Page 5 of If You Claim Me

Connor jumps in before I can splutter out a response, his cheeks flushing pink as he rubs the back of his neck. “Meems, don’t meddle.”

“I’ve told him all about you.” Meems winks.

“You’re not playing matchmaker,” Connor grumbles.

Lucy makes a clucking sound. “You need a partner before I pass to the other side.”

“Well, it looks like you’ll have to live forever then, since that’s unlikely to happen,” he grumbles while inspecting his fingernails. It sounds more like a plea than defiance.

Every time she visits the library, Lucy talks about how wonderful her grandson is. I hadn’t realized until now that she’s never mentioned his name, or what he does for a living. But she’s always promised to bring him with her one day so she could introduce us. How ironic that he happens to be my best friend’s most-loathed teammate.

A woman arrives carrying a tray with a silver tea set, and a man follows with a tray of food. They pour tea, then leave with a bow.

This feels a lot likeTheTwilight Zone.

I pull the new books out, passing them to Lucy.

Her eyes light up. “Is this the one with the highland warriors who travel back in time?”

“It is. It came back this afternoon. It’s very steamy.” I wink. “I think you’ll love it.”

“I’m sure I will.”

“I’m sure I won’t,” Connor mutters.

“It’s educational, dear,” Lucy quips.

“You mean it’s embarrassing,” he counters.

“Connor reads to me at night sometimes,” Meems explains.

I bite back a smile. I would pay good money to see broody Connor reading spicy romance to his posh grandma. “Some of them have audiobooks,” I offer.

“Meems enjoys my discomfort,” Connor replies dryly.

“And Connor pretends to hate the books, but he never says no to reading them,” Lucy stage-whispers.

My heart squeezes at the fond smile that softens both their faces. This is the kind of familial love I’ve never had, and I’m shockingly, painfully jealous. Even the Terror’s villain is beloved by someone.

Lucy’s eyes light up. “Tell me all the juicy library gossip. How are those saucy twins? Did Victor get the A he washoping for on his English essay? Is Everly staying out of trouble?”

“Who are Victor and Everly?” Connor asks, like he can’t help but involve himself in the conversation. This is probably the most I’ve heard him speak at any given time.

“They’re teens who live in the group home a few blocks from the library. They’re my favorites,” I explain before I turn back to Lucy. “Victor got his A, which isn’t a surprise, and Everly made it through last week without losing any privileges.”

This is part of our weekly routine. I always take a break when Lucy arrives, and we sit in the coffee shop, drinking weak brew while I fill her in on the library gossip before we talk books. She’s endlessly interested in the community programs I’ve developed.

Connor moves to sit in one of the empty chairs. He says nothing, just listens and observes.

I share the previous week’s adventures, and we discuss last week’s books before I tell her about the new ones I brought while we finish our tea.

I set my empty cup on the table. “I should probably head home so you can have your evening.”

“Would you mind reading me a chapter before you go? Connor tends to skip the spicy parts,” she whispers.

“Your heart is too important to tax with excessive spice, Meems,” Connor replies.

I steal a glance at him and smile at the blush coloring his cheeks. “Sure, I can read to you. Would you like me to start with the highland warriors?”