“May we please go upstairs? This conversation is upsetting me. If you want to maintain this charade, we’d better leave while I can maintain a smile.”
Knowing that she was right, Tony stood and offered Claire his hand. “Ms. Nichols, shall we bid our adieus to the appropriate people?”
“Yes, Mr. Rawlings. I’m so ready to close the curtain on this performance.”
As she stood, he whispered, “The press release is viral. This, my love, was only the first act.”
When they finally reached the golden elevator, Tony removed his phone and sent Eric a text.
“WE HAVE LEFT THE GALA. ALLOW SOPHIA TO RETURN.”
Claire broke the silence as they exited the elevator to the penthouse. “May I have my phone?”
Tony looked at his watch, 10:17 PM. “My dear, the night is still young.” When she didn’t respond, Tony removed her cell phone from his breast pocket. It never occurred to him that she might take the phone and walk away; he’d always listened to her calls. Once she turned it on, the small device vibrated with an onslaught of messages. No doubt the world outside their bubble had seen the news release. Instead of checking her messages, Claire called for the SiJo car. He faintly heard the driver through her phone.
“Hello, Marcus, yes, this is Claire Nichols—”
Tony changed his mind. He wasn’t ready for the evening to be over. Taking her phone from her hand, he stilled her words and interrupted her conversation. “Hello, Marcus. Ms. Nichols will not need your assistance this evening.”
“Umm, excuse me. Who is this?” Marcus replied.
“This is Anthony Rawlings.”
“Oh, okay? Oh! Mr. Rawlings.”
“That is correct.”
“So, Ms. Nichols is done with the car for tonight?”
“Yes, you are relieved of your assignment.”
“Okay. I’ll head back to Palo Alto.”
“Thank you, good-night.” Glancing at the number of messages on her screen, Tony once again turned off her phone and returned it to his pocket.
He watched as Claire walked to a sofa and sat. Momentarily, defeat hung around her like a cloud. Tears coated her cheeks as her emerald eyes met his. Tony didn’t want this. He didn’t want to see her defeated. It was that the evening had been remarkable. Having her next to him, even the clandestine retorts—all of it was invigorating.
Then it happened, right before his eyes. Claire shifted, sat taller, and asked, “What do I need to do to leave?”
Relieved by her forwardness, he sat beside her and softened his voice, “Eric will take you home whenever you want. You may leave at any time.”
“Then I want to leave now.”
Of course she did. Why would she not? He was a heartless bastard in her eyes. If only he could make her see that she was right—before, but not now. Now, he knew that his heart beat for one reason. It had stopped when she left him—literally. The reason it restarted was sitting beside him. Solemnly, he nodded and removed his phone. He’d call Eric and send her on her way.
Her soft tone stilled his movements. “Tony?” her voice quivered with concern. “Is SiJo secure? Did they get their problem fixed?”
He placed his phone back in his pocket and ignoring her question, asked his own, “Do you want to know what I’ve been thinking about all night?” He’d been honest in San Diego. Catherine’s box was about disclosure. Surprisingly, there was a strange sense of relief that came with each admission; Tony yearned to tell Claire more. Never could he remember having the desire to share such intimate thoughts with anyone.
She shook her head. “What you’ve been thinking about? All right, tell me.”
“Many things. The first—how amazing you’ve been.” Excitement infiltrated his words. “I’ve endured many companions since our divorce, but I haven’t enjoyed any of those evenings as much as I have tonight, being with you. Shelly wasn’t happy with my desired press release, but I decided it was the only answer. Now the world knows of our reconciliation. It’s official.”
“You say that as if it’s beyond debate.”
His brows furrowed. “Beyond challenge—it’s public.”
“SiJo?” she asked.
“The breach has been resolved. It has been since about 8:00 PM this evening.”
Claire sighed. “Thank you.”
He smiled at her relief. Perhaps he should leave this night here. She was happy. “Actually,” he said, “I’ll have Eric take you to your condominium. It’s probably better if you don’t know what else I’ve been pondering.”
“Thank you again. I’m ready to leave.”
He closed his eyes and nodded. This was better.
Then, without warning, she took his hand and asked, “What else have you been thinking?”
Her pools of emerald concern washed away his doubt. He’d be honest. “Those black lacy panties.”
Claire stood abruptly. “What did you say?”
His cheeks rose. “I’ve been thinking about your black lace underwear; there was a small bow.” His smile turned sensual. “I’ve been wondering what color you’re wearing tonight.”
Her voice resonated an octave higher. “How do you know about black lace panties?”
Tony stood, grasped her shoulders, colliding their chests as his breath quickened. “Why can’t you believe that I still love you?”