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My belly was in knots as I followed him back to his apartment. The girls never showed up, and I knew this was a setup. We stepped inside his apartment, and I set my purse down. Nick took hold of my hand and led me to the couch.
“Talk to me,” he said. “I’m listening.” His thumb softly rubbed my hand.
“I have a lot of issues when it comes to men. I was in love with this guy named Steve, and I really thought he loved me, too. I was devastated when he broke up with me. After isolating myself in my room for a week, I made the decision never to let a man hurt me like that again. I was safe as long as I stayed in control of the situation. My mom told me that men only say things to get what they want. I didn’t understand what she meant at the time, but now, I knew she was talking about Henry. So, I always stayed in control by having casual sex and not letting any man get close to me. But then I met you, and it was just so easy to let you in. I should have talked to you about my brothers and cousins, but so much was happening in my life. I had feelings for you, and it scared me. I knew if I told you everything, that meant I’d let you into my life fully, and I wasn’t sure if I was prepared for that. I was scared of getting hurt again. But I knew I had to tell you and planned on it that night because as scared as I was, I wanted tolet you in because I’d fallen for you. And as hard as I tried to fight those feelings, I couldn’t. I’m sorry.”
“I know you are. I’m sorry for not allowing you to explain everything to me. It’s just after what happened with my ex, my defenses immediately went up. I didn’t move to Los Angeles hoping to meet someone. I wanted nothing to do with women or relationships. But then I saw you sitting at the bar at the brewhouse and instantly knew I had to get to know you better.” A soft smile crossed his lips. “I never stopped loving you, Claire Monet. That’s why I had Jenni set up that little meeting at the brewhouse. I want to start over. That’s if you want the same thing.”
“I would love to start over.”
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into him, holding me tight.
“I love you, Claire.” He whispered in my ear.
“I love you too, Nick.” My lips pressed against the side of his neck.
He broke our embrace and held my face in his hands with a smile. “No more secrets, okay?”
“No more secrets.” I smiled as his lips brushed against mine.
“And just for the record,” he broke our kiss, “I will never hurt you.”
“I’ll never hurt you either.” I smiled. “I think I’ve already hurt you enough for a lifetime.”
“Let’s take this into the bedroom. I have a nice, comfy bed that misses you.”
“I miss your comfy bed too.”
He stood up, grabbed my hand, and led me to the bedroom.
CHAPTER 27
Claire
I lay wrapped in his arms, my head against his chest, as happiness soared through me—a happiness I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Tell me about your new house,” Nick said, his lips pressing against the top of my head.
“It’s absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait to show you.” I smiled as I lifted my head and stared into his eyes. “Stefan said it will be finished next week. I’ve been working with Ava on the interior. She’s awesome and has great ideas.”
“I can’t wait to see it.” A smile crossed his lips. “How do you like working at Sterling Capital?”
“I love it.” I grinned. “We’re all going on the boat this weekend, and I want you to come.”
“Already planned on it.” He winked. “Christian asked me the other day.”
My phone dinged, and when I looked at it, I saw a text from Simon.
“Where are you?”
“Out. Why?”
“Because it’s eleven o’clock, and you’re not home.”
“Are you my father?”I sent the laughing emoji.
“I’m your big brother, and it’s my job to worry about my sister.”
“I’m with Nick.”
