"Or you could try to relax.She'll be back when she's said everything she needs to say to Calvin.Just give her some time."
A knock sounded at the door and Jay quickly ended the call.Images of police officers, sirens, and harsh hospital lights clouded his mind as he walked with brisk, determined steps.He opened the door quickly, and his fear eased the moment he saw Claire.One look into her eyes told him that, for now, everything in his world might still be all right.Without a word, he pulled her into his arms.He wanted only one thing: to fall into peaceful sleep with her beside him.
When they finally pulled apart, his eyes traveled over her from head to toe.
“Are you okay?”he asked.
She nodded and managed a faint smile.“I’m better now that I’m here with you.”
He studied her red, puffy eyes.“You’re exhausted.I know this has been a really long day.”
“Yes, it has… " she replied."For both of us.”
Jay slipped an arm around her shoulder.“I know just the thing.Follow me.”
Soft light from a single lamp filled his bedroom with a warm glow.The space featured an elegant palette of tonal neutrals and looked like a photograph from an interior design magazine.An ornately carved headboard dominated the wall behind the bed.For a moment, Jay thought about Hope.This had been her space too.The thought didn’t unsettled him though, fading quickly.He pointed to Claire’s suitcase, open and empty on a leather chair.
"I unpacked for you—I hope you don't mind.Your toothbrush and other things are in the bathroom."He motioned toward another door.
Claire released a weary sigh."Jay, I can't fall into bed and pretend like today never happened."
"Yes you can,” he insisted.“Let’s forget the last two days, okay?"
"Don't you even want to hear what happened?"she asked.
"Someday yes, but not tonight," he said, taking her hand."You're here now, and you're safe, and that's all that matters to me."
Claire looked away for a moment, then lifted her eyes back to his."I didn't want to hurt him.”
“I know you didn’t,” Jay said softly.“Calvin knows it too.”
CHAPTERFORTY-THREE
JAY
San Francisco
One year later
"You're not going to tell me, are you?"Claire asked.
"Does it really matter?Just play along.I promise that you won't be disappointed."Jay wrapped a warm towel around her as she stepped out of the shower.
"How am I supposed to know what to wear?Is it dressy?Casual?"
"It's casual… but kind of on the dressy side."
"Jay?"She folded her arms across her chest, giving him a sharp look."What does that even mean?"
"Did you pack that little black dress?”he asked.“The one from our first real date?"
"Yes."
He gave her a thumbs up."Then that's the one."
Jay waited in the living area of the suite while Claire finished getting ready.After a morning of sightseeing and lunch at an upscale bistro, they returned to the solitude of the luxury Nob Hill hotel for a late-afternoon naked nap.Lying beside her, he lost himself, almost to the point of canceling his surprise altogether.But he'd made a promise long ago, and he intended to see it through.
"Now, you're sure this is alright?"she asked, standing in the doorway, turning from side to side.
