Chapter Twenty-One
On the big reveal day at the sanctuary, Lacey wanted to start filming early in the morning.As Nick awoke, it seemed even earlier because he’d been up with Claire until the wee hours.However, he’d packed a bag and had stayed over for the night, so he wouldn’t have to drive back and forth.
The drive was starting to wear on him.Normally, he wasn’t the sort to get overly frustrated in traffic.Driving was simply a necessary factor in his career, and in his life.
But now?It was just less time he could spend with Claire.
He was already on borrowed time.
Of course, he now had his own set of drawers at Claire’s place, which would make things easier.The sight of those two empty drawers had made him want to do a massive fist pump, but he’d refrained, knowing it was a huge moment for Claire.The fact that she was willing to carve out some space for him in her home was a big step.
She’d changed in the past while, and the changes gave him such a rush.She’d begun their relationship wary, only wanting a pleasant distraction.But now, she smiled more, she laughed more, and she’d told him she was looking forward to the future.
Theirfuture.
Of course, he’d never set out to change her as a person.He just wanted her to be happy.He happened to love who she was.
Helovedwho she was.
He lovedher.
The realization caused every hair on his body to stand on end.
He loved Claire.
It just had to hit him on what was bound to be the busiest day in recent memory.They wouldn’t have a lot of quiet moments during the reveal, and certainly not once the open house got started.
When would he tell her?
Okay, breathe, dude.Tonight.You can talk to her tonight.
Nick already knew that if he confessed his feelings, she might not be ready to say the same three words.But that was all right.She’d already come so far and shared so much with him.Right now, he just needed to tell her, to let her know she was loved.
The rest would take care of itself.
Around seven in the morning, he walked with Claire across the field to Haven.They held hands, and even swung them a little.He couldn’t help himself from feeling so carefree.The sun was shining, all the sanctuary volunteers would be gathering at Haven for the reveal and he had this incredible woman at his side.
As tempted as he was to tell her he loved her, he held back.They only had a couple of minutes and it wasn’t something he wanted to rush.
“You’re in a good mood,” she teased.“Of course, you should be after what I did to you last night.”
“My toes are still curled inside my work boots, beautiful.Although, to be fair, there is another major reason to be in a good mood.I’m excited to show you the new Haven today.”
“I’m excited too, Nick.”She stopped walking.“I know it was hard for me to accept all the changes at first, but I want you to know how much the renovation means to me.I’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to work in my office, surrounded by the smell of damp.”
“If I have anything to say about it, you won’t ever have to experience that again.I think it’s safe to say you have your very own handyman on retainer from now on.”
“Well, that is extremely appealing, but are your services very expensive?Because I am on a budget, you know.”
“For you?”He kissed the tip of her nose.“I’m willing to discuss a five percent discount.A bargain, really.”
“Five percent, huh?And if I continue to give you expert blow jobs, like the one I gave you last night?”
“Hmm.You make a good point.In that case, my services are yours, no charge.Now, let’s get to the sanctuary.We have a renovation to reveal, woman.”He squatted down so she could climb on his back.“Hop on.”
“You actually want me to jump on your back?”
“All aboard!”
