Page 66 of Rough Fantasy

“What?”

He cocked his head to the side. “There’s something different about you.”

Maura had to resist the urge to fidget. “What do you mean?”

He shrugged but didn’t say anything. God, she hated him when he was like this. He was trying to figure her out like she was some kind of a puzzle.

“Spit it out, Conner.”

“It’s like you’re another person.”

That wasn’t what she expected to hear. She digested that for a second or two. “Than I normally am? I think not.”

“No, just the last few months.”

“I’ve been a bit stressed,” she said, hating that she was lying to him but knew it was best. She wouldn’t keep Rory and Zeke a secret from her brother if she knew where they were headed. They didn’t need the added pressure of her brother judging them before they decided what to do.

He mulled that comment. “Jillian’s been worried.”

“Yeah, she’s mentioned that to me.”

“I…”

He trailed off as if unsure what to say next. This was definitely not like him. Conner was always sure of his actions. He never started anything he wouldn’t finish, including a simple conversation.

“I’ve been a little worried.”

She settled on the large windowsill and leaned against the window. “You’ve been worried? Conner, don’t lie to me.”

He sighed. “We’re not good with picking up on feelings, you know that. Both of us are…kind of lost when it comes to all these feelings but Zeke gave me hell yesterday.”

“So, you’re doing this because Zeke told you to?”

Another sigh. “No. Not really. Both of us are kind of bad about picking up on things like that.

That much was true. She was always too focused on whatever project she was working on. Conner, well, he was just focused on the company. The idea that Zeke had yelled at him about it made her feel better.

“So, Jillian said something to you?”

He shrugged. “Not until Zeke said something. She…well Jillian claims there are times you don’t try to tell me anything because I will just ignore it.”

She gasped theatrically and put her hand on her chest. “Never say you are…stubborn. It can’t be.”

He chuckled. “Well, she claims we both are.”

“Yeah. She’s said that to me more than once. Although, I have to say she’s turning into something of an old mother hen. And while we’re on the subject, when am I getting a little niece or nephew?”

“Jesus, kid, we just got married.”

“You two have so much sex, I’m amazed she isn’t pregnant already.”

He rolled his eyes. “Probably sooner than later.”

“You are getting kind of old.”

“Gee, thanks.” He studied her. “What about you. Are you seeing anyone?”

Damn, he thwarted her again. Best way to answer was a non-answer. Conner himself taught her that. “No, not really.”