Nolan clears his throat, “Uh, Yeah she picked her kid up and came straight here. She hasn’t left again.”
I nod to myself, “Okay, call in Killian for the night shift. I want to know if her curtains blow in the wind.”
“Sure thing, Boss. I’ll see you at the house.” I grunt an agreement then hang up. What happened to you, Clara Sanders? And how can I fix it?
I’m on the way home from the warehouse when my mind spirals to thoughts of Clara. She seems to make her way to the forefront of my mind constantly. Why? No clue. How? She must be a witch or something. Seriously, I need to get it the fuck together. I met her like three days ago. Do I know most things about her because I had my brother pull whatever he could find? Well, yes. But that’s no one elses business.
Sighing, I’m disappointed in myself because I know I’ve lost this battle, but at the same time not caring enough to stop myself. Bringing up Clara’s name in my phone I hit the callbutton. It’s only six so she shouldn’t be at work, she should be home by now. Holding my breath I wait for the call to connect. I’m positive it’s going to go to voicemail, but right before it does the most angelic voice fills my SUV.
“Hello?”
There’s noise in the background telling me she’s more than likely cooking while her son plays in the room. Smiling at the thought of the two of them in their element I remember I haven’t said anything yet. What a loser. My fingers tap on the steering wheel to expel my nervous energy. I’m not sure what about her makes me so nervous. I don’t get nervous, my hands are surgeon steady, and any ‘nervous tick’ that I’ve had in the past was quickly brought to my attention and worked out of my system.
“Pretty Girl.”
I can hear the confusion in her voice as she responds, “Rowan? What’s up?”
The corner of my lip tips up at the sound of my name on her lips. “I was calling to just see how the rest of your day went.”
“It was uneventful, look I’m in the middle of something. I’m not trying to be rude, but what can I help you with?”
“Can I take you to lunch tomorrow?”
The line goes silent on her end aside from the toys banging around. Now I’m starting to worry that she’s going to turn me down. Shit, this isn’t how I wanted this to go. I’m not my siblings, they seem to move around with such finesse and charm. That skipped me, my parents didn’t develop whatever gene that is until after I was born. That’s not me being self deprecating either, it’s just the facts. I’m a straight shooter, erring on the more cold and calculated side. Not to say that I’m completely non-feeling, but those are things I only let loose atmy house with my brothers.
“I don’t leave the office for lunch.”
“I’ll bring it to you, we can eat and talk at the office.” I rush out before she has a chance to end the call.
“You’ll bring lunch… to the office?” She’s skeptical, it shines in her voice as clear as the summer sun.
“Yeah, I’ll bring us lunch. Please?” Even to my own ears the desperation rings through.
“Why? We’ve only met twice?”
Oh, Pretty Girl, because I’m completely enamored by you. Of course I can’t say that, so I shove it back into the depths of my mind where it came from.
“You seem to have captured my attention Ms. Sanders. So what do you say?” She mulls it over for a few beats for relenting.
“Okay, but this can’t turn into anything, my life is insane. I have no more space or energy to add anything else to my plate.”
“Deal.”
I’m bluffing, this isn’t just going to be a one time thing, but I’ll take my foot in the door anywhere I can get it. She doesn’t sound disinterested, if she did I’d find a way to drop it. I mean I’d probably have someone tail her to give me updates on who she’s with and where for the rest of her life. But I wouldn’t force her to be with me. I don’t think that’s what’s happening here though. She seems skeptical, I know she’s skittish to put it mildly, and she flinches if you move too quickly towards her. Someone’s hurt her, and I’m going to be the one to help her fix herself.
“Deal, I go to lunch at twelve.” I can hear the smile in her voice, that’sinteresting.
“Okay, I’ll let you get back to your evening. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Rowan.”
“Have a good evening, Pretty Girl.”
4
Chapter Four
Clara
