Love Reflection (Entwined Hearts #1) (25 page)

“It’s you, Con. Always has been,” my mouth says before my brain has a chance to catch up. He lifts his hand and cups the side of my face.

“Love you, Pea.”

“I’m so in love with you,” I whisper and he leans in and touches his lips to mine, keeping his eyes open, keeping our contact.

“I’m back precious… for you.”

My stomach drops. Now I have to tell him everything. Now it’s time for shit to get real.

Before I have time to think he grabs my hand, then he looks over my shoulder. “Hey guys,” he says to Saul and Soph. Then he looks over to Dane and nods. “I guess as you’re her brother, I won’t need to call you douche canoe anymore then?” I hear Dane chuckle behind me.

“I’m sorry to return and then dash, and I promise to catch up with you all in the next few days, but Pea and I have been dancing around each other for too long now and I can’t deal with that shit anymore, so right now I’m dragging her to my house.” I look around and see Soph beaming and Saul and Dane smirking before being led away by Con.

We get outside to his car and I stare at it. I’d forgotten how pretty it is. If Con even thought I was thinking the word pretty he would moan. I slip inside and Con gets in and raises an eyebrow at me.

“What? I get in cars now,” I say smiling. He grabs my hand before pulling away. “I’m just glad I have my Pea back,” he says kissing the back of my hand.

“I was always here, Con,” I say softly.

“I know, precious. I didn’t mean anything shitty by it.” He has placed my hand on his thigh and is rubbing the back of it with his thumb in between changing gears of the car.

“I know, it’s just… it’s been a long road for me. I blamed myself for so many things for so long, and there are things I’ve done wrong and things I need to get forgiveness for…” I trail off.

“Let’s worry about that shit another night, babe. I’m here now and we have catching up to do. Then I’ll be here in the future to help you heal,” he says and looks at me and I can see my love reflected in his eyes.

“Promise,” I whisper.

“Always,” he replies and I feel my heart twinge again knowing that he has no idea what he’s promising, and I have no way of knowing whether he will be able to keep that promise.

“So,” he says bringing me out of my thoughts and continues, “Dane’s your brother? I never would’ve seen that coming.” He chuckles. “I’m glad though, I didn’t want to have to break his face. When I heard him say that he loves you, then you returned the sentiment, I wasn’t happy. Then I heard you say that you had to tell me, it just about broke me, Pea,” his voice is strained and he looks straight ahead. I grab his hand and squeeze.

“You haven’t heard the best bit yet,” I say trying to move on from the sad moment we seem to be caught in.

He looks at me then looks back at the road. “What?”

“He’s Saul’s brother too.” Con swerves the car slightly, it’s a good job the roads are quiet.

“Fuck! Seriously? They both have
that
mother?” And that little statement makes me smile. Con knowing something even I questioned for a split second, that my mum would never have had another child that she kept a secret.

“Yeah, mad isn’t it?” I say.

“Fuck yeah,” he replies in astonishment.

We get back to Con’s, he parks the car and we go inside. As soon as we get into the lounge room he grabs me. “Con you haven’t even put the light on!” I say.

“Hmmm… I don’t plan on staying in this room,” he says while kissing my neck. I let my head fall back and give him free reign, closing my eyes.

The next thing I know he’s lifting me up in the bridal style and he stalks up the stairs with me in his arms. I snuggle my face into his neck. I know what’s going to happen and I smile. I will always let him have me. When it comes to Con, I’m a total hussy and I don’t care.

We get into his bedroom. “Fuck me, it’s freezing,” he says and I agree by snuggling myself into him more.

“Why is it so cold?” I mumble.

“When I got home earlier. The place smelled musty from being locked up for so long, so I opened the windows to air it out. I shut the windows a few hours ago, but I didn’t expect it to still be cold. I’ll go and put the heating on,” he says while moving swiftly through the room. I kick my shoes off and get under the bed covers trying to keep warm whilst shivering.

He walks back over and sits on the bed. He takes his boots off and I stare at his back seeing the muscles move, even under his top. He chucks his boots to one side and reaches behind his back to pull his top over his head. Yet again I can’t move, I just stare at his perfection. He tugs his jeans down just leaving his boxers on then gets under the covers.

“Just to say, if you’re cold, I’m not sure stripping is the way to go,” I say.

“Well, they say the body generates the most heat, let’s take your clothes off and see if they’re right.” He slips under the covers and I giggle like a schoolgirl.

