Page 72 of The Wrong Husband (The Davenports #6)

Phoenix

My cheeks flame, and I bury my face in Connor’s neck.

"I know you two are married, but seriously, could you keep these activities behind locked doors?"

Eek, that’s my brother.

"The door was closed, until you two walked in," Connor growls.

I should pull out his embrace, but I can’t bear to be physically separated from him.

He must feel the same way for he draws me closer. "This isn’t over." He kisses me again. The kiss seems to go on and on, until someone—Brody, I think, clears his throat.

Finally, Connor, lets me retreat to the chair. But he insists on holding my hand. I cling to his, like if I release him for even a few seconds he might disappear.

"I would have asked how you’re feeling, but clearly—" James shoots us both a pained look. "I may have given your union my blessing, but can you two please avoid shocking me like this?" He lurks near the door, as if he doesn’t want to risk coming too close for fear of being infected.

Brody, on the other hand, walks in and stands by the foot of the bed. "Good to know you’re not dying."

"I have a long way to go." Connor scoffs. "Besides, I have a wife. I’m not going anywhere in a hurry…again."

We exchange a look, which instantly heats the air and spikes the energy in the room.

"Cut it out, you two," James snaps in a disgruntled voice.

I giggle. Connor smirks. I look at my brother over my shoulder. "Wait until you fall in love."

"That’s never happening." He says it with the confidence of a bachelor who’s hit forty and never managed to maintain a relationship of any significance.

"Only because you haven’t met the right girl."

"Quit trying to get me paired off, just because you and Connor, here, can’t stop making googly eyes at each other. I’m happy for the two of you. But leave me out of this love and marriage shit."

"Amen, bro." Brody raises a fist.

James finally ambles forward and bumps it with his. "When they started shooting at you, I thought you were a goner, ol’ chap."

I make a sound at the back of my throat.

James’ gaze widens. "Sorry about that, Phe. Didn’t mean to upset you."

"It’s…ah, okay."

"It’s not." His features soften. "I didn’t mean to upset you further. You’ve been a trooper these last few weeks.

You held your own. Didn’t break down. Kept yourself busy and useful at the hospital.

You must have been beside yourself with worry, but you didn’t let it show. Didn’t let it get you down."

He smiles, a proud look in his eyes.

"I knew you were a determined girl, but I didn’t realize you’d grown into a woman to be admired."

My cheeks flush scarlet. To detract from that, I tip up my chin. "My brother, the grim, forbidding, bad-tempered chef, showering me with praise. If only the rest of your team could see you now."

"Better not tell them. It would only spoil my reputation." He grimaces. "Speaking of, I need to fly back to London. I’ve left my kitchen too long."

"I’m sure your kitchen is in safe hands. Didn’t you ask Harper to run it in your absence?"

"Exactly." His gaze grows thunderous. "There was no one else, so it had to be her.

" He curls his fingers into fists. "Trust me, if I had anyone else I could have asked to take over, I would have. But sadly, my sous-chef was the only one available. I’m not sure what state it’s going to be in when I get back. "

My brother is demanding, but I’ve never seen him this agitated. "Is it the fact that you don’t trust her that's the issue, or is it her that’s bothering you?"

He looks at me like he has no idea what I’m talking about. Oh, well. This is something James and Harper have to sort out. And for the record, my money’s on Harper.

"Either way, I’m glad you made it back in one piece," he says.

"Thanks for coming, man, and for being there for Phe, and for supporting Quentin and Brody."

"Yep, you were there when we needed a safe pair of hands." Brody slaps James' back.

"You’re welcome." James walks over and kisses my forehead. "You take care of yourself, Sis. Get some rest, huh? And you—" He holds out a hand to Connor, who squeezes it. "I’m looking forward to seeing you at my restaurant for a celebratory wedding dinner, on me."

The food at James restaurant is pretty amazing, and except for the one time that Connor took me, I’ve never been, so I’m happy to go ahead.

"I’ll come on one condition," I say slyly.

"Uh-oh, why do I think I’m going to regret this already?" James asks mildly. "But go ahead." He jerks his chin at me. "What’s the condition?"

"You let Harper cook for us."

He seems taken aback, then nods. "Why not, eh?" A wicked gleam comes into his eyes before he schools his expression into a nonchalant one.

"Uh-oh, why do I think I’m going to regret this already?" I murmur.

Connor chuckles.

Brody laughs.

James merely shakes his head. "You better watch out, Davenport"—he smirks at Connor—"this one is going to be a handful."

"Why do you think I fell in love with her?" Connor kisses my forehead.

"On that note…" James steps back, spins around, and heads to the door. "See you back in London, folks."

He shuts the door after him.

"How long do I have to be here?" Connor turns to me.

"Until the doctors discharge you?"

"You’re enjoying having me helpless, at your mercy, aren’t you?" he asks silkily.

"You’re as helpless as an apex predator." I toss my head. "I conferred with the consultant in charge, and we feel you should be here for at least another twenty-four hours. Once your pain level reduces, and we’re satisfied with your progress, we’ll get you home, okay?"

"You should listen to her." Brody smiles widely. "I, for one, am enjoying seeing you being brought to heel."

"Only because I’m enjoying it, too." Connor gives me a look which can only be described as sultry.

I can’t stop smiling because everything feels so easy between us. And yet, there’s this undercurrent of chemistry between us that turns every interaction into a game. A very sexy, very arousing, and very stimulating game.

The sound of a phone vibrating reaches us. We turn in Brody’s direction to find he’s pulled out his phone. He checks it, then groans. "The old man is at it again."

"What does Arthur want?" Connor asks in resignation.

"Another excuse to get everyone together. This one, to mark your safe return and also, because he never got to throw the two of you a wedding celebration."