Page 3 of Uptown Girl


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"Damn it," I mutter under my breath, realizing I'm getting ahead of myself. I need to focus. I need to fix this engine and figure out what's going on with Claire. But it's so hard, knowing she's standing just a few feet away, her presence like a magnetic force pulling me toward her.

As I work, my mind weaves intricate fantasies of what life could be like if Claire were mine. It's crazy, I know. I've only just met her.

But I can't help it. She's all I can think about. And as I tighten the last bolt and step back from the engine, there's just one thing I know for certain. I have to find out more about this captivating woman who's wandered into my life.

With the engine finally fixed, I wipe my hands on a greasy rag and walk back to where Claire is sitting on an old tire, her green eyes watching me with curiosity. The sight of her makes my heart stutter in my chest, but I steel myself for the conversation ahead.

"Sorry about that," I apologize before I forge ahead. "So, tell me about yourself, Claire. What brings you out here all alone? And how did you end up with that pink Cadillac?"

Claire hesitates, as if weighing her words carefully before speaking. "My father bought me the car for my sixteenth birthday," she admits, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "But our relationship has always been...complicated. We never saw eye-to-eye on things."

"Like what?" I probe gently.

She takes a deep breath, her gaze focused on the ground. "He wanted me to go to college and become a lawyer, following in his footsteps. But I wanted to study social services—to help people who truly need it." She looks up at me, determination shining in her eyes. "But my father...he wasn't going to have that. So, when I turned eighteen, I left home. I’ve always loved the beach, so I just headed down south—toward the water. Then I stumbled across this town, and the name was just so charming. I don’t know. Somehow it seemed…kind of perfect.”

She shrugs with a tiny smile. “So ,for the past few weeks, I've been living in my car and volunteering at a local soup kitchen. Unfortunately, it wasn't until I left home that the Cadillac started giving me trouble."

I'm struck by her selflessness and humbled by her desire to dedicate her life to helping others. It's a far cry from the entitled attitudes I often see in people who come from money. In that moment, something inside me shifts, and I know without a doubt that I want to take care of this incredible woman.

"Wow, beautiful,” I say softly, my admiration clear in my voice. "That's amazing. You're giving up so much to follow your passion. Not many people have the courage to do that."

She offers me a shy smile, the warmth of it sending a shiver down my spine. "Thank you. It hasn't been easy, but it's worth it to know I'm making a difference in people's lives."

"I can see that," I reply, my heart swelling with pride for her. And as I look at her, sitting there so vulnerable yet so strong, I make a silent vow to myself.

Claire ismine, and I will do everything in my power to protect and support her.

"Listen," I start, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know we just met, but if you ever need anything—a place to stay, someone to talk to—I'm here for you. You don't have to face this alone."

Her eyes widen in surprise, but there's a spark of hope there too, as if she wants to believe that I'm sincere in my offer. Our gazes lock, and I swallow thickly at the connection I feel pulsing in the air between us.

I'm looking at my life right now, and I've never been more awestruck.

"Come on," I say, my voice thick with desire. "You can stay at my place tonight." The words hang in the air between us, charged with an electric current that's impossible to ignore.

"Are you sure?" she asks, her eyes searching mine for any hint of hesitation. But all she'll find there is a burning need to have her close, to keep her safe.

"Positive," I reply, unable to hide the hunger in my voice.

She smiles and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, and holy fuck. How can such an innocent gesture have my cock leaking precum?

I lead her to my car, feeling like I'm living in some kind of dream. Every step we take together brings me closer to a future I never thought possible, one where Claire is by my side, filling my world with her light and warmth.

As I help her into the passenger seat, her soft skin brushes against mine, sending shivers down my spine. My cock throbs with anticipation, but I force myself to focus on buckling her up, making sure she's safe and secure.

The engine roars to life, its rumble mirroring the excitement building within me. My hands grip the steering wheel tightly as I struggle to keep my composure, knowing that if I don't maintain control, I could lose her before I've even gotten her.

"Thank you, Billy," Claire murmurs, her voice barely audible over the sound of the engine. "I really appreciate this."

My hands flex on the steering wheel as my cock surges to full mast in my pants. Hearing my name on her sweet lips...it's enough to make me nut right here.

"The pleasure is all mine, beautiful," I respond, my words laced with sincerity.

Silence falls between us. I feel Claire peeking glances at me, and it's a struggle to keep my eyes on the road. All I want is to stare at her and drink her up.

I steal a glance at Claire as we drive, the wind teasing her auburn hair into a wild dance around her face. Her green eyes, bright and full of life, hold my gaze for a moment longer than I intend. I force myself to look back at the road, but it's impossible to ignore the magnetic pull she has on me.

"Tell me about your volunteer work," I say, my voice low and gravelly. "What got you started at the soup kitchen?"

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