With two coffees and a bag of sandwiches in hand, I carefully knocked on her door at ten on the dot, like I said I would. I wondered if she would be back to the same Clara she was before or if the one from last night was still around.
When the door was thrown open, I received my answer.
Clara’s smile was full and carefree as she greeted me. “Hey!” She sniffed appreciatively. “What do you have there? It smells divine.”
“I wouldn’t know about divine, but I got us two coffees and two bacon, egg, and cheese croissants from a diner down the street. I figured we could eat here before we hit the road.”
“Sounds wonderful. Come on in.”
She held the door open for me since my hands were full. I strolled past her, deeper into the room. Her perfume permeated the air, smelling of vanilla and something else I couldn’t quite place. It was sweet and seductive…like Clara. I had an overwhelming urge to see if the skin at the base of her neck smelled just as sweet. It would probably be sweeter…and delicious.
Shit.
Slow down, buddy.
I laid our food on the table in the corner. After taking one of the chairs, I pulled the two sandwiches out and placed them on napkins in front of us. I kept my face passive and my inner lust hidden as I waved at the bag. “There’s cream and sugar in there. I grabbed some extra for you.” I’d seen her make her coffee several times, so I knew she liked a lot. Actually, I’d never seen anyone use so much.
“Thanks.” She gave me a brilliant smile and dumped the contents of the bag on the table. “Oh, wow. That’s a lot.” She stared at me sheepishly. “You’ve been paying attention.”
I unwrapped my sandwich and nodded, trying not to laugh as I took a bite. Paying attention was a mild way of putting it.
“Thanks, Grey.” She started pouring tons of packets into her coffee. “How are the roads out there?”
“Fine. The news said the roads are clear. The weather is nice and sunny now, so there isn’t any ice. We’ll be safe.”
“Good. I’m ready to get back to Bella,” she voiced as she took a drink. She closed her eyes and let out a loud moan as she enjoyed it. “Mmm. That’s good.”
A lump formed in my throat. I forced a sip of coffee down my throat to clear it. If she continued to do stuff like that, she’d kill me – death by lust, plain and simple.
I had to take my time with this woman. In the beginning, I was going to stay away, but after spending time with her, I knew there was no way that was going to happen. I wanted her with a fierceness that was out of my control. I’d stop at nothing to have her. But she was scared. Of what, that was yet to be determined. I hoped she’d tell me one day, but I wasn’t going to search for it or expect it.
“Where’d you go?” she asked, breaking me out of those thoughts.
I shook my head to clear them. “Sorry. Just goin’ over what I need to do today,” I lied. “I’ll probably have to work late tonight to catch up.”
Her face fell, and I instantly regretted saying that.
“I’m sorry, Grey. I didn’t think about that. You’ve been doing so much for me lately…and now this. Is there anything I can do to help?”
I reached over and took her hand, running my thumb along the top. Damn, her hand felt good in mine, so soft and smooth.
“No, it’s fine. If you were puttin’ me out, I’d let you know.” Yeah, right. “But you aren’t. I had fun last night and don’t regret it.”
Her eyes softened. “Me too. I’d like to do that again. Dancing, I mean.”
“I’ll take you again sometime soon. Live bands play at Bobbies frequently. It’s not like last night, but it’s fun.”
“Is that the place Chelsea keeps telling me about?”
I nodded. “We’ll go soon.”
“Thanks. I’d love to.”
Plans for more definitely lifted my spirits.
I finished off the last of my sandwich and started cleaning up the trash. Once everything was chucked into the trash, I peered down at her. “Finish up. I’m gonna grab my stuff from the room. We can get outta here when you’re ready.”
“Sounds good. Take the key off the dresser.”
“Thanks, darlin’.” I bent down and kissed the top of her hair. I turned before I could see her reaction. I wanted to get her accustomed to my touch slowly. Last night, when I barely touched my mouth to hers, was only the beginning.
She just didn’t know that yet.
