Exactly how she’d tried to make Nick feel.
And she knew for a fact that Arthur would be the first one to encourage her to sweep up the shards of her life and begin again.
Which was why she still felt a sense of loyalty to him, and why she couldn’t bring herself to sell the sanctuary.It wasn’t as if those feelings hounded her on a regular basis, but as soon as she’d done the deed with Nick, they had downright overwhelmed her.
She wouldn’t let it happen again.
If Arthur’s voice was all in her head, then she had the power to change it.
Claire knew she deserved a new life, and she was determined to pursue one.Yes, her husband had been one of the best, but Nick had been pretty darn incredible himself, and she was thrilled he’d gotten his mojo back.Sleeping with another man had been a huge step, but now she’d done it.The next time around, it probably wouldn’t bring up all these feelings.
She was free to enjoy herself…and her sexy handyman, whenever she chose.
There’s no reason we can’t have sex again—toe-curling, hair-straightening, full-body-sweat sex.
She just needed to explain her little freak-out to Nick.He was a good guy, and he deserved to have fun with a woman who had her shit together.
When she saw him today, she would make him understand.It would all be okay.
In fact, she couldn’t wait to see him.
What about me?Fake Arthur’s voice put a pin in her bravado balloon.
Claire sat up in bed and pointed at his picture.“No, Arthur.We’re not doing this.I refuse to engage with you like this.”
Straightening her spine, her bulwark of confidence, she got out of bed, then showered and dressed.After grabbing a bagel and a coffee, she headed to the sanctuary, eating as she walked across the field.
It was another beautiful day.She held her head high and smiled at everyone she met from the crew.
David met her in reception.“Hey, boss.Two new arrivals over the weekend.Kittens.A family nearby got them from a friend, without realizing their kid was allergic.They’re both settled in the B&B.”
Claire sighed.Two more little mouths to feed.She was glad the kittens were in a safe place, but the stress was wearing on her.“Thanks, David.I’ll check in on them later.”
David reached for her hand.“It’ll be okay.I can take on another shift this week.”
“You already spend half your life here.”David had retired young and his partner, Gary, was understanding, but she hated imposing any further on their generosity.
“I live for these cats,” said David.“I adore the little hairballs.You know Gary and I were serious when we said we’d buy this place from you in a heartbeat.It would be an awesome retirement career.”
The idea of selling still gave her hives.This was Arthur’s place.How could she possibly sell it?“I don’t know.”
“Well, until you do, I’ll be right here to give you a hand.”He gave her a kiss on the cheek and went back to his work.
Claire shelved David’s suggestion for now, and headed toward her office.She was eager to check out the progress there.
Even though she was nervous to see Nick.
Sure enough, they were all there.Nick, Michael, Eli, Lacey and a couple of the other crew members were finishing up their coffees and inspecting the new drywall.
Lacey turned around first.“There she is.Hey, Claire.What do you think of your new office?”
Nick and the others turned around to say hello, but her gaze flew to Nick.He had shadows under his eyes, and his face did a funny dance, as if he wasn’t sure whether to frown or to smile.
Immediately, her spine crumpled inside her skin.
He didn’t look as if he’d gotten any sleep.
Just like her.
