Maybe because I underestimated Connor Reeves. Maybe because this—the man I’m beginning to know is trading stories with my family, fitting into our chaos like he belongs.
And it feels right. Natural.
And just a little bit careless. Like him.
"So," Kat says as we clear plates, "what other perks come with the billionaire lifestyle? Private jets? Island ownership? Secret underground lairs?"
"The lair's still under construction." Connor helps me load the dishwasher, our hands brushing in a way that's definitely intentional. "Though I do have a helicopter. And a jet.”
Lily drops a plate. "Shut up."
“They’re just for business," he says quickly. "Faster than dealing with traffic when I have meetings across the city. Or across the country.”
"Still." She retrieves the miraculously unbroken plate. "That's pretty rock star."
"It's pretty practical," he corrects. “That view of Mount Rainier at sunset is definitely worth the motion sickness warnings."
I'm about to reply when Dad attempts to demonstrate his new "protein-enhanced" tiramisu recipe, somehow managing to spray mascarpone cheese across three walls and Connor's extremely expensive shirt.
"Oh god." I grab a towel. "Dad, what did we say about experimental desserts?"
"That they're an important part of scientific inquiry?"
"That they're banned after the Great Cannoli Incident six months ago.”
"To be fair," Lily muses, "the fire department said that one wasn't technically his fault."
"The fire department," Kat points out, "also said they'readding 'Bristol family cooking experiments' to their high-risk response protocols."
Connor, who's been suspiciously quiet, finally loses his battle with laughter.
"I'm so sorry." I dab at his shirt. "I swear we're normally more..."
"Functional?" Kat questions.
"Coordinated?" Lily adds.
"Less explosive?" Dad suggests.
"I was going to say ‘reliable,’” I mutter. "But clearly that ship has sailed. Along with your shirt."
Connor catches my hand, stilling my frantic cleaning. “Reliability is overrated.”
“Then I guess you like chaos."
“Depends on who it comes with.”
I stare at him, words failing me.
"Well!" Lily claps her hands. "This seems like a good time for Dad to show Connor his protein powder collection. In the other room. Far away from here."
"Subtle," Kat mutters, but she's already herding them out.
Then it's just us, standing in my father's kitchen, Connor still holding my hand.
"I meant it," he says quietly. "About liking your family."
"Even with the experimental cooking?"