Page 516 of Rage

2 months later

“Clara, you are a godsend. I told you that you didn’t have to come in today. I know it might’ve been a tough morning.” Debbie smiles, crossing her arms before leaning against the counter.

“Therapy wasn’t as bad as it usually is. We paused this week to focus on the present. Plus, you deserve a vacation more than anyone.” I grin at her before turning back to stock behind the counter.

The new girl I’ve been training all week is doing great. Now that I have keyholder responsibilities, I’ve been opening and closing for Debbie, so she can relax without any worries about her business.

Debbie and I work together to close for the night, and soon Burke’s slate grey Lexus pulls into the parking lot. He doesn’t get out, and I know he understands I need to soak up all the time I can with Debbie. We’ve built a great relationship, and she’s become more than just my boss.

“He’s a lucky guy. You always think you’re the one who is, but Clara, you are the best catch he could have found.”

My cheeks heat. I covered this topic in therapy, but I still find it hard to believe anyone. I’ve finally almost come to terms with the fact that I couldn’t control anything that happened to me when I was a child, and although I could have left Ryan, it also was a tough situation, especially with my history. “Yeah,” I say quietly.

Closing up the box of jams, I shift it back to where it belongs and take off my blue apron. “I’m going to miss you.” The admission is a big step for me. Being vulnerable isn’t something I’m comfortable exposing yet. As if you can show your heart and let people break the valves inside.

“I’ll be back before you know it, with presents,” Debbie says and quickly envelops me in a hug. “When I return, we should check into the new girl.”

“What do you mean?” I retreat, gazing into her blue eyes.

“Bailey is in some sort of situation. I just don’t know how deep it runs, or if she wants our help. You know you can’t help someone if they don’t want it.”

The last couple of weeks pass through my mind, and I think of the signs I’ve missed or brushed off. I freeze in place, my throat dries as the tears threaten to well up. I should have been more vigilant. Having lived through so much, the signs usually would hit me in the face.

“Clara, you aren’t to blame, and you won’t take this on alone. We have a wonderful support system here. You are healing and really, she’s very good at hiding that anything is wrong.” I lower my shoulders but mentally kick myself. I understand what it’s like to be trapped in a situation you feel you can’t control.

“We’ll work together when you get back,” I whisper.

Letting her go and exhaling a deep breath. Together, we lock up and exit through the backdoor to set the alarm and take out the trash. Once Debbie has made it to her truck, I turn to walk to the car and Burke is striding toward me.

“Have a wonderful vacation. Make sure you call if you have any troubles,” he says to Debbie. Nodding her a goodbye, he links his fingers with mine.

Walking to the car, he opens my door, then circles around to the driver’s side. “Alright, want to drive?”

“Nah, I’ll focus on my license when she gets back.” I look out the window, and Burke grips my chin to turn me to him.

“Hungry?”

“No, we had dinner together tonight. How was work?”

“It was good. What’s wrong, Dragonfly?” He strokes my face.

“I missed signs. Debbie told me the new girl might be in a situation. I should have picked up quickly, and now I feel dumb.” I try to turn my head away from him, but he doesn’t loosen his grip.

“Clara, you know you can’t save everyone. But let me check into it before you go in swinging, alright? We’ll take care of this like we do. Let’s get you home.”

On the drive, his hand doesn’t leave my thigh, and I revel in the comfort. Knowing I have people in my corner makes all the difference in the world. Not enough time has passed to undo the damage from the past, and I’m not sure it ever will, but the support has been appreciated in a way that they’ll never know.

“Date night this week? We can do a lunch or breakfast since you’ve taken on Debbie’s shifts, but I think it’s needed.” I smile and wrap my fingers around his hand.

“Of course, you spoil me too much.”

Burke’s deep laughter fills the car. “I’ve held back. I could lavish you with material things, but that isn’t your style. Physical touch and quality time are the things you crave, and I’ll provide whatever you need.”

“Wanna show me how much you can spoil me, then?”

He parks the car in the garage and turns it off before leaning over the console. Burke kisses me passionately, butterflies or nerves zip through my body, and I ache for his touch.

“I’ll never deny you.” His gruff voice makes my core clench. It’s been a few days since our schedules allowed time together, and I’ve missed it.

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