Unwritten

by Hartley, Jenna

Her green eyes pleaded with me, even as they filled with tears. I used my thumb to wipe one away. And then I pulled her to my chest, wishing I could shelter her from the world. The warm tears that wet my shirt made something in my chest crack. Why hadn’t I stayed?

  All I could do was be here now. So, I rubbed circles on her back. “It’s okay. I’m here. I’ve got you.”

  “I know. Just like I knew you’d never allow anything to happen to me,” she said with a conviction that surprised me. “Please, Connor. Don’t go.”

  I knew it was only the shock, but I wished she was asking me to stay for good. Liam was right; I could ask for a transfer. But would Olivia want me here? Or was she vulnerable and needed consoling before she would push me away for good? At the moment, I didn’t care. I just wanted to be with her. Comfort her. Love her.

  I reached behind my neck, pulling my shirt over my head. As I removed my clothes, I shed my insecurities, baring myself to her. Maybe I couldn’t protect her from everything, but I’d do everything in my power to try.

  Once I was in the tub, I opened my arms wide, wanting her to take her place there. Because that’s where she belonged—with me. I wasn’t sure whether it was the stress of the day or my talk with Liam or even what Olivia had said, but I now knew that with absolute certainty.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Olivia

  I leaned back in Connor’s arms and closed my eyes. I was safe. Luna was okay, even if she’d sequestered herself in the back of my closet. Connor was here with me. Everything would be okay.

  The water was getting cold, but I was afraid to return to my bedroom. Afraid to sleep for fear of the memories that would haunt me. Would I ever look at my bed or the barstool the same again? Would I ever be able to make coffee without memories of George plaguing me? Even just thinking his name made me shudder.

  Connor traced designs on my arms, his touch comforting. “You’re cold. We should get out.”

  I nodded, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. He climbed out, water sluicing down his skin. He was strong, powerful, and if today had shown me anything, it was that he’d protect me. Even at risk to his own safety, he’d put me first.

  He wrapped a towel around his waist before holding one out for me. I stood, stepping into his arms and wanting to stay there. He held me, giving me a feeling of safety and security that only he could. I tried to memorize the look and feel of him, knowing he’d be leaving soon.

  “I need you,” I said. I needed him to help me feel not just safe, but alive. I needed him to make love to me. I needed him to stay, but that was impossible. I’d have to settle for this moment.

  “Goody.” His voice cracked, tension filling the silence.

  I closed my eyes to ward off the onslaught of emotions. I’d pushed him away last night when he’d suggested we try long-distance, but surely… I couldn’t stomach the thought of his rejection. It had been a big day, and I wasn’t sure how much more my heart could handle.

  “Please,” I whispered. “Please, Connor. Are you trying to break me?” I finally choked out.

  More silence, and he turned me in his arms. My heart was pounding so loud, I would’ve been surprised if he couldn’t hear it. “The last thing I would want is to hurt you. Olivia… I love you.”

  My eyes snapped open. “You do?”

  But I didn’t have to ask; I knew it was true. Just as I knew that I loved him.

  “Yes.” He nodded, tucking my hair behind my ear. “And I’m sorry it took something like this for me to tell you.”

  “I love you too.” I didn’t know what the future held, and I didn’t care. I loved him. “I think I loved you before I even met you.”

  He took my hand in his, lifting it to cover his heart. And when he smiled down at me, his eyes were full of warmth. I closed my eyes, reveling in the moment as he pressed his lips to mine. It was a kiss that spoke of passion and love, but above all, of promise. A promise of a future together, despite the odds we might face.

  “Are you all in?” His voice was calm, but his eyes swirled with emotion.

  I tilted my head to the side. “All in?”

  “If I come to California, will you live with me? Will you be mine and not just for a week?”

  “Yes,” my mouth whispered before my brain could shut it down. “Yes,” I squealed.