♥♥♥
The volume on the radio remained low, and we were both quiet. I kept stealing glimpses of Clara. She appeared content, at ease. I was relieved to see that her good mood had continued…not that she was moody. She wasn’t. It was more guarded than anything, like she was afraid to show emotions. Something happened that made Clara fearful and self-conscious of her true self. And I was pretty certain whatever happened was done by Jon’s hands.
The more I got to know her, the more I cursed Jon for forcing such a lonely existence on her…and Clara’s had been very lonely. Her stories about her life proved that.
Clara broke the silence when she asked, “How late will you have to work tonight?”
“Not sure,” I admitted. I glanced over to find her studying me. “It’s not a problem, Clara. Runnin’ the B&B isn’t like most jobs. Yes, I have responsibilities, but my hours can be very flexible. It’s the same with Sam. She’s more of the face of the B&B, but we’re able to cover for one another when need be. I promise, you aren’t puttin’ me out.”
“It’s not that,” she clarified. “I wanted to repay you for last night.”
“Clara, there’s not-”
“I know… I don’t have to. But I wanted to make you dinner.”
I snapped my mouth shut.
Another night with her?
Yeah, twist my arm.
“That sounds great.”
She gave me an apologetic expression. “I’m not the best cook in the world, but there are a few dishes I love to make and have somewhat perfected.”
To test the waters a bit, I replied, “I’m sure it’ll be great. It’s a date.”
Shyly, Clara dipped her chin so that her hair veiled her face and hid her blush. I could still detect that gorgeous, rosy color staining her cheeks, though, as well at the small smile tipping her lips.
I liked seeing her blush. It was cute, innocent…Clara. She was a breath of fresh air.
I remembered something I forgot to bring up last night. “Oh, I called Mrs. Cline yesterday while you were signing paperwork at the dealership.”
Her eyes lit with intrigue. “And?”
“She discussed the idea of placin’ her house on the market with her son recently. Apparently, Brian doesn’t want anythin’ to do with it. She said that if she could sell it to a family that would make it a home, she’s willin’ to talk. I know where the spare key is hidden. We can take a look whenever you want. Mrs. Cline insisted.”
Secretly, I was praying this house worked out for her. It wasn’t for purely selfish reasons, even though I wanted Clara as close as possible to me. Mrs. Cline’s house would be the perfect solution to Clara’s situation. The house was newly renovated and vacant.
Clara beamed at me. “That would be great! I’d love to see it.”
What I wouldn’t do to keep a smile like that on her face.
“We’ll stop by before we go home.”
Her smile slipped as she shook her head. “You’re already late for work, Grey. I can’t ask you to do that. We can go another time.”
I reached over and grabbed her hand, bringing it to my lips. Her quick inhalation showed just how much she was affected by me.
I liked that.
“You need your space so that you can settle into your life here with Bella, and I’ll do anythin’ to make it happen. Stop worryin’ about me, Clara. I know what I’m capable of.”
Something warm and brilliant sparked in her eyes. “You just want your home back,” she quipped.
“Sam’s couch is gettin
g’ rather uncomfortable.”
I would have slept on a bed of nails if it meant Clara was safe and happy.
She laughed softly, knowing I was joking. “Okay. We’ll go take a peek before we get back.”
♥♥♥
Moore Street was the road that ran parallel with Main Street, which meant it was right behind the B&B. Trees lined the road and the limbs canopied it. The houses were spaced far apart on large lots, and even though there was fresh snow on the ground, children were outside riding bikes and playing with their friends. It was the perfect neighborhood for Bella.
I pulled into the Cline’s circle driveway, watching Clara from the corner of my eye. She’d been excited by the friendly neighborhood, but that was nothing compared to her reaction to the house.
“This is it?” she questioned, awed.
“Yep.” I took my eyes off the house and turned to her as I parked. “Mr. Cline died a couple of years ago. They’d just finished renovatin’ everythin’ a few months before, so everythin’ is fairly new. I haven’t seen the inside since that happened, but I heard talk about it. The folks in town say it’s awesome.”
