Page 108 of If You Claim Me

“You’re a miracle,” Connor says softly.

“Based on what I’ve seen of your parents, so are you and your sisters.”

I switch gears and ask Connor to tell me stories about his sisters growing up. I’m always a little obsessed with other people’s holiday celebrations. I don’t have family traditions, so I’m interested to learn about them.

Eventually we pull off the highway. The trees are beginning to change colors up here, with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges dotting the landscape.

“We’re about a ten-minute drive off the highway, and Flip and Lexi know where we’re staying. There’s reception out here, and we’re only a short trip to the closest town,” Connor tells me. “And there are a bunch of permanent residents on the lake.”

“I’m not afraid to be alone with you, Connor,” I assure him.

“I just want you to feel safe.”

The paved road turns into gravel, which pings aggressively off the side of his very expensive car, but Connor doesn’t seem to care. We pull into the driveway and he parks, asking me to waitso he can open my door. I step out into the crisp afternoon, breathing in the scent of pine and fall leaves.

Connor grabs our bags, and I shoulder my purse and the small cooler bag of leftovers from our room and brunch. The trees form a canopy, the sun peeking through. I follow Connor down the path to a rustic but gorgeous wood cabin perched on the edge of a steep hill. He punches in the code and ushers me inside.

“Oh my gosh.” I toe off my shoes and pad into the warm, homey space. I drop the cooler bag on the kitchen counter. The far wall is all windows, boasting a stunning view of the lake, the trees a bright wash of color, but it’s the living room that has tears springing to my eyes. Two walls consist of floor-to-ceiling built-in shelves, filled with books, and there’s even a recessed reading nook with enough space for two. In the center of the room is a couch and a coffee table, piled high with board games. A fire crackles invitingly in the hearth.

I turn to Connor, who stands a few feet away, wearing a hopeful expression.

“This is perfect, Connor.”

A proud smile lights up his face at my approval. “Good. That’s good. I hoped you would love it.”

I cross over and wrap my arms around his waist. His strong arms encircle me, and I rest my cheek on his chest, comforted by the steady beat of his heart. “Such a sweet, thoughtful villain.”

“Don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin my reputation.”

I look up, taking in his beautiful, harsh face. “Why did you do this for me?”

We could have gone anywhere. His family has a private jet. It would have been nothing to fly us to an island. But here we are, a short drive from the city, surrounded by books and board games.

“The past few weeks have been a lot, and yesterday wasn’t easy for you, I’m sure. I thought you could use the quiet.” Hisfingers trace gently up and down my spine, his voice dropping to a whisper. “And I want to make you happy.”

“Why?”

His brow furrows. “Why do I want to make you happy?”

“Yes.”

“It makes me feel good.”

“Why?”

“Are you just going to keep asking why?”

“Yes, I’m drilling down.”

“Why?”

“Because I think you have an ooey-gooey center, and I want to know what it tastes like.”

The right side of his mouth quirks up. “I’m not a pastry, darling.”

“You have all these layers. I want to see what’s underneath them.” And I want to know if we’re on the same page. If this isn’t just about making Meems happy and my financial stability. “Why is my happiness so important to you?”

“It just is.”