  He gathered me in his arms, his scruff tickling my skin as he covered me with kisses. I giggled, more from the insanity of it than the tickling.

  “This is crazy,” I gasped.

  “Maybe.” He grinned, pulling me closer. His erection dug into my belly, and heat pooled deep within.

  “We barely know each other.” I was trying to be pragmatic and failing miserably. Especially as he continued to kiss his way down my body, his lips skating over my skin. All thoughts turned to mush. All I could think was that I wanted him, and I didn’t care about anything else.

  He stopped his assault on my body and took my hand in his. “It’s all about quality over quantity, Goody. We may not have known each other long, but I’d say I know you very well. And I think the same is true for you.”

  I nodded, knowing he was right. “So, you’re staying? Really?”

  I ran my hands over his shoulders, down the planes of his chest. I couldn’t stop touching him. It had been impossible before, but especially now that I knew he was mine.

  He flashed me a mischievous grin. “You’re stuck with me now.”

  “It’s that simple,” I teased. “You snap your fingers, and your transfer request is granted?”

  He lifted a shoulder. “Pretty much. I already talked to Liam about it.”

  I jerked my head back. “Really? What about your life in Virginia? Your friends? You’d give up everything for me?”

  “I’d do anything for your chocolate crack cookies.” He coughed when I slugged him. “I mean—you. I’d do anything for you.”

  “Prove it.” I loosened my towel, dropping it to the floor.

  His gaze darkened, his eyes flitting between my lips, my breasts, my hips. It was as if he couldn’t decide which was his favorite. I understood the feeling—his chest was magnificent, as if it were chiseled from marble. Then there were his shoulders, those muscular arms and powerful legs. I loved everything about him. I loved that he was gentle and passionate. I loved that he was caring and funny. And he always seemed to understand exactly what I needed.

  “But your head…” he said without conviction.

  “My head is just fine, and you know it.” I hopped up on the counter, opening my legs in invitation. “Please. I need you. I need you to make me whole.”

  In the past, I would’ve been way too shy to do something so bold. But Connor had shown me that it was okay to be myself. That I was wonderful just as I was. And while I’d already admitted that to myself, it was nice to have confirmation from the man I loved. I didn’t need the affirmation, but I wanted it all the same.

  “I’ll go grab a condom.”

  I bit my lip, not wanting to be apart for a second. “I’m on the pill, and I’m clean.”

  “Fuck yes.” He stepped closer, his eyes darkening. “I mean, I’m clean too. It’s been only you for months. And you’re the first—” He cleared his throat. “I’ve always used a condom in the past.”

  And as he slid into me, filling me, stretching me, I knew I’d made the right decision. Connor was mine, and I was his.

  “Fuck, Goody. I can’t believe I get to wake up to this every morning.” He thrust his hips, ducking his head to suck a nipple into his mouth.

  I held on tight, watching where our bodies connected. The room was filled with the sounds of our breaths—relief mingling with ecstasy. We were both okay. More than okay. He was staying. And he was mine.

  “Sex or me?” I teased.

  “Both,” he gasped, burying himself to the hilt and pulling out again. “I love you so fucking much.” He cupped my cheek, and I melted into his touch.

  I peered into those gray eyes that could read me so w
ell. “I love you, Connor.”

  We spent the rest of the night wrapped in each other’s arms. He was gentle and caring, protective. He carried me to the guest room, perhaps sensing my need to be away from my bedroom. Away from memories of George. And despite all that had happened, I was happy, content. And I focused on the future—on Connor.

  * * *

  The next morning, I returned to work as if nothing had happened. My jaw ached, but my head was held high. Connor tried to convince me to call in sick, but I was supposed to have my annual performance appraisal.

  Just before lunch, I knocked on the door to Seth’s office. Connor had given me a pep talk before work—as well as a few orgasms. And I felt ready to take on the world.

  “Come in. Take a seat,” Seth said without glancing up from his computer.

