Текст книги "Truth "
Автор книги: Aleatha Romig
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Текущая страница: 18 (всего у книги 42 страниц)
He returned his gaze to the red liquid, slowly swirling it within the confines of the crystal globe. His words weren’t rushed, instead a slow release, divulging hidden truths that only recently he’d come to know, “I don’t know how to explain it. It was a loop hole. Don’t you understand?”
Claire stood motionless; she didn’t understand.
“I tried to help you.” His eyes stared with need. “Anyone else would have jumped at the insanity plea. I had a hospital all set; your commitment time would’ve been negotiable. But no.” He stood once again, “No! You refused! By doing that, you took your sentence away from me and gave it to the state of Iowa. I no longer had influence over your release.” He turned to face her and his volume increased, “Why did you have to be so damn obstinate?”
“Me? You’re accusing me of being obstinate? I didn’t want you in control of my life any longer. I was willing to let the state of Iowa decide, rather than you.”
Tony looked perplexed, “It was the only way to save you.”
Claire tried to comprehend his words, “I have no idea what you’re saying. Save me, from what?”
Tony looked down, his tired eyes suddenly dark and gloomy and his voice flat with restrained emotion, “Me.”
The temperature of the room dropped. Claire felt the goose bumps materialize on her arms and legs as she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. Slowly she sunk into the chair to Tony’s left. The silence stretched between them, little by little filling each available molecule in the suite. The intensity of the quiet, made the air difficult to breathe. Claire tried diligently to fill her lungs with oxygen. She wasn’t sure what he meant, but somehow the confession seemed monumental.
The sound of her vibrating telephone shattered the silence. She jumped as the small devise danced ringlessly across the table before them. The screen flashed: HARRY CELL. She saw Tony’s eyes read the name before he turned away.
His question sounded strangely distant, “Are the news stories accurate?”
“You should know the accuracy of news reports.” She replied as the phone continued to vibrate.
“Perhaps I should answer it?” Tony offered. His voice now clipped. The spell that encased the suite and isolated them from the rest of the world was broken. She wouldn’t learn anymore about his attempt to save her this evening.
“No, thank you. I’ll be just a minute.” Claire reached for the iPhone, stood, walked into the bedroom, and accepted the call. “Hi.” Although she was trying for light and carefree, she feared she failed miserably. Her mind was still reeling from Tony’s declaration.
When we were children, we used to think that when we grew up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability; to be alive is to be vulnerable. —Madeleine L'Engle
Chapter 24
Harry’s tone brought light back to Claire’s dark suite. “How did your meeting with Meredith go?”
The insinuation of dread no longer lurked in corners and unknown hiding places; radiance flowed with the promise of better things. She absorbed the positive energy, closed the door between the bedroom and living room, and answered. “I think it went well. Mostly, we just reconnected.”
“That’s probably a good first step.” He paused, “I miss you. I still think I should be there.”
Claire exhaled, knowing he deserved honesty. Her voice was hushed, “I have a surprise visitor.”
She heard the change in his countenance. His voice suddenly tensed as his words came too fast, “Is he still there? Are you all right?”
“Yes and yes.”
“I’ll get a SiJo jet and be there in an hour and a half.”
“That isn’t necessary,” she continued to keep her voice low, “although, I would love to see you. But seriously, you need to work tomorrow; I’m fine. I’ll call when he leaves.”
“He isn’t the only one who can jump on a plane to see you.”
Claire shook her head. “You know, I never wanted to be someone people jump on planes to see.”
“I’ll be waiting for your call. If you change your mind and want me there sooner call, text, or send smoke signals.” His attempt at levity made her smile; he continued, “I’ll be there.”
The grin traveled through the phone, “Thanks, I will, I promise.”
“I like hearing that smile. Just remember... it’s for me.”
“How can I forget?” she asked. “I’ll call soon.”
“I hope so. I’ll be waiting. Bye.”
“Bye, soon I promise.” She disconnected the line.
Claire saw her phone, now solely used for Courtney, flashing on the dresser. She checked the screen, one text message, and hit the button: BRENT JUST CALLED. TONY’S MAKING AN UNSCHEDULED TRIP TO SAN DIEGO. YOU AREN’T THERE, ARE YOU? JUST WONDERING... THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW. Claire smiled, fortified by the support of others.
Hesitantly, she approached the door to the living room. Her hand seized the handle; the cool metal calmed her nerves. She took a deep breath and pulled it open.
