That probably was why she was standing in Connor’s apartment in his pajamas. Even in such a short period, she’d grown attached to him, although in a much different way.
There was so much more to Connor than most people probably realized. She noticed how he held tight to his hard outer shell, but there was a sensitive side that he kept buried. But the more time they spent together, she saw more of his vulnerable side and she had to admit, she liked it. But with how high her emotions have been these last several days, she really should take a step back and re-evaluate things.
Krista could go into the spare bedroom and lie there looking at the ceiling and think, but that couch was calling out to her. So she plopped down and knew right away, she’d made the right choice. This thing practically enveloped her. Granted, it wasn’t as nice as Connor’s arms would have been, but she’d take what she could get.
She picked up one of the couch pillows and instantly the scent of him filled the room. She had no idea what cologne he wore, but damn it was good. Lifting it to her nose, she inhaled deeply. So damn good.
Krista quickly tossed the pillow to the other side of the couch. It was a pillow for goodness sake, and even that made her want to be closer to him.
Don’t worry. It’s just sleep deprivation. After a couple of hours of sleep, I will be back to my normal self.
But the sleep had to come first, and she was definitely wide-awake now. This was all Connor’s fault. If he’d just let the pilot bring her to Montpelier as he was supposed to, she would be in her own bed right now.
Probably tossing and turning and doing the same damn thing. Thinking about Connor.
It sure in hell beat the alternative. So why not think about something that made her smile. Granted, there were a few times he drove her crazy and she could pull her hair out, but that seemed to have decreased as time went on. He was kind and supportive, letting her do what she needed to, and when things became overwhelming or overall too much, Connor took control so she could breathe and gather herself. It was as though he knew what she needed and filled that need.
But Connor thought she needed sleep. He was right, they both did. But her mind wouldn’t shut off. Apparently his did.
Tonight, she wished he would sense her needs. What harm would come from him joining her on the couch, pulling her into his embrace and kissing her until the only thoughts she had was the taste of his sweet lips?
If only it was as simple as being in his arms for a few hours and everything would be better.
Truth was, it’d be worst. Tomorrow she’d be back home and the last thing she needed to add to her list was missing Connor. She knew she would miss him anyway, but if they became any closer, became intimate, it would be worse.
If she was going to have a sleepless night, she best do it behind closed doors. The last thing she needed right now was Connor leaving his room and comforting her on the couch.
She got up and headed to the room. As she was closing her door, she couldn’t take her eyes off his. Deep down inside, she couldn’t help but hope to see his ajar. But it wasn’t and so she shut hers.
Krista laid down, pulled the covers up, practically over her head, and somehow drifted off to the very much-needed sleep.
She woke suddenly to the sounds of sirens. Sitting up in a panic, Krista took in her surroundings. It was all coming back. That loud noise was from living in a city and she wasn’t home either. None of this had been a dream.
Stretching, she knew at least one positive thing had taken place, she slept. Tossing the covers off, she got up and headed for the kitchen. Krista never broke her promises, and she owed him breakfast. When she left her room, she noticed his bedroom door was still shut. Maybe he was sleeping in late. That was good. It meant she could cook, undisturbed.
If he were in the kitchen shirtless, I’d definitely burn the breakfast.
The one thing about Connor’s apartment that she’d change was having only one shared bathroom. Normally she’d like to start her day with a very long hot shower. But instead, she opted to brush her teeth and comb her hair. The shower would need to wait until he was through. Actually, she liked to stay in the shower until the hot water ran out. Back home she had a small hot water heater, so that was about twenty minutes. In New York, it seemed endless. Here, at his place, either way, she’d made it a short one. Too many things could go wrong, or so right, if she didn’t.
Don’t even start thinking those thoughts again. Not today. Not anymore.
Krista already had her day planned. Make Connor breakfast. Go visit Patty and Mikie. Go back to Vermont. Tonight, she’d be where she belonged. In my own bed.
When she got into the kitchen, she noticed a piece of paper on the table. She hadn’t seen it there last night. Walking over she picked it up.
GOOD MORNING SLEEPYHEAD. OR MAYBE IT IS AFTERNOON BY NOW. BUT SINCE YOU HAVE NOT PAID YOUR DEBT, INTEREST HAS BEEN ADDED. IT MUST BE PAID IN FULL. HOW ABOUT DINNER WITH ME? I’LL BE BACK AT SIX. CONNOR.
Krista looked at the clock on the kitchen wall. It was almost two in the afternoon. That wasn’t sleep, it was more like a coma. She had so many plans for today, and the day was already half gone. How was she going to get ready, do her visiting and be back in time to meet Connor?
She shook her head. And if we have dinner, then it will be late again when she needed to leave. This whole thing would start all over. Krista had to think of a way to make the best of the time she had.
Quick shower. Short visit. Cook here instead of going out.
It was settled. They’d eat as soon as Connor returned. That shouldn’t take long. Then she could be on her way home by eight. That definitely wasn’t too late. If she wasn’t distracted, she could make this work, but things had to be cut. Certain things couldn’t be.
I need coffee.
Chapter 7
Now he wants me in Tabiq? Really? This was what he’d wanted, just not at that time. Thankfully Bennett wanted Connor to handle a few things locally first before flying out. That meant he had time to enjoy a dinner with Krista as well and see her home safe and sound.
Although he was surprised that she’d been still sleeping when he left that morning, he was thrilled she took his advice and got some sleep. He on the other hand had been tossing and turning most of the night. Had she intentionally taken her bra off so his t-shirt clung to her breasts? Keeping his hands off her had been fucking torture. Maybe it was a good thing Bennett reached out. If not, he might find himself coming up with excuses to see Krista more. That won’t be possible from the other side of the world.
It really sucked when you get what you want, and then wonder why now. But whatever this was with him and Krista, it wasn’t actually going anywhere. It couldn’t really. She lived in Vermont and he lived…well for now, in Boston. But next year it easily could be in California or anywhere in the country. This job with Henderson Corp wasn’t his lifelong dream. It was paying the bills, and building his resume, that’s all. But at no point did Connor ever picture himself in little old Montpelier. What protection did they need, unless being relaxed and happy became a crime, that place didn’t need him.
And neither does she.
“Mr. Falciano,” Mikie called out from down the hall.
Connor turned and saw him rushing over. When he got close Connor said, “What’s got you so…excited this morning.” He hoped it wasn’t more videos. The thrill seemed to have worn off and Connor had most of them taken down, with Mikie’s help that is. The kid really knew his way around a computer. What on earth was he doing pushing a bucket and mop?