“He is.” Beth smiled for the first time in what felt like ages. Not having to look directly at Conner and the darkness around them was encouraging her to talk about things she normally kept locked deep inside her. “I’m so proud of him.”
“He’s lucky to have you,” Conner said gruffly.
“I think it goes both ways. He and Mikey get on really well now, and they’re company for each other when I’m working.” She absently smoothed her fingers over Conner’s furred chest. “Am I making you too hot, pressed up against you like this?”
He didn’t speak for a moment and then he cleared his throat.
“You’re definitely making me hot.”
“Oh!” She went to move away from him. “Do you need more pain medication? I can get you some.”
In reply he came up on one elbow and looked directly down at her.
“Beth, I’m not in pain.” His smile was crooked. “And I’m hot because being close to a beautiful woman like you is making me hard and horny.”
“Beautiful?” Beth stared at him.
“Yeah.” He licked his lips. “Absolutely.”
She reached out, cupped his bearded chin and stared into his pale blue eyes for what felt like forever.
“You’re very sweet but obviously still feverish. I’m too tall, too broad, and I have too many freckles to be beautiful. My dad always says I’m built like a Clydesdale.”
“And?”
She sighed. “Okay, I’m not going to argue with you about something so silly.”
“Good.”
She realized she was rubbing her thumb along the hard line of his jaw.
“Have you ever wanted to do something really stupid?” Beth asked softly.
“Like take on hell week and become a Navy SEAL?”
“Yes.” She took in a slow breath. “Or kiss a guy who is usually grumpy as hell, but thinks you’re beautiful?”
He raised an eyebrow. “You know this is the adrenaline talking, right? Next comes the big crash, so don’t do anything you’d regret.”
“I don’t care if I’m being stupid,” Beth retorted. “I’m sick of always doing the right thing and being the good person.”
“What if I don’t think that’s stupid at all?” Conner murmured, slid a hand around her neck and rolled onto his back, bringing Beth with him. “Kiss me as much as you like.”
Beth righted herself, aware that she was now straddling his hips and that he was definitely horny.
“Before we get into anything, I just want to remind you that I’m not the kind of guy who sticks around,” Conner said.
Beth snorted. “That’s why you’re so perfect. Like I could have a relationship with anyone with two teenage boys in the house, who would react like Victorian maiden aunts if they thought their mom was having sex.”
“We’re having sex now?”
Beth smiled down at Conner. “Maybe. Let’s see how good you are at kissing first.”
* * *
Conner gently drew Beth’s head down toward his and touched his mouth to hers. She tasted of coffee and toothpaste, which struck him as just about right.
“What about your leg?” Beth asked.
“It’ll be fine,” he reassured her. “It’s feeling a lot better already.” Mainly because all the heat and blood in his body was currently heading for his dick. He wasn’t about to complain. If there were any consequences, he’d gladly deal with them in the morning.
She kissed him again and, deep inside him where the last remnants of the decent guy he’d once been resided, something stirred.
“You sure you’re okay about this?” Conner forced himself to ask.
“Yes.” She frowned at him. “Do you know? I liked you a lot better when you weren’t talking all the time.”
Conner obediently shut up and let himself enjoy exploring her mouth as he slid his hands over her body. She felt amazing. He murmured his approval as she touched him, rocking his hips against the heat pressed against his groin.
“I’m going to take my T-shirt off,” Beth said.
Conner lay back as she did just that and presented him with one of his most favorite views ever. She leaned back over him until her nipples touched his chest and he groaned.
“May I touch?” He knew she didn’t want him talking, but he had to be sure they were both still on the same page.
“Please.”
He cupped his hand and eased it around her breast, bringing her nipple to his mouth. All thoughts of being gentle and respectful went out of his head when she gasped and writhed against him. He settled his other hand on her hip, holding her down over his hardening dick and let her roll her hips.