I can feel him tugging my leggings down and then he pops his head back up out of the covers.

“Going commando, Pea? I like it. I may make it a permanent requirement for you.” He grins and I smile before he disappears back under the covers. I however, have no time to smile and ponder, because the next thing I’m aware of is Con’s mouth kissing my inner leg just above my knee and a sigh escapes me. He gently kisses and nibbles my leg moving upwards while pushing my legs gently apart. His hand reaches my sex before his mouth and because I’m concentrating on him kissing my thigh, it takes me by surprise when his finger slides in between my folds. He runs it up and down slowly and then pushes it inside. He brings it out and when he slides it back in, he’s added another finger and at the same time he puts his mouth over my mound and sucks. My back arches off the bed and I can feel myself already starting to let go. I close my eyes and pull my jumper and camisole off, glad that I don’t have a bra on, so I can give him access to my breasts as his hand makes its way out of the duvet and tugs on my nipple. I’m writhing to his rhythm and the sparks are taking over my body ready to ignite when he stops.

“Ahhh!” I scream and he pokes his head out of the covers.

“Sorry babe, but I need you to finish with me inside of you,” he says and I can already feel him at my entrance. He rubs his cock up and down my folds, coating it with my juices.

“You’re so wet.”

“Always for you, Con,” I say with a moan as he rocks into me. He moves back and forward pushing into me and opening me slowly.

“Is it only me?” he asks and I know what he’s saying, so I nod as the fire lights his eyes and he pushes all the way inside me.

“Ahhh!” I groan while he simultaneously moans, “Fuck.”

He rocks back and forth. “More Con,” I rasp and his pace quickens. He leans down and takes my nipple in his mouth, gently nibbling on it. Then he moves forward and looks in my eyes before lowering his mouth onto mine. He gently kisses me, then it becomes more fevered as he moves faster and harder. He reaches down and uses his thumb on my pussy and the combination sends me over the edge. Just as I’m coming down, I feel his release. He settles on top of me for a second then spins us over, so I’m lying on him. We breathe hard for a few minutes then settle ourselves down.

“You only got back today,” I ask.

“Mmm,” he says.

“You came to see me on the day you landed?”

“Mmm.”

“You must be tired?” I ask.

“Mmm.”

“Con, there is so much I have to share with you, so much to say.”

This time I get nothing, so I look down at him and he’s asleep. It’s starting to feel like I’m never going to get a chance, to be honest.

I can feel the heat rising from the radiator as I lean against it trying to warm my body. Stupidly I came home and jumped straight into the shower without thinking about turning the heating on in the house first. Now I’m regretting it and feeling like my nipples are going to fall off at any moment.

As my body is defrosting itself, I let my mind drift away and think over the last twenty-four hours. A whirlwind that I’ve been caught up in. It’s almost allowed me to forget my dishonesty and instead focus on this brief glimpse of happiness that I’m scared is going to be snatched away at any minute. I’ve decided though that tonight I have to be honest. He has come back for me and we obviously want to be back together, so the longer I keep this from him, the worse it will be when he finds out.

I tried to be honest with him… okay, so I haven’t tried extremely hard. In my defence, when it’s been a while since you’ve had the big O from the love of your life, you kind of bask in it when it reappears. I’ve been enjoying him and tonight we’re off out on our first official date since he arrived back.

I needed to get to work today, I had a late morning start at the hospital and worked all afternoon on one of the wards. Con sent me to work with a spring in my step and a couple of orgasms under my belt before eleven a.m. He also said I needed to be ready for dinner tonight and that he’d pick me up at seven. I haven’t spoken to him since. He’d sent me one text though.

Con:
Don’t forget dinner at 7. After dinner I get dessert.

I had chuckled at his dirty innuendo and gone back to work.

Now I’m here wondering what to wear and wishing Soph was around to help. I lean slightly away from the radiator, not wanting to lose the heat and reach for my phone then dial Soph’s number.

“Hey lady, you okay?” she answers.

“Yeah, just trying to find something to wear for tonight. When are you going to be home?”

“Oh yeah, you have your first date with Con,” she chuckles.

“Come on Soph, I need your help,” I whine.

“You do?” Soph replies sounding surprised.

“Yeah, I haven’t been on a date with him in years and it’s not the same as just hanging out as friends.” Soph giggles down the phone. “Okay, okay, calm down diva. We’ll figure this out! I’ll be home in five minutes,” she chuckles again and hangs up.