She half-expected to find Tony standing directly on the other side of the closed barrier. Opening the door and stepping through the threshold, she saw him standing again at the windows, holding his wine, and looking at the nocturnal vista. Claire wondered if he’d heard her open the door. If he did, he didn’t turn around. Slowly, she approached and joined him at the window.
“I apologize for the interruption.” She said, looking at the lights below.
He turned toward her, looking down from above. “Do you now, Ms. Nichols?”
Claire noted the change in his tone, more businesslike. “I do.” Perceiving the meaning of her last name, she confirmed, “You’re correct, I am Ms. Nichols, not Mrs. Rawlings.” She considered adding, “your doing, not mine.” However, she didn’t; she’d baited him enough.
Momentarily Tony stood, facing her, close enough to touch, yet, a million miles apart. Making no attempt to lessen the expanse, he replied, “I’m sure you are busy. If I were him, I’d be on a jet right now. According to my calculations, that gives us about ninety minutes to discuss what I came to discuss.”
Claire considered enlightening Tony on the difference between the two of them, explaining Harry wouldn’t be arriving because she asked him not to. She could talk about trust and communication. Instead she walked toward the sitting area, refilled her glass, sat down compliantly, and asked, “What do you want to discuss?”
“You will discontinue your discussions with Meredith Banks and any further plans you’ve entertained regarding speaking with the media.” It was a very poorly worded plea, sounding more like a mandate.
She sat back against the chair and smiled, “Will I now?”
There was no hint of humor in his reply, “Don’t push me. I’m tired and suddenly not in the mood.”
Inwardly she smirked, knowing Harry’s call upset him. With each such instance her sense of empowerment grew. “Well, I’d like to discuss something else.”
“I would like to stay on topic.”
“Then it seems we’re at an impasse. Perhaps you should go. We can continue this, another day, or not.”
“You’re not changing the subject. The non-disclosure of our relationship is nonnegotiable.”
“I don’t recall signing anything, well, other than a blank napkin. We didn’t even have a prenuptial agreement. So I have no legal restraints on what I can and cannot disclose.”
Tony stepped closer, “Legal, no. What about ethical or moral?”
“Did those concerns come into play during your acquisition or our relationship?”
“I have tried to explain, not at first, but they did.”
“Tony, I’m tired, too. I don’t have the energy to figure out your puzzles. I don’t plan on disclosing anything about your true identity to the media, if that’s part of your concern. I have however, learned of many misconceptions regarding me during our relationship. I do plan on correcting those errors.”
“Why?”
She sat straighter and used the words he’d said to her, “Because I can.” His micro-expression revealed his displeasure, “The world wants to know, and I’m willing to disclose.”
“It won’t happen.” He sat his glass on the table and leaned forward. “I came here to emphasize this is a waste of your time. Currently my legal team is working diligently to stop any information regarding our marriage or relationship from public media. If anything appears on the internet or anywhere else, a civil suit will immediately follow, against you, Meredith, and the offending sites.”
Claire allowed the glass to linger on her lip and watched as Tony laid the gauntlet at her feet. Finally she spoke, “Well, at least this time you have the nerve to deliver the ultimatum in person, instead of sending Brent.”
The reference to Claire’s prison visit caused Tony to straighten his stance. “I was angry about the plea.”
“You’ve made your point, now it’s my turn.”
Tony smirked, “Yes, I recall, you did like your turn.”
She ignored his implication and went on with her request, “I want a promise – from you.”
“What promise do you want from me?”
“I want a guarantee the people in my life, the associates, and friends I’ve acquired are not in harm’s way.”
“My Claire, you give me too much credit. I’m a businessman. I don’t have the ability to cause harm to anyone much less those associated with you.”
This time Claire straightened, “Simon, John... do these names mean anything to you? How about my parents, your parents? Are there more? I can’t seem to process right now.”
“I do not take responsibility for that entire list. And explain exactly what you’re requesting.”
“Actually, I don’t believe I’m requesting anything. I’m saying, beyond a shadow of a doubt, if anything happens to me, my friends or associates, my story and the truth behind our relationship will be public. I will continue to work on the articles and stop production before everything is public. However, if anything happens to me or my friends, everything will be public knowledge. You’re welcome to do damage control but only be after the initial public response has been made and broadcast globally. As you know, once a perception is set, it’s difficult to change.”
