Page 15 of Should've Been Us
Chapter Four
Connor raisedhis hand and said a silent prayer that he wasn’t making a huge mistake before he knocked. The sound reverberated in the quiet morning. He’d waited for as long as he could. He’d waited and listened and watched but when she hadn’t emerged from her room he’d known that the hangover from last night must be hell and went to retrieve the gifts that would hopefully get him back through herdoor.
Memories of last night assaulted him every time he blinked. Images of Lulu smiling and laughing. The way she’d looked at him when she’d asked why nobody wanted her. The way she’d looked standing there in nothing but a lacy bra and panties set, completely oblivious to the fact that he wanted her more than he wanted air or sunlight ortomorrow.
She was as oblivious to him as Derek was toher.
It was a sick joke of fate. It had to be. What other explanation was there for why he wanted this particular woman? The one that had never wanted him? The one that longed for his best friend, their best friend, the same way that he longed for her? Fuckingfate.
He raised his hand and knocked again, harder this time. Some of his frustrations worked their way into his fist. He thought he heard movement on the other side of the door after a few louder bangs but he couldn’t be sure. He hit the door one more time and was just opening his mouth to yell when it jerked open to reveal the woman of his dreams looking like absolute hell on the otherside.
He fought not to laugh, knowing she would slam the door in his face if he did. Her long, dark hair was in tangles, hanging every which way and crumpled on one side. Her pretty angular face was crossed with pillow lines. She’d gone to sleep without taking off her makeup and there were dark splotches down her cheeks. Those black streaks cut his urge to laugh offinstantly.
She’d cried. After he’d left her in bed alone last night, she’d cried. Those were mascara tears that had dried on hercheeks.
His heart ached and he wanted to reach for her. He wished he could go back in time and refuse to leave her alone. He wanted to go back and tell her the truth, that she was wanted, that he wanted her. But telling her that the reason the other guys hadn’t included her in their bet was because he’d overheard them before she came outdoors and threatened each and every Harper male that if they laid a finger on her that he’d rip it off, seemed like a badidea.
She didn’t seem to be in any way prepared to learn that he had staked his claim with the other groomsmen. She wasn’t ready to know that if she was finally ready to get over Derek and move on, it was damn sure going to be with him. He couldn’t tell her that he wouldn’t let any of those dumbass, Derek look-alikes that his friend called family anywhere nearher.
She was his. She just didn’t know it yet. But she would find out soonenough.
“What?” She snapped and he grinned because he knew he’d beenstaring.
“MorningMedusa.”
Her eyes narrowed, “Fuck off,Shaw.”
She started to shut the door in his face but he’d expected as much and caught it with his foot, easily holding it open. Lulu glared. He almost laughed again because she was so damn cute. Even looking like hungover hell, she was adorable and he wanted to cuddleher.
Yep, cuddle her. Hold her. And then fuck her.Hard.
“Nuh-uh.” He shook that thought away, “It’s Connor this week,remember?”
“Fine. Connor.” She huffed his name like it was a four-letter word, “What are you doinghere?”
“Making sure you’realive.”
“Mission accomplished. Bye now.” She tried to shut the door again but he didn’tbudge.
“I brought you some breakfast and coffee. Thought you might need it to help with the hangover.” He shook the bag at her and held the cup up asproof.
“Coffee?” Her dark eyes twinkled just a little as she reached forit.
“Let me in first.” He held it out of reach and she literally growled athim.
“Why?”
“Because I brought you your crack but that’s not the only reason I’m here. I let you sleep as late as I could but we’re gonna be late if you don’t go get dressed now. I’ll sort out the food for you. You getready.”
“Ready?” For what? What are we latefor?”
“Buddy games at the beach. It’s on the invitation, Lu. Everybody is paired up with a buddy to do the sandcastle thing and whatever else Aubrey’s cooked up in her bridezilla head to make us look likeassholes.”
“Buddy games.” Lulu winced as she said the words and then cringed, “Oh God, don’t tell me thatmeans…”
“Hi buddy.” He laughed when shegroaned.
“I’m going to kill Derek for this.” Lulu all but whimpered as she grabbed the coffee from him and then turned and walked back into herroom.