I stay in the same position listening to her come into the house and up the stairs. When she pokes her head around the door and wiggles her eyebrows teasing me, I shoot daggers her way and sit down on the edge of my bed with the hump, like a schoolchild.

“Calm your tits, okay? Let's break this shit down,” she starts. “You’re going to dinner with him, right?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that’s the first thing, it means you don’t have to worry about the weather, or being too hot or too cold.” I nod, Soph’s making sense. “Secondly, you’re not going to a club or bar so you don’t need night vamp clothes, hair or makeup.” I roll my eyes.

“Soph, I don’t go in for those outfits anyway, you know that! I only wear crap like that when you make me,” I moan.

“Okay, but it still means we’re narrowing the field. Trust me, this is what I know.” There’s nothing I can say to that because I know she’s right.

“You don’t want to wear leggings or anything that screams I’m on my period, stay away from me!”

“Hey! I like leggings!” I shout.

“Case and point,” Soph says grinning. I look at her hoping that she realises I do not find her even slightly funny. “I can see the corner of your mouth tipping up lady, you want to smile,” she says and I’m trying desperately not to laugh. Damn that woman. I can’t help it though and I smile. My damn friend. I love her.

“Okay, so we’re down to conservative clothing, you know your suits and Sunday best. Yeah, erm… nah uh! Not going to work,” she says while shaking her head no.

“What exactly
are
we left with then?” I question.

“In your wardrobe?” She looks at me. “Not a lot.” I stare at her unamused and she smiles again.

“Okay, so pick, skinny jeans or a dress?”

“Skinny jeans,” I say immediately.

“Dress it is!” she laughs and I roll my eyes again.

She pulls out two dresses and says, “Pick.” One is an A-line, long-sleeved, crew-necked, purple jersey dress with a belt around the middle and its skirt is fairly short, although as it’s A-line it doesn’t feel too short. The other is a white sweater dress, it’s straight up and down, cable knit, long sleeves and comes to my mid-thigh.

“Do you really want me to tell you which one I want or are you going to choose anyway?” I ask.

“Oh, you tell me what you want, I’ll still make the choice,” she tells me smirking.

“Have I told you that you’re a pain in my arse yet today,” I murmur and she laughs.

“The white sweater dress,” I announce waiting for her to choose the other one.

She surprises me when she says, “Yeah, that’s a good choice.” I’m shocked, until she says, “But, the condition of wearing this is that you have to wear your black suede ankle boots. I huff, dreading the idea of trying to walk in them, but agree. I shoo her out so I can get ready.

I decide to blow my hair out and it hangs down my lower back straight with two tiny plaits gathered at the front to keep it out of my eyes. I put make up on, opting to add some sexy smoky eyes and put on the killer ankle boots that Soph’s making me wear.

Grabbing my clutch, I make my way downstairs and Soph claps.

“Yay, look at you! I’ll make a girl out of you yet! Come on hunny let me take a photo, this is a big occasion,” she teases pretending to snap photographs of me with her hands. She always takes the piss when she manages to dress me. It’s a standing joke with her, of course she hasn’t been living with me and therefore on hand to dish out the snark at any given opportunity before!

I hear Con’s car pull up outside and before he gets a chance to knock I poke my tongue out at Soph, giggle and wink, then rush to the door just as Con is walking up the path.

“I was going to be a gentleman and knock, precious,” he says slightly perturbed.

“Sorry, I just couldn’t wait to get to you.”

He smiles then steps back and takes me in. Starting from my feet his eyes eat me up as they move over my body, when he reaches my face he stops momentarily on my lips and takes a step forward encroaching on my personal space. He looks into my eyes and I feel his hot breath caress my face.

“I don’t know if I can sit through dinner when I know what I’m getting for dessert.”

I smile and let that wash over me then I grab his hand and reply, “If you want dessert you have to be a good boy and let me have dinner first.” I chuckle as he groans and I lead him to his car.

When we arrive at the restaurant the hostess’s eyes glitter as she takes in all that is Con. I can’t blame her. He’s wearing a pair of nicely fitted dark grey-blue jeans, with black shoes and a black v neck top that’s sculpted to his body, and a dark grey suit jacket which has just one button done up. He’s the epitome of male perfection and as I glance around the restaurant I realise that the hostess is not the only female in the vicinity appreciating all that is Con. I giggle and Con looks over and raises an eyebrow.

“What?” he asks pulling me to him.