She was breathless when she returned, “This house is beautiful, Grey. The inside could be in shambles and I’d still love it.”
Chuckling, I stared at the house, examining it. There were several large trees that camouflaged the front of the house from the street, giving it some seclusion from the neighbors. There was pristine white siding on the right side and multicolored stones making up the left. Two stone chimney’s jutted out on either side of the roof. A small wooden swing hung from the ceiling on the spacious front porch, and a heavy front door with intricate glass decorated the front. Clara and Bella would have more than enough space to live comfortably since it was two stories. It was cute, homey…perfect for them.
“Wanna take a look?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“What are we waiting for?!” She threw the door open and hopped out.
I laughed at her enthusiasm as I followed. I took her hand in mine as I led her to the front porch, making sure she didn’t slip on the icy sidewalk. I found the fake rock that Mrs. Cline told me about on the steps and picked it up. Sure enough, underneath it was a hidden compartment with a key inside. I put the stone back and unlocked the front door, smiling down at Clara. She was bouncing from one foot to the other in eagerness.
“It’s charming,” she gushed. “I can already picture myself here. It reminds me of a little country cottage. It’s adorable. This house is, by far, way better than anything I saw online yesterday.”
“Hopefully, it’ll get better.”
I let her go in first and then followed, shutting us in. The house was cold because it sat empty, but it still held warmth, thanks to the beautiful layout. Newly refinished hardwood floors greeted us first, as well as an open foyer. To the right was a large arched doorway that led to a sitting room, and to the left, through the same kind of archway, was the dining room. A hall led straight down the middle, reminding me of the B&B. A lot of the houses around here had the same architecture, but I remembered that the stairs here were at the back of the house.
We walked into the dining room slowly glancing around. Crown molding and white paint decorated the walls. There were four big, bright windows that brought in an array of sunlight. An iron chandelier dangled from the center of the ceiling that held eight ornate, tan globes, and a door centered the back wall. I guided Clara through it as she observed every detail.
The door swung open as we meandered into the kitchen, but it was more than that. The living room and kitchen was one giant room, the floorplan open. The back of the house was made entirely of windows, overlooking a large backyard blanketed in snow.
The kitchen had a rounded, dark-toned granite counter that started at the wall on the left side of the house and extended out into a curved bar. There were two tiers, the lower one for kitchen prep and the higher one for seating and dining. The oak cabinet doors were inserted with frosted glass, and the stainless steel appliances looked like they had never been used.
Across from the kitchen was the living room. A stone faced fireplace was centered against the far wall. The hardwood floors accented the stones, enhancing them. The bottom of the stairs spilled out right into the center of the living room, and a hall next to it led back to the front foyer.
I was impressed.
“Oh, wow. This is huge,” Clara murmured, wide-eyed. “Beautiful. It’s perfect, Grey.”
“Let’s take a look upstairs before you fall too much in love,” I suggested, smiling at her.
“I don’t know, Grey… I want this kitchen.”
After climbing the stairs, we found the master bedroom first. It was a large, roomy space with two massive windows. We were pleasantly surprised to find a smaller version of the fireplace downstairs between them. The hardwood floors continued up here, as well. There was a door to the left that led to a walk-in closet that made Clara’s eyes bug out.
The bathroom was just as great as the rest of the house. Everything was white – the walls, tiles, and counters. There was a two sink vanity with large oval mirrors above them. An antique pedestal tub was in the one corner that had a large bay window above it, displaying a view of the beautiful mountains in the distance. A glass encased shower was in another corner with a huge shower head and dark fixtures.
“It seems a bit sterile, but with some color on the walls, it’ll be gorgeous. The view is breathtaking,” Clara commented as she walked toward the tub. She ran her fingers along the dark fixtures and glanced back at me. “I can already picture myself here, relaxing in this tub.”
