Connell (Carolina Reapers 3)

I laughed, and we increased our pace, heading toward the boys who would no doubt finish long before us. Heading toward a family I never knew I wanted, but a future I couldn’t help but hope for.

13

Connell

“Ye ready for this?” I asked her as our driver told us we were two cars away from the red carpet.

“I think so,” Annabelle said with a nervous smile.

“Ye look brilliant.” She looked so perfect I didn’t even want to kiss her for fear that it would mess up her make-up. Her red dress was a strapless number that showed off her incredible breasts and hourglass figure, but with her hair up in whatever twist-thing that was, her neck was a bigger temptation than I could resist. I leaned down and kissed the soft skin just beneath her jaw, and she murmured her appreciation.

“None of that right now, thank you,” she said with a laugh. “It took me two hours and two stylists to look like this. I thought Langley was crazy when she called and offered, but I’m so glad I went with the other girls to get ready.”

“You’re beautiful every day, but I’m not arguing with that dress.”

She flashed me a smile that turned my heart over. God, but the lass was beautiful.

“Walk me through it one more time,” she begged as we moved forward.

“First, I’ll get out of the car, and then I’ll help you out,” I told her as I took her hand.

“You won’t let me fall? Because so help me God, if those cameras catch me—”

I cut her off by brushing a light kiss over her cherry red lips. She’d promised that it was the kind of lipstick that didn’t rub off, but I honestly didn’t care if it did. I’d have a clown mouth all night if it meant I got to kiss her.

“I won’t let you fall,” I promised. “Press will want to take a few pictures of us together, and then I’ll probably have to do one or two singles. You can either wait for me right there or go inside—whatever makes you more comfortable.”

We moved forward in line again, which meant it was our turn.

“Okay,” she said with a nod. “Let’s do this.”

Squeezing her hand one last time, I let her fingers go and put on my public face. The door opened, and I stepped out to the roar of fans. This black-tie gala wasn’t just for the Reapers. Celebrities and politicians had all come out to help raise funds for the Children’s Hospital.

I waved to the crowd, then turned for Annabelle.

“Pivot, feet down,” I heard her mutter as she turned in the seat. Her heeled feet appeared, and then she took my hand and stood.

“Beautiful,” I said softly into her ear as we walked down the first part of the carpet. I tucked her hand into the crook of my elbow to make sure that she stayed steady. She’d never get over it if she tripped, even a little bit.

Her smile was as radiant as she was, and even though I felt her nerves in the tension of her muscles, she never let the fans see it. She looked calm, poised, and so very happy.

God knew my grin was huge for that same reason.

“Connell!” Some of the photographers called out as we made it to the backdrop section of the entry.

I switched my grip on Annabelle, winding my arm around her so I could tuck her into my side. We smiled for everyone who demanded our attention.

“This is wild,” she said while the cameras clicked away.

I looked down at her, and our eyes met. “It’s a hell of a lot more fun with you here, that’s for sure.”

“You sure? I mean, I did draw the line at the ostrich costume.” Her smile was wide and bright as she dusted my tux’s lapel.

“We would have made a statement,” I argued as the clicks raged on.

“The wrong one,” she countered. “Tonight is about how incredible you are, not Sweet Water. You deserve this. You’re amazing.”

We turned back to the cameras and smiled for a few more pictures, then kept walking down the carpet.

“Solo time,” she said with a pat of my arm. “I’ll be right up there.” She motioned toward the end of the reporter gauntlet.

“I’ll be there as soon as I possibly can,” I promised with a kiss on her cheek.

Damn if she didn’t look just as good walking away as she did right next to me.

“Connell! A few questions?” A reporter called out.

And so it began.

“We’re a few weeks into the season, and we’re wondering how you feel the Reaper’s chances for the Cup this year,” the first one asked.

“Well, it’s only October, so there are a lot of games to play before we can even begin to think about playoffs. But I will say that we have a great team this year, and I have the highest of hopes.”