Sallinger, Elene: Reflection (The Chrysalis Series)

She’d even had a really sweet offer from a hunky morsel of man at the munch Evan had organised just for her. The gathering of like-minded kinky folks had been a real eye-opener for her. She’d had only one embarrassing moment when Jean and Louis had shown up, but they’d quickly laughed, hugged, and moved on.

She hadn’t even truly considered the offer she’d received. Exploring kink involved deep trust and the only man she trusted at that level was Connor. Her reluctance must have shown because Evan had pulled her aside asking, ‘You OK? Is he pressuring you?’

She’d quickly reassured him that everything was fine before continuing, ‘It’s just that I don’t see how I could do any of this with a stranger.’

He’d smiled indulgently and replied, ‘I don’t personally recommend it.’

He’d laughed at her clear surprise and continued. ‘Look, of course people hook up in this life, but lots of times that takes place at play parties or dungeons where there are other people and monitors to make sure safewords are respected and everything stays safe, sane and consensual.

‘Kink doesn’t mean throwing out the rules of common sense. If anything, you probably need to be even pickier.’

Relief flooded her at his words. She definitely was not ready to jump in with just anyone. Truly, the only person she would even consider doing any of this with at this stage was Connor.

‘Have you thought about calling him?’

Bridget scowled at him. She really didn’t like feeling so exposed.

‘When it comes to Connor, you wear your heart on your sleeve, babe.’

He wrapped her in a warm hug and she drew comfort from him to fight back the tears that always hovered whenever she thought of Connor.

Pulling back, she swiped away an errant tear.

‘I think about it, but so far it hasn’t become more than a thought.’

‘Well –’ he tipped her chin up ‘– don’t wait too long. He seemed like a good guy.’

He was a good guy and she planned to do a hell of a lot more than call him tonight. She was going to claim him once and for all.

Tonight, there would be no more barriers between them.

Taking Skyler’s hand, she squeezed it.

‘You sure you’ll be OK, darlin’?’

Skyler had been struggling with her worries over being a single mom. Just that morning she’d received the papers from Whittier relinquishing all parental rights. She’d been stoic, but it had been obvious that she’d been crying when she had finally emerged from her “nap” several hours later.

‘Yeah.’ She smiled at Bridget. ‘Mom and Lenora are coming over and we’re going to head over to Ten Fingers and Toes to get me registered.’

Bridget was so happy that Skyler’s family had embraced her during this time. More than that, they’d welcomed Bridget with open arms, making her an honorary family member.

‘OK, sugar.’ She gathered the velvet wrap Victor has also provided and the small, quilted clutch. Equipped with all her feminine armour, she went to claim her man.

Without question, this was the best night of his life. Connor surveyed the crowd that had turned out to Bean There Done That and felt himself get a little choked up. He might lose his “man card” over it, but he was definitely damp-eyed. In his wildest dream, he hadn’t expected this.

Mona had pulled out all the stops once she’d viewed his collection. Especially his centrepiece for the show. She’d closed the shop today, and within hours it had been transformed from casual hangout to urban art gallery.

She’d called local contractor, Wade Stalls, who’d ensured they’d met their deadline. That interaction had been something to see. He’d never seen Mona so flustered.

Connor was feeling flustered himself. So far Bridget had been a no-show. He’d be lying to say he wasn’t severely disappointed. But, no matter the outcome, he couldn’t regret putting on this show. He’d already sold two canvases and a local art critic had promised a glowing review in the paper.

It was as if he’d come full circle. That the two ends of his life had finally fused together. For the first time in a very long time, Connor felt whole. He had his art back without shame or recrimination. He no longer needed to hide it lest his parents’ ghosts rise up to haunt him. He was sharing his art with the world and it felt right.

The only thing that could have made this night better was if Bridget had turned out to share it with him. The time they’d been apart had proven to him that he wasn’t going to get over her any time soon. He missed her deeply.

He’d wanted to do this on his own, though. He’d wanted to prove that he’d meet her halfway if she was willing to try. Now, he was kicking himself. He’d waited when he should have acted and it looked like he’d lost her.

‘Your neck is going to cramp if you keep that up. This is an art show not a tennis match.’ Victor handed Connor a flute of champagne. ‘She’s not here, but just be patient.’

‘How can you be so sure? The show started over an hour ago. You know she’s compulsively punctual.’

‘Well, everyone has an off day.’ He chuckled. ‘I’m willing to bet she’ll be here.’

Connor sipped his champagne, wishing it were something stronger. He and Vic had grown close after their first meeting. Vic had been another of Bridget’s champions who’d wanted to kick his ass in the aftermath of their break-up.

He’d threatened Connor quite eloquently when Connor had gone back to return the unused toys. By the time Connor had finished explaining, Vic was offering to buy him a beer and pretending not to notice his tears. A bond had formed that night over drinks and nachos at Lou’s, a local pool hall. They’d hung out regularly ever since.

‘You seem awfully sure of yourself.’ Connor glanced at Victor and stopped short at the smirk on his friend’s face. ‘Hold up.’ He set his glass down. ‘You know something.’

Vic held up a hand to stave off any more questions, ‘Don’t even try it. I’ve been sworn to secrecy and I never break my word.’

Connor wanted to shake the smug grin from his face. This was definitely not funny.

‘Besides –’ Vic gestured over Connor’s shoulder. ‘I just won that bet anyway.’

Connor spun and felt his jaw hit his chest at the vision Bridget made.

‘You’re catching flies, brother.’ Vic laughed and clapped him on the shoulder before moving off to embrace Bridget.

She returned the hug and whispered something in his ear. Vic, the bastard, grinned at Connor before taking her hand and kissing it.

He’d kill him for that later. Right now, he needed to get his dick to cooperate. It was joining the party and he definitely did not want to be standing in a crowd at his first art show sporting a hard-on.

Could you really blame a guy when Bridget looked like sex on legs? Every man in the house had noticed her when she walked in. He’d managed to close his mouth, but he was rooted in place. Hell, part of him just wanted to watch her walk.

The way she moved in that dress had his imagination running wild. And that was not where he needed to be. He needed to get his little head out of the equation.

Mona had obviously seen her. As had Claire. Both women came over and hugged her. Whatever words were exchanged resulted in Mona pointing in his direction.

When she finally saw him, her face transformed. She smiled radiantly. It damn near knocked him on his ass. She’d never been so completely unguarded before.

Hope, furious and hot, burned in his heart and he wrangled it down. This was not the time to get ahead of himself.

She navigated her way over to him. When she was finally within reach, he debated throwing caution to the wind and taking her in his arms, kissing her breathless, and tossing her over his shoulder and making off with her.