she chose to let it go-there was no point expecting courtesy from a man

s loosened, and she pulled out a chair across from him. "I pick

clear enough. Nicole unboxed the device and patiently walked him through t

uching her lips, "Do you want to set a finger

figure, Nicole failed to realize that from Connor's vantage

d eyes, the sight struck him as strangely disarming. An inexplicable feeling rose w

e replied coolly, "Fine.

caught his hand and swiftly

re unexpectedly warm, faintly damp in a way that soft

him more than he cared to admit. Pulling his hand back, he rubbed his fing

ng a small, compliant nod. "Got it

it felt unusually heavy because it carried her quiet concern. His gaze low

y things someone who can't see can enjoy. I just wanted you

of her intention. "That makes sense," he replied casually, his voice laced wit

ole pursed her lips, at

.

outfits to be delivered, enough to fill the room and give her end

cepted the card without hesitation and said earnestly, "You don't have

waved her words off with casual ind

ly, carrying herself with the quiet diligen

und, occupied with business affairs ca

Nicole brought for him. The report came back clean, with nothing suspic

fficially playing husband now, shouldn't you do some homewo

ered coolly, "Fine-on one cond

. Perry doesn't pose a risk to you, but she's naive and lacks experi

truly looked unremarkable

full of leftovers into a decent-looking breakfast takes more than y

n't seriously expect her to cook a meal tha

readable. "Then go find me a female s

muel staring at him

ng of Connor's new phon

just wrapped up the inspection,

ice. "Mr. Reed, are you done for the day? I've got