Page 5 of The Recovery Coach
Fuck, she hated asking for help.
Parked behind Connor’s G-Wagon again, she stared into space.She just had to contain her stupid little lovesick heart.Being around him hurt too good.He kept her safe and comfortable, and often downright giddy.But they were friends.Only friends.If she spent too much time with him, she might forget.It was only for a day.Or two.Until she could talk to Lance and figure out her next steps.
A cherry-red sports car pulled into the driveway behind her, blocking her in.She sipped her soda, letting it bring life back into her before forcing herself to exit her vehicle.Olivia hoped for a few minutes to talk to Connor alone, but now someone had seen her lurking and avoiding going inside was questionable behavior.Better to rip the band-aid off.She grabbed the greasy bag from her passenger seat and headed for the door, her shoulders back and head held high.
She didn’t recognize the red car, but she’d bet the twelve dollars in her wallet that it belonged to one of his teammates.Olivia refused to look back as she opened the door and let herself into Connor’s house.As she went to close the door behind her, a large hand shot out to hold it open.
“Oh, sorry,” she said, pulling it open again.
She looked up and up and up, finding the man Connor seemed inseparable from these last few years.She’d never met Connor Valentine before, but if she intended to stay with Connor for any length of time, she’d be getting to know him pretty well.
Looking at him now, in the flesh, Olivia could get on board with the idea.It might take her attention from the boy she’d loved for as long as she could remember.He was fucking tall.And broad.And had Prince Charming hair and pretty blue eyes lined with thick, dark lashes.She gazed at him through her lashes and put on a shy smile.
Sticking her hand out, she said, “Hi, I’m Olivia.”
His cheeks turned pink, but he accepted her handshake, holding on for a split second before letting go of her fingers and saying, “Connor.”
Olivia tried to maintain eye contact for a few more seconds, but his bashful expression had him staring straight at the floor.
“I know,” she dragged the word out, studying him briefly before turning on her heel and leading him further into the house.
Connor wasn’t in the immediate vicinity, and when she called his name, no answer came.Olivia set her drink and his apple pie on the counter and went about making herself at home.Unsure which room he’d put her in, she couldn’t get settled in yet.
She unloaded the dishwasher, putting away clean bowls and plates just for something to do with her hands while ignoring the prying eyes of Connor Valentine.He didn’t seem inclined to speak to her, only stare.She focused on her chore and hoped Connor would show up soon.
There she went again, waiting for him to rescue her.A pattern she’d been stuck in since she was six.The awkward silence dragged on for ages, interrupted by the clinking of dishes as Olivia tidied the kitchen.
Finally, when Olivia thought she might burst out of her skin, Connor entered through the sliding glass door off the kitchen.Shirtless and sweaty, he stared at his phone, oblivious to the two people standing in his kitchen.She stared, her mouth going dry.This was such a fucking bad idea.
When he looked up from his phone, he froze mid-step.
“You’re here!”he said, breaking into a trot to scoop her into a hug.
She wrapped her arms around him and laughed, relieved by his reaction to her coming over unannounced again.“I was here yesterday.”
“Yeah, and you left without saying goodbye.I was worried.”Connor let her go, spotted her cup, stole it, and took a deep gulp.When he noticed his friend staring between the two of them, his tone became accusatory.“Did you come on to Lover?”
Olivia choked on her own saliva and pounded on her chest until she could breathe again.
“What?”she sputtered.“No!”
Connor waved a hand at his flushed buddy.
“Why does he look like that then?”
“Why does he look like what?I introduced myself and minded my own business.He’s the one who’s been staring.”Olivia raised an eyebrow at Connor Valentine, trying to prompt an explanation.
Connor’s semi-mute friend cleared his throat.“Uh, I didn’t know why you were here, and you seemed comfortable.I couldn’t figure out whether I should call the police or if Hazy got a new cleaning lady.”
Olivia blushed.“I’m not a cleaning lady!”
Connor pulled her to his side and placed a quick kiss on her temple.“Lover, this is Olivia.She’s a friend from my hometown.Practically my sister.I’ve told you about her.”
Olivia hated that phrase.“Practically my sister.”Any sisterly feelings she felt for Connor vanished in the eighth grade.But she’d put it all out there before and faced brutal rejection.Afterward, she shoved her feelings deep, hoping they’d never resurface.
Realization dawned in Connor Valentine’s eyes, and he warmed to her, a stark contrast from his previous demeanor.He stuck his hand out to her across the kitchen island.
“Ooh,” he said.“You said you were Olivia.It didn’t occur to me you were Hazy’sLivy.”
