by Dawn Brower
He’d royally screwed things up with her. Why had he been a selfish jerk? All he’d thought about was how unfair life had been to him. Not once had he ever really considered how his actions affected her. Oh, he thought he had. In his mind, he kept saying he was doing it all for her. She deserved better than being stuck with a blind man for the rest of her life. That had been his hang up, not hers. Claire had been her usual, sweet, caring self, and he’d repaid that kindness by rude, arrogant dictatorship. She had every right to run in the other direction and never look back.
“I made a mistake.” He held her gaze. “Please let me make it up to you.”
“I don’t think it’s possible to go back. What’s done is done.” She gulped. “Let me pass.”
If he gave in now, she’d flee and he’d be working double time to make progress. There was no going back. The only place he and Claire would be going was forward from that moment on. He’d been an ass. Matt was fully prepared to admit it. What he wasn’t sure about was how to bring Claire back around to his way of thinking. Why had he been such an idiot?
“I’m not sure that’s wise.” He reached over and trailed his fingers lightly against her cheek. “If you move past me you’ll run as fast as possible in the other direction. Please meet me halfway.”
“There was a time I’d have done anything for you to see me. To realize that we could have had something good.” Her lips were in a firm line. She studied him a moment and said, “I’m glad you’re better, but I can’t live like this anymore. I thought I could, and was willing to fight for you. Now I realize the mistake it was. You don’t really want me. You want pliant, adoring Claire. I’m never going to be that woman again.”
She was wrong. He didn’t want her to be agreeable. Adoring maybe. Who didn’t want their woman to adore them? Matt leaned in even closer. “I don’t want you pliant unless it’s in bed as I pleasure you.” Her mouth fell open. She closed it fast as she stared at him with bewilderment. It would shock her to hear those words out of his mouth. “If you’ll allow it, I’ll adore you in every way possible. Outside of that...” He leaned over and placed soft kisses across each cheek and then another on her lips. “I want you to be you. I don’t want a lapdog. If I did, I’d go adopt one.”
Claire moaned and wiggled, trying to break free. Her arms fell to his waist. She leaned down and let her head fall onto his shoulder. “I can’t do this, Matt.”
“What can’t you do?” He wanted to take care of her. Anything that stood in their way, he’d find a way to see past it. She was too essential not to fight for. “Tell me what I have to do. What obstacle is in our path? What dragon do I need to slay?” He held her close and rubbed his hand across her back. “Name it and I’ll do it.”
She lifted her head and stared at him. Claire shook her head and took a step back. “It’s not that easy. This isn’t a physical thing we can sweep under the rug and forget about. You didn’t trust me with the truth. How can I believe you won’t do that again?”
“I won’t.”
“You say that now, but in time something will come up and you’ll do it again.” She shook her head and pushed past him. “I’m not going all-in with you only to have you break my heart and destroy what little respect I have left for you. We need to stop before we even begin. It’s for the best.”
“No,” he said. His jaw clenched tightly. This was not going how he’d envisioned it. “I told you I’m not giving up.”
“Please do. I don’t want to fight with you anymore.” She smiled softly. It didn’t reach her eyes. “At one time, I’d have given you everything. I’ve been burned too many times to allow another man to tarnish the strength I’ve built. Understand that I need to move on or I’ll fall apart. Don’t push me.”
“I can’t do that.” He replied softly. “I was a fool. I won’t be any longer. No matter how many times you push me away, I’m not giving up. I don’t care what storm we have to survive to find our way to the other side. You’re worth it.” He cupped her cheek in his hand. “But I can give you some space to figure out what I already know. That strength you’re so fond of isn’t something to hold onto. It’s a wall you’ve built to push people away. I’ll be here waiting for you. No matter how long it takes.”
