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He lets out a low chuckle. “Well, why didn’t you say anything back then?”

“Are you kidding? You barely even looked at me, let alone spoke to me. I figured I didn’t have a chance.”

“Trust me, if I had known you were interested, things would have gone very differently.” His hand trails up my arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

I suppress a shiver.

“Though I have to admit, stalking you has its appeal.” His voice drops lower. “All that anticipation, building up over the years. The thrill of the chase.”

“You’re impossible, you know that?”

His mischievous grin returns as he grabs my waist and flips us over so I’m pinned beneath him on the bed. “I never claimed otherwise.”

Being this close, I can see flecks of gold in his brown irises and the day’s worth of stubble along his jaw.

“Now, are you done with your rules so I can get back to ravishing you properly?” His hand trails down my leg.

“I suppose we can revisit this later.”

“Good choice,” Connor murmurs.

His mouth claims mine once more, and I surrender myself to his passion. For now, my need for him eclipses everything else.

Chapter 29

Connor

Mary Wempton, the woman who I’d been pining after since college, knew I’d been stalking her like a damn creep, and she’s not even remotely scared.

She should be running for the hills, calling the cops, or at least slapping me across my stupid face. Instead, she lets me close to her and sleeps in my arms like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

I remember the nights I spent staring at her dorm window, watching her study or talk on the phone with her friends. She had no idea I was there, hidden in the shadows. It was pathetic, I know, but I couldn’t help myself. She was untouchable then, just like she was a few months ago. Back then, it was because she didn’t know I existed, but now…

The real shock? She had a crush on me, too. This whole time… all this fucking time... she wanted me just as much as I wanted her.

The woman focused on her computer screen, with her beautiful fingers dancing across the keyboard, had a crush on me and still does. Although I hope it’s not only a crush but way more.

“Working another late one, Blue?” I sink into the leather couch along the wall.

It’s late, and the rest of the staff left hours ago.

She shuffles through a stack of papers. “Just trying to get ahead before the weekend.”

As the minutes tick by, I study her face, noting the crease between her brows and the way she absently tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.

I can tell Mary loves this job even if she doesn’t see it herself. The way she pores over those reports, completely focused despite the late hour. How she always volunteers to take on extra projects. She may have started working here because of her dad, but this is her passion.

Part of me wonders if she’d be happier doing something else. But the sparkle in her eyes when she presents at a meeting or closes a big deal… that’s real. This job fills her with purpose, even if the long hours take their toll.

I wish I could make her see what I see. To open her eyes to what’s right in front of her. How capable and brilliant she is. How she lights up this dreary office. The team looks up to her. Hell, even the old curmudgeon Richardson raves about her. She’s meant to be here.

Maybe it’s time I told her how I really feel. Took that leap and let her know she’s not alone. That I’ll support her no matter what path she chooses. I’m done hiding in the shadows. Mary has a right to know she has someone in her corner.

We’ve been dancing around each other for months. She’s stubborn as hell and keeps me at arm’s length, but I know she feels the pull between us, too. I need to be patient and not push too hard. Prove I’m here for the long haul.

Her happiness means more to me than anything. I’ll help shoulder the burden of expectations that weigh her down. Remind her to take a break and breathe when things get too heavy. Most importantly, I’ll make damn sure she knows how extraordinary she is, with or without the fancy job title. Mary deserves the world, and I plan on giving it to her.

I stand and make my way over to her, leaning against the desk.

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