Tony’s grip on the stem of the wine glass intensified as he changed the subject, “I don’t want you with anyone else. You’re mine and have been for a very long time.”
Although his words sent a shiver down her spine, Claire managed to respond incredulously, “That isn’t your choice. You sent me away!”
“No. You left, you drove out of our garage.” His words were stifled by his clenched jaws.
Claire stood, “Tony, I’m done with this conversation. I’m tired; however, I have a few other demands.” She didn’t wait for him to acknowledge, but continued, “John is out of jail. I want his law license reinstated. You took it away, don’t deny it. Now, bring it back. I will consider that proof of you commitment to this agreement.”
“I never liked him.”
“I’m pretty sure the feeling is and always has been mutual. Nonetheless, he never deserved what you did to him. By the way, do you know who sent me the box?”
Tony stood, walked toward the door, but stopped and faced her, “Yes,” his voice confident, “my dear, the information isn’t known by many. My list of candidates was quite limited. It didn’t take long to confirm my theory.”
She followed him toward the door. Looking up at his face she asked, “Who?”
“Good bye Claire, for now. May I have your hand?”
She spied him suspiciously, “Why?”
He didn’t answer; instead he held out his hand and waited. Reluctantly, she placed her right hand in his upturned palm. Tony bowed and touched his lips to her knuckles. While the warmth radiated up her arm, he turned her hand over. “Close your eyes.”
Weakened by his strong yet benign command, she obeyed.
“Keep them shut,” he whispered. She nodded as he reached into the pocket of his slacks, brought out a white gold chain with a pearl upon a white gold cross and placed it in her upward palm. Next, he closed her fingers around the delicate necklace and squeezed her hand. “My sign of commitment – end this with Meredith.” He kissed her closed fingers and opened the door.
By the time she saw her grandmother’s necklace lying innocently in her hand, the scene blurred. Tears overflowed her lids and cascaded down her cheeks. She turned to Tony, but he was gone.
Claire’s trembling fingers fumbled with the small clasp. With intense concentration she managed to put the delicate chain around her neck and secure the fastening. Hastily, she ran to the mirror and watched the small white gold cross with the large pearl, move up and down upon her chest, accelerated by her now rapid heartbeat.
With time, her eyes moved from the necklace to her own face. The concentration and determination from before were gone. Her cheeks were now blotchy and smeared with mascara.
The stress of her reunion with Meredith – the unexpected meeting with Tony – complete with multiple confrontations – and now the reality of her grandmother’s necklace sucked any remaining strength from her core. Claire collapsed onto the bed, stared up at the ceiling, and fought the urge to cry. She couldn’t stop the tears streaming from the corners of her eyes. But the sobs that screamed for release from the confines of her chest – those she worked to contain.
Cradling the large soft pillow, now damp with tears, Claire curled into the fetal position, and closed her eyes. The combination of stress and emotion brought back her once familiar aching head. In time, slumber surrounded her, isolated her, and comforted her, creating a safe haven from the storms continually confronting her life.
The sound of pounding interrupted her peaceful bliss. She fought the disorientation associated with waking suddenly in an unfamiliar place. Groggily she saw the clock: 3:17 and forged toward the door of the suite, toward the source of the pounding. Nearing the large double doors she heard a key in the lock and his panicked voice, “Claire, Claire, are you in there?”
O, shit, I didn’t call Harry.
Claire ran toward the doors. She’d used the chain lock; their key couldn’t open the door completely. Just before her destination, she glanced at the large mirror near the entry, seeing her clothes from yesterday. The silk blouse, now untucked, hung wrinkled above her rumpled linen slacks. Dark black circles of melted mascara graced the underside of her swollen, red eyes. She mindlessly tried to smooth her messed hair, as if that would help her sad appearance. Quickly she called to the man on the other side of the door and fumbled with the chain. “Please wait, just a minute.” Sliding the chain and pulling the freed door inward, Claire gasped at Harry, two men dressed in the hotel’s signature burgundy, and a woman in a San Diego police uniform.
She stood in shock at the crowd before her.
Any anger she’d heard in Harry’s voice through the door evaporated as he took in her appearance. “Are you all right?”
Before she could respond, he hugged her shoulders, and pulled her into his embrace. She didn’t resist, melting against his chest. Unconsciously, she inhaled his masculine scent as her cheek felt the rhythmic beat of his rapidly pumping heart.
