Mission Happy (A Texas Desires Novel Book 3) (35 page)

“Please, come in. Guys, let them inside the house,” Julie said. Connor swiveled his head, seeing her take several steps inside the living room, and he forced himself backward. Bruno was slower to withdraw. They hadn’t been given one single word on the legal or criminal ramifications he might face. With all the bureaucratic red tape he’d dealt with recently, he expected nothing less than a big pile of crap coming down on them. He’d taken down three men in little over a month; he could see civilian life having a problem with that.

“Guys, let them in please,” Bray called out.

As far as he could see, his woman was lucky to have Bruno as her personal bodyguard. He’d certainly sleep better at night knowing Bruno was on guard. Another positive, Bruno didn’t care if Julie was happy with his decisions, so he could face off with these officers for a second longer to prove his warrior heart was alive and well, before stepping aside and holding the door open wider for them to enter.

Connor moved ahead of the group, going toward Julie. This was the first time either of them had been inside this room since the shootout. The furnishings were exactly the same, but brand new. Nothing looked out of place. They had done a remarkably quick job at cleaning the area. He found no signs of a disturbance.

When the front door was shut and the lead officer gravitated toward the living room, he spoke first, seemingly unaware of the hostility he’d been met with.

“I’m Officer Moon. We’re here on an unofficial visit at the request of our chief who’s a personal friend of Ms. Holly’s. I’m the lead investigator on your case.”

“Okay, thank you.” Julie extended her hand, ushering everyone in the room. “Please have a seat. Can I get you anything?”

“No, ma’am, we’re fine. We stopped by the hospital, but they explained you’d just left.” Julie nodded, and when no one really moved, she took her own spot on the sofa, pulling him along to sit next to her. Bray took a side chair, but Bruno and the officers continued standing. Bruno stayed stern, giving off his own round of intimidation with his muscular arms crossed over his chest, thick legs spread apart, focused only on the police.

“What have you found out?” Connor asked.

“I’ll just say it plainly. Clarence Hopkins passed away this morning,” the officer explained without even the smallest hint of compassion. Connor found he instantly respected that. The creep had emotionally tortured Julie for far too long to warrant any kind of regret. Julie took the words in, stared at the officer, then looked at him, blinking once, then twice, before she leaned forward, bending over, bringing her hands to cover her mouth.

She trembled as she spoke. “The deep fear that man provoked was staggering.”

Connor lifted a palm to rub up and down her spine, hoping to give her comfort. With Hopkins’s death, that phase of Julie’s life was now over. Her breath shuddered on the exhale as she raised her head to look over at him. The relief on her pretty face was evident, making him unreasonably proud that he could bring her this closure from such a fearful time in her life.

“What does that mean for Connor?” Bray asked, his tone professional but serious, causing Connor to remember there was more to this story. He’d been the one to end Hopkins’s life. Julie sat up, wrapping her arms tightly around herself, scooting closer into Connor’s side. If healing were tangible, he could feel her body’s instant recovery.

“The investigation’s still underway, but it seems like a cut-and-dry case. The video footage is clear and complete,” the officer said, lifting his hands, giving a small shrug.

“Any word on how he was able to get away from the mental hospital?” Connor asked.

“Unfortunately, a security guard wasn’t as lucky as you all. They found him stuffed in a pharmaceutical closet. Hopkins stole his uniform, the drugs, and his badge, making him able to swipe himself out.”

“No one noticed?” Bruno asked.

“Apparently not until we notified them of the incident here that same night.”

“How is that possible?” Bray asked.

“Off the record, they’re blaming budget cuts. Too many patients to look out for. They’re probably right,” he added, giving a confirming nod.

“So he’s dead.” The tears that didn’t ever seem too far from the surface, over the last few days, reappeared.

Connor had his arm around her, drawing her tightly against his side as she watched the officer nod compassionately.

“He terrorized my life for so long,” she said, looking up at Connor.

“I know he did,” Connor said, bringing her head forward for a kiss at her temple.

“It’s freeing to not be so scared,” she said, looking over at Bruno.

Bruno nodded, his face relaxing some for Julie, maybe even giving a slight reassuring smile, making the flow of her tears increase. She wiped them away as Bray appeared out of nowhere to hand her several tissues.

“We just wanted to give you the news personally. If you don’t have any more questions, we’ll let you get back to your homecoming,” the officer said, looking at the two others on his team who had stayed near the entryway. He reached in his front pocket, pulled out a business card, and extended it toward Bruno. “Once the case is officially closed, I’ll be back in touch. Call me if anything arises between now and then.”

“I’ll walk him out,” Bruno said.

