Always With You (The Connor Family 6)

She pushed herself in a sitting position, and I placed the tray on her lap. She swallowed two big gulps of coffee before seeing the note.

Her eyes widened, and she placed the tray back on the nightstand, still holding the note. I held my breath, waiting for her reaction to my words.

I love you, Hailey Connor. We’ll get through this, I promise.

She leaped out of bed, straight into my arms.

“This note is the most adorable thing.”

“Adorable? Not what I was going for.”

“What were you going for?”

“Romantic.”

“That too.” Burrowing her head in my neck, she whispered, “I love you too.”

I sat on the bed, holding her in my lap. Damn, I really didn’t want to let go. Keeping her here sounded better by the minute.

“You feeling better than yesterday, pretty girl?”

“Umm... naked time always helps. And sleeping next to you.”

“On me,” I corrected.

“Well, that too. The pillows are comfy, but why use them when I have you? The note also helped.”

She squirmed in my lap.

“Stop that if you’re serious about getting home in time.”

Hailey stilled at once.

“On second thought, I’m keeping you here today.”

“No can do, mister. As much as I’d love to just be lazy and have more naked time, I can’t. I need to brainstorm on how to put out these fires.” On a lighter note, she added, “The brain fog has lifted, and I don’t think the pancakes should take all the credit.”

“About putting out those fires... I’ll make that statement about Marion and Lincoln.”

She lifted her head from the crook of my neck, frowning. “What? Why now?”

I looked her directly in the eyes. “Because I love you, Hailey, and, yes, I am proud, but I won’t let that pride hurt you. These pictures make you look like the other woman, and I won’t let that happen.”

“Reid, I can find workarounds. It’s my job.”

“I want to do it this way.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. I’ll set up everything, then.”

“I’m sorry I’ve waited this long to do it.”

“Better late than not at all.”

I kissed her slowly, rubbing my palms against her thighs, pulling her even closer. She grinned. “Is this supposed to motivate me to get my ass out the door? Hint: it’s not really working.”