Connell (Carolina Reapers 3)

“From you?”

He raised his arms to indicate the lack of anyone else standing in my office. “Why not?”

I shrugged. “Didn’t figure you cared much about this community. Hence, the whole reason you’ve been sentenced to suffer six weeks with me.”

He pressed his lips together, a muscle in his jaw ticking.

“No,” I said, raising my hand. “Don’t misunderstand me,” I hurried to say. “I only meant with your career and traveling and everything. You don’t have much time to put down roots.”

Connell cocked an eyebrow at me. “You don’t know much about me at all, sweet Annabelle,” he said, and I swallowed hard as he leaned down closer to me. “And until ye do, don’t make assumptions.” He braced his hands on either armrest of my chair, his nose an inch from mine. “Now, boss, where are these records?”

I straightened in my chair before standing, breaking his grasp on the chair. The feel of his body against mine, even for the briefest of moments, burned hotter than a summer Sunday.

“That job will take you the longest, I suspect,” I said, smoothing out my blouse as I headed down the hallway and to the set of connected stairs leading to the basement. He followed me down, and I flicked on the light to illuminate the massive space. “It’s been seriously neglected,” I said, my eyes roaming over the array of holiday decorations, extra tables and chairs, party props, and then the countless boxes of public records. “They date back nearly thirty years,” I said. “Court hearings, council meeting minutes, etcetera. I’ve done my best, but most of my time, and overtime, is used up on current events.” I sighed, exhaustion settling in my bones simply looking at this mess. “And we’ve just been waiting for the right man to do the job.” I tried to lighten the overwhelming assignment.

Connell chuckled. “And you think I’m that man.”

“Yes, I do.” I stepped closer to him, arching my neck to meet his eyes. “And I do know a little bit about you, Mr. MacDhuibh. If you so much as think of pulling a prank here and destroying these records, I will personally see to it that you never set foot in Sweet Water again.”

He narrowed his gaze, his eyes churning with…offense? Worry? Regret?

“I didn’t mean to harm your beloved statue,” he said, his voice low, raspy. “And I’m not trying to argue me way out of the chores you’re giving me. You can trust me, Annabelle.”

A smile played on my lips at the sincerity in his words, but who was I kidding? I’m sure Connell was well versed in seducing women into believing anything that came out of that perfect, Scottish mouth of his.

“Good,” I said, clearing my throat. “You’re free to go at four.” I nearly sprinted up the stairs, gulping down the air outside of the basement that wasn’t drenched in Connell’s scent.

The rest of the afternoon was quiet save for the clicks of my keyboard as I resolved a variety of town matters and the slight rumblings of items as Connell worked in the basement beneath me. Sometimes I’d hear him hum some melody I couldn’t recognize, but it had a hauntingly beautiful quality to it. The deep tenor of his voice and the rumble from his chest as he hummed, painted images of rolling green hills and stone castles in my mind. I could almost taste the rain in the air, smell the lush grass, feel the ancient stone on my fingertips.

“Boss?”

I jolted at my desk, my eyes snapping open from their daydream state.

“Sweet mercy, Connell,” I said, clutching my chest to slow my racing heart. “Tomorrow I believe I’ll attach a bell to that jumpsuit.”

He laughed, the sound genuine and full and it caressed my skin. “I said your name twice. Were ye napping?”

“No,” I snapped, straightening my desk. I spared a glance toward Lacy, who bit back her smile. “I was…just taking a moment to think. What can I do for you?”

He jerked a thumb toward the large clock on the farthest wall in my office. “It’s four.”

I nodded. “You can go.”

“Aye,” he said. “You already said that.”

“Then what—”

“Do you need a ride to Scythe?”

My lips parted, a breath rushing from them. “How did you know I was going to Scythe tonight?”

“Everyone is going,” he said, shrugging. “Celebrate the start of summer vacation—the offseason.”

“Oh, well, I…” I sucked in a sharp breath. “I have a few things to finish up here. Thank you for the offer. I’ll drive myself later.”

Something like defeat flashed in his eyes, but it was gone in an instant. He nodded, backing out of my office. “See you round, then.” He turned his back to me and sauntered out of the building.

“I can’t believe you didn’t take him up on that offer!” Lacy said the second he was out of earshot.