Island Holiday (Brookwell Island #4)

Chapter 16

Connor tried to remember where they were and what just went down. He failed. Sonya overwhelmed his senses and he didn’t mind. Not a bit. It felt too right, having her in his arms like this. She’d kissed him and he didn’t want it to end. He pulled her closer, until she was flush against him, her curves warm and tempting.

And then reality slammed into him. They hadn’t brushed up against disaster, they’d gone jousting. And won. Zimmer’s operation was shut down. Mertens wouldn’t be free for much longer. He squeezed Sonya, overcome. “You did it.”

“I think that was you.” Her hands moved through his hair, stroking lightly along the back of his neck. Not exactly a touch intended to arouse, and yet it set off a wave of desire he couldn’t resist.

No, their success was all about her tenacity, but he didn’t want to argue. He boosted her up until her legs wrapped around his waist. Suddenly they were both laughing and he had no idea what was so damn funny.

“What now?” Her smile wobbled.

Her eyes were dazed. She looked a little starstruck. Or maybe it was the shock catching up with her.

At least she was still pretty. He was sure he looked even worse than he felt, his damp hair and clothing smelling of bait and pluff mud. And he was holding her against all that mess. He set her gently on her feet, but he couldn’t release her hands.

What now?

He wanted to start with a shower, but he was half-afraid she’d bolt if he took his eyes off her. Would she go back to her solitary ways at the first opportunity?

The thought threatened to take him out at the knees. This wasn’t the time or the place to collapse.

What now?

For Connor, the only answer was whatever gave him any glimmer of a future with Sonya. He couldn’t force her to look at things his way, but if she gave him a chance to show her how amazing they could be together, he would make the leap.

It was that or let her go.

Hell no, that wasn’t happening. He braced himself. “How about now we take some time for ourselves?”

She tilted her head. “More details, please.”

He grinned. He’d give her details until she couldn’t refuse him. “I’m talking about the holidays. Hot cocoa. A Christmas tree. Christmas carols. A drive through the light display down on James Island. A carriage ride through Charleston. Will you spend Christmas with me?”

Her eyes went wide again, her eyebrows lifting and the smile that bloomed across her face lit him up inside. Hope, joy, and love swirled in one beautiful pool of emotion in his chest. It felt bright enough that he could pull it out and use it for the star at the top of the Christmas tree he wanted to decorate with her.

They’d been working a case, yes. And they’d closed it. But if they went their separate ways now, the victory would feel hollow. They would be two people alone on a holiday that was all about family and joy.

More details crystallized in his mind. “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Plenty of time to get a tree up and decorated.” Maybe some gifts too. They both had plenty of contacts and favors in this area. Friends who would be happy to help them out.

He was determined to make this holiday memorable. The start of something big—he could hope—or the sweet cap on a challenging case that ended well. She came to South Carolina to build fun and happy memories. He didn’t want this to wreck that streak for her. He didn’t want her to look back and have any regrets about this case, her choices, or him.

“We have good reason to celebrate. And celebrations are better with someone you care about.” Care? If only. He was head over heels in love with her and though he might never have a chance to tell her without scaring her off, he could definitely show her.

“You have a house around here I don’t know about?”

As if he could hide that kind of asset from the forensic accountant. “No. I’m thinking a hotel suite will work just fine.” This year. “We deserve all the luxury spa products and room service we can handle.”

“Amen.” She took his face in her hands and kissed him. Boldly this time.

He loved it.

“Which Ellington should we call?” he asked. “The resort or the downtown hotel?” Probably more likely to get a room at the resort. Then again, Sonya was considered part of the family. “Or, if you’re tired of moving, we can extend our reservation here.”

“We deserve a change of scenery.” She grinned, the expression sly and sweet at the same time. “Let me handle the reservation. You can get started on the decorations.”

She linked her arm through his and they walked away from the river, the sounds of the water and evening birds muting their footsteps.

“So, we have a plan?”

“Yes, we do,” she agreed.

He stopped and kissed her once more. Couldn’t help himself. This would be a Christmas they would both remember forever.

A Christmas they could celebrate right now and, hopefully, years from now they would tell their kids about their holiday that brought them together.