4. Bobby
4
Bobby
Traps and Triggers
I sit up, rubbing the remnants of sleep from my eyes.
For a couple of seconds, I blink at the unfamiliar surroundings. Then a memory jolts me awake. Right. Dallas, Claire, The Carter Estate.
Yeah. My first night as a fake boyfriend hasn’t really gone as I expected.
A soft snort escapes my lips as I assess my current situation, sprawled on the leather couch in the living room of our shared suite.
I couldn’t even get a room of my own. If this is a sign of things to come, she'll owe me a lot more by the time this is done. So far, all I've got is a sore back and the lingering scent of Claire's perfume on my shirt. Not exactly the glamorous life I was promised.
I turn to my left. The door to the bedroom is left ajar. Curiosity pulls me towards the room. I tiptoe across the plush carpet. Claire's world seems much worse than mine. Suitcases lie open and clothes are thrown across the floor like colorful confetti. In the center of all the chaos is Claire—tucked in a corner of the king-sized bed.
She’s curled up under the white sheets with her tangle of brown hair covering her face. I couldn’t help but notice Claire’s brown hair is a stark contrast to the platinum blonde that seems to be the dominant color of the Carter clan.
A grin settles on my lips. Claire would never dye her hair to blend in. It’s just like her to assert her individuality stubbornly. I love that about her, always have.
I feel a strong surge to protect her as I stare at her. The fiery Claire I know—the one who throws witty barbs and doesn't hesitate to fight her corner—is nowhere to be seen. In her place lies a vulnerable woman, resting before a new day of crazy antics begins.
Last night gave me a glimpse into her strained relationship with her family. Dinner downstairs with the Carters was a disaster. Egos clashed as they boasted about who had the most money to flaunt, bragging about their relationships, vacations, and everything else. The tension in the air was palpable, and Claire spent the entire evening on edge, picking at her food, barely saying a word.
I’ll do my best to help her reconnect while I’m here. Is it my job as her friend, or as her boyfriend now? I let out a dry chuckle. The titles are going to get really murky over the next couple of days. But, for some reason, I can’t wait to see how this unfolds.
A vibrating sound breaks the silence, and I turn around. The sound is coming from the couch. I tiptoe out of the bedroom as fast as I can, not wanting the sound to disturb Claire's sleep.
The screen displays ‘ Dad .’ Uneasiness twists in my gut.
Why is he calling already?
I step out onto the balcony before swiping the green answer icon.
"Dad."
"Bob? Where the heck are you?" His voice booms through the receiver. I can hear the anger loud and clear.
"It's a little early for a call, isn't it?" I question.
"You tell me about early. You should be home already if you took the flight I booked—”
I take a deep breath. “I didn’t take the flight, Dad.”
“What's going on?"
He’ll go full-blown crazy if I even try to explain the fake-boyfriend situation. He might hire all the private investigators just to find me before what he would see as a potential scandal.
I also can’t tell him that I’m not planning to come home until he settles things with my brother. That would only cause more rifts.
"There's…something I have to take care of," I hedge, my voice low. "I'll be home as soon as I’m done."
"Bob," his voice softens, laced with concern. "Is everything okay?"
"I’m fine, Dad."
"You better be," he grumbles. "And get home quickly son, nothing is more important than family, Bob. You hear me?"
"Loud and clear."
He hangs up before I can say anything else. I stare at the phone for a moment, wondering what excuse I’m going to give when he calls again. Letting out a deep breath, I slide the phone into my pocket and lean against the balcony railing.
Cool morning air washes over my face as I stare at the expansive estate below me. Gurgling fountains, chirping birds, horses in the barn, and a gentle breeze carrying the sweet scent of roses. It's a picture-perfect scene, yet Claire probably doesn’t love it, because the people here don’t make it home for her.
"Bobby?" The soft voice breaks through the morning air.
Claire’s standing in the doorway, her hair a messy halo around her face. She rubs her eyes with the back of her hand.
"Hey," I smile. "Didn't mean to wake you."
"No, you didn’t," she yawns, stretching her arms above her head.
I lean my back on the railing and stare at her. She’s wearing a man’s shirt... my shirt . I didn’t see it when she was in bed under the covers, but now it’s exposed…she’s exposed. The overly long arms dangled beyond her fingers, and the hem rides high, skimming her thighs, her legs bare.
She looks like…a beautiful, messy angel.
I chuckle as she walks closer. “Is that my shirt?”
She shrugs. “Somehow, I forgot to pack some pajamas. Been scatterbrained the last couple of days.”
“You mean decades?”
She narrows her eyes at me. “You’ve only known me eight years, Dr. Perfect.”
I smirk. “That’s a large enough sample size, don’t you think?”
“Jeez, Bobby.” She rakes a hand through her hair. “I need my morning caffeine first and a hefty breakfast to stand a chance against you.”
“And then you’ll still lose.”
She teases, “Not when I use these fists! You’re so annoying sometimes!” She takes a step toward me and gets ready to smack me on the arm with full force, but I quickly step back. Her wild swing misses me by a few inches, immediately throwing her out of balance.
