Chapter 8
Damn.
Claire had blown in like a tornado and twisted my world upside down.
I’d been home for hours, and I was still staring at the ceiling, thinking about her and wishing I’d brought her to my place instead. At least then, I’d know she was safe.
I had planned to carry her to her room, but she woke up before I could get halfway to the door. When she realized she’d fallen asleep, she’d practically thrown herself out of my arms and sprinted into her home. It wasn’t like I could storm in after her, so I’d come home.
No matter how hard I tried, I was failing to get her out of my head.
I’d thrown at her what Franklin told me to see what sort of reaction I’d get. I didn’t know what I expected, but her coming undone wasn’t it. I expected a confession that she wasn’t as innocent as she presented herself. It wasn’t a big deal. I didn’t like that another man had touched what was now mine, but all I could do was control the future.
Something wasn’t adding up. I seriously didn’t get Claire and Franklin. He presented her one way, but it was the opposite of what I saw when I was around her. She said she hated him but called him Daddy in public. That said they were close. So, how could I tell who was being truthful? I wouldn’t be able to protect my family properly if I couldn’t figure them out and soon.
I’d held her while she cried so hard her body trembled. Watched her sleep with her puffy red eyes and nose. She’d made a mess of my shirt, but nothing a little detergent couldn’t fix. I’d tossed the suit with the other stuff that needed to go to the dry cleaner the moment I walked into my condo.
I heard my phone chime on the nightstand and immediately reached for it. Claire.
Thank you.
At least I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t sleep.
Any time. Are you okay?
Three dots popped up and disappeared enough times that I lost count. It made me wonder if she would answer me.
I haven’t been okay for a long time.
Man, I wanted to ask her why, but I’d told her I wouldn’t.
Is there anything I can do for you?
No, but tonight helped a lot.
I rolled to my side as I smiled.
I don’t mind making it a habit.
What I wanted was for her to be curled up next to me so I could make sure no one else ever hurt her again.
Me either.
A long minute passed before her next text chimed.
I have to get up early for wedding stuff tomorrow. I’m going to be so bleary-eyed that I might accidentally send out baby shower invitations. Talk about a shock.
Shaking my head, I laughed. This woman.
Good night, Claire. Sweet dreams.
Sweet dreams, Lucas.
Oh, I’d have dreams, all right. Not sure how sweet they’d be, but I was positive Claire would be the star in every one of them.
I was also positive I was falling in love with the librarian.
Double damn.