Page 37 of Whiskey Wednesdays

I blushed and carefully sat my laptop down. “When I first met him, I thought he was an egotistical, self-centered prick.”

He lifted his eyebrow. “I think most professional athletes are self-centered pricks.”

“What did he mean about Connor’s nickname?” I blushed, but I was curious enough to ask.

“You’ll have to ask McCoy about that one,choux.And for all his faults, Connor’s not a bad guy.” Titus grimaced, clearly not happy admitting that.

Folding my arms, I leaned against the counter. “I loathed Connor after what happened with Noah, until I saw him with Elodie. He’s out of his comfort zone with her, but he tries hard. Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t like him.”

Titus chuckled. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

“What did Wyatt mean about you and Connor being deviant fuckers?” I tried again.

“Again, you need to ask Connor. And you’re right, he does love his little girl. We’ve both had shit luck with our baby mommas. Although his situation is worse than mine.”

My eyebrows rose. “You have a child?”

“Yeah. A little boy.” He grinned, but there were shadows in his eyes.

“I just envisioned a miniature Titus growling at everyone, with spiky hair, and a big hockey stick tattoo on his little chest. And still in diapers. Is he like you? Do you see him sometimes?”

“He doesn’t have any tattoos since he’s only eighteen months old, for fuck’s sake. But I fly back to Vancouver at least once a month to see him.”

“What’s his name?”

Titus’s face went a little soft. I didn’t even think that was possible. “Max. His name is Max.”

“What’s his mother’s name?”

Titus shook his head. “Back to you and McCoy.”

I grimaced. “I like talking about your life more.”

“Too bad. Connor’s parents are dead, and his little brother is the only immediate family he has left. But Noah has always been a rotten little fucker.”

“Connor condoned Noah’s behavior, and they both treated my dad like crap.” I looked away so he wouldn’t see the hurt in my eyes. “Nothing is going on with Connor and me, and there never will be.”

He grabbed his bag. “You should never say never,petite choux. See you tomorrow.”

Chapter 11

By the end of the first month, I was extremely disappointed to realize I liked Connor. A lot. We spent most evenings at my dad’s house, and we often ate dinner or played games together. Having my dad and Elodie there provided a buffer for me to get to know Connor a little better without having to be alone with him.

He was funny, and self-depreciating at times. He also loved Elodie. And the man was testosterone-laden sex on a stick. We’d done a few more hair lessons. He mostly behaved, but sometimes he brushed by me, grasped my hips, or leaned in and subtly smelled my hair while we worked.

When I went home after those sessions, I was always frustrated and aroused. And he still starred in most of my showerhead fantasies.

We played Princess Yahtzee with Elodie one Friday night. “Who’s your favorite princess?” I asked as I picked up the dice.

She scrunched her nose. “Maybe Mulan? Or Moana?”

“Ooh, good choices. I love them both.”

Elodie patted Connor’s arm. “Who do you like?”

He thought for a minute. “The octopus lady in the mermaid movie?”

Dad and I started laughing.

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