He leaned down, kissed her lightly, and then spun on his heels, exiting the conference room. There was nothing else he could do. The way to show her he meant it was to do as she said and give her time. Through actions she’d understand the truth. When she finally came to him it would all fall into place. He prayed it wouldn’t take too long.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Claire rushed into the restaurant, frazzled from the altercation with Matt. He made her crazy, and damn it, she’d forgotten to ask him about the flowers. When she returned, she’d have to remember. She’d been running late and there was nothing she could do to make up the lost time. Traffic made it even more difficult to weave her way to her lunch meeting with Dani. Things couldn’t possibly get any worse...
“Can I help you?” A young woman asked. She was standing behind a hostess stand with a menu in her hand. “Do you have a reservation?”
“I’m meeting Daniella Brosen. She might already be here.” There was no might about it. Dani was never late for anything. How could she have let Matt goad her into an argument, causing her whole day to go off kilter?
“Yes, Ms. Brosen is already here. I’ll show you to your table.”
“Claire, is that you?”
She spun around and met Lana’s gaze. Her auburn tresses fell over her shoulder in an easy, natural style. It was a sight Claire had never seen before. The other woman usually had it pulled back severely without a strand out of place. She was lovely and efficient. Lana was instrumental in assisting with Matt’s care. Claire turned to the waitress and held up a finger. “Hold on one minute, please.”
The waitress nodded and stood patiently behind her stand. Claire hoped she didn’t irritate the young woman, but she had to talk to Lana. She hadn’t had the chance to call her yet and tell her about Matt’s improved condition. It was on her to-do list for after lunch. Since the woman stood in front of her, she could mentally check it off a little sooner.
“I’m so glad to see you.” She stepped forward to give Lana a hug, one the other woman gladly returned. “I have some news to share.”
“Oh?” She raised an eye brow. “Good, I presume.”
“Mostly, yes,” Claire agreed. She scrunched up her nose. It wasn’t a conversation to have in front of the hostess. Perhaps it would be better to tell Dani and Lana at the same time. It was information they both needed to know about. “I’m here to meet Dani for lunch. Would you like to join us?”
Lana frowned. “I’m not sure that is a good idea. I’m already meeting someone.”
Drat. Who was it? Maybe they could make a foursome. Dani probably wouldn’t mind... “Oh, who?”
Lana nibbled on her bottom lip. Uncertainty seemed to pour from her. “I’m not so sure Dani would want to spend any time with the person I’m meeting. They’re not—” She paused and tilted her head, appearing to consider her words. “—on friendly terms,” she finished.
“Dani isn’t the sort to put people off. She generally is amiable with everyone.” Her boss, while not the most sociable, was always unnervingly polite. She recognized the importance of building solid relationships with people to help build her business. She was a shark with a likable veneer. You didn’t feel the bite unless you were on the opposite side of her in a courtroom.
Lana shrugged. “With most people that’s true. There are always exceptions, and if I’m being honest I don’t blame her.”
That bit of news made Claire even more curious. “Can we at least ask her before we assume anything?”
“That’s probably the best course of action. I’m a little early anyway.”
Claire turned toward the hostess. “Can you show us to the table now?”
The young woman nodded and gestured for them to follow her. She weaved her wa
y through a row of tables and led them to where Dani was already seated, perusing a menu. When they stood by the table she glanced up with a smile brightening her face.
“I was starting to fear you’d forgotten about our meeting.” She glanced past Claire and said, “Hello, Lana. I didn’t know you were joining us.”
“I hadn’t planned on it,” Lana said. “I’m here to have lunch with someone else.”
“Is that so?” Dani raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t you and your friend join us?”
Maybe Claire would finally find out who Lana’s mysterious friend was. Lana failed to mention her friend’s name. She’d tell Dani when they inquired if she minded if they both joined. The only way she would gain her consent was to disclose the person’s identity. Sometimes she wished she didn’t have such an ingrained sense of what should or shouldn’t be done. Her mother raised her in such a strict manner it was automatic. The expectations were there as if Rachel Jackson was looking down her nose at her. It was unseemly to impose oneself into another’s private business. Claire couldn’t even begin to count how many times her mother had spoken something of that nature to her.