Julie didn’t move, even when Connor did, twisting his body to get a better look at her. She stayed right there, watching them walk away, until her gaze traveled to Connor’s face. His usually chatty angel stayed quiet for several seconds longer.

“Are you all right?” Connor asked, pushing her hair away from her face as an excuse just to touch her.

“I think so. I hate the loss of life, but he wouldn’t have stopped until he got me.”

“I wouldn’t let that happen.” He said the statement with such conviction that she smiled and lifted a hand to caress his cheek.

“I know. I’m lucky you’re in my life. You’ve saved me twice now.”

Connor bent forward, wrapping a hand around her head, pulling her forward to meet his lips.

“God, that’s all they do. Get a room,” she heard Cole say from somewhere across the living room.

“Shh, leave them alone. Where are we staying tonight?” Bray asked.

“I figured here. The place’s bigger than a hotel,” Cole answered.

“No way. They need privacy and time with their parents. I’ll get us a room.” The conversation between Bray and Cole must have caught Julie’s attention. She pulled away just enough to stare up at him. The love reflected in her gaze sealed the hope inside his heart.

“You have to ignore them. They never quit.”

“As long as you don’t quit, they can do whatever they want,” she said, leaning forward to place a soft kiss on his lips as she trailed a caressing hand down his cheek.

“From what Bruno says, you get crazy letters from weirdos all the time,” he said, turning serious, still facing her, bringing up his other arm to make a protective shell around her. He’d have to work on the caveman deal, but not today. Later. Much later.

“That’s right. I do.”

“Then I guess I have no choice but to swallow my pride and stay here with you. Who’s gonna keep you safe if I’m gone.” He didn’t ask the question, he stated the facts, and she beamed, making his heart sing. “You good with that?”

“Absolutely I am.” Julie wrapped both her arms around his neck, drawing closer as she hugged him tight. He broke the hold, scooping her in his arms. He hoisted her up, and it took a second to absorb her weight. Maybe he wasn’t fully well, but fuck it. He moved forward, carrying her from the room, toward the stairs, ignoring Cole’s whooping and hollering at his bold move.

Four Weeks Later

Moving day had arrived for Connor, and shockingly, he had way more crap in that apartment than he’d ever thought possible. He’d been packing for two solid days now, and he filled the last box from his closet as the movers took his dresser to their truck. Julie came inside the bedroom, her hair tied back in a high ponytail, wearing a pair of vintage jeans and a ragged old T-shirt that fit like a glove and carrying the last of his kitchen dishtowels.

“There’s no place for these in the kitchen boxes,” she said, looking inside his box, then placing the rags inside before he used the tape gun like a pro to seal the flaps closed.

“Are you sad?” Julie asked, running a hand over his buzz cut as he bent to tape the box a second time.

“Nah, I’m taking what’s important back to your place,” he said, lifting the box and heading out of the now empty bedroom.

“At some point you’re gonna have to admit that it’s your house, too,” Julie said, trailing behind him as he carried the box through the apartment and headed to the moving truck.

“That’s definitely not now though,” he explained, giving her a look over his shoulder that she had dubbed all-Connor. Julie explained it as a combination of sass and finality that always made her grin. He loved that smile she gave in return, making him proud that he was able to place it on her pretty, excited face.

“The grill goes on the last run,” Connor called out, stopping one of the movers from going out the sliding glass door to the patio. Moving the prize grill had never been a problem for Julie, but Connor had created some drama over the thing, planning for the last week over exactly where the huge piece of equipment should be placed in the backyard. He went so far as to personally toss her old grill in a Dumpster to make room for his prize. The grill, along with his clothes, some weapons, and personal items from his childhood were being delivered straight to her place. Honestly, he could have let everything in the apartment go except for that grill.

When Julie went to grab the last box from the kitchen, Connor stopped and turned toward her. He lowered his box to have her place hers on top. When she didn’t comply, he said, “You aren’t supposed to do anything. You shouldn’t have even come.”

“I can pick up a box,” she said, turning away, resisting his request.

“It’s your only day off after working two weeks straight,” he patiently explained and waited, blocking the front door.

“Connor, you’re hardheaded. I can help, and I’m excited we’re officially moving in together,” she said, pausing, waiting for him to change his mind. He didn’t and she reluctantly did what he asked, placing the box on top of his.

“If you want to do something, I have a box of condiments in the refrigerator. Get those for me. They go inside my truck,” Connor said, stepping out on the front porch and down the steps where the moving van had narrowly parked between the rows of parked cars. He pushed his two boxes inside, meeting Bruno there.

“We done?”

“I think so. The truck’s coming for the grill. They’re waiting out on the street. I’ve got everything else in the back of my pickup,” Connor said, turning to walk stride for stride next to Bruno as they headed back into the apartment. They met Julie coming out, her hands full of his special marinades and BBQ sauces. Bruno reached out, taking the box out of her hands.

