Wild With You (The Connor Family 2)

"He's so sweet. And sexy. And perfect. He's... too much."

Val studied me while she munched on her cheesecake. "You've got it bad."

"I do," I admitted. It was scary as hell. This morning, when we'd talked so honestly, I'd been a little less scared. Now, however....

"When are you bringing him to Friday dinner?"

"What? I don't know. Why?"

"So I can check if he's got it just as bad," she said, like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Also to make it clear what's at stake here. If he hurts you, I will pummel him. I don't care that he's Jace's boss. I have moves, and I'm not afraid to use them. And Hailey can do a lot of damage with those heels. That's without even counting our brothers."

I undid my messy bun and trying to smooth my fingers through my hair. "Slow down, kick-ass lady. Don't scare him away yet. You were so laid back about it before the rehearsal dinner. Why the change of gears?"

"Well, that was before... this." She gestured at my face. "Goofy expression, dreamy eyes. This isn't just fun for you."

"You know I can kick ass too if needed, right?"

"Of course, but it never hurts to have backup. Now, let's talk about fun stuff. In the mood for some sexy lingerie shopping? I know an excellent website."

"Why are you giving me dangerous ideas while we eat cheesecake?"

"Because every dangerous idea seems like a good one when you're eating cheesecake."

I laughed, wholeheartedly agreeing. I didn't know if it was something in the cake, or the fact that sitting with my sister and eating something delicious made me relax too much, but Val had always been able to talk me into buying the craziest things over cheesecake.

"Text me the website, and maybe I'll buy something later."

She rubbed her hands, pointing to the bench on her porch, where her laptop stood. "If you want us to look together, I won't say no."

"Nope. Punishment for giving me dangerous ideas in the first place."

Her phone chimed, and she checked it quickly. "Hailey and Jace are on their way."

"On a Sunday? How did you manage that?"

"I told her I baked a cheesecake, of course. Jace was with her, so now they're both dropping by."

They both arrived a short while later, and I instantly knew something big had happened. Hailey was radiating. Her hazel hair was styled in loose curls. She was wearing a yellow maxi dress, a denim jacket, and big silver hoops for earrings.

"What gives, sis?" Val asked. Hailey placed her hands on her hips and twirled once.

"I, fellow Connors, am no longer a business consultant. As of next week, I'll be working with a PR firm here in LA, rubbing elbows with Hollywood's best."

"Wow, congratulations," I said.

"Why didn't you say anything on Friday?" Val asked.

"I got the signed contract back this morning. Didn't want to say anything until all T's were crossed and all the I's dotted."

"You knew?" I asked Jace.

"No. Dropped by to try and talk her into brunch, and that's when I found out."

Sometimes I thought our youngest sister had come into the world with that shield of badassness wrapped tightly around her. When we were little, she'd occasionally let me actually be a bigger sister and clean her messes. As an adult, she typically never let anyone know she had a problem until she solved said problem. Case in point: she hadn't told anyone she'd even applied for this job.

I was happy Hailey had switched from consulting. The job had required her to fly out on location from Monday to Thursday, so she'd lived in LA only part time. She never missed Friday night dinners, but she was typically so exhausted that she slept through her weekends, not allowing for any shenanigans, whether of the sisterly variety or not.

"PR firm?" Val whistled with appreciation. "Hats off to you."