“You might not want to,” Lana warned. “I’m having lunch with Jessica.”
Dani flinched at the mention of the name. Who was this Jessica and why didn’t Dani like her? Claire opened her mouth to ask and closed it. If Dani wanted her to know then she’d tell her. After a few moments, Dani glanced back up at Lana and said, “While I may regret this...” She scrunched up her face with a mixture of displeasure and resignation. “By all means, have Jessica join us too. We probably need to work toward clearing a few things up.”
Lana smiled. “It would make things a little easier on you. She is at the hospital a lot and you’re bound to run into her from time to time. I’ll go cancel our reservation and wait for her up front. When she arrives, I’ll bring her back to join us.”
Claire nodded toward her. “That sounds good.”
Lana spun on her heels and headed back to the front of the restaurant. Claire watched her go, amusement settling into her. She’d always admired Lana’s no-nonsense attitude. She saw something that needed doing and found a way to finish it. No doubt whatever was going on between Dani and Jessica was one of those things she wanted to see unraveled and put back together again.
“Are you going to sit down?” Dani asked Claire. “Or stand and wait for them to return.”
“Sit, of course.” Claire waved her hand. “Sorry, it’s been one of those days, and my mind wandered for a minute. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine.” Dani’s lips twitched. “Not likely to break any time soon. Ren wouldn’t allow it.”
“Sullivan either, if his domineering attitude’s anything to go by.”
Dani sighed and settled back into her chair. She folded her hands in her lap and stared off for a moment. A serene smile settling onto her heart-shaped face. Her dark tresses curled around her shoulder and her green eyes held a hint of a glaze. Claire would kill for one ounce of that kind of contentment. Her boss was the happiest she’d ever seen her.
“I am unbelievably annoyed with him on a good day.” Dani’s lips tilted into a half-smile. “But he is a remarkable brother. Don’t ever tell him I said so. He’s already got a big head and thinks the world revolves around him.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
She had a similar relationship with her own brother. Carter could be rather overprotective, but she excused him for the need to control even the tiniest things in her life. He meant well and it came from a good place inside of him. Dani probably felt that way about Sullivan. That didn’t mean they could allow them to get away with their high-handedness. Brothers had to be put in their place from time to time and reminded their word wasn’t law.
“Ren and I went to see my family at their estate.” Dani rolled her bottom lip between her teeth. “It was a good visit, but still slightly awkward. We set a wedding date and my parents are going to host everything at their estate.”
“Oh, that’s lovely.” Claire held her hand over her heart. “I can’t wait to see you exchange your vows. I can see how much you two love each other.”
“I never knew I could be this happy. I didn’t dare to hope.” She blew out a breath. “Now that I have everything I could possibly want, it terrifies me more than I can say. If I lost it...”
“You won’t” Claire reached across the table and put her hand over hers. “Don’t borrow trouble. Enjoy the gift you have. There’ll be plenty of time later to worry.”
Claire didn’t blame her though. She’d probably feel the same way in her place. Nothing had ever seemed to go her way in her life. Look at how bad her and Matt were fumbling around each other. She could be the bigger person and let him off the hook, but she didn’t know if she could. He had to realize how much he’d messed up. The way for that to happen was for her to take a stance. Her foolish heart belonged to him. After having some time to calm down and think, she realized what she must do. The fool thought she was still mad at him. In truth she was, but it had dulled to a low ember. After a suitable time, she’d let him win her over again.
“You’re right of course. I’ve always been that way. It’s hard to let go of old habits.”
“Speaking of old habits...” Claire twisted her fingers together. How to tell Dani about Matt? Should she wait for Lana? She cleared her throat and spoke quietly, “Matt’s feeling a lot better.”