That mental picture almost blew my mind, but I forged ahead by saying, “We have a few more rooms, Clara.”
“Right,” she whispered. “I don’t know if I need to see anymore. I want it.”
I grinned. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Let’s go look at the rest.”
There were three other bedrooms, a bathroom, and a laundry room upstairs. Clara fell deeper in love after walking through each and every room, already picking out which one would be Bella’s. She was even voicing different decorating ideas that came to mind.
She was giddy as I locked up and declared loudly, “I want it!”
“Hmm, I missed that.”
She bumped her shoulder into mine playfully. “Stop.”
I chuckled, enjoying her zeal. “Come on. I’ll call Mrs. Cline when we get back to the B&B.”
Clara threw her arms around me and hugged me. “Thank you, Grey.”
Slowly, my eyes drifted closed, and I wrapped my arms around her. She’d never done this before. I caressed the top of her hair with my cheek, whispering, “Remember what I told ya, Clara. Anything.”
♥♥♥
“Clara said you went by the old Cline house,” Sam announced as she walked into the office and sat at her desk. “She seems enchanted by it.”
I bit back my smile. “That about sums it up.”
“You talked Mrs. Cline into sellin’? I thought she wanted to keep it.” Sam leaned back in her chair and folded her hands behind her head.
“Nah. She’s been debatin’. When I called her, she said she would entertain the idea. Brian doesn’t want it.”
“Prick.”
There was no love lost between Sam and Brian. They dated when they were younger, but Sam kicked him to the curb when she found him making out with another girl. She never forgave him for it, but Sam tended to hold a mean grudge.
“Anythin’ excitin’ happen while I was gone?” I asked to direct the conversation away from Brian.
“You tell me?” She waggled her brows at me. “Clara seems to be in a really good mood, and I don’t think it has anythin’ to do with the house.”
I feigned ignorance. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t bullshit me, Grey. You two stayed in the city together. Alone. What happened? She’s walkin’ around like she’s on cloud nine.”
“I don’t wanna talk
to you about my love life.”
I’d said it before I realized my slip.
“Hah! I knew it!” A smile split her face as she pointed at me. “You can’t hide it from me. I know you too well, Grey. You like her.”
“What are we, eight?” I growled and closed my eyes. My sister was a meddling little brat. “Mind your own business, Sam.”
“Admit you like her and I’ll back off,” she haggled, grinning like a loon.
“Sam…”
“Come on! Clara’s sweet. I think you two would be great together.”
Huh?
“You do? Don’t you think it’s strange since she’s Jon’s sister?” That was another point that held me back at first, but then the attraction was too much for me to resist anymore.
“What?” Her forehead scrunched in confusion. “Jon’s dead, Grey. None of that matters.”
I scratched the side of my neck nervously. “That’s what I figured, too. But this town…people will talk.”
“They always do. That’s never gonna change, Grey. So, what happened last night?”
She was going to bug me until I told her, so I might as well tell her. “I took her dancin’.”
“What else?” she urged.
I could practically see her drumming her fingers together and smiling wickedly. I nearly laughed at the picture in my mind.
“Nothin’ else. We went dancin’, and then I took her back to her room before I went to mine…alone. That’s it. We had fun, though. She’s…she’s…” I couldn’t find the right words to describe her or the night.
Sam’s smile grew. “You’re fallin’ for her.”
Now, hold on.
“Stop. Don’t go too far, Sam. I still need to get to know her better. We’ve had one date, and it barely was a date.” Even though it was in every sense of the word.
“Riiight,” she replied sarcastically. “You two are always together these days. You’re past datin’ – you’re essentially in a relationship. Plus, I see the way you watch her. You’re like a lovesick puppy. It’s rather cute on you.” She winked at me when I scowled. “She does the same thing when you’re not lookin’, too. She’s very aware of where you are and what you’re doin’.”
Finding Bliss (Bliss #1) Page 15
