chapter105

Mikey cleared his throat, shooting Chris a look full of meaning. "Chris, maybe we should head back inside."

That's when it clicked for Chris. Mikey wanted to leave Connor and Lydia alone for a while.

He stood up right away. "Yeah, let's go check on Grandpa Wayne."

As soon as the two "third wheels" disappeared, Connor finally let out the excitement he'd been holding back. He looked at Lydia, whose face was as calm as ever.

"Why didn't you tell me who you really are?"

Lydia had expected this. Connor was never going to let it go. She kept her cool, acting like she had no idea what he was talking about. "What are you talking about?"

Connor gave her a helpless smile. Was she really going to keep pretending?

"You're Chief Lydia. Don't deny it."

Lydia frowned. "And who exactly is Chief Lydia?

Connor realized she wasn't going to admit anything, so he pulled out his trump card. "You seriously don't want your pendant back?"

Lydia's face darkened. She didn't even bother to respond.

Connor saw his chance. "Can we talk somewhere else?" This place wasn't exactly private.

Lydia stood up and walked out ahead of him.

Connor couldn't help but smile, sure of himself as he followed her.

They ended up in the little park outside Capital Hospital. Lydia stopped under a streetlamp, its soft glow making her look almost unreal.

"Where's my pendant?" she asked, getting straight to the point.

Connor felt his heart skipped a beat. Lydia, you have no idea how crazy I've been trying to find you," he said, stepping closer before he could stop himself.

Lydia didn't move away. She lifted her hand, stopping him in his tracks, her voice even. "Connor, we barely know each other."

Connor just laughed. The light

caught his sharp features, giving et

him a bit of a dangerous edge. "Youre my fianc e Are you real

going to say were strangers

Lydia laughed too. "I have three fianc s, remember?"

Connor's expression dropped. Had he just walked right into that one?

"That was before. It doesn't count. From now on, I'm your only fianc . I already

explained everything to Grandpa and your parents."

Lydia could only stare.

"Lydia, I get that you're still on guard, that you don't know if you can really trust me. So I'm going to prove it. show you, every day, that I'm

someone you can co

Connor

said, mare serious than she'd ever

seen him. It was like he was making a promise straight from the heart.

He honestly couldn't believe how much this girl mattered to him. The feeling was so

strong, he couldn't fight it even if he tried.

Most girls would have melted at words like that.

But Lydia was not most girls.

"If you're trying to repay me for saving your life, don't bother. I already told you, we're even."

Connor shook his head. "No, we're not. And don't forget, you kissed me on Highridge. That was my first kiss, you know."

He had to bring up the kiss, hoping it'd keep her from shutting him out.

Lydia just stared at him, speechless. She hadn't mentioned the kiss, and he had the nerve to bring it up? It was her first kiss too, for crying out loud.

When she finally fell silent, Connor stepped closer. He gently rested his hands on her shoulders, leaning in until she had no choice but to stare at him. "You kissed me. That means

you have to be my girl."

Lydia had known this would happen. Once Connor figured out who she was, he was

never going to let her go.

"I need some time to think about it."

Connor didn't want to push her too hard. He nodded. "Take all the time you need. Just... don't make me wait forever." He wasn't sure he could handle that.

Lydia took a small step back and changed the subject. Are you feeling better?