Connor growls. “Yes. She’s my woman, so watch what you fucking say.”
Connor’s claiming of me in such a caveman way makes my whole body light up with warmth. I’m usually more of the Cinderella meets her Prince Charming and gets romantically swept off her feet type, especially in what I write. None of my heroes are the growly, possessive, asshole sorts, but I am definitely rethinking my main characters. It’s too late to change the characters and plotline of Trouble in Great Falls, but maybe I can use these last few chapters to introduce a new character with a bit of asshole-itis?
“You are so sexy,” I purr, leaning forward to wrap my arms around Connor from behind. But the seatbelt pulls me back sharply, and I have to settle for only touching his shoulder. “Have I told you that?”
I feel JP looking at me like I’ve lost my mind, but my eyes are locked on Connor. His eyes drift up to the rearview mirror and he smiles. Well, his eyes do. His lips don’t lift, but I know he likes that I think he’s sexy because those gold flecks in the center of his eyes are flashing like fire. I move the boob separator seatbelt strap beneath my arm so I can lean forward again, lifting out of the seat to press a kiss to Connor’s cheek.
One of his hands leaves the wheel and cups my head as he turns to kiss my mouth. But before our lips meet, I scold him through a smile. “Ah, ah, ah! We are safe drivers first, so eyes on the road, mister! We can’t get into a wreck while we’re making our getaway.”
He growls as I pull out of his reach and fix my seatbelt but places his hand back on the wheel.
“You are going to be the death of me,” he groans.
“That’s how you know it’s true love. It is like this with my wife too,” JP says with a soft laugh. “A wise man once told me . . . if you’re not at least a little scared of your woman, she’s not the one.”
Connor snorts. “You’re scared of your wife?”
“Absolutely,” JP says without a second thought. Looking back at me, he holds his thumb and finger an inch apart but slowly spreads them wider and wider until he’s spreading his hands apart like he’s measuring a fish. His laugh is louder and deeper, coming from his belly now. “You do the same to him?”
“Trying my best,” I boast, perking up and trying to look as boss as possible. “She sounds like my kind of girl. Maybe we can meet sometime?”
Connor clears his throat, sounding amused but getting back to business. “Forgetting something, Poppy? We’ve got to figure out what to do about Carter first.”
My smile fades as the crazy little bite of normalcy gets chewed up by the situation we’re in. “Ugh, don’t remind me about him. He ruins my good mood instantly.”
“That’s why we’ve gotta to deal with him,” Connor says, putting on his turn signal to make the next to last turn on his way home. “So you never have to frown again.”
I’m still not convinced but trust in him and in my heart. I’m just eager to see what Connor has up his sleeve.
Chapter 25
Connor
I don’t really like the idea of bringing a man like JP to Poppy’s home, but she’s right about the dogs. They’ll probably destroy the place if they’re ignored too long. As soon as we reach the door, they’re barking and scratching at it in anticipation.
“Yes, my babies,” Poppy calls, shimmying a little herself. “Mama’s coming. Hold your bladders one more minute!”
She unlocks the door, and the two white pompoms rush out past our feet, tearing circles in the grass before Nut squats in the corner of the grass that’s ‘his.’ JP makes a noise of surprise that turns into a laugh.
“Ah, I get it . . . Nut Juice.”
Poppy tuts gently to correct him, pointing at one dog and then the other. “Nut and Juice.”
Juice finds his spot. He’s more of a wandering pisser with his business. Once he’s done, the two trot happily back inside, ready for a treat from Poppy.
While she feeds her monsters, I gesture for JP to sit on the couch. He does so slowly, legs tense and elbows braced on his thighs to stand quickly if need be. He’s ready to fight for his life, to battle me or anyone else who threatens him or his family. That, I can definitely respect because I’m ready to do the same thing.
But if this conversation goes the way I hope, it’s not going to come to that between us.
JP gives me a wary look, still not relaxing. “Are we . . . good, my friend?” he asks carefully. “No problems?”