“No! No!” She shrieks, her arms now flailing around.
I laugh hysterically as I watch her stagger around like a drunk horse, desperately trying to regain balance.
“It’s too early for this crap!” she whines as she careens toward the floor. I reach out just then, catching her outstretched arm and pulling her toward me.
She slams into me, suddenly pinning me against the wall with her body. Her eyes turn up to me, the green depths darker than I’ve ever seen them. My heart starts to race, hard and fast.
“Thank your stars I didn’t fall.” She gives me a glare as she rants the words, one that grips my soul.
She’s your friend, Bobby. Stay in your lane.
I swallow the lump in my throat and turn away from her.
"Everything alright?" she asks, her voice laced with concern.
She must have noticed my change in demeanor. She’s probably expecting a typical comeback from me, but I feel like my heart is in my chest and I can’t even think of a response. It suddenly feels hot out here on the porch. My body must have finally started feeling the Dallas temperature.
“Yeah,” I muster. “All good.”
"Who was on the phone?"
"Just my Dad. Checking in."
“Now, hold on. I’ve never known your Dad to just check in.” She frowns as she takes a tentative step closer, and I feel the air being sucked out from around me.
"Is something up?" she hesitates, searching my face.
“Nope.” I manage to smile, forcing air through my lungs. "Just a little jet lagged, maybe."
It's a flimsy excuse, but Claire buys it… for now . She reaches out, brushing her fingers against my cheek.
A jolt whirs through me, and I swallow again.
What is this?
The warmth of her touch lingers on my cheek, then spreads across the rest of my body. I blink twice.
Darn this Dallas heat. It’s making me react to Claire’s touch in a way I never have before. I need to force myself into an ice bath.
I’m glad I packed some lightweight T-shirts for this trip. I blink at Claire and gently, I remove her hand from my face.
"Did I have something on my face?” I hedge, avoiding her gaze.
“No. Was just seeing if you were okay. You seem off. Did you sleep good on that couch?"
“Being cramped on the couch is the perfect, most comfortable place to spend the night after a flight."
Yes. That’s more like it.
Sarcasm and jibes are how I need to keep it with Claire, not racing hearts and heat. Back to normal.
She lets out a soft chuckle. “I’m the girlfriend. I get to enjoy more of the pampering, don’t I?”
I clear my throat. "And according to our agreement," I counter. "I'm your guest, and I should get treated like one."
She throws her head back and laughs, the sound washing over me in warm waves. "Should we share the bed then?" she asks with a sparkle in her eyes.
An uncomfortable silence falls between us, broken only by the chirping of birds outside. We stand there for a moment, a strange current crackling in the air. An image of holding her in my arms on that bed flashes across my mind.
I shake my head, mentally slapping myself. What the heck is wrong with me?
Claire’s sudden yawn breaks my intrusive thoughts. She rubs her eyes with the back of her hand, then looks up at me with sleepy, adorable eyes.
"Bobby?" She wraps her arms around my waist, her body pressing into mine.
My breath hitches. Claire doesn’t seem to feel any of the same tension as she rests her head on my shoulder. It's a simple gesture, yet it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
"Yeah?" I manage to hold my voice steady.
"Just practicing," she grins, her voice barely a whisper. "For later, you know? The whole ' cute and cuddly girlfriend' routine."
A smile slowly spreads across my face. There's a playful glint in her eyes that tells me she's enjoying this.
"Cute and cuddly, huh?" I tease, glancing down at her. "Seems like an excuse for sleepyhead who just needs a place to rest her head."
She lets out a giggle. "Well, that too."
“How about I make you some coffee?"
"Coffee sounds amazing," she nods sleepily. "And maybe…" she hesitates, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Maybe you could carry me back to the kitchen? Just for practice, of course."
I raise an eyebrow. "Now, that’s pushing your luck.”
"But that's what loving boyfriends do, right?" she counters, batting her eyelashes at me in a way that would make any man melt.
"Easy there, tiger," I chuckle, resisting the urge to scoop her up right then and there. “No way I'm aiding your laziness this morning."
She puts on a mock pout and shoves me playfully. “Fine," she concedes. “Let’s go."
We make our way down to the main kitchen, teasing and laughing at each other. Just as we’re about to step in, a voice cuts through our playful exchange.
"Good morning, lovebirds."
We both spin around quickly. Gavin is standing in the doorway, and his eyes twinkle with amusement.
"Gavin!" Claire sputters. "You scared the living daylights out of me!"
"Sorry, sis," he laughs. "Did I interrupt whatever session you two were having?"
Claire throws him a deadpan look. "Just here for some caffeine.”
"Coffee, huh?" Gavin raises an eyebrow, following us. “Mind if I join in?"
“Why?” Claire thumbs her nose.
Before Gavin can answer, I step in. “Sure, Gavin. The more the merrier."
Gavin claps me on the shoulder. “See, Claire? Bob's a good sport. Unlike some grumpy siblings."
Claire throws him another glare, but a small smile graces her lips. We pull out mugs, and I start brewing a fresh pot of coffee.
