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The corners of her mouth curved upward as she unlocked her phone. “What’s your number?”
I rattled it off, and within seconds, my phone dinged. Walking over to the counter, I picked it up and saw a text.
“There. Now you have my number. Don’t abuse it, or I may have to block you.” She smirked.
“I won’t.” I chuckled. “Goodnight, Claire.”
“Goodnight, Dr. Nick.”
Shit. I meant to ask her something and forgot. Pulling on a pair of sweatpants, I walked over to her door and lightly knocked.
“Yes?” She smiled as she opened it.
“I forgot to ask you something, and I didn’t want my phone privileges revoked before I had a chance to call or text you.” I grinned.
“You’re a dork. What did you want to ask me?”
“Shaun Kind and my friend, Dr. Christian Kind, are hosting a fundraising gala for the hospital this Friday night. I would love it if you went with me.”
“Yes. I’d love to go.”
“Really?” I said because, honestly, I didn’t think she’d go.
“Yes, really.” She laughed.
“Great. It’s black tie, so you’ll need a formal dress.”
“I’ll start looking for one tomorrow,” she said.
“Excellent. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Night, Nick.”
I returned to my apartment smiling, turned on the TV, and watched sports before bed.
CHAPTER 9
Claire
This was perfect. Attending the gala with Nick would allow me to talk to my brothers and get a feel for them before I sprang the news on what a manwhore Daddy Henry was.
My phone dinged, and when I looked at it, I saw a text from Raphael.
“Sorry to bother you so late, Claire. We found a ranch-style home online we fell in love with. We’re going to see it tomorrow morning but should be back for the appraiser by noon. We’re hoping the house is as nice in person.”
“That’s awesome, Raphael. Good luck, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I already knew what that house would appraise for and wasn’t worried. I grabbed my laptop, climbed into bed, pulled up Pinterest, and started looking for house inspo to take my mind off Nick and how my body still trembled from earlier events.
The following day, I met the appraiser at my soon-to-be new home.
“Thank you for coming out so quickly,” I told Tim.
“Not a problem, Claire.” He stared at the house from the sidewalk. “Shall we go inside and take a look?”
I knocked on the door, and Crystal answered with a smile. “Come in.”
She led me out on the patio while the appraiser looked around.