  I sat across from him, crossing my legs at the ankle while I waited for him to finish whatever he was working on. When he finally stopped typing, he turned to me, fingers steepled. “Let’s talk about this past year.”

  “Sure. Where would you like to start?” I opened my notebook.

  “Well, let’s start with what you’ve contributed to Igloo.”

  I nodded, tucking my hair behind my ear as I stared at my notes. “I’d say that Spines for Soldiers was my biggest one.”

  He nodded, his expression giving nothing away. So, I continued talking. “I’m sure you’ve already glanced over the figures, but they don’t show the full extent of the program’s success. In addition to increased book sales from that demographic, we have garnered ourselves quite a fair share of good will among the military community. And participants have reported a high satisfaction with their experience.”

  And it was the only reason I was still trying to salvage my job. I wanted to continue the program, and I knew it was a winner.

  “Excellent,” he said. “And while that was a great idea, it was only one idea. In the same time, Nicole has produced and executed ten.”

  I gripped the edge of my notebook. “I think if you look at the complexity of those programs in relation to Spines for Soldiers, you’ll see that Spines for Soldiers was a massive undertaking.”

  “It was a large program, true. But it was the only idea you even submitted all year.”

  I’d anticipated this, but it still didn’t make it any easier. And while I didn’t want to throw Nicole under the bus, I also deserved credit for my work.

  “Actually, Nicole and I worked together to develop most of the ideas she presented.”

  His shrewd gaze assessed me. “Why am I just now hearing about this?”

  I lifted a shoulder. “In the past, I preferred to take a behind-the-scenes role. But Spines for Soldiers opened my eyes to my potential and what I have to offer.” Spines for Soldiers, but more importantly, Connor.

  Seth arched an eyebrow, and I wasn’t sure whether his reaction was a positive one. He shuffled some papers on his desk. “I’ll have to discuss that with Nicole and verify with her.”

  “That’s fine.”

  I also needed to speak with Nicole. I was done letting her take the credit for my ideas. What had started out as a mutually beneficial arrangement had been twisted into something else. She now seemed to expect that I’d just hand over my ideas. And while I was partly to blame for it, I was done being invisible. I had a voice, and I was going to use it.

  “Where are we on the biography?”

  I checked the urge to roll my eyes. Seriously?

  I’d already come this far. It was time to speak up for myself.

  “I’m not sure what that has to do with my ability to perform my job. And frankly, I think it’s inappropriate that you asked me to contact my father about it.”

  He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “As an employee of Igloo, it’s in your best interest to do everything to help this company. I’ll expect the signed contract on my desk by tomorrow morning, or you can start looking for a new job.”

  I stood, smoothing down my skirt. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For showing me my worth. I’m better than this, and I deserve more.” I opened the door. “I quit.”

  “What?” he sputtered, his face growing red. “You wouldn’t.”

  “I just did.” I turned and strode out the door, passing Alyssa on the way. She raced to join me.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I just quit my job.” I marched toward my cubicle with her on my heels. Though Spines for Soldiers was my baby, I’d find another way to give back to the community.

  “Wait—what? Really?” She lifted her hand for a high five. “Finally. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thanks.” I laughed, feeling proud of myself. “It does feel pretty good. Apart from the fact that I’m now unemployed.”

  “Who the eff cares? You’re going to have people begging you to work for them. Now, go enjoy your day with that sexy soldier of yours.” She winked.

  After I promised to call her later, I packed up my cubicle, ready to be free of this place. Ready to have a fresh start, with Connor by my side. It was a lot of change in a short amount of time, but it had also been a long time coming. I tucked my bag under my arm and exited the building with a smile. I halted when I saw Connor standing out front, leaning against the building. His sunglasses shielded his eyes, but I could feel him watching me.

  “Hey.” I smiled. “What are you doing here?” Not that I was complaining. I liked having him with me.

  “I thought I’d take you to lunch to celebrate your performance review.” He gave me a peck, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as he guided me toward the parking lot.

