She couldn’t look more skeptical if she tried, “I didn’t know if we were allowed to leave. I thought we were supposed to stay in here.”
I feel like I’m going to throw up, they think they’re stuck in here unless I’m home? “Can I show you something?” She looks unsure but eventually takes my outstretched hand. “We’re going to go through our room but we won’t disturb Rhett.” She nods and lets me lead her through our room then out the door. I’m praying that what I have to show her makes her realize, I’m not him.
15
Chapter Fifteen
Clara
When Rowan stopped us from going too far in the bathroom, and said we needed to talk, I’ll admit it. I freaked out. I’m still unsure of what’s going on. Rhett and I stayed in Rowan’s room and had a movie day because we didn’t know what to do. I’m now realizing that wasn’t the best choice. I know logically Rowan isn’t Preston. He’s not going to reign down furry and fists on us. However, when he stopped me a few minutes ago my mind just slipped back into that fight or flight mode. Rowan leads us out of his bedroom door and stops in front of what I know is Declan’s room. I’m so confused, but taking a calming breath and looking up at his relaxed face I follow him. He walks through the door pulling me behind him and hits the light switch on the wall.
My eyes practically bug out of my head. My brain can’t compute what my eyes are seeing. This is definitely not Declan’s room. The room itself is a mirror layout of Rowan’s. Except for THIS room is a three year old little boy’s dream room. The right side of the room is decorated with so much of those four turtles Rhett is obsessed with. Big murals of them in action are on the walls. A full sized bed complete with those same turtles on the bedspread, pillow, and stuffys of each one. A night stand with a small nightlight placed directly in the center of it. The dresser is on the wall closest to the bedroom door. The closet door is a little closer to the center of the massive room. The bed frame, night stand, and dresser are all a beautiful mahogany color. A white envelope sits on top of the dresser, but I don’t dare touch it.
Instead my eyes flash to the left side of the room which looks like a play gym threw up in it. There’s an indoor trampoline, a freaking rock wall, tumble mats, an indoor slide. My jaw is on the floor. Not to mention the overflowing toy box on the wall closest to what I’m assuming is the bathroom. When did they have time to do this? How? Why? I have so many questions. My eyes fly to Rowan’s and on a choked sob I manage to get out, “What…What is this?”
Smiling he brings his big hand up, cupping the side of my neck, “It’s Little Bear’s room. He can sleep with us as long as he wants to, but he has his own room now, too. He has his own play set outside, and a pool he’s free to swim in as long as one of us is out there with him. He can run around the house whenever and in whatever way he likes. So can you, I don’t bring business in the front door. There’s no meetings conducted in this house. You two don’t have to tiptoe here.” I let out a shuddering breath and feel a weight lift off myshoulders. He heard me last night and a few minutes ago.
Without me even having to actually say it, he heard me, and much to my surprise he fixed it. He’s making it so we don’t have to walk on eggshells, he didn’t take his anger out on anyone or anything here last night. He wants us, just us, no strings, no conditions. He didn’t say it but I know, now that I’ve opened my eyes to everything this wonderful man has said, and done for us it’s clear as day. He loves us. “Thank you.” I throw myself in his arms and his free hand instantly snakes around my waist to hold me tight. His lips meet mine in the most slow and sensual kiss he’s ever given me. Every kiss is like the first all over again. When we finally pull apart he slowly opens his eyes and smirks, “There’s one more thing.”
Rowan picks up the white envelope and hands it to me. Perplexed, I look to the envelope then back to him. “Before you open I want you to know that this is just an option that was taken from you. You don’t have to do anything with it, you’re not going to offend anyone. I just want the option there if you want it.” He’s shuffling nervously now. His eyes are a little wild, and a lot resembling something akin to fear. Even more confused, I open the unsealed envelope and pull out a piece of paper folded in threes. I unfold and read it.
Before I can process what I’m reading Rowan cuts in, “It’s just an appointment, we don’t even have to go. I know you said your ex refused to let him get the surgery, I just want that to be your decision. The love I have for him wont change one way or another.” I’m in pure shock. In my hand I’m holding an appointment confirmation for a consultation with the best Neurotologists on the East Coast in three weeks. Looking into Rowan’s gorgeous green eyes all I can get out is, “There’s no way.” He’s looking at me with so muchlove, but also so much hesitance. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull his lips down to mine, kissing him with every emotion pulsing through my body. I’ve never felt anything like this before, then it hits me like a freight train. I love this man, all consuming, give him everything we’ve got, trust him with our lives and safety kind of love.
* * *
I’ve started cooking to keep my mind off the whirlwind that is my life. Kieran and Rhett are off somewhere doing something. If I had to place my guess I’d say they’re either in the gym or outside. Since Rhett has decided that other than Roe and I, his favorite person in the world is Kieran, he hasn’t left him alone. Kieran’s taken to working out outside lately while Rhett plays. As my attention turns back to the stove footsteps heading my way splits it again. I’ll never get this Marsala done at this pace. Turning around to greet Roe I’m surprised to find not him, but his best friend and my former boss walking in the room.
“Mr. O’Brien.” He gives me a million dollar smile that all the Byrne men and their associates seem to have.
“Please, Clara, call me Kellum or Kel. You don’t work for me anymore and my best friend is obsessed with you.”
Giving him a friendly smile I shake my head, “I’m sorry, of course Kellum. How can I help you?”
“I was actually looking for Roe, is he in his office?”
Turning back to the stove my head shakes. “No, he’s actually out with Declan. Kieran, Mac, and the twins are here though.” As if on cue the twins come barreling down the stairs and into the kitchen.
They hug me from each side and both kiss the top of my head, “Hey, Mama Bear. Need help?” I can’t help but laugh at the ridiculous nickname Rowan’s brothers have taken to calling me.
“No, thanks for asking. It’s almost ready. Kellum stopped by to talk to Rowan.”
Thinking about how this could look bad, me in the kitchen alone with a man, panic fills me. “I told him he wasn’t here though. You can maybe help him, or maybe he can call him. I don’t know, but that’s all we talked about. He told me to call him Kellum, but I can still call him Mr. O’Brien. That’s actually a good idea, I’ll just do that.” Turning my attention back to the stove for the third time, I can hear the guys talking behind me in hushed voices. Footsteps retreat back the way Kellum came. My body relaxes knowing he’s gone. He’s not a Byrne man so I’m not sure of the protocol. He also doesn’t give me the same relaxed feeling as the others.
“Clara.” Flynn’s voice comes out gentle, but still startles me.
“I’m sorry I talked to him. I know you have to tell Rowan. It’s okay, I don’t want you to get in trouble. It’s fine.”
Flynn takes a minute before trying again, “Clara, you can talk to whoever you want to. Has Rowan said you can’t? If he has tell me, I’ll fuck him up for being an idiot.”
Shock takes over my features as I look over to him. “No, I just know I’m not allowed to.”
Footsteps come down the hall once again before Rowan appears. His big smile takes over his face as he lets out a “Pretty Girl.” on an exhale. Making his way over to me and gathering me up in his arms, his face goes into my neck as he breathes in deep, “Dammit, I missed you. How was your day?”
Deciding to rip the band aid off especially while Rhett’soutside I word vomit everything. Rushing out when I’m finished, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have spoken to him.” Rowan’s face is as hard as stone. Shit.
“Pretty Girl, you can talk to anyone you want. I’m not him, you can do what you want to.” He tries to soften his expression but the only hint of softness is in his eyes, those are always soft for me.
“I’m sorry, it’s a habit. I’ve probably scared away your best friend.” This time he laughs and the hard lines of his face disappear.
