Unbreak Me (12 page)

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For waking you.”

Running a finger under her chin, Connor placed soft kisses on her lips, being careful not to hurt her. “You are silly sometimes.”

“Really?” She sounded surprised.

“Yup, but it only makes me fall deeper.”

“You’re adorable.”

“I’m glad you noticed.” He winked at her.

All of a sudden, the pain from mere moments ago began to evaporate. Being with Connor seemed to make all the bad things disappear, and if he was the kind of medicine she needed to have in order to recover, she was happy to indulge.

“You’re a dork.”

“Yup. Now get some sleep.”

Smiling, Molly sank into his arms, listening to the tender beating of his heart. Right then, at that moment, Connor and his strong arms washed away all the pain from the attack and her insecurities. In its place came something more—hope.

* * * *

Molly stood on the sand, a hot cup of coffee in her hand, the noise from the sea refreshing. Connor ran in the distance, looking like a black dot, moving closer to her with each stride.

The morning sun, warm with a rosy glow, was amazing against her skin. She felt almost renewed standing under its magnificence. There, in that moment as she watched the man she loved run toward her, her heart skipped a beat, and the ash from the day before scattered away, leaving enough room for her to ingest the new phase of her life.

Hot and sweaty, Connor ran up to her, planting a kiss on her cheek.

“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” he breathlessly greeted her.

“Yeah, yeah, you old charmer.”

“Less of the old,” he said as he took the cup of coffee from her and sipped the creamy contents.

The two of them began walking back toward the steps that led to the beach house. There was no denying the love between them. It was new, radiant and inspiring.

Breakfast consisted of crispy bacon, waffles, eggs and coffee. The smell in the house was divine and Molly enjoyed every last mouthful, sitting back, feeling full and content. Connor was more than happy to wait on her hand and foot, but Molly wasn’t having any of it.

“Oi, let me help,” she insisted.

“If you wish, but we have plans today.”

Winking at her, he carried the two plates to the sink, knowing she was curious as she followed him with their coffee cups.

“What kind of plans?”

“It’s a surprise.”

There it was again, that deliriously enticing smile of his. The smile that melted her insides, making her crave him.

“Surprises and me don’t go well together,” she pouted.

“Tough luck. Go put on something that’ll keep those knees warm, we leave in forty minutes.”

“Connor…what have you done?”

Holding his hand on his chest, he smiled at her. “I promise, it’s nothing bad, or one that requires us doing anything naughty—not unless you want to of course.” He winked at her again. “But this little excursion is for the soul, nothing more.”

“And by keeping my knees warm, you mean?” she queried, raising her eyebrows.

“Something comfortable.”

Molly’s stomach did a somersault. She knew he was up to something, but what, she couldn’t quite put her finger on. But one thing was for sure, she knew that whatever he had planned, she’d love it regardless.

* * * *

Connor was full of mischief as he drove them along the coastal route to God knows where. Molly kept asking for clues, but Connor was pretty tight lipped. He didn’t want to ruin the surprise.

“Then is it something I can eat?” Molly asked, determined to break him.

“Nope. But we are going to have a bite to eat on it.”

“Oh, c’mon, you’ve gotta give me more than that.”

“Later on, baby.” He winked at her, earning himself a jab in the arm.

“You’re such a meanie.”

Molly pouted, looking every inch the cutest thing he’d ever seen. Even the sutures on her lip and the bruising, which was now developing, couldn’t put him off.

“Trust me, you will love it—or at least I hope you do.”

Butterflies began to flock inside her stomach. A good nervous sensation, one filled with anticipation and excitement, ran through her. It was like being a kid again, full of the wonder of what was going to happen. The heightened adrenaline was good. It meant that although the attack from the day before flashed its dirty memories once in a while, Connor was doing an amazing job of creating new, fresher memories. Ones filled with love, and that was the kind of therapy she needed.

Chapter Nineteen

Connor found it hard to hide his excitement. He used his powers of persuasion to get him and Molly fitted in at the last minute. Of course, with a name like Ellison behind him, he could get what he wanted any time he felt like it, but rarely used his prominent name to get things his way. Everything in moderation was his motto.

