“Yeah.”
He never did resume that soapy backrub.He couldn’t even remember getting out of the tub, but somehow they landed in her bed.Not that he was complaining.He needed her too badly, and she was already clawing his backside as they fell onto the mattress.
He took a moment to roll on a condom.When he touched her between the legs to make sure she was ready, she answered his unspoken question.
“Take me.”
Nick kissed her once more, and entered her with a strong thrust.
“Oh,” cried Claire, clinging to him.“Yeah.That’s so good.Harder.”
He gave her all he had.His Claire loved it rough, and he loved giving it to her like that.
It was over in minutes, but those minutes were some of the most profound he’d ever spent inside her.As she came, whispering his name, he knew for the first time in his life that he was home.
Claire was his home.
When they were done, both of them quiet and spent, he went to the bathroom to tidy himself up.When he returned to the bedroom, the sight of her almost brought him to his knees again.
He loved her, and she loved him.He’d known from day one that he wanted to smooth out all the creases in her life.Now?He’d personally see to it that she never encountered another crease.He would do everything in his power to always make her feel cherished.
She held out her hand.“Come to bed.”
He got in and kissed the tops of her bare breasts.“I can’t get enough of you.”
“Good.I don’t ever want you to look at me and feel like you’ve had enough.”
“That could never happen.”
She wrapped her arms around his middle and tucked her head under his.God, he loved that too.“I’m so happy, Nick.”
He stroked a hand down her back.“Me too, sweetheart.Me too.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
It was with mixed emotions that Nick headed toward the wrap party forHandymen.Although they’d had a small celebration after the shoot at Haven, the network had thrown some money toward a proper party.They’d even rented out a swanky restaurant in Toronto’s posh Yorkville neighborhood.
It really was the end ofHandymen.In two weeks, he’d be off to Victoria.
He’d known it was coming, but the deadline had never loomed quite as much as it did now.
Since he’d admitted his feelings for Claire, his travel and work plans seemed to be hurtling toward him at lightning pace.
He simply wished he could slow things down a little, so he and Claire could get their bearings and just enjoy each other for a while.
Two weeks.
His father’s words echoed in his mind, and his description of having to be away from Nick’s mom when they were first married.I hated not being able to see her every day, but we made it work.
They would make it work too.
He clasped her hand as they walked into the restaurant.“It was nice of you to offer to take photos of the event.”
She adjusted her camera case strap on her shoulder.“I’m happy to do it.It’s good practice, and I’m sure you’d all like mementos of tonight.I’m really proud of you, Nick.I want you to enjoy yourself at this party.”
“I’m with you, aren’t I?”
As soon as they got through the door, they ran into Nick’s brothers.Michael, Emily, Eli and Bernie were chatting, but they all stopped to greet them.Nick was especially happy to see how warmly Emily and Bernie welcomed Claire into the mix.It was important to him that she be comfortable around his family.
