Page 18 of Boss's Red Glare

And as I hold her gently, feeling her heartbeat close to mine, I realize something simple yet profound: my life—both personal and professional—has never felt more promising, more complete, than it does right now, with Maisie in my arms.

Chapter Nine

9

Maisie

The ride back to my place feels surreal, like we’ve crossed an invisible line that can’t ever be uncrossed. Sitting beside Connor in his sleek black car, I’m intensely aware of every detail—the soft hum of the air conditioning, the quiet rasp of his breathing, the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the confined space.

We haven’t said much since we left the park, but words aren’t needed. Every glance exchanged, every small, secret smile speaks volumes.

Connor’s hand rests lightly on the center console, mere inches from mine. I resist the powerful urge to reach out and lace our fingers together, unsure if I’m ready to break this fragile moment of anticipation. But when he parks in front of my cozy bungalow, the warm glow of my porch lights illuminating the quiet street, I know I’m not ready to let tonight end.

“Thanks for the ride,” I say softly, my voice gentle, almost hesitant.

“You’re welcome.” His eyes search mine in the dimness, warm and tender, full of an emotion that makes my heart flutter like crazy. “Tonight was amazing.”

“It really was,” I whisper honestly, pulse quickening. “Do you…want to come in?”

The words hang between us, heavy with promise. His gaze darkens slightly, eyes smoldering with desire as he nods slowly.

“I’d like that,” he says quietly.

My breath quickens as I lead him up the walkway, fumbling slightly with my keys before pushing the door open. Inside, I flip on a soft lamp, bathing the small living room in a warm, golden glow.

Connor stands just inside the doorway, filling the space with his presence, his broad shoulders outlined beautifully by the soft lighting. He watches me carefully, his gaze intense yet gentle.

“Can I get you anything?” I ask nervously, suddenly unsure what to do with myself. “Water, coffee…?”

He steps forward, closing the distance between us in two long strides. His hand gently cups my face, tilting my chin upward. “All I want is you, Maisie.”

The raw honesty of his words makes my heart nearly leap from my chest. My breath catches sharply, my lips parting slightly as I meet his dark, intense gaze.

“Good,” I whisper softly, boldly reaching up to rest my hands against his chest. His heartbeat is rapid beneath my fingertips, matching the wild fluttering of my own pulse.

He dips his head slowly, deliberately, his mouth brushing softly against mine—testing, tasting, teasing. A small sound escapes my throat, a sigh of longing, and that’s all the encouragement he needs. His kiss deepens immediately, his mouth hot and insistent on mine, stealing every rational thought from my mind.

My hands slide upward, tangling in his hair, pulling him even closer. He groans softly into my mouth, the low, rumbling sound sending a shock of desire racing through my entire body. I’ve imagined kissing Connor countless times, but nothing has prepared me for the reality of it—how completely he consumes me, how perfectly we fit together.

His hands roam slowly down my sides, settling possessively at my hips. He tugs me gently against him, and my body melts willingly into his hard frame. My pulse is erratic, my skin burning beneath his touch. Every nerve in my body ignites beneath his fingers, making me dizzy with desire.

“God, Maisie,” he whispers roughly, his mouth tracing hot kisses along my jawline, down the sensitive curve of my neck. I arch instinctively into his touch, my breath hitching sharply when his teeth graze gently along my collarbone.

“Connor,” I gasp softly, my voice thick with need.

He lifts his head slightly, his dark eyes glazed with desire, watching me carefully. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to kiss you like this,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing tenderly over my swollen lower lip.

“Me too,” I admit breathlessly, pressing another kiss to his mouth. “I thought about it all the time.”

His eyes flare with heat, and his mouth claims mine once more, deeper and hungrier than before. He walks me slowly backwarduntil my knees bump against the sofa, guiding me gently down onto the soft cushions, never breaking our kiss.

I tug him down with me, and he settles between my parted thighs, his weight deliciously heavy and reassuring. His hands are everywhere—exploring my curves, caressing my sides, sliding beneath my dress to trail over my bare thighs. I gasp softly, my nails digging gently into his shoulders, my entire body igniting beneath his touch.

His kisses grow more intense, more heated, as our breathing quickens in tandem. His tongue slides gently against mine, deepening the kiss until I’m dizzy with want, my pulse thundering wildly in my ears.

“You taste amazing,” he growls softly against my lips, his voice rough and needy.

“So do you,” I whisper shakily, trailing my lips along his jaw, tasting the faint saltiness of his skin. He groans softly, tilting his head to grant me better access, his hands gripping my hips possessively.

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