  I barked out a laugh. “We might want to celebrate something else. I just quit my job.”

  But instead of feeling scared or disappointed, all I felt was hope. I would find another job. And now that I knew my value, I wouldn’t be taken advantage of again. I would take credit for my ideas and advocate for the things I cared about.

  He squeezed me closer. “I’m proud of you.”

  I laughed. “That’s what Alyssa said too.”

  “You’re not the only one with news. I spoke with Mark and Jackson this morning.”

  My heart started racing, even as I attempted to remain calm. Though Connor had been confident his request to transfer would be granted, ultimately, it wasn’t up to him.

  “And…?” I prodded. He was killing me.

  He smirked. “And I’ll be starting next week. Which means we have another week off together.”

  “What about your stuff? Your apartment?”

  He cupped my cheeks. “It’s just stuff. Cole Security will arrange to have it packed up, or we can take a road trip. I can show you my favorite places, introduce you to the rest of my friends.”

  “So, we’re really doing this?”

  “Why?” He tangled his fingers in my hair, resting his forehead against mine as he nuzzled my nose. “Are you having second thoughts, Goody?”

  My breath caught. “Absolutely not. I just want to make sure you’re really thinking this through. That you aren’t being hasty.”

  “Tell me something…” He kissed my cheek. “Were you being hasty when you quit your job?”

  I shook my head, our breath mingling as people passed us on the sidewalk. “No. I was acting on instinct. Even if it did seem impulsive.”

  “Which is exactly what I’m doing.” He searched my eyes. “I love you.”

  “Not as much as I love you.” I pulled him to me, kissing him on the sidewalk as if our lives depended on it.

  Our story was just beginning. And I couldn’t wait to see what the future held. Because I knew that, together, we were stronger. Together, we could take on anything.

  Epilogue

  Connor

  Eight months later

  “Goody?”

  “Yeah,” she called, clearly not paying me any attention. The timer for the cookies chimed a second later.

  “Olivia?” I was getting insistent, even if I tri
ed not to let it show. I’d been waiting weeks for the perfect moment, until I couldn’t wait anymore. If I didn’t ask her to be my wife, I was going to burst.

  “Just a sec. I’m taking the cookies out of the oven.”

  I watched as she bent over, reaching into the oven to extract the pan. I wasn’t sure which I was salivating for more—her or the cookies. No, definitely her. Even after all this time together, I didn’t think I’d ever get my fill of her.

  “What’s up?” She placed the oven mitts on the counter.

  “I got your stack ready.”

  She furrowed her brow. Always so fucking adorable. “What stack?”

  She busied herself in the kitchen, washing the bowl. Drying it. She was killing me.

  “You know—the one for your latest bookstagram challenge. Come on.” I tugged on her hand. “I’ll show you.”

  I led her down the hall toward the bedroom—our bedroom. In our new house—our home.

  We’d moved a few months after the attack. She’d insisted it was because she wanted me to feel comfortable. She didn’t want me to feel like I had to find space for my stuff in her place, but that we were building a life together. I didn’t really care. I was just happy to have a home with her—wherever it was. And if it would help her put more distance between the attack and our future, all the better.

  Decker had visited a few times, mostly related to work stuff, but he wasn’t planning to move anytime soon. He and Katie were happy in Virginia, but I’d convinced Heath to move out to California. We were part of Jackson’s West Coast expansion, and I was enjoying my job more than ever. While I went on missions occasionally, they were mostly local. We’d decided to focus the LA operations on human trafficking and issues related to the border. It was a great fit for my background, and I felt like I was making a difference.

  When Igloo’s HR department found out what Seth had done, they’d fired him. I was proud of Olivia for speaking up about his inappropriate demands to secure her father’s biography. She’d been offered her job back with a promotion but turned it down, opting for a generous severance package instead. Which she’d promptly donated to an organization promoting youth literacy.