Scorching Heat Down South

Chapter 21

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It was close to twilight when Claire finally woke up from a deep and empty sleep. She felt lethargic and even more exhausted than before. The raging headache she felt did her no favours either. She got up and went into her bathroom and took a long calming shower. Afterwards, as she put on a light blue summer dress she felt somewhat better although the ache in her chest was more pronounced than ever.

She thought about letting her hair air dry but then thought against it, it would take forever. As she blowdried her hair, her stomach rumbled and she remembered that she hadn't eaten anything all day. After finishing with her hair she slowly made her way into the kitchen and made herself a cold turkey sandwich which alleviated her hunger and somewhat reduced the headache. While she washed the few utensils she'd used she heard a light knock on the door. Her heart thumped in her chest and a little nugget of hope flared in her heart.

She quickly made her way to the door and opened it. The tiny spark of hope immediately died as she looked into David's smiling eyes. She wanted to scream at him to leave her alone but her polite manners were as reliable as always. She opened the door wider, "Hello David." She said quietly and stepped aside to let him in.

He stepped inside and frowned, "Claire! You've been crying? What's wrong?" He asked concