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“Daddy’s girl, remember? He’s always supported me and Ella no matter what. We don’t always see eye to eye, but his love is unconditional. I’m grateful for that. By the way, did you really get my dad a gift?”

Connor grins. “I might have given him a bottle of 30-year-old scotch to thank him for his… enthusiasm in supporting our relationship.”

“Connor!” I smack his chest, torn between exasperation and laughter. Trust Connor to do something so over the top.

“What? I wanted to make a good first impression with your father. And if it paves the way for him to give us his blessing, so much the better.”

“You have my dad wrapped around your finger. He loves you.”

“Only your mother is a different story.” His expression turns pensive. “Do you think it’s too late for me to fight for your mother’s approval? I get the sense she’s not my biggest fan.”

I nestle into the crook of his arm. “Mom’s just worried. She’s been pushing me to settle down for years, but…”

“But I’m not exactly the posh, respectable sort of man she had in mind,” Connor finishes for me.

“At a family dinner, my father highlighted how much more suitable you would be for me.”

“Did he now? And what did your mother have to say about that?”

“She was less than pleased.” I laugh softly at the memory. “She had invited some boring doctor she was trying to set me up with. She’ll come around. It’s just—well, she’s never approved of any of my relationships, and she certainly won’t approve of this.”

“This?” Connor’s lips quirk. “You mean us?”

Oh no. I was rambling on without thinking.

“Yes, us.” I gesture between us. “Whatever this is. She’ll hate it. She’ll do everything she can to drive us apart.”

“Hey.” Connor cups my face in his hands, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Listen to me. I don’t give a damn what your mother thinks about us. But would it be easier for you if we kept it between us? For now?”

Is he suggesting it because he wants to keep it a secret?

“Maybe,” I say. “At least for the moment? Would you be okay with that?”

Please say no. Please.

“If it helps you. Yes.”

“Okay.”

It’s fine, right? It’s enough. At least for now.

We can get to know each other without my mother intervening. No need to get worried. When we’re together like this, it feels right in a way, and that’s enough. For now.

Chapter 22

Mary

My butterfly necklace clinks against the cold desk while my skirt is hiked up to my waist. Connor drives into me from behind, his powerful hands gripping my hips.

I’m so close. Again.

Letting him have his way with me here at the office is so wrong but also way more thrilling. I’ve never done anything this reckless before.

Okay, that’s a lie. We did it every day since our date.

“What if someone hears us?” I moan, my protest only half-hearted.

He quickens his already rapid pace. “Seems like you’re still able to think.”

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