Connor pulled into the lot of Heron’s Head Park. He stopped the car, got out and ran around to Molly’s side. Being a gentleman, he opened the door.

“Madam, if you will join me,” he said, all smooth and confident, as he held out his arm for her to take.

Giggling, Molly gave him a curious look but played along.

Connor wanted Molly to be comfortable around him. His overzealous confidence made it easier for him to open his heart and soul to her.

“What are we doing here?” she asked, looking around.

From the back of his pocket, he took out a black handkerchief, dangling it in front of her face, teasing her. “Not so easy, little lady, you gotta wear this first. I promise it’s nothing bad. Do you trust me?”

Molly nodded and swallowed a little anxious breath. “Yes, of course I do.”

Walking behind her, Connor gently placed the cloth over her eyes, blinding her for a few moments, just to make sure the surprise was worth the wait. Once he was happy that she couldn’t see, he took her by the hand, leading her up a little path to their awaiting ride.

Connor could not hide his happiness. The smile swept across his face, as he carefully led Molly toward the balloon.

“Connor, where are we going?” she asked.

He took her hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze before holding her still. “Are you ready?” he asked, his voice full of mischief.

“Erm, okay!”

“I just need to lift you for a second, okay?”

“O-kay,” she muttered, sounding more nervous than he thought she would.

Connor took Molly into his arms with ease and walked the last few feet until he popped her over the side of the basket, then jumped in beside her.

“Can I take this off?” Molly asked, holding on to Connor’s arm for dear life.

“Nope, not yet, just a few minutes more,” he said, gently holding her close to him. “When you’re ready.” He nodded his head at the man in the balloon and before they knew it, the
whoosh
of air in the burner made Molly jump.

Connor reached behind her head, untying the fabric.

Molly gasped as the balloon started to lift off the ground. She inspected everything.

The bay was magnificent. The blue of the sky was a welcome sight. And gazing at Connor, she asked, “You did this for me?”

Pulling her into his arms, Connor kissed her before answering, “I’d do anything for you.”

And up they went, floating through the sky, in what was a memory neither would forget.

“This is just amazing,” Molly gushed as tears formed in her eyes. “You did this for me.”

Connor stood behind her and wrapped his lean arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulders. He’d made the right choice, and he was pleased with himself because he could clearly see from the look on her face how much this meant to her.

“It’s so beautiful and calm up here. It’s like we’re on top of the world,” Connor mused as they both took in the wonder of the world below.

The view of the Napa Valley was spectacular. The rolling and lush hills of the surrounding wine country made both of them gasp in admiration. Then there was the Napa Valley castle of Castello di Amorosa, with its roaming fields and generous forestry made for a special moment.

“This is what heaven looks like,” Molly said as her fingers touched his.

“I couldn’t agree more.”

They spent three and a half hours taking in the beauty of the Napa Valley. Connor loved the expressions of surprise and awe on Molly’s face as they moved through the sky, each one taking a turn at steering the balloon as the pilot guided them.

Connor with all his money, his high-powered connections—everything that his prestigious world could offer—did not get close to how he was feeling with Molly. Taking stock of it all, his mind accepted that there were changes to be made. He had no choice. Molly took priority over everything, and if that meant eradicating a few habits and connections along the way, then it had to be done.

“How did you decide on this?” Molly asked him, as she held on to the basket, looking down over the swirling water.

“Honestly, it just came to me. I thought what better way to escape the humdrum of reality for a few hours than looking down on the world?”

“Well, it’s done the trick.” Molly reached out and touched his face. Her blue eyes shimmered as sunbeams trickled in through the lines of the balloon.

“I’m glad,” Connor replied as he rested his hand on the small of her back, “because I would do so much just to make you happy. I swear it, Molly. I’ve never felt like this before. This is a whole new world to me, and one I am thankful to have. It was you who saved me, always remember that.”