“I can carry it,” she said, fighting him from taking the box.

“I got it.” Much like Connor, Bruno didn’t listen. He yanked the box from her arms, heading back out toward the parking lot.

“That goes in the cab of my pickup,” Connor called out after him.

“Got it.”

“You two are frustrating people.” Julie even stomped her foot as the loud moving truck roared to life.

“Yep,” he acknowledged, laughing at her indignation as she pivoted away from him, stomping toward his truck. He watched her go while he waited the few minutes for the one moving truck to head out, letting the other, much smaller one back into his parking lot. These were old buddies from the military who’d started a moving company. When those guys got to his door, he handed over his apartment keys, surprised that he had absolutely no emotion at giving up his bachelor pad.

“You’ll drop those off at the office on your way out, right?” he asked, staying out on the porch, keeping an eye on Julie. Outside of the fan letters and emails that declared undying love, nothing more had happened to spook any of them. It was just damn hard to ease up on the seriousness of protection with all the crazy loons running amuck around the world.

“Not a problem. We’ll meet you back at your place in Hollywood.”

Connor nodded then trotted down the front steps, heading straight for his truck, looking at the back of Julie’s head where she sat dead center of the front seat. She was everything right in his world. No, he had zero problem giving up this place. As if she knew his thoughts, she turned around, watching him through the back window as he walked toward her. She regularly stole his words, but now she truly held his heart. His whole life plan revolved around making sure this woman knew how much he valued her—forever and always.

Three months later

Connor stood in front of the full-length mirror, taking several steadying breaths as he ran his hands down the front of his stupidly expensive handmade suit. It fit better than anything he’d ever worn before and accentuated everything it should while managing to achieve the slender leg look that was so popular in today’s men’s fashion. Who would have thought his big thunder thighs could pull off this kind of pant?

He’d have to give it to Julie, he looked as good as he possibly could tonight. His only problem? The nerves that he couldn’t get ahold of. All the confidence and eagerness he’d built in getting MAC International off the ground, faded under the weight of this one evening, leaving a giant pit in his stomach that began to balloon into full-fledged nausea.

“You look dashing. I knew you would,” Julie said, coming through their suite of rooms at the hotel cattycorner to his new training facility. His anxiety was so high he couldn’t fully appreciate how beautiful she looked in her floor-length gown that fit her body like a glove.

“I’m not sure I can breathe,” Connor answered, unbuttoning his jacket while backing up to a chair. He’d meant it as a joke, but shit if he wasn’t going to pass out right here.

“You’re fine, honey,” Julie said, following him to the seat. When he dropped his head between his thighs, he didn’t even care that his love stood over him laughing.

“It’s just dinner, Connor,” she said, patting his back again before walking toward the dresser.

“It’s not just dinner. I should have never let Prescott do this for me,” Connor said, rising until he leaned back against the chair, taking in deep breaths. Well, as deep as the tightly knotted tie would allow. “Normal people start their business and build customers, then send gift baskets at Christmas. Why are we having a party before we have a signed contact?”

“You have contracts, and this will show how steady you guys are. How much capital you have. I get why we’re doing all this. It’s not a party. It’s the grand opening. Your facility’s amazing. The world needs to see,” she said, fastening her earrings in place as she came to stand in front of him again.

“The world’s here. We have four ex-presidents right next door. The current vice president. The prime ministers of Britain, France, and Japan. I hate talking to people. I’m terrible at understanding accents. I never know what to say. I’m gonna embarrass myself and ruin this whole thing.”

Julie’s hands went to her waist, her voice turning stern. “No, you’re not. Stop saying that. You have to get ahold of yourself. We’re late. And I don’t want to sound too much like Cole, but you’re seriously being a baby, Connor.”

He stared at her several long seconds, knowing she was right, but not caring in the least. Put him dead center in any combat zone in Iraq, or hell, drop him on a front line in Syria. He’d even rather spend another week at Walter Reed, having his brain scanned in every possible position while trying to find a damned obscure dark spot that they were certain was there… He’d do all that and more to keep from having to navigate a party full of “type-A Reed Prescott in business mode” personalities. He hated this kind of thing.

“You wore that to make me feel better,” he finally said, after getting a good look at her standing in front of him. She had the silver bracelet he’d bought her for Valentine’s Day dangling at her wrist. The bracelet’s links were bound together by small connecting hearts symbolic to him of their connection. His gaze lifted to her neck. He’d gone back weeks later and purchased the matching choker in the same design. Oddly, he found peace in Julie wearing his jewelry.

Abruptly, his eyes narrowed at the manipulation tactic that seemed to be working.

