Chapter 23 #2
He grinned and ran a hand through his perfectly combed hair, the movement almost too practiced. His jeans and navy sweater fit his muscular frame like they were tailored, and his effortless charm made her stomach churn—not with flattery, but awkwardness.
“So…” His gaze shifted to the trees where the leaves swirled in the breeze. “I was wondering if you might be free Friday or Saturday?”
“My friend—”
“Who’s at the door?” Wade cut in, unmistakably protective.
She stiffened.
He stepped into view, Bella secure in his arms, babbling a cheerful tune. Was it “Old McDonald”? Claire couldn’t tell, but the contrast between Bella’s happy chatter and Wade’s charged tension made the moment all the more surreal.
“Would you like to come in?” he asked, blocking the doorway.
Claire scooted aside, both men radiating barely contained testosterone.
“Rhett, this is my husband, Wade.” She forced the words out, her nerves abuzz.
Surprise flickered across Rhett’s face, and his gaze dipped to her hand. The glint of her wedding ring sealed the truth.
He hesitated, his smile faltering. “Right. Nice to meet you, Wade.” He cocked his head, and his lips parted. “The Wade Stone, huh? Actor, local celebrity. Seen your posters around town.”
Wade adjusted Bella. His smile businesslike, he extended a hand. “Nice to finally meet you.”
Their firm handshake teetered on the edge of competition.
In the awkward silence, Claire cleared her throat. “Thank you for the plant, Rhett. That was thoughtful.”
“No problem.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I should get going.”
“Have a good day,” Wade said, all calm now.
Rhett nodded before walking away, his shoulders hunched.
She shut the door, blew out a breath, and set the plant on the table beside Wade’s bouquet. “Did you see his expression?”
“Now you’re making me want to toss his plant in the trash.” Wade sauntered to her.
While she liked him being territorial, by now he surely knew he was the only one for her. “There’s no way you’re threatened by Rhett.”
“I’m not.” The tick in his jaw said otherwise.
“First, I never responded to his texts, and now… well, that wasn’t the best way for him to find out I’m married.”
Wade cupped a hand to her cheek. “One thing I like about you, Cupcake—you’re loyal, and you don’t want to disappoint anyone. But if you were crazy about the guy, you’d have told me about him before agreeing to be my wife.”
She crossed her arms. “He’s nice. I was considering him a prospect… datable if God hadn’t had other plans.”
He snorted. “You have my permission to see him—just long enough to break up with him the next time he stalks you in the backyard. But no smiling and keep three or four feet between you so he doesn’t touch your shoulder.”
She punched his shoulder, rolling her eyes. “I didn’t know you’re bossy.”
“Just trying to start a family.” He grinned. “Let me get Bella down for her nap.”
“Lunch will be ready in five minutes.” With that, she shoved Rhett to the back of her mind.
She washed her hands again and warmed soup on the stove. A dull pain still thrummed in her palm, but it was almost back to normal, though it would be a while before she felt comfortable slicing anything. Wade’s faint voice drifted through the baby monitor as he sang to Bella.
The sound tugged at something deep within Claire, stirring memories she hadn’t visited in years.
She smiled, recalling the musical he’d written in high school.
It had led to the Peak Protector series he’d filmed locally while juggling college classes—of course after a huge battle with his parents when he’d considered not going to college.
He’d taken a gap year, then decided to advance his education.
After plugging in the griddle, she started buttering the bread.
“Something smells incredible.”
Her pulse jumped. She found him leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed, his gaze intent.
“Just putting together something for lunch.”
He pushed off the doorframe and strode toward her. Stepping behind her, he invaded her space. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.” His breath brushed her neck, and goose bumps raced down her skin.
Her hands trembled as she placed the sandwich on the griddle. “Consider it a thank you.”
Was that even her voice?
“For what?” His hand slid over her waist, his touch light but electric.
Her breath hitched. “For taking care of me and Bella.”
“Taking care of my wife isn’t a problem.” His fingers grazed her nape.
More shivers tickled her spine, and her knees nearly gave out. She gripped the counter to steady herself. “Saying thank you to my husband isn’t a problem either.”
His lips moved to her ear, featherlight. “You’re welcome.” The low hum of his voice sent a jolt straight through her. “Nice ring, by the way.”
He’d noticed? Maybe even liked seeing it there?
Had he spotted it on the microwave earlier? Probably, considering how spotless the kitchen was when she’d gotten out of bed.
She swallowed hard, willing her voice to steady. “Can you grab the plates?”
“Anything for you, Cupcake.”
But of course, he didn’t just walk away. First, he pressed a kiss to her neck, tender and lingering.
She closed her eyes. “Wade…”
“Yes?” he whispered against her skin. Then he planted another kiss that had her closing her eyes, resisting the urge to spin around and grab his shirt, to kiss him senseless like she’d wanted to since their wedding weekend.
“You’re going to make me burn the food.”
His laughter sent pleasant vibrations through her. “Can’t have that, can we?”
Only when she heard cabinets opening and closing, did she dare open her eyes and exhale. Right. They were supposed to act like adults, sharing the same bed.
Not that he helped with his so-called adult behavior.
That night, though they spent most of the night talking and laughing, in their silent moments, he teased her with more kisses on her cheek or forehead.
He touched her often to tuck loose strands of hair behind her ear—each touch and peck left her wondering what secret self-control class he’d taken that she clearly missed.
But again, if stolen moments like this were part of the wife package, she could definitely get used to it—with Wade.