"So, Claire," Gavin sits at the breakfast bar. "Mimi and the ladies have planned a whole day of pampering. Facials, massages, the whole works."
Claire groans, slumping into a chair next to me. “Ugh, really? Do I have to?"
Gavin winks at her. “Sorry, sis. Orders from the Grand Duchess herself."
"The Grand Duchess, huh?" I ask, trying to keep the amusement out of my voice.
“I know, right? That's what we call Mimi sometimes. She can be a bit…formidable."
Claire rolls her eyes. “You're telling me."
Turning to me, Gavin flashes a friendly grin. “So, Bob, what are your plans for the day? Up for some brotherly bonding?"
I shrug, glancing at Claire, who shoots me a tentative look. "I'm not sure."
Gavin raises an eyebrow. “It'll be fun. We can go golfing, maybe hit the shooting range. Just you, me, and the boys."
Claire opens her mouth to protest, but Gavin holds up a hand. “Don't worry," he assures her. “You’ll have him back in one piece." He throws an arm around my shoulder, pulling me into a friendly hug. “What do you say, Bob?"
Taking a deep breath, I say, “Sure. Sounds good to me."
Claire's lips tighten, a flicker of something crossing her features before it's quickly masked. "Alright," she concedes, her voice strained. “Go have fun."
But before I can say anything further, Gavin is pulling me out of the kitchen. I steal one last glance back at Claire as we head out the door, her gaze meets mine, and for a fleeting moment, her mask slips, revealing a vulnerability that takes my breath away.
Then she smiles, waving goodbye as she sits in the kitchen alone with her coffee.
***
Hours later, I’m sitting at the back of a beat-up truck kicking up dust on the road leading back to the Carter estate. I shield my eyes with a hand, squinting against the setting sun.
It’s been a rowdy day with Gavin, Richard, and Mike. We’d gone everywhere from the local pub to the feed mill, they dragged me to every corner of the city. We ended the day with golf, but I was no good, so the brothers teased me the entire time. I didn’t mind, though. It was fun, nonetheless. Plus, my mind couldn't help but drift back to Claire, wondering what she was up to after her day of pampering and if she went head to head with Fiona again.
The brothers ribbed me mercilessly, peppering me with questions about Claire. Most of them were good-natured, inquiring about her well-being, and her interests. They seemed genuinely curious about their sister and her life outside of Dallas. Knowing that makes lying to them about our relationship harder, but Claire clarified that no one else can see the truth if we want this charade to work.
Claire and I exchanged texts about a half-dozen times, so she knows we’re on our way back to the estate.
As we pull up, I see Claire already waiting on the veranda. The moment I climb out of the truck, she's on me like a pet, happy to see her owner, her hands patting me down, her eyes searching my face with worry.
“Are you okay?”
"Of course he is," Richard chuckles, shaking his head. “Do you really think we'd do something crazy to him?"
“I don’t trust you guys,” she barks.
"Come ‘on, sis. We're not Neanderthals,” Mike chimes in.
Laughter erupts around us, momentarily breaking the tension. I wrap an arm around Claire, pulling her close. “I'm perfectly fine," I whisper against her ear.
The warmth of her body pressed against mine sends the same jolt from earlier through me, so I quickly pull back, holding her hand instead as I lead her up the stairs. Tension knots in my stomach. I’ve been okay all day without her, and now one minute with her and my whole system goes haywire again.
This can’t continue. Or soon enough, I’ll drag her into my arms and kiss her when I’m no longer able to control this feeling.
No, Bobby. Stay in your lane. She doesn’t even feel the same way.
"So, how was your day with the boys?" Claire asks.
"Good," I reply lightheartedly. “Got to see how things work around here."
“Uh-huh. Did you guys find out about the party this weekend?”
I nod once. “Gavin told us.”
“It’s what we spent most of the day planning after the spa.”
Claire proceeds to recount the events of her day — party talk over teatime, picking planning teams, shopping, and, of course, gossip. Apparently, not only is the Carter name the biggest real estate brand in all of Texas, but Mimi is also best friends with the governor’s wife. She knows all the gossip.
As she speaks, my mind races to find a solution. The party seems like the perfect opportunity to escape this situation and break myself free of these growing, conflicting emotions toward Claire. It’s new territory and I can’t trust it...trust myself.
It’s just like when we first got close in college. Is there something there? Do I take a chance this time? Has she given me any sign that she even feels the same way? Or do I just go along with playing her fake boyfriend to help her out one more time?
“Have your credit cards been reactivated?”
Claire stops talking abruptly. “Yeah, why?”
Winking, I say, "Well, the morning after the party sounds like a good time for me to head back home. Seems like my work here is done."
Her brows bunch in confusion. "Head back home? No way, Bobby. You can’t leave me like this. Where is this coming from? Can we talk about this later, in private?”
I nod my response, and she looks up at me, worry in her eyes. I gently take her arm and lead her towards the main hall.
I wish there was another way, but it looks like I have to break up this fake relationship with Claire quickly if I want to keep our real friendship intact, before we’re caught in the web of our own lies.