“Not only that, I picked this dress because it fits the style of this jewelry that I love so much.” She bent at the knee, balancing on her high heels as she took his hand. “Remember, let Reed handle the talking. You stick to the talking points they gave you. You’re prepared. We practiced all your answers, and I promise I won’t leave your side. You’re going to see it’s really easy. You won’t mess anything up.”

Like he was a skittish child, she held out her hand as she stood. It took a second, but he did take the offering, letting her pull him up. Julie took a step back, then buttoned his suit in place and dusted off the side. In her high heels, she could almost look him straight in the eyes.

“You’re sexy.”

“That’s not helping. Stay close tonight,” he said, patting his jacket to feel for his phone and wallet.

“Of course, I will,” she said, reaching for her clutch before going to the door. “Now, come on. You’ve stalled us long enough. We only have about twenty minutes before dinner’s served.”

Julie opened the door. Bruno stood right outside and looked past her to smirk at him. Secretly, he and Bruno had become pretty good friends. They talked quite a bit, mostly about weaponry, but since Connor loved that stuff, it worked out well for him. He estimated that particular sneer on Bruno’s face as a show of sympathy, a very clear message of too-bad-for-him. Bruno detested these things as much as he did.

In building the corporate headquarters, Reed had designed a large compound for a complete training experience. The sizable gymnasium with built-in classrooms wasn’t more than fifty yards from the on-site hotel he’d constructed to house all the out-of-state and international business he anticipated gaining. Connor had a suite of rooms on the first floor for his personal use. He’d thought that was overkill, until tonight. They had effectively given him a space to hide in.

He walked hand in hand with Julie toward the main doors with Bruno trailing several feet behind. They crossed the parking lot, and as he opened the front doors to the training facility, his heart drummed violently in his chest. He could hear the loud volume of chatter coming from the makeshift reception area, decorated for tonight’s event. His nerves skyrocketed as he took a breath and let Julie pull him inside.

All the training equipment had been pushed aside. The partitions separating the gym floor from the classrooms were open, making enough room for the tables to seat the five hundred or so guests who had accepted the dinner invitation to today’s grand opening event.

When they rounded the corner, the one photographer hired to document the night for future corporate promotions immediately targeted Julie. She gripped his hand tighter, knowing he always retreated when the cameras came out. She turned his way, adding what he now knew as her work smile.

“Pose with me, babe.”

With no other option, he wrapped an arm around her waist and stared at the camera. He didn’t crack a smile—he never did during the public pictures they took together, figuring she smiled enough for both of them. As the flash struck, a hand clamped on his shoulder. He knew that hold. Cole. Thank God. Cole could talk to anyone, anywhere. People loved Cole. He turned, abruptly leaving their pose, taking Cole’s outstretched hand.

“I figured you were late because you’re nervous.” Cole handed him a pilsner glass full of beer.

“You have no fucking idea,” he said quietly, taking a long drink.

“Come on up here with me. Reed’s been negotiating for the last hour. Come shake their hands,” Cole said, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, moving him toward Reed. He looked back to see Julie talking with a group of people, watching him walk away, giving a thumbs up as he went.

What the hell? She had just promised to stay by his side. In no plan they shared did he agree to a thumbs up as he walked away.

“I’m not supposed to say anything, Reed wants to tell you, but I figure it’ll help the nerves. The Dallas Police chief brought a contract signed by their mayor. They want what we have to offer with sixty officers trained.”

“You’re kidding,” he said, forgetting the anxiety of Julie leaving him behind.

“Not even a little. You’ll be a success.” Cole stopped a waiter making his rounds and grabbed a beer off the tray before lifting the glass to clink against Connor’s. “Congratulations.”

“Shit, that’s huge,” Connor said, absently tipping the glass against Cole’s.

“I know, right?” Cole took a drink while Julie came up behind Connor, wrapping her arm around his back.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“We got the Dallas PD contract. They brought it with them tonight,” Connor explained. Julie squealed with excitement, coming around to hug his neck. He wrapped his arm around her, grinning over at Cole as he held tightly to her.

“I’m so proud of you, Connor. You’ve battled back so fiercely,” she said right in his face. He couldn’t help the broad smile looking at her always produced. Her happiness was just infectious.

“It’s because of you,” he said honestly.

“No way. It’s because of you.” She broke every protocol she’d taught him about PDAs and kissed his lips right there in front of everyone. “Let’s get this done so I can show you just how proud I am of you.”

He heard Cole’s playfully disgusted voice telling whoever might be in earshot, “You gotta ignore them. They do this all the time. Very inappropriate.”

“You’re on,” Connor said, ignoring Cole.

No way life got any better than this.

The End