“You have a fair few admirers in this place,” I say with a smirk.

He pulls me closer and kisses my temple. “You better protect me then.” I look up at him and he winks, moves away from me, but not before catching my hand and leading me to the table following behind the hostess.

“Your table,” she purrs and he grins, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. It’s one of his polite grins.

“Thank you,” he says before pulling my chair out.

“Your waiter will be over shortly to take your order. Here are your menus…” she pauses and I wonder why until she continues, “Unless you know what you want then I could take your order now?” She barely glances at me while talking to Con. He takes the menus and nods at her waiting for her to leave. After a few seconds she hasn’t said anything and even though I know the hostess doesn’t normally take the orders, she obviously wants Con to notice her. I figure it’s going to be easier to get rid of her if we order.

“I’ll have the duck in orange sauce with potatoes and green beans and he will have the sirloin steak, medium, with the same and I’ll have a glass of the house white and he’ll have a beer,” I say and glare, she soon gets the message and shuffles off. I pin my lips together determined not to laugh.

“Don’t,” he says without looking up from the menu that he doesn’t need to read anymore and I bite into my lip even harder.

He looks up and I know he can see my mirth. “You know most women would get the hump with that, they would be pissed, but not you. No. You think it’s funny.” He shakes his head and a peep escapes me. “You could pretend to be a bit jealous you know,” he says, but I know he’s teasing me.

“Why? She’s not your type,” I answer looking over to her all willowy, blonde and gorgeous, but definitely not Con’s type and then continue, “When someone more your type starts flirting, I’ll be worried, okay?” He chuckles.

We spend another fifteen minutes talking about nothing and everything. Our food arrives and I start telling him all about Dane and how he’s permanently inserted himself into my life and how happy that makes me. I tell him about one of the patients at the hospital today, Mr. Mallory. “He’s a crazy old coot. He has to be eighty-five at least, yet he has the energy of a toddler… and the hands of a teenager. I told him if he kept grabbing my arse I would swap his tablets for hormones and watch him become a woman,” I giggle.

He shakes his head at me. “You’re a crazy person,” he says flat out smiling.

“So I’ve been told, but just so we’re clear, why am I crazy this time?”

“Doesn’t matter,” he says still smiling. I stare at his face, so open and full of love and my brain seizes.

“I’m sorry,” the words are out of my mouth before I can think to stop them and his smile disappears. I inwardly curse myself.

“What are you sorry about?” he asks obviously concerned.

I look down at my lap and then across the restaurant.

“Pea, don’t think on it, just say whatever it is. We can’t sort it until it’s out in the open.”

I nod and look back to his dark green eyes. “I’m sorry I wasted ten years.”

He sucks in a breath and stills. “I wanted to fix things for so long,” he croaks out. He clears his throat and continues, “I always wanted you. Every day Pea, you have to know that?”

I don’t know what to do and the conversation seems to have taken a wrong turn somewhere, so I panic and say, “I’m not wearing any underwear,” then I widen my eyes realising what I’ve just said and the fact that it was at a normal volume, which means I’m now getting looks from the nearby table. My face reddens and I look at Con to see his face a mixture, he has a smirk on his lips but his eyes light with fire and my tummy dips while heat rushes to my sex.

He puts his hand in the air. “Waiter.” I see a waiter catch his eyes. “Bill please.” The waiter nods and walks over to the register obviously sorting out our account, he comes back and hands the bill to Con, who promptly pulls out his wallet and chucks some cash down on the table then grabs my hand hauling me up and out of the seat. I look at the two tables nearest and see the women’s assessing eyes, while the men have knowing grins, almost like they want to high five Con and I know he has a smirk. My face flames red again.

Con pulls me through the restaurant and past an obviously disappointed hostess who he doesn’t even glance at. We get into his car and it jumps to attention throwing me back into the seat. We arrive back at Con’s in record time and he still hasn’t said anything to me. Not that I’m worried.

He parks in his garage and gets out the car stalking to my side. Swinging the door open, he grabs my hand again and pulls me from the vehicle. Luckily I’ve taken my seatbelt off because I don’t think he’s stopping for anything.

He drags me straight upstairs without a word and throws me on the bed. I let out a little squeak and watch him prowl to me with his eyes hooded, he takes his jacket and shoes off at the same time then pulls his top over his head. As he pulls his belt through their loops, his jeans drop down slightly to hang on his hips and I can see his v running down below the waistband. I lick my lips and his eyes move to stare at them.