Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Annie could feel the unexpected tenderness in Conner's rough demeanor, like the warmth of his touch seeping right through her clothes to her very core.

"It's almost the anniversary of your mom's passing," she said softly.

Conner's hand stilled on her back for a moment. Then, after a brief pause, he bent down to brush off the back of her pants, standing up with a teasing grin.

"Remembering your future mother-in-law's anniversary, huh? Looks like you're head over heels for me."

Annie turned to face him, meeting his eyes. "Conner, I'm sorry."

Her apology took him by surprise. "Sorry? For what?"

"I should've gone back with you," Annie admitted, her voice just above a whisper. Ever since she agreed to marry Conner, she'd started to see herself as his fiancée, her heart making room for him. Inviting him to her dad's birthday wasn't just to show her parents she cared about him; maybe she truly wanted him there with her.

She'd never been with Conner to pay respects on his mom's anniversary.

"I've been swamped with work lately, no time to head back with you."

Conner chuckled, a rare, gentle smile softening his usually serious face. "For a second there, you had me worried. I thought it was something bigger. It's alright, Annie. Just knowing you care is enough."

"Did you come here today to ask me to go back with you?" Annie asked.

Conner nodded. "Annie, I want you by my side these days. I ticked off some dangerous folks hiding in the shadows, and I'm worried they might come after you when I'm not around. That's why I want you with me. If you can't, I'll see if someone else can cover for me."

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm a cop; it's gonna take more than a few thugs to scare me. Conner, you go. Your mom would love to see you. promise, when the holidays foll around, I'll be there with you." noveldrama

Her team had just busted a small gang, and with the upcoming interrogations and the need to uncover the larger criminal network, her department needed all hands on deck. She couldn't just up and leave.

"Annie, that gang, they're all hitmen."

Seeing Conner's worried face, Annie broke into a gentle smile, her calmness stirring something in him. "First time seeing you worry. I thought nothing fazed you."

Conner replied, "Loving you has taught me fear."

Annie's smile faded, his words hitting her like a wave, stirring her emotions. It was the first time he'd told her "Hove you" so earnestly, and she hadn't expected that she could bring fear to the otherwise fearless head of the Nettleton family. Ever since his mom passed, Conner had seemed untouchable, unbreakable.

"Loving me means trusting me. I'll be alright," Annie assured him, stepping up to give him a soft kiss.

Conner was momentarily stunned, but then he pulled her close, wrapping her in a fierce, passionate embrace.

Annie wrapped her arms around his strong back, her mind blissfully blank, following her heart's lead.

A few minutes later, both of them were breathless, Annie's cheeks flushed. "I should get back to the station."

"Annie, after all this, do you really have to leave tonight?" Conner asked, a hint of hope in his voice.