Connor went white. “What did you tell him?”
“Nothing. I figured he could ask Ryland to see a cabin if he was that curious.”
“Good. I don’t like this, Elaine.” Connor ran a hand through his hair. “We’re going to handle him.”
“Howdoyou plan to handle him?”
His eyes flashed with a desire to murder Page. “I know how IwishI could handle him.”
“You’re not a killer.”
“Oh no?” He met her gaze. Dark longing washed between them, but it wasn’t just redolent of lust. It spoke of tenderness and worry and some other emotion Elaine couldn’t identify. “I would kill to keep you safe.”
“Connor.”
“I woulddieto keep you safe.”
“Please don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Please don’t talk about dying. I can’t handle it.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to bring up sad memories of Lloyd.”
“No, Connor.” She stood, suddenly angry. Her hands trembled at her side. “I wasn’t talking about Lloyd. Don’t you see? I don’t want you to die. I can’t handle the thought ofyoudying. It terrifies me.”
He stood and pulled her into his arms. Placing one palm over her heart, he said, “You know what terrifies me? This. Your heart giving out. No matter what Josh says, I’m still worried. The thought of losing you, of you feeling any pain, scares the shit out of me.” He laid his forehead against hers and sighed. “I wasn’t just being an egomaniac when I took pride in the fact Josh said my kisses were helping you. It made me happy, Elaine. I love the idea my touch can make you better. I want to make you better. I want to take all your sadness away. Every tear, every worry. I want to be your happiness. I want to make you feel good.”
“I’m not sure I can ever feel good again.”
His mouth drifted close to hers. His voice landed on her ear, a deep tease in itself. “Let me try.”
He waited for her consent. That was Connor through and through. Although she knew the predator inside him demanded satisfaction and release, he held back out of respect for her loss. He might be dying to take control of the situation, but he wouldn’t make a move until she offered her permission.
That was why Elaine nodded. They both needed to be put out of their misery.
She just wanted one night with him, one chance to feel him inside her. If his kisses could fix her broken heart, surely his warm body would cure her of all her other ills.
“Tonight,” he said on a growl, cupping the back of her neck. “You’re mine. No one else’s.”
Elaine wasn’t sure who initiated the kiss this time. It seemed their lips couldn’t join fast enough. When his beard rasped against her face, she moaned. She hadn’t realized just how much she wanted to feel it on her skin again.
Connor plunged his tongue into her mouth, and his fingers grasped her hair. Over and over he raked them through her locks. By the time he was done, she’d have a head full of knots, but she didn’t care. She would gladly give up her hairbrush and smooth hair for all eternity just to have Connor play with the strands.
His hands descended, moving slowly over her shoulders and down her sides. He caressed her as if she was still dressed in Marci’s gorgeous copper gown. His reverent touch made Elaine feel as if her old jeans and sweater were the finest of imported silks.
As his hands slid over her hips, smoothing toward the curve of her bottom, he groaned. “Elaine. So beautiful.”
Her head fell back, and he kissed the length of her neck, nibbling at her flesh, tugging gently. Grabbing the edge of her sweater, he dragged it up and over her head. For some reason, she felt even more exposed than when she’d stood nude before him. Perhaps it was because she understood where this moment would lead.
Somehow Elaine knew this wouldn’t just be sex with Connor. It would be the turning point in their friendship, and that scared the hell out of her. If things didn’t work out, would she lose him?
And if they did work out, would she lose Lloyd?
I’m so grateful I got to spend my life with you, but now it’s time for you to release me.
She could have sworn Lloyd’s voice sounded in her ear.
