He took half a step toward her and brushed her cheek with a light kiss.When he drew back she found his eyes lit with the same spark they held the night before.
"Claire, you look incredible."
"Thank you.I wasn't sure what you had planned.I hope this is okay."She touched the lapel of the trenchcoat.
"It’s more than okay.”
"I just need to grab my purse.And I had your jacket sent out.Thank you again."
“You didn’t need to do that.”
She moved away from the door, and Jay took a few more steps inside the suite.Claire followed his gaze, immediately drawn to the two large bouquets on the coffee table.
"You certainly have your share of admirers,” he said, pointing to the flowers.
"The flowers you sent are gorgeous.The other bouquet is from Hamish and Molly."Claire dropped her room key in her purse.
"A thank you for last night?"
"I’m not totally sure,” Claire said.“Might actually be more of an apology."
"Apology?"Jay repeated.
"It's a long story—one I'd like to forget about tonight."
"Maybe I should send Hamish some flowers—for stealing his best girl away from his party."
"Oh, he has someone to fill that role, for the moment anyway.Shall we?"
She tucked her purse under her arm and followed him back out into the hall.
"What are your thoughts on French?"he inquired as they walked toward the elevator.
"I can count to ten, ask for directions to the beach, and order a Coke.Why?"
“Not the language—the cuisine,” he said.“There's a great little bistro near here.Impressive wine cellar and the most fabulous Creamy Crab au Gratin in a mustard brandy sauce."
"Sounds delicious,” Claire said.“Let’s go.”
Walking to the restaurant, their conversation flowed as easily as the night before.They talked about everything, just as they had in the piano bar.Never a lull, no uncomfortable moments, not even when Jay reached for her hand.He didn’t make eye contact but kept his gaze fixed on the busy streets in front of them.Several times his thumb rubbed gently against hers, and by the time they arrived at their destination, their fingers were laced tightly together.
The same held true inside the bistro.Dishes were brought and cleared.Other patrons dined and departed.Jay and Claire sat completely captivated by one another and totally oblivious to the world around them.It wasn't until the server delivered two cappuccinos that Claire realized that despite the hours of conversation, she still knew little about Jay.Her internet sleuthing turned up zero about his personal life.No Instagram.No Facebook.Nothing.
“May I ask you a very personal question?"she said with a soft voice, resting her cup neatly on her saucer.
"Of course," he said.
"How did you lose your wife?"
"A car accident.”
Silence grew between them.For a moment, Claire fell back in time to her Christmas nightmare.The helpless feeling that consumed her while standing beside Calvin’s ICU bed, taking in every inch of broken body.The memory created an ache in her chest, threatening to drive more tears from her eyes.She quickly downed a glass of water to steady herself.
"Oh, Jay, I am so sorry,” she finally said.
"Thank you.It was quite a shock.A knock on the door at four in the morning rarely brings good news.”
She recalled the fear on Liz’s face that early morning.Underneath the table she popped her thumbs and waited to see if Jay would share more details.To her relief, he adjusted the napkin in his lap and changed the subject instead.
