chapter514

Aiden caught on fast, snatching up the first aid kit and slipping out, closing the door with just the right amount of tact. Connor barely had a second to savor finally being alone with Lydia before she stood up too, quick and decisive. "Your bandage is done, and it's getting late. I should go."

That hit Connor like a punch to the chest. He reached out, catching her slender wrist. "Lydia."

She arched an eyebrow at him. "What?"

"Stay with me tonight. I just want you here. Nothing else, just sleep.

He made sure to say it straight, worried she'd get the wrong idea, as if he was trying to take advantage. Lydia laughed softly. "In your state, what could you possibly do?"

Connor's eyes widened, not sure if he should be offended or amused. Was she doubting him? If he had the chance, he'd definitely show her what he was capable of. But he had his principles. Before they were married, he wasn't going to cross that line.

Still, if he couldn't have the whole feast, a taste should be fine, right?

He pulled her into his arms. Lydia wasn't expecting it and fell right against his chest, almost bumping into his injury.

"Connor, are you insane?"

He cupped her cheek, gentle like she was the most precious thing in the world. His voice came out low and rough. "Maybe from the first day I met you, I was already a little crazy for you."

Before she could say a word, he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers, hot and hungry. At first, his kiss was soft, almost hesitant, like a butterfly landing on a flower. Little by little, it deepened, growing more intense, like he was trying to steal her very breath.

Lydia went from frozen to melting right into him, her arms slipping around his back, fingers unconsciously tracing along his skin. Caught up in the moment, Connor gently pushed her down onto the bed. The kiss turned into something endless, exploring every inch of her lips, sometimes gentle, sometimes desperate, every touch full of longing, every sigh echoing their need for each other.

Then, out of nowhere, a loud knock shattered the moment.

"Connor," Chris called from outside.

Lydia instantly snapped out of it, pushing at Connor's chest. His face went dark. He looked about ready to kill someone. What had Aiden been thinking, letting Chris come up here right now?

Outside, Aiden was wishing the earth would swallow him whole. Chris had barreled upstairs before he could even get a word in. What

was he supposed to do? He fou he'd better keep his distance before Connor took out his frustration on him.

Lydia, finally clear-headed, realized just how close she'd come to losing herself in Connor. Thank God for Chris' terrible timing.

"Fix yourself up. I'll get the door."

She slipped off the bed and straightened her clothes before heading to open the door.

Chris already knew she was inside as he'd seen her car parked outside. But since Connor was laid up, he hadn't thought much of it. He figured nothing could possibly be happening.

Still, when Lydia opened the door, Chris immediately felt the weird vibe.

"Hey, Lydia..." His eyes caught the flush on her lips, just a bit swollen, like someone had been a little too enthusiastic. And over on the bed, Connor was glaring at him like he wanted to commit murder.

Chris felt a shiver go down his spine. He shrank back, wishing he could disappear.

Uh, Lydia, Mikey heard Connor was hurt and wanted to check on him."

Lydia raised her eyebrows. Mikey?

Chris stepped aside, revealing Mikey standing a little ways back, dressed in a sharp suit, looking every bit the sophisticated gentleman. Mikey took one look at the scene and

immediately looked apologetic. sorry seems like we picked the worst possible time."