I felt manic.After the past three chaotic days, nothing in my life felt secure.Archer and I had the rug pulled out from under us on our biggest project of the year, and now I was anxious about spending time with Clara’s loved ones, because what if they didn’t like me?
It didn’t need to matter.This was a job.Even if I forgot that small detail whenever my mind drifted to the way Clara’s body had felt against mine.
My phone vibrated with a text.
CLARA: We’re on our way.I told Zoey this was Mia’s first time at the penthouse.We need to act like I’ve already seen it.
CLARA: Just make sure I don’t mess up too much in front of her.I’m so nervous.
That sounded like she needed distracting, which I could absolutely handle.I didn’t like that this situation put her into a bind with her bestie, but we’d figure it out.
Now that the girls were en route, it was time to finish the once-over and stop getting lost in my damn head.I walked the length of the living room, drifting toward the freshly set up play area.Since Zoey was coming, Clara had decided to bring Mia.She’d seemed torn about it, even though I assured her it was totally fine.But she was convinced that Zoey would suspect something was amiss if Mia didn’t come, and apparently tonight’s only goal was to convince Zoey, even if it meant bringing Mia around more.
I was prepared.I’d had Marina help me pick out all the best things for a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, which had been delivered that morning.
Chopping sounds from the kitchen distracted my once-over.I drifted into the huge space, finding Henri furiously slicing a root vegetable.When he’d finished his perfectly even slices, he grinned over at me.
“Have the guests arrived yet?”
I checked my phone, finding a message from Marco.“My driver just dropped them off downstairs.So any minute now.Henri, you’re gonna knock this outta the park, you know that?”
“Pressure is on,” Henri said, though his voice was faint as I headed for the main door.Butterflies swarmed my belly, which I tried to ignore.The truth was, when I was around Clara, I felt grounded.Things made sense in a calm and easy way.It had been that way even the first time I met her.
I pulled the huge front door open to the hallway that abutted the penthouse elevator.Digital numbers flashed on the readout as the elevator car zoomed to my floor.
Ding.
The doors swept open.I registered three people but I only really saw one.
Clara.
She smiled coyly at me from inside the elevator, holding Mia’s small hand in her own.She stepped out first, looking stunning in a simple black wrap dress that was among a new selection of clothing I’d sent to her house that morning.Mia bounced beside her in a pink dress and tiny ballet flats, clutching a stuffed elephant.Zoey followed them, big brown eyes already laser-focused on me.
“Welcome, ladies.”I offered my biggest grin as I held the door open for them.As soon as Clara got close enough I pulled her into my arms.She giggled with surprise, her feminine, floral scent washing over me in the same way a sigh cleanses the body of anxiety.
“I missed you, beautiful,” I murmured into her ear, squeezing my arms extra tight around her.When I released her, I stepped back, looking her up and down.“God, this looks so good on you,” I murmured, enjoying the deep flush of color in her cheeks.
Then I got down on one knee to greet Mia, who watched me with pure awe on her face.“Miss Mia,” I said, offering a hand.“You are looking absolutely lovely tonight.Who did you bring with you?”
“Her name is Stella,” she whispered, her blue eyes bigger than ever.
“Hello, Stella.”I shook the elephant’s small foot.“I’ll make sure we set a place at the table for her.”I rose and stuck out a hand to Zoey, who was grinning bigger than ever now.“And you must be the incredible best friend Zoey I’ve heard so much about.”
She placed her slim, brown hand in mine, eyeing me up like she knew a secret.“I am.And you are the incredible Nash I’ve heard so much about.Not to mention seen in the magazines.”
“That’s me.Though I don’t stand by whatever you might have read about me.They have a certain obsession with me and Archer that I don’t understand.”
“I understand it,” Clara said as I led them inside the penthouse.“You two are upending the way things are done at the top.People notice that.”
“Mmm, you’re probably right,” I said, reaching for her hand.“But that’s why I like having you around, because you’re usually right.”
Clara giggled again, and I caught the secretive glance Zoey sent her way.
“Come on, ladies, it’s time for the tour, since Zoey’s never seen the place.But before we go too far, I have to show Mia something.”
Mia looked up at Clara with excitement as they followed me into the great room off the foyer.Zoey whistled low as they took in the chic, modern design of the room.I headed for the little play area I’d set up, urging Mia to follow.
“Check this out, Mia.What do you think?”