Molly gazed over at him. Her face was a picture of happiness. It was mirrored in Connor’s expression. They were perfect for each other, and Connor couldn’t wait until he got the chance to show her off and declare his love to the world.

* * * *

“Oh my God, that was amazing,” Molly gushed as they drove back to the beach house.

Connor smiled at his girl. She looked sexy as hell. Her hair all windswept, her cheeks pink and the cute little blue shirt she wore clung in all the right places. He loved how she made him feel. He loved the effect she had on him.

“It’s right up there in my top three,” he replied, smiling as the words left his mouth.

“Oh, top three, enlighten me.”

Clearing his throat, Connor licked his lips and grinned before he spoke. “Well, number one, this car, she’s a beauty. Of all the cars a guy could have, this little lady turned my head. She’s reliable, gorgeous to look at, and has never let me down.” He winked at Molly, who looked at him with a curious glint in her eyes. “Number two, you—the night you walked up to me, scaring me, letting me know how I’d be dead before I hit the water. That was a defining moment in my life and one that I promise we will tell the grandchildren—but maybe leaving out a few little things, we’ll whitewash it a little.” His grin got broader. “And last but not least, the night we made love for the first time—I’ve never felt anything like it in my life. You did something to me, woman, and I swear I want to experience it time and time again for the rest of our lives.”

Molly’s face went a pretty shade of scarlet as she absorbed what he’d just said. Connor loved seeing her cheeks flush. He adored how bashful she became when given a compliment. He treasured every second gazing at her, afraid that he’d miss witnessing something new.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been included in someone’s top anything,” Molly gushed.

“Well, get used to it because you are on the top of this guy’s list.”

Connor pulled into the driveway of the beach house. The sun had set, casting a glorious purple hue across the horizon. The day had been a success. A memory created. Something they’d both look back on in their twilight years. A little piece of heaven had been shared and Connor’s heart was fit to burst.

If this was perfection, then he’d die a happy man.

Chapter Twenty

Molly nearly dropped her cup of coffee when she heard the sound of her phone ringing. Rushing to her bag, she searched through the contents, pulling out her diary before finding the cell, seeing Barry’s name flash across the screen.

“Hey, Barry,” she greeted him.

Connor looked at her, mouthing a curious ‘who’s Barry?’

Putting her finger to her mouth, she gestured for him to keep quiet for a minute.

“I was meaning to call, but Connor took me out of town,” she replied. “Yes… I promise I am doing well—” She paused as she listened to Barry. “Friday night? Yeah, I can make that. Can I bring a friend?” she asked, looking over at Connor who sipped at his coffee. “Brilliant, thanks, Barry… Yes, I promise. Okay, bye.”

“Barry?” Connor inquired as he set his cup on the large, ornate table.

Molly reached behind her, lifted a cushion and threw it at him. “He’s my friend.”

“Oh, a friend, what kind of friend?” He winked at her. “I’m only messing.”

“His wife, Jenna, is my go-to gal. She’s my sponsor. Between them both, they tend to do a lot of picking me up when I feel like drowning my sorrows.”

Slipping in close beside Connor, she rested her head on his shoulder as he clasped his fingers around her hand. “He sounds like a dependable guy.”

“He’s a good man. There have been some dark times in my life, especially my meltdown after Aggie passed. Between Barry and Jenna, they got me back on my feet. It was Jenna who encouraged me to live a little, hence lunch with you.”

“Then I am forever in her debt.” Connor kissed the top of her head.

“They are good people. You will like them.” Molly cocked her head back, smiling up at him. “And, you get to meet them on Friday.”

“Friday?”

“Yup, we’ve been invited to their daughter’s fifteenth birthday party. It’s just a simple easygoing get-together.” Molly gave him her cheesiest grin.

“Well, isn’t this interesting?” He grinned at her. “So, this will be like our first formal outing as a couple.”

“Yeah, I suppose it will be.”

Molly had never been a part of anything before. The feeling that he could be her family was enough to make her cry. But holding back those happy tears, Molly swiftly pulled up her knees and cuddled into Connor instead.