Page 49 of Finding Forgiveness

“You like?”

“I do, it’s delicious.”

“I doubt it’s as good as Mum’s or Jaz’s.”

“It’s better.”

To be honest, they pretty much taste the same, but since this is his first time, he wins by default.

“Really?”

“You did good, Maloney.”

He’s still smiling as he digs in. He deserves all the praise. I’m so grateful to be here with him, and I can only hope we’ll have many more moments like this going forward.

“Thanks again for dinner,” I say, placing the last dish away. I offered to clean up since he had cooked, but he wanted to help. We’ve fallen into a routine over the past few weeks, and even the most mundane chores seem rewarding with him by my side.

I hang the tea towel over the handle on the oven to dry and reach up to pull the elastic from my hair. I run my fingers through the long strands as I focus back on Connor. He’s leaning against the counter, legs crossed at the ankle, and arms folded over his muscly chest. I take a beat to appreciate the sight before me. He is a vision, and if things were different, I’d be all over this man like a rash.

By the time my eyes move back to meet his, I find him watching me intently. “I was pretty impressed with your pole skills today … well what little I saw.”

“I enjoy it, it’s fun.”

“It’s sexy is what it is.” I feel my cheeks flush. He’s the only man on this earth who’s gained that kind of reaction from me. He pushes off the counter and closes the distance between us. “I’m a sucker for this,” he says, reaching up to lightly brush his knuckle across my cheek. “It reminds me of the young and innocent girl I fell hopelessly in love with.”

That girl died right alongside her child.

I turn my face away as I feel my emotions bubble back to the surface. “It’s late,” I say, choking on my words. “I’m going to take a shower and head to bed.”

“Hey.” He brings my face back to his. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No.” The tears I’m struggling to hold at bay make their way to the surface.

“Cass.” I clench my eyes close, and Connor being Connor does the sweetest thing. He leans in and places a soft kiss on each eyelid before folding me in his arms. “I’m sorry you’re going through this,” he says, resting his chin on top of my head.

I wrap my arms around him and hold on tight. I don’t ever want to let go, but I’m afraid I won’t have a choice. “It’s nothing you did or didn’t do Con, you’ve been wonderful. It’s just been a shitty day.”

I can hear Connor moving around in the kitchen. Turning my head, I look at the clock beside my bed. It’s just after six, and I’ve barely slept. This decision I’m struggling to make feels like a ton of bricks weighing heavily on my chest. I know what I have to do, I’m just petrified to do it.

Connor Maloney deserves better. He needs to know the truth despite what those consequences may bring. He’s been kept in the dark too long.

The realisation has me flinging back the covers and rising from the bed.It’s now or never.I head to the bathroom first, do my business, wash my hands, and brush my teeth. I don’t want to kill him with my morning breath.

The butterflies in my stomach take flight as soon as I enter the kitchen and find him leaning against the counter with a coffee in hand. He’s dressed in his power suit, ready for work.

“Morning,” he says. “You’re up early … trouble sleeping?”

“Yeah.”

He extends his arm, handing me the mug he’s holding. “You look like you need this more than me.”

“Thanks.” I take it from him and place it down on the counter. “Con.”

“Yeah, Cass.”

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

He stands up straighter, and his concerned eyes scan over my face. “Did something else happen? Did your mother contact you again?”