Page 42 of Connor

“I’m fine,” I grit out, forcing my feet to stay on the ground. There’s no way I’m getting in that water, because I know if I do, my resolve will snap. I’ve been an asshole to her all morning because all I can think about is that guy in her office yesterday. The one who gave me the creeps, and now, my resolve is stretching, because I’m spending time with her and wanting to touch her but can’t. I’m being pushed to my limits.

“Just don’t drown,” I warn, my eyes are now glued to her, and she grins.

“Well, I can’t swim, so that’s probably likely,” she quips back, and I still.

“What the hell did you just say?” I ask her, angry now as I take a step forward, ready to kick off my shoes and jeans and dive in after her.

“Don’t worry, I can float.” Still lying on her back, she looks like she should be sunbathing in Ibiza, rather than floating around a mineral spring in Whispers. I wonder if I could take her to Ibiza, rub sun lotion on her, and watch her suntan topless. I shake my head of the thoughts.

“Daisy. Get out of the water.” The spring isn’t deep for someone like me, but for her, she won’t be able to touch the bottom in some places.

“No, I’m not getting out.”

I swear this woman always does the opposite of what I ask of her.

“Daisy, it’s deep,” I warn her, fear and frustration wrapping around my heart.

“Connor, I’m fine,” she grits out, her hands moving slowly around in the water, almost steering her body.

“I swear to God, Daisy. If you drown in this mineral spring, I will kill you.” I’m ready to jump in and haul her beautiful big ass out of that water. I might throw her over my shoulder while I’m at it, stalk back up to my place, and lock her in my bedroom.

“Hey, Connor!” I hear shouted from behind me, and I look up, seeing a bunch of local kids running down the hill on the opposite side.

“Daisy, time to get out,” I tell her once again, grabbing her towel, trying not to sound like an asshole, but they’re not seeing her like this, practically naked, wet body, her long red hair dripping.

“Why?” she asks, exasperated, looking up at me.

“Because you can’t swim and because all the kids are coming.” I barely finish speaking, just as they start running and jumping in the water, creating ripples and waves.

“Oh.” Her brows pinch, feeling the water change from still and peaceful to waves created by a full-on frat party.

“Float over here. I’ll grab you.” I tell her, angry that she’d get in the water when she knows she can’t swim.

“I’m fine, Connor.” She gets closer and moves around, now standing on the bottom and starting to walk toward me.

I clench my jaw, my teeth almost at breaking point as she steps out of the water like a goddamn James Bond girl. Water drips from her body, her swimsuit plastered to her like latex. I hear the boys start to whistle, and I jump into action. Striding over to her, I wrap her towel around her so they can no longer see her juicy plump ass that I know is on display.

“Mighty chivalrous of you.” She raises her eyebrow in question as she grabs the ends of the towel and pulls it to her chest. She’s pushing me. I know it, and if she isn’t careful, I’ll pounce. I’m about five seconds away from doing just that.

“What the hell were you thinking getting in the water when you can’t swim?” I growl, stepping between her and the boys to shield her from their eyes, even though she’s now covered in a large towel.

“I was thinking that I’d be fine. I’m an adult; I know my limits. Besides, you were there. You would’ve saved me if I got into trouble.” She throws on her shirt and shorts, and I bite the inside of my cheeks, because she’s right. I would’ve saved her, obviously. Given her mouth-to-mouth, and then once she was okay, turned her over and made her ass red.

“Daisy, you don’t know the water. The spring is uneven, so you shouldn’t have done that. What if I wasn’t here?” I demand, my frustration now peaking.

Swiping her things, she starts walking up the path, past me, saying over her shoulder, “I’m not stupid, Connor.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” I stride up behind her, the two of us full of steam, our pace back to the distillery now much quicker than the trip here.

She looks at me, shaking her head. “Seriously, what’s up with you today?”

“Who in their right mind jumps into a spring when they know they can’t swim!” My voice rises, along with my temperature. I move ahead of her, needing to calm myself.

I push through the distillery door and stalk right to my office. It’s the weekend. No one’s here. The restaurant is busy, but our offices are all locked. I hear the door being pushed open just as violently behind me, and I know she’s hot on my heels.

Slamming the door shut behind her, she raises her voice right back. “In case you forgot, I’m capable of making my own decisions, and as I said, I know my limits!”

“Yeah, well, I have just about hit my limit,” I tell her as I turn and look at her. I’m not sure if she can see it in my face, but I’m about to lose my composure, and my nostrils flare as I try to suck in the air I need.

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