“You look really young, especially to have retired parents.”
This time he looks at anything but me, “ Actually my parents died two years ago in an accident.”
My eyes pop wide as I realize I’m the biggest asshole in history, “Oh, I’m so sorry Rowan. I shouldn’t have pried.” He reaches out slowly and deliberately as he sets his hand over mine that’s laying on the table. That pesky zap is back but I don’t pull away.
I look up at Rowan and he gives me a soft smile, “You can ask anything you want, Clara. I will tell you whatever you want to know. You just have to ask.” I start to ask him why? Why would he do that?
Rhett starts hitting the table to get my attention before I get the chance.“Is it time to go? Call Auntie tonight? Miss her.”
I nod and turn back to Rowan, “Thank you so much for making sure we got here safely, but I have to get Rhett home to get to bed.”
I stand up and grab Rhett’s hand the same time Rowan shoots to his feet, “Can I give you a ride home?”
“Oh, no that’s okay we’ll be fine, and I’m sure you don’t havea car seat.” I turn away from him but he gently grabs my arm, this time I don’t jerk away. The heat from his hand warms me in a way that’s foreign but not unpleasant.
“I’ll walk you. Please, I won’t be able to sleep tonight if I don’t know you’re home safe.” I contemplate that for a minute and glance out the window noticing that the sun has fallen behind the tall buildings of the city.
Deciding that part of me would rather spend more time with Rowan and the other part really doesn’t walk this area with a child when it’s getting dark, I sigh, “Thank you, That’d be great.”
* * *
Rowan
Walking up the stairs to Clara’s apartment with Rhett running just a little ahead I have to fight this feeling of belonging, this strange tightening in my chest. It’s not bad, I don’t think, I’m just not sure what exactly it is. When I saw that car barreling toward the two of them I didn’t think, I just acted. My heart jammed into my throat as I sprinted down the sidewalk and got to them just in time. I made sure Nolan got the plates and sent them to Mac to figure out who the fuck put my girl and kid in danger.
Wait, my girl and my kid… I kind of like the sound of that. It’s now I decide that Clara and Rhett will be mine, they justdon’t know it, yet. I have to move slowly and deliberately when it comes to them so they don’t spook. Clara’s come to a stop in front of her door pulling me out of my new revelation. She unlocks the door and Rhett turns and offers his fist. I bump it with mine as my heart squeezes. His brown curls bounce as he sprints inside to get ready for bed, I’m guessing that’s what she told him before she opened the door while they talked with their hands. She turns so she’s standing in front of the door and gives me a shy smile and shrugs, “Well this is me.”
She’s stunning in her jeans that fit her like they were made just for her, and her worn concert t-shirt. Her hair is up in one of those messy pony tails that looks like she spent thirty minutes making it the perfect kind of messy, and a pair of chucks on her feet that look well loved.
I can’t help myself as I reach up to wrap my finger around a loose strand of hair, “I guess it is. Thank you for letting me escort you.”
Her face heats in the most perfect shade of red, “Thank you for doing it. I should probably go make sure Rhett is doing what I asked though.”
Feeling the moment slip through my hand like sand I tuck her hair behind her ear and let my hand cup her face. Leaning into her space just a little “Clara, I really had a good time this evening. Let me take you out.” She locks those deep brown eyes on mine, and her tongue darts out to wet her bottom lip. My cock thickens in my dress pants as she gives me the smallest nod and I’m officially done. Just one taste of those perfect lips before I force myself to walk away for the night. She closes her eyes as I’m leaning in just a little more, my lips almost brushing hers but not quite. BANG! BANG! BANG!
We jump apart from each other as Rhett hits the other side of the door. Clara flushes and rushes out, “I’m sorry, he must need help with something. I should umm.” She hikes her thumb behind her indicating she should go.
Giving her an easy smile to calm her nerves, “Of course, text me when you get him settled. Just to talk, or we can repeat last night, I’ll even come over after Rhett’s asleep if you ask nicely.” Her face heats. I love when she blushes like that, the red tint looks so pretty on her pale skin. My mind starts wandering about making other parts of her skin red too. I’d love to stay right here with her but she’s got to get back to Rhett.
Our time tonight is up. I lean forward and press my lips to the center of her forehead. Pulling back I tell her “I’m serious, Clara. Text me or I’ll worry, and if I worry I may just come back to check on you.”
She gives me a small nod, “I’ll text you after I get Rhett down. Goodnight Rowan.”
Watching her turn and walk inside, right before she shuts the door I call out “Goodnight, Clara. Lock the door as soon as you shut it.” I wait to hear the locks engage, before starting down the stairs. They click into place just like I asked. I’m not even half way down the stairs when I have my phone to my ear and hear Declan’s gruff, “Yeah?”
“Hey, I need you to find me an interpreter or someone who can teach me sign language. Like ASAP.”
6
Chapter Six
Clara
What do I say? Help me!” I’m panicking and I know it but when Britt bites back her amused smile I glare at her through the small screen.
“If you don’t calm down, Clara I swear” she rolls her eyes and continues, “Just say ‘Hey, I just got Rhett down, thanks again for today.’ Or if you’re going for something more direct you can say, ‘Hey sexiest man I’ve ever seen, when you almost kissed me my heart kicked up seven notches and I felt the good tingles all over. Also you made me come harder than I ever have last night just by your voice, why don’t you come over and show me what else that mouth can do..” She laughs so loudly I have to cut the volume down.
Rolling my eyes because she thinks she’s hilarious. “Yeah, yeah you’re a real comedian, Mitchell.”
