A few months ago, he wouldn’t have believed it.
She’d called him her best friend, her savior. He didn’t think he could feel a greater sense of pride than in that moment. It was all he’d ever wanted to do. After Lloyd died, Connor had wanted to be the one who brought Elaine back from the brink.
I see the way you look at her. Truth be told, you’ve always looked at her that way.
Connor remembered the first time he met Elaine years ago. Lloyd had already been working at the Ursa with him. He’d talked about his mate a few times and had always smiled whenever someone mentioned his high school sweetheart, but he hadn’t introduced her to his coworkers yet. Connor finally got tired of hearing about the mystery woman.
“I’m starting to wonder if this Elaine of yours is real,” he’d joked one day at work. “You never bring her around. Is there a chance she’s actually made of plastic?”
“No, she’s not made of plastic, you doofus. She does have a job, you know,” said Lloyd. “She’s been taking on some extra shifts at the stables because they’re shorthanded.”
At the time, Elaine had had a job working for a local horse breeder, helping out with any odd jobs around the stables. However, her favorite activity had been caring for the animals. Despite her spirit animal, or perhaps because of it, she had an affinity with the horses and spent as much time as she could with them.
“Yeah, well, seeing is believing.”
Lloyd must have taken Connor’s words to heart. A couple of weeks later, Connor had been walking near the docks when a small motorboat pulled up. It had one passenger, a beautiful woman with blonde hair. She’d docked the boat like an expert. He’d smiled. There was something attractive about a country girl who knew her way around a boat. With him watching, she jumped out.
“Excuse me. Do you know where I can find Lloyd Gleason? He’s supposed to meet me here.”
Connor had turned on the charm. “Well, I’ll have to talk to Lloyd. That man has some serious issues if he’s keeping you waiting.” He’d stuck out his hand. “I’m Connor Church.”
Her face lit up. “You’re Connor! I’m Elaine. I’ve heard so much about you.” Rather than shake his hand, she’d hurled herself at him and hugged the life out of him.
His mountain lion had awoken even then, cataloging everything it liked about her.She smells rosy and has soft breasts. Her voice sounds like happiness.Mark her.
“Hey, you! Get your hands off my woman.”
At Lloyd’s seemingly harsh words, Connor pulled away and looked over his shoulder. His friend was approaching, his grin touching his ears.
“Lloyd!” Elaine ran across the dock and jumped into his arms.
Lloyd caught her easily, hoisting her up with his hands on her ass. “Hey, gorgeous. Sorry I’m late. Work stuff.” He squeezed her, kissed her hard, and put her down. “I see you’ve met Connor.”
“Yes,” she teased. “And it’s a good thing your friend was here to greet me seeing as you weredetained. Can I ask you a big favor, Connor?”
“Sure.”
“The next time Lloyd wanders off, would you please come to my rescue?”
“Absolutely.”
Lloyd had laughed. “This woman doesn’t need rescuing. She’s invincible.”
The remembered words hurtled Connor back into the present. He’d made a promise to Elaine that day in jest, never once realizing the impact of their words.
He’d tried to be her salvation, but he suspected she might actually be his.
Lloyd and Elaine had included him in their activities that day, and as much as Connor had smiled through it all, he’d never felt so much like an outsider. Although they never rubbed their love in his face, he couldn’t help feeling curious. Maybe even a little envious. Elaine was amazing, as lively as she was lovely, and Lloyd was smitten. Their passion surrounded them like a halo, making everyone around them glad.
Connor hadn’t been able to help his interest in her. He’d met lots of pretty women, but this was the famous Elaine. He’d heard so many stories, and an aura of mysticism clung to her, as enticing as her perfume. If Lloyd hadn’t been in the picture, he would have made a move. But Lloyd was like a brother to him. He would never have done anything to destroy that bond.
Somehow he’d managed to stifle his desire for Elaine, so much so he’d forgotten it over the years. Now it raged inside him like a fire newly kindled, burning everything in its path.
Her skin. He had to touch her skin, even at the risk of waking her up.
Ah, hell. Who was he kidding?
He wanted to wake her up.