Before Dani could reply Lana and Jessica joined them. Jessica’s blue eyes were bright and full of uncertainty as her gaze darted from Claire to Dani. “Are you sure you’re okay with me joining you.”
“Yes,” Dani replied. “I think it’s time we moved past, well—our past. What’s done is done, and I believe things happen for a reason. This is where I’m supposed to be. Ren and I were meant to be together at this moment when we were both ready for it. Besides, Ren believes you’ve grown up and out of your manipulative ways. It would be better for us all if we can at the very least be cordial with each other.” Her lips curved up. “And who knows maybe after some time we might even be friends.”
“I’d like that,” Jessica said. “I do apologize—”
Dani held up her hand and interrupted her. “None of that. I know you’re sorry. Let’s move on to better things.”
“Very well,” she agreed as she twisted a lock of her blonde hair between her fingers.
“Now that that is done with,” Lana replied and picked up a menu off the table. She flipped it open and scanned it. “Let’s order food. I’m starving.”
Claire still didn’t know what had happened between Dani and Jessica. Whatever it was had something to do with her relationship with Ren. They seemed to know each other well, yet Dani had never mentioned the other woman before. Maybe Matt knew more... No, she couldn’t ask him. He was persona non grata for the moment. Later, once she formally forgave him, she could ask. That is if she hadn’t discovered the information herself before then.
“What did you have to tell me?” Lana asked.
Seemed as if it was time to lay it out for Lana and Dani. Claire blew out a breath and then said, “Matt can see and kept it to himself.”
Dani’s mouth fell open and she stared at Claire in shocked silence. Lana set the menu down and focused on her. Both women seemed a little surprised at her announcement. She didn’t blame them one bit. The discovery had blindsided her as well. How was a person supposed to react to that kind of news? She still didn’t understand why Matt had kept his returning vision to himself. It didn’t make sense.
“Say that again,” Dani demanded.
“The other night we went to dinner at my mother’s house,” Claire began. “It was at his insistence. Before that, he was adamant that I leave him to his peace and he didn’t need me to hang around and be his nursemaid.” She paused and shook her head wearily. “I didn’t notice it at first. I was so distracted with the craziness that is my mother’s dinner parties.” Not to mention the queasines
s settling into her stomach at having to talk to Nolan. “To make a long story short, after I took him home he acted even stranger than normal. It hit me that he was walking around with an ease he hadn’t before and he didn’t look at me as if I wasn’t there. His gaze actually seemed to drink me in.”
Lana sighed. “Ren must not know. He hasn’t mentioned it.”
Claire shook her head. “I wouldn’t know. I didn’t stick around to ask. I was so pissed at him.” Which was an understatement—she’d been blind with rage. Something she’d never experienced before.
Dani cleared her throat. “I don’t comprehend...” She shook her head, unable to finish the sentence.
“I don’t entirely understand myself.” Matt’s action truly baffled her. It hurt her head to try to decipher them. So instead of causing herself more pain, she let it go. She firmly believed that it would all make sense when it was supposed to. “But no matter how we perceive the situation, the fact is he can see again. He should go to see Ren to be examined again. I’m not sure if he will though. Instead of letting his doctor know of his improved status, he went to a dinner party the same day, and the next he went to work to help me interview prospective individuals for the open position at the firm.”
“He did what?” Dani exclaimed. Her lips settled into a firm line. “I’ll talk to him.”
“I’m sure he’d appreciate that.” Claire nodded. “I think he feels you’ve been rather arbitrary in your decisions of late. He’s more—reacting then acting toward certain situations.”
Dani closed her eyes and sighed. “I see. I’ll talk to Ren, and then I’ll go see Matt later.”
Claire was relieved—Matt needed his friend. There were things that he wouldn’t discuss with her. Maybe he’d stop acting so recklessly afterward, and then they could move forward. Slowly, of course, because there was a lot they, themselves, had to work though.
“I have to say,” Jessica said ruefully. “It’s rather nice to see I’m not the only one making mistakes.”