Free Captured Innocence (CSA Case Files) by Kennedy Layne

she was some weak woman who couldn’t handle herself in a crisis.  And that annoyed her even more.  Why should she care what he thought anyway?  Unable to prevent herself from following his command, Lauren connected her eyes with his and saw his immediate sympathy.  His warm grip seemed to stop time in her small world.  She could only barely perceive that around her the planet continued to spin as they were trapped in this moment.  Why did he care?  That was all it took for a tear to escape.
    “You’re fine,” Connor murmured, gathering her up in his arms.  Lauren couldn’t suppress the sob that escaped her chest.  His warmth enveloped her and though she knew the safety she felt was illusory, that didn’t stop her from relishing in his embrace.  “I’ve got you, Red.”       

Chapter Six
     
    Lauren didn’t do the damsel in distress well.  She was fully capable of taking care of herself , and after her mini breakdown at the hospital, she tried to fully convey that to Connor.  He wasn’t having any of it, and within the hour she was back at her place and tucked into bed questioning how that had happened.  She had taken the time to change into her favorite pair of pajama pants and tank top.  As she passed her full-length mirror, Lauren realized her new attire gave him a better view of her breasts, but she currently had the covers tucked underneath her arms.  He didn’t need to know that her nipples had hardened into pebbles as he walked into the room.  His presence affected her physically and she wished she could blame it on her concussion.
    “I hope you don’t mind, but I rummaged through the kitchen for some tea bags.”  Connor sat on the side of the bed and held out a steaming cup of hot liquid. A lock of his hair had fallen over his forehead. “You look like the kind of woman who would like it sweetened, so I added some sugar.  If you’d like me to make you another one, it’s no problem.”
    “Um, no,” Lauren replied .  She quickly finished pulling her hair up into a hair tie, careful of the bump at the back of her head. She took the tea he offered her.  She still felt a dull ache in her wrist, but she was getting used to the pain.  “This is fine.  Thank you.”
    “Is there anyone you want me to call?”
    “Would that get you to leave?” Lauren asked, immediately feeling guilty for such a snarky reply.  “I’m sorry.  That was uncalled for.  But really, you don’t have to stay here.  I’m fine.”
    “If it’s one thing you’ll find with me, Lauren, it’s that I’m honest.”  Connor rested a hand on the other side of her thighs.  The movement put them in a more intimate position than she was comfortable with but she didn’t want him to know how much he affected her.  “While you were changing, I phoned one of the officers who responded to the 911 call.  He told me that they found you lying on the sidewalk in front of your shop.  You were incoherent for a few moments, which was why they called an ambulance.  Now, you don’t have to like it, but I’m staying the night.  We’re going to follow the nurse’s instruction.  I’ll take the couch and wake you every couple of hours.”
    “How did you even know I was at the hospital?”
    “It’s not important,” Connor replied, frustrating her even more.  He was very evasive with his answers for a man who claimed to be so honest.  “Get some sleep and we’ll talk more in the morning.”
    “Why do you think that you are even remotely responsible for me?” Lauren asked, wrapping her palms gently against the cup.  The warmth felt good as it traveled to her wrist.  “It was a mugging.  It happens to people in the city all the time.  You don’t really even know me.”
    “But I’d like to,” Connor replied, reaching up and tucking a stray hair behind her ear.  “Let’s save that discussion for another time.  I don’t want you claiming it was your concussion if you end up kissing