“Are you alone?” Claire nodded. “Did he hurt you?” She shook her head.
Harry turned to the others, “You may go.” Speaking to the woman in uniform he said, “We’ll let you know tomorrow if there’re any charges.”
Harry’s unwavering embrace impeded her view, yet Claire struggled to free herself and turn toward the police officer, “There are no charges.” Looking up Harry’s soft blue eyes, she continued, “I’m sorry. I just fell asleep.” Looking back to the woman in blue, she said, “Thank you for your time. I’m sorry for any misunderstanding, but there are no charges.” Harry pulled her back into his embrace. She felt his heart slowing to a steady rhythm. "I'm sorry I worried you.” She mumbled as they walked into her suite.
The comforting tone of his voice dwindled and agitation prevailed, “You said you’d call. You promised.”
She stepped back from his touch, suddenly defensive. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say. I was upset when Tony left. I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I just did.”
Harry reached out to Claire’s cheek and wiped smeared mascara with his thumb. “You’ve been crying?” She nodded. “What happened?”
She exhaled and recalled the evening in a synopsis of the finer points. “We argued. He told me not to speak to the media about our relationship. I told him to leave the people I care about alone. Then, when he left, he gave me this.” Claire pointed to her necklace.
“He gave you a necklace?”
“It was my grandmother’s. It’s the only thing he saved from my Atlanta apartment, my only connection to my life before him.” She fought the sobs bubbling in her chest and whispered, “It means more to me than anyone will ever know.” Claire tried to compartmentalize the realization that lurked in the back of her mind; Tony knows how much it means to me, he’s the only one who knows all about me.
Harry’s voice helped clear her thoughts, “If it’s something you want, I’m glad he returned it. But, why now?”
“He said, as a sign of commitment. In that box of information, there was a picture of it at an auction of my things. I thought it was gone forever.”
Harry took Claire’s hand and led her toward the sofa. On the table in the middle of the small grouping sat the almost empty bottle of wine and two glasses.
When Harry’s grip tightened, Claire felt the need to explain, “I ordered a bottle of wine before he showed up. It came with two glasses, and I offered some to him.”
“Very hospitable of you.”
Claire wrenched her hand free at the crispness of his tone and turn toward the bedroom. This time she didn’t get the chance to dismiss him. He followed, seized her shoulders, and turned her around. Peering down with the softest blue eyes, Harry spoke, “I don’t care about the wine. I only care that you’re safe. I called and called. You didn’t answer. His jet left the private airstrip about 12:30. I panicked. After what you told me about last time, I was scared to death you were on that jet, involuntarily.”
“I really am sorry. I don’t know why I didn’t hear my phone.” She picked it up, from the table near the wine. The screen’s message said eight missed calls, as well as text messages and emails. She checked the ringer, it was silenced. “I guess I never turned on the ringer after my meeting with Meredith.” She looked up into his caring expression. “Thank you for your concern. What’re you going to do about work tomorrow?”
Harry smiled his first smile since arriving, giving Claire the sensation of sunshine breaking through a cloudy day. “I know the boss. I’d better text her and let her know you’re all right, but she gave me the day off.”
Claire grinned, enjoying the sensation of raised cheeks instead of ones dampened with tears, “I’ve always heard it helps to have connections.”
Harry leaned down and kissed her nose. “I like your smile much better than the sad face.”
“Me too.” She tipped her face up and allowed her lips to linger on his. “I know I look like hell. I’m gonna go clean-up. Why don’t you text Amber?”
“I think you’re beautiful, but go do whatever you want. You need some more sleep and so do I. I’ll text her.”
Wrestling butterflies and insecurities, Claire opened the door from the bedroom to the living room as her hand trembled slightly on the cool door knob. Scanning the suite, she immediately noticed Harry’s bed. He had a sheet, blanket, and pillow on the sofa. Continuing to search, she found the man she sought. Irony struck when she realized he stood exactly where Tony stood hours before, at the large window, staring out at the dark San Diego skyline.
Worried that he’d reject what she had to offer, she tried to push the doubts from her mind and press forward – barefooted across the light carpet. As she neared him, she saw the glass in Harry’s hand; it wasn’t one of the stemmed wine goblets from the table, but a small tumbler from the bar. He swallowed the last of the wine.
