Happily Ever After Collection - Melanie Moreland Page 0,85
was husky and filled with want.
“I need…”
“What do you need, baby? Tell me.”
Chapter 2
Jenny
I woke up, blinking and confused. I buried my head back into the pillow and burrowed under the soft blanket covering me. My bed had never felt so comfortable. I inhaled and frowned. My pillow didn’t smell like Downy. It smelled like fresh-cut grass on a nice, sunny day. It smelled like Connor did when he gave me a hug.
Connor.
Oh no.
I sat up, my eyes wide as I looked around the room. I was not in my bed. This was not my room. I swallowed heavily. I was in Connor’s room. My hands flew up to my mouth, stifling my gasp as I remembered exactly how I ended up in Connor’s room. Images bombarded me—finding John, kicking him, slapping Tami, drinking and stumbling home, and ending up in Connor’s apartment, crying in his arms. I shuddered as I remembered my whispered confession and kissing him. Oh God, how we had kissed. I never wanted to stop.
Except, the room had begun to spin, and I had pushed away from Connor, then ran to the bathroom and threw up. My embarrassment grew as I remembered him behind me, holding my hair, stroking my back, and making little hushing noises at my distress. I looked down, my humiliation complete as I realized I was no longer wearing my blouse and pants but rather a large T-shirt that had to belong to Connor. I pulled the T-shirt aside and saw my tank top was still in place, as were my boy shorts. I must have vomited on myself before passing out. Looking at the fading light, I judged it was early evening, which meant I had been out for a few hours.
I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood. I had to get out of there, as quickly as possible and with as little contact with Connor as I could manage. Then, I needed to pack up my apartment and move in the middle of the night while he was asleep.
Yeah. That was a good plan. I wasn’t sure how I would do it with a pounding headache and no truck or help, but I would figure it out.
I listened, but the apartment was quiet. Cautiously, I stuck my head out the door and looked around. It was empty. I must have disgusted him so much he left. No doubt, he’d hoped I would wake up and leave before he got home. I was sure he’d be grateful when he realized I had moved in the night. It would save us the awkward embarrassment of reliving my drunken episode every time we passed in the hall. I was sure our coffee dates were over.
I scurried across the living area, grabbing my purse from the floor. I had no idea where my clothes were, and I couldn’t see my shoes, but I didn’t care. I had twenty pairs of flats in the closet, and I simply had to go down the hall. I reached the door and stopped dead at the large piece of paper hanging on it.
Jenny
If you are reading this, you are awake—or at least coherent and no doubt panicking.
Stop.
I’ll be back soon.
Don’t run. Go sit on the couch and relax.
I’m sure you need this.
Taped below was a new toothbrush. I reached out, touching the white handle. He was always so thoughtful. My gaze returned to the note.
Towels in the bathroom. Tylenol on the counter. Water in the fridge.
Did I mention, stop panicking?
Connor x
PS: You look cute in my shirt.
PPS: I know you’re still panicking and want to leave. Your clothes are in the laundry. I took your keys and your shoes—you can’t go anywhere.
PPPS: If you feel like you are being held against your will on house arrest, then I suggest you move on to the next phase of being kidnapped. Stockholm syndrome. In case you don’t know, that is where you develop an intense bond and deep feelings for your captor—me. I already have them for you.
PPPPS: Please sit down. STAY. Back soon. Don’t make me come find you. I will. I’m a cop. I can do that.
I blinked at the note and reread it. I looked down at the shirt and smiled, then laughed when I reread the PPPPS part. I reached out and tore the toothbrush away from the paper, returned to the bathroom, and used it vigorously. I also had a quick but refreshing shower and brushed my hair, emerging a