Page 112 of Frozen Flames

I chuckle. “Hi, Claire, I miss you.”

“Are you alright? You sound a little off.”

“Come over for a date with me…”

She lets out a small laugh. “Oh, Harv—have you been drinking?”

“Please come. I need you tonight.”

I think I hear Audrey in the background until the sound is muffled and Claire’s sweet voice is back.

“I’m coming,” she confirms. “I’ll see you soon!” And she hangs up.

When Claire finally knocks and I let her in, she’s wearing this simple long-sleeved black dress that shows off her curves.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d show up.”

“I doubt it.” She smiles. “You knew I’d come.”

“I was hopeful.” I shrug. “You look beautiful.”

“Well, thank you.” She curtsies, and she might think she looks innocent, but she looks anything but. This woman oozes sensuality and elegance all at once. And her scent—God, it drives me wild thinking about how her pussy must smell.

“Are you okay, Harvey? It’s not like you to drink so much,” she says once we’re nestled together on the couch.

“I’m fine, Claire. Just thought I’d have a few beers.”

“I don’t believe you.” She says it so matter-of-factly, I almost want to laugh at her for calling me out on my bullshit.

I sigh and rub a hand quickly over my face. “I felt lonely. The truth is, Henrik wasn’t here, and I wanted to ask you out on a dinner date, but I didn’t want to rush things.” She looks at me intently and rubs my arm, and it gives me the courage to open upmore. “I felt guilty too…regarding Gemma. Because I’ve been so happy with you,” I continue, “and tonight that hit me hard.”

“It’s okay, Harvey—”

“There’s more.”

“More?” she asks, growing still.

“I drunk texted Gemma.”

She releases a breath, her eyes narrowing, and I hate that my actions are responsible for wiping the smile off her face.

Good job, you dumbass.

“Anything I should know?”

I rack my brain, trying to remember every text I sent, but come up short save for the texts about me being a burden to her and my family.

“No, nothing major.”

“You’re worrying me, Harv. I knew that things were too good to be true.”

I shake my head, taking her hand and intertwining our fingers. “They’re not, they’re perfect—everything is as it should be.”

She chuckles lightly. “Your words are perfect, Harvey. I sure hope your actions match them.”

“Look”—I swallow—“I told you I needed time to process the breakup. Clearly, I’ve been hanging out and talking only to you, and kissing only you.”

“I don’t doubt that, but I still have insecurities.”

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