For the first time, she realized there was a downside to her being a photographer.She’d taken so many pictures of Arthur and now she couldn’t escape him.
It didn’t matter.Even if she didn’t look at him, she still heard his voice.
As she sipped her coffee, she dared to glance at Arthur’s image.
Claire Bear, you’ve had your fun, but it needs to stop now.You’re breaking my heart.
“I’m not listening.”She poured her coffee into the sink, no longer thirsty for it.“I know that’s not really you.I know what this is.Why am I even having this stupid conversation?We’re done talking, bucko.”
Mumbling to herself, she stomped upstairs and got dressed for the day.
Why was she continuing to torture herself with these ridiculous dialogues?She’d been so determined to change the script, and had even helped Nick change his.
She’d been feeling so bold, so courageous, when she’d seduced Nick that day in her office.It had started a chain reaction, and now she could do nothing but think of him and imagine ways to do it.She knew he was thinking the same things.It was clear in the way he looked at her, like he wanted to devour her.
Which he usually did.
Good God, he did it well.
They were good together.He made her feel good, and she did the same for him.
And yet, every single time, she was hounded by guilt.It chased her like a rabid dog, intent on leaving a scar on her flesh.
There was no need for her to feel so guilty.The fact that the little devil inside her had assumed Arthur’s voice just added insult to injury.She’d done everything she could to drown it out.
As it happened, the most effective way of drowning out her dead husband’s voice was by sleeping with Nick.
Of course, that only started the vicious cycle all over again.
Claire was tired, physically and mentally.
Maybe her instincts had been right the first time.Maybe things were moving too quickly with Nick.
She’d almost suggested it yesterday, but every time she looked at him, she just couldn’t seem to keep her clothes on.
Today, she had to be strong.She couldn’t allow herself to sleep with him until she’d come to terms with the voices inside her.
She was still telling herself that an hour later, when Nick knocked on her open office door.
“Hey,” he said, smiling.“I’ve got a few minutes.Mind if I come in?”
“Sure.”Do not fuck him.Stay the course.Slow things down.
He closed the door, and turned.When he leaned in to kiss her, Claire moved her head to the side.His kiss landed on her cheek.
“Is everything fine?”he asked.
“Yup.”Claire sat behind her desk, establishing a space between them.She clicked her keyboard and opened up a document on her laptop.
Nick stood still at her newly sanitized desk, confusion marring his gorgeous features.He shook his head and smiled, then ran a finger along the desk edge.“I’ve been having dreams about this desk, really good dreams.”
She stopped typing.“About that, Nick…I think we need to talk.”
“Okay.”He sat down in the chair opposite her.“What’s on your mind?”
How on earth was she supposed to explain herself without sounding like a weirdo?“I’ve really enjoyed our time together.”
“So have I.”