Quietly she moved next to him and touched his elbow. Lost in thought and startled by the contact, he turned his gaze to her. She watched as his blue eyes devoured and his expression morphed. She was only inches away, her face clean of makeup and tears, her hair brushed, and wearing a silk, floor length, light green nightgown.
She remained motionless, nervously awaiting his response. When he didn’t speak, she tried for levity, “You’re awfully tall to sleep on that sofa.”
Keeping his eyes fixed to hers, he replied, “I was thinking the same thing as I put the blanket there.” His hand gently went to Claire’s shoulder, teasing the delicate spaghetti strap. She closed her eyes and exhaled, causing her breasts to move as her lungs deflated.
In unison, they stepped forward. Her nipples hardened as they brushed the silk nightgown and pushed against his hard chest. They’d been close to this numerous times, always stopping before making the ultimate leap.
Claire knew the consequence of her clothing choice. She had shorts and t-shirts for her morning work-outs. If she’d chosen that for her sleeping attire, she’d have sent an entirely different message. But she didn’t. Her decision wasn’t made hastily; she’d been debating it for weeks.
Harry’s voice resonated deeper than usual, “You’ve had a long night. Don’t you want some sleep?”
Her body shivered with anticipation, and her response came breathily, “Eventually.”
He pulled her petite frame to him. Within his embrace, her body became liquid, molding against his. “Are you sure? I didn’t come here for this.”
She nodded, smiling a shy tight lipped smile and wrapping her arms around his muscular torso. “I know. You came because you were worried about me.” It was Harry’s turn to nod. She strained her tip toes to kiss his cheek, “And I appreciate your concern.”
He lifted his brows, “So this is your way of saying thank you?”
Claire gazed through her lashes, “No. I said thank you, I think. This is what I want.”
With only a moment’s hesitation, he took her hand and led her toward the bedroom. Her insecurities faded with each step. When they reached the threshold, Harry stopped and asked, “Are you letting me in, or pushing him out?”
Claire’s smile faded as she contemplated the question she wished he’d never asked. Feeling the warmth of the hand that encased hers, she replied honestly, “At the risk of losing you to the sofa, I don’t know.”
He reached down and scooped Claire into his arms. She giggled in surprise as her feet left the ground. “At the risk of sounding like a man, at this moment I don’t give a damn. I just want to be sure you know what you’re doing.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and spoke with purposeful breaths into his ear. “I promise I know exactly what I’m doing. It’s you and your actions I’m uncertain about,” she nuzzled his neck, “and the anticipation is driving me crazy.”
His blue eyes twinkled, “Ms. Nichols, crazy is just the way I like you.” He laid Claire upon the king sized bed and watched as her long chestnut hair fanned behind her lovely face, highlighting the intense shimmer of her emerald eyes. After kissing her sweet lips he expressed his true observation, “You are so beautiful!”
Claire felt her cheeks blush as she lifted her head to watch Harry pull his shirt over his head. She’d seen his bare chest before, usually when they’d worked out together. Tonight she stared, thinking it looked wider than she’d remembered. The sight of it heaving with each breath, took her breath away. Happily, she replied, “I must say, I like my view, too.” Her smile flowed from her lips, to her cheeks, and settled in her glittering green eyes.
When he started to unbuckle his belt, Claire sat up and asked, “May I?” Harry nodded and watched as Claire reached for the buckle.
She was a divorced twenty-nine year old woman, not a teenager. There was no need to portray false purity. Harry knew her past. As she unzipped his slacks and his boxer shorts tented in expectation, it was obvious he wasn’t deterred by her boldness.
Standing in only his boxers, Harry reached for Claire’s hands and helped her stand. With their chests once again touching he whispered, “My turn.”
First uncertain, she then nodded, understanding his meaning. Slowly he bent down and secured the hem of her silk gown. With painstaking patience he eased the soft fabric over her hips, torso, and breasts. Only the gasp that escaped his lips, as he uncovered her supple firm body, could be heard until he spoke with the raspy tenor of desire, “Lift your arms.” She acquiesced, and he eased the gown over her head, dropping it to the floor in a puddle of silk.
Harry’s smile made her feel sexy, as she stood before him wearing only a small white pair of lacy panties. His eyes never left hers as he stepped toward her. Though his words directed her movements, his tone spoke with desire, “Lie down.”
