Free In A Heartbeat (The Shameful Regret Series) by Liz King Page B

I
spent the entire day watching some of my favorite movies and baking. I did talk
to Daddy briefly, but he seemed to want to get off the phone quickly. It was
nice to have a lazy day to myself. I was surprised that I didn’t hear from
Michelle or Gabbi since Saturday night, but it’s already Tuesday morning, so
it’s time to head back to work.
    I’m sure we will be super busy since the lab was closed for
Labor Day, but that’s ok with me. I’d rather be busy. It makes the day go by a
lot faster. With my hair thrown up in its usual messy bun on top of my head and
my scrubs on, I make my way out of the locker room. The great thing about
wearing scrubs is, it feels like I’m still in my pajamas. I have my glasses on
again, and two pens stuck in my bun. Travis likes to pick on me, saying it’s my
“Sexy Librarian” look. I don’t see it, but whatever. I’m all about comfort at
work.
    “What up, bitch?” I hear Gabbi’s high-pitched squeal as soon
as I walk through the doors. “Did you have fun with Mr. Sex On A Stick?”
    Shit! I honestly hadn’t thought about Connor since breakfast
with Daddy on Sunday. My mind was too occupied with other things. Just hearing
the name Gabbi refers to him as has me remembering the feel and taste of his
lips on mine. Damnit! I can’t do this. I’m not going to see him again, so
what’s the point? “No, he took me home, and I haven’t heard from him. Guess I’m
not his type after all.”
    Michelle and the rest of our coworkers saunter in. It seems
like everyone is dragging after the three-day weekend. “Nae-Nae! Why didn’t you
call me Sunday or yesterday? Stay in bed with Connor?” She smirks.
    “No, she said the dumbass dropped her off then never called
her! The prick!” Gabbi answers for me reaching for the coffee she just brewed.
    I get a sympathetic look from
Michelle, then I walk around her to start getting set up for our first case of
the day. I’m not in the mood to discuss things.
    ~
    The first four hours of the day fly by. Before I know it,
it’s already lunch time. Michelle and I are walking out of the double doors
that lead into the hallway cracking up laughing at some of the stupid stuff
Travis was telling us about what his kids did to him this weekend when we see a
large bouquet of flowers and what looks like a giant gummy bear in cellophane
coming down the hall in the arms of a large man. We can’t see the person’s face
due to the way he is carrying the vase of multicolored roses, but tingles prick
my spine. This person seems almost familiar to me, then he lowers his arms,
showing his face. Holy shit!
    “Sweetness, I was hoping I would surprise you, but seeing
you dressed like this is a surprise for me. Damn, baby.” Connor’s rich makes me
weak in the knees.
    I look down at myself. My scrubs are wrinkled from being
under my lead apron, my hair is a mess, and I have on no makeup at all. I look
completely different than the previous three times he’s seen me. He must think
I look like a hot mess. “Uh, Connor, what are you doing here?” I manage to ask
once I get my wits back about me.
    Michelle takes a defensive posture beside me. She’s not
happy that I don’t seem happy to see him. “What the fuck did you do that you
have to bring her flowers and candy for?” She says crossing her arms over her
chest tapping her foot.
    Connor ignores Michelle, stepping closer to me. He sets the
giant gummy bear down on the stretcher in the hall then reaches out for my
hand. “How’s your knee? Does it still hurt?” He looks down at my leg then back
to my face searching for any sign I actually want him here, which I do,
desperately.
    “I told you the other night, I’m fine. It doesn’t even hurt
any more. It was just a little scrape.” My voice comes out a squeak. That was
so embarrassing Saturday night. I can’t believe I tripped, then when he was
trying to be sweet and help me up, I pushed him away and ran from him. He’s
only here to check to