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She didn’t even try to deny it that time.

She just snuggled closer to him.

He kissed her forehead before turning his attention to the show.

CHAPTER 31

The Perfect Day

Claire had planned the perfect day.

She had a schedule, two backup plans, three confirmed reservations, and an emergency umbrella tucked into her bag despite the forecast promising clear skies.

Nothing was going to go wrong.

The day began with her taking Biscuit on an early morning walk so Noah could sleep in.

In all the time she had known Noah, she couldn’t remember ever seeing him sleep in.

The man probably needed it.

When she returned from the walk, she picked up coffee for both of them in the lobby before returning to Noah’s apartment. She found him awake in the kitchen and studied him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Noah asked.

Claire stood in his kitchen holding two coffees and Biscuit’s leash. “Get dressed.”

He glanced at the clock. “It’s eight in the morning.”

“I’m aware.”

“On a Saturday.”

“Also aware.”

Noah took the coffee she offered him and studied the label. “What is happening?” he asked.

“Today, I am taking care of you.”

Noah was always remembering things for her. Her coffee. Her deadlines. When she had forgotten lunch. Which book she had almost bought but talked herself out of.

Claire wanted, for once, to be the person who remembered first.

Noah smiled. “That sounds threatening.”

“It will be if you don’t get dressed.”

He glanced at the leash, still in her hand. “Did you take Biscuit on a walk?”

“Yes.”

“By yourself?”

Claire shrugged. “You needed sleep.”

“And you decided that for me?”

“Yes.”