She stepped back, their eyes locked with need and gratification. Feeling the bed against her legs, she did as he bid. He gracefully followed her onto the soft mattress. His soft blue eyes danced with yearning. The emerald – blue contact ended as Claire’s eyes closed, in response to Harry’s caresses. Next, his lips contacted her soft exposed skin eliciting moans from deep inside of her. His kisses began at her cheeks, moved to her neck, shoulder, and down to her breasts.
Claire’s breathing labored at the feel of his fingers massaging the small white lace triangle and his tongue tantalizing her hard nipples. Her back arched toward his touch and fingers twisted his blonde hair. She pushed his shadowed stubbly chin against her throbbing breasts. The sensation overwhelmed her deprived senses. She craved more.
She kissed his head, tasted his shampoo, and inhaled his after shave. It’d been so long. Claire knew what she wanted and the sexual assault upon her electrified nerves made her patience dissolve. She wanted him – now.
Harry didn’t show the same urgency, patiently caressing, feeling and kneading her most sensitive areas. Though she pleaded for more, he continued his reverent worship. Between kisses he showered her with adoration and compliments, “You’re amazing.” “Your skin is so soft.” “I want you so much.” The longer he denied her, the more intense her desire. Never had a first time been so intense. Never had Claire been made to feel so adored.
Her body tensed when Harry asked if she was on the pill. It hadn’t occurred to her. The birth control insert that she had implanted long ago had passed its expiration. Thankfully, Harry was prepared. She didn’t question why he carried a condom. At the moment her only reaction was relief. When they finally united, they were both hot with carnal longing.
Her dreams seemed real and exciting. But reality was magic. The undercurrent pulled her into Harry’s rhythm as her body moved in sync with his. In time the current became a wave. Starting at her toes and moving north until it titillated the hairs of her scalp. She reached for his shoulders, arched her back, and unknowingly uttered a deep primal moan. The tidal wave took them all the way to a deserted exotic shore where he spoke the same primitive language.
Once the aftershocks calmed, she collapsed against Harry’s chest. It seemed almost incomprehensible to Claire, that after such a stressful evening she could feel so relaxed and content. Her eyes closed as the sound of his heart lulled her tranquil body toward sleep. Encircling her shoulder he squeezed, momentarily waking her. She buried her face into his soft chest hairs and murmured, “I don’t know what this means for the future.” Enjoying his embrace, she added, “I really don’t know what I want this to mean. I’m not looking for forever, but thank you for tonight.”
He wrapped both arms around her, securing her gently to his chest. His voice made his chest vibrate against her cheek. “I don’t know about the future either.” He kissed her hair. “However, I don’t think I can look at you the same way in Amber’s kitchen wearing those shorts you wear.” Claire lifted her eyes, sighing at his shy smile as he continued, “I mean, now that I know exactly what’s under the shorts and t-shirt.”
Claire shook her head, “Oh my, I hadn’t thought of that.” She let her hand trail over his pectoral muscles and down toward his waist. “I might just need to blush myself, knowing what’s hidden by those delicious ripped jeans you like to wear.”
“Delicious?”
“Hmm – mm,” she murmured, hearing his laugh.
Stroking her hair, his voice became more serious. “Honestly, I’m not looking for forever, either. But if we’re giving out thank yous, you should be on the receiving end.”
“I think I was.”
He chuckled, and went on, “I confess, I’ve been thinking about this since you bought your first cell phone.”
Claire lifted her head. This new position gave her visual access to his soft blue eyes. “What? My cellphone, why?”
Harry grinned, remembering the scene. “I didn’t know your story or even much about you. It just struck me as odd – you were so excited about a phone. I mean everyone has phones. Yet, you were almost giddy. I remember you looked like a kid at Christmas. At that moment, I fell head over heels for your excitement, enthusiasm, and innocence.”
Claire lowered her head to his chest, “Harry, don’t be deluded. I’m hardly innocent.”
He lifted her chin and kissed her lips. “I’m not deluding myself. Innocence refers to lack of guilt and pretense. While often reserved, you fit that description. You’re also very honest and naively trusting.” He rubbed his thumb over her chin and stared into her clouding eyes. “Those, too, are admirable qualities. Besides, I think you’ve given me a pretty complete bio. You deserve the same.” Claire tried to subdue a yawn, it was almost dawn, “And I’ll give it, another time. Right now, let me enjoy the moment.”
Claire nodded as she nestled her head once again upon his chest. “I’m rather enjoying it myself.” His arm tightened around her soft bare shoulder. For the first time in weeks, she fell into a sound dreamless sleep.
