.
“Ready?” Conner questioned.
“I am!” Keisha’s smile was wide, and he loved the twinkle in her eyes. “I love surprises.”
“Well, I hope I don’t disappoint, then.”
They drove to the outskirts of the city. Conner had a friend that was the owner of a tree farm. Mr. Owens always kept a little special part of his farm decorated until February. He always said that the time between New Year’s and Valentine’s Day could be sad, and he wanted to save a little cheer.
When they drove up to the farm, Conner looked to see Keisha’s reaction. Her face was lit up like the trees that were in front of them.
“Oh my God!! It’s not Christmas anymore…” She looked at him her eyes round with both curiosity and excitement.
“Do you like it?” Conner asked, but he could tell by the look on her face that she did.
“I love it!” Keisha exclaimed.
Conner hopped out of his truck, grabbing the blanket that he’d stashed in the backseat, and rushed around to the passenger side. However, Keisha had already made her way out of the truck, and he could tell she could hardly contain her eagerness to see the lights. Conner placed his arms around her delicate shoulders and pulled her into his side. She fit perfectly, and he was relieved when she simply melted against him like she belonged.
He led her to the entrance of the farm where there was a humongous tractor with a large wooden wagon attached to it. In the Fall, Mr. Owens did hayrides, but this time of year, the wagon was cushioned with large quilts and blankets.
Conner steered Keisha toward the small line of people that were waiting to get on the ride. When it was their turn, he helped her onto the spacious wagon, and made himself comfortable beside her. He placed the blanket over their legs and once again, she snuggled into his side.
The grove of trees were all decorated with white lights, and Mr. Owens had a little stereo that played Christmas songs. Although it was the beginning of January, with the music, lights, and Keisha snuggled against him, Conner was feeling quite jovial.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Keisha whispered, her face full of awe.
“I’m glad I could be your first.” Conner winked, and before she turned away he could see the light blush on her brown cheeks.
The rest of the twenty-minute ride through the farm was spent with them whispering and giggling to each other like teenagers. Conner couldn’t remember a time where he felt so light and carefree.
Once the ride was over, Conner took Keisha to a small bistro not far from the farm where they indulged in some of the best chicken pot pie, and hot chocolate that Conner could ever remember having.
“I was kinda shocked that you wanted a second date.” Keisha looked shyly over the rim of her mug.
“Why? Our first date ended well.”
Keisha blushed again, and Conner knew that she was thinking about the heated kiss they shared. “Yes, but with Dylan showing up…”
Conner nodded. “Your ex-husband is a nonfactor when it comes to my feelings about you. I enjoyed our date, and I hope you give me the opportunity to take you on many more.” Conner’s chiseled jaw was locked into a serious expression as he looked into her beautiful face.
Her smile was slow, and she looked away shyly before she turned back to address him. “Thanks. I’m glad he didn’t ruin our chances of getting to know one another.”
Conner took Keisha’s hand and held it as he looked into her eyes. “I would never let anyone ruin our chances, beautiful. Nobody.”
They stared intently at one another before he tugged her hand, making her move toward him. He leaned over the middle of the small table where they were seated, and she met him in the middle where they shared a sweet kiss.