Page 31 of Inevitable

Stepping back, Claire raised her hand to her face. “How can you tell?”

Andi kissed her cheek and laughed. “As a medical professional, let me give you a list. Beard burn on your cheeks and, I imagine, many other places. The trail of hickeys along your neck. Dilated pupils, which suggest you were just remembering something particularly dirty and delicious.” Lifting Claire’s chin, she gave her a grave look. “The thing that really tipped me off, though, is that ridiculously happy smile on your face.”

“He got me good,” Claire mumbled as she took her friend’s hand and led her into the kitchen. Sweeping her hand over the table, she smiled. “I made all of our favorites: tomato salad, homemade pickles, and egg salad sandwiches.”

Andi swung their hands back and forth and laughed. “Perfect.”

“Oh, I forgot the barbecue chips.”

“Can’t forget those.” Andi sat down and waited. “So?”

Claire sat down across from her friend and smiled. “I may have seen the face of God.” Lifting a chip, she ate quickly. “I definitely saw a bunch of new colors that I had no idea existed and if I didn’t have a job and responsibilities, I might just want to stay in bed with him for…a real long time.”

“Damn, girl, that good?”

“Yeah. I even told him about how I became me and my lack of experience. I was as honest with him as I am with you and you know what he did?”

“What?” Andi asked breathlessly.

“He picked me up, held me close, and made love to my mind and body. There isn’t a part of me that the man didn’t touch. Inside and out.”

“So, this wasn’t just some romp. This was the real deal?”

“As real as it gets. If I’m not careful, he’ll have my heart in his hands and I will be praying he doesn’t crush it.” Leaning back, she picked at the crust of the bread on her sandwich. “I don’t know what to do with my heart and feelings. I’m scared out of my mind.”

“It’s okay not to know how to handle your own heart. Something that fits into one hand is the most powerful organ in the body. It roars, shifts, and changes directions and can shatter in a moment when someone you love slips away. It can also grow ten times its size when someone comes along and fills it up. Maybe Brady knows how to protect and take care of it. He’s a warrior, so if you were going to give it to anyone, he might be a good choice.”

“Maybe he doesn’t want it,” she moaned.

“Possible, but the only way to find out is to give it to him. He doesn’t strike me as a casual guy. He seems more of an all-in, going-to-keep-you type.”

“This isn’t anything that I know how to do,” she replied.

“Doesn’t mean you can’t learn.” Andi picked up a sandwich and started eating.

Claire followed suit and thought about what her friend had said. It was completely right-on, of course. But knowing and doing were two very different things. And the doing had sometimes been the most challenging thing for Claire. But sitting on the sidelines and doing nothing about her happiness was no longer an option, so it seemed she was going to have to dig up some gumption and go all in with Brady. The doorbell rang and Claire stood. “I’m not expecting anyone.”

“Maybe it’s Brady.”

“I told him we could get together later because you and I had plans. I don’t know why he would come by this early.” The doorbell rang again and she huffed out a breath.

“Seems his definition of later and yours are two different things.”

“Maybe,” Claire replied before walking out of the kitchen. Looking through her front window, she saw Brady’s truck parked out front. “That man must have ants in his pants.”

Opening the door, she slid her hand onto her hip. “I have my friend over.”

He braced his arm against the door frame and leaned in with a wicked smile lighting up his face. “I know, darlin’.” He pressed their mouths together, then lifted her in his arms and carried her into the house. “I came by to get my honey-do list done.” He let her slide down his body, grabbed her behind, and gave it a firm squeeze before letting her get away. “God, I’m glad that ass is mine.”

Claire shuffled away and shook her head. “Don’t you have anything to do today?”

“I want to do you, but you’re busy with your friend, so I came over to get your car washed up, fill it with gas, and check the tires.”

“I can do all of that myself.”

He took her hand and led her back toward the kitchen. “I know that, but now that we’re together, I take care of those things.”

As they stepped into the kitchen, Andi snorted. “Couldn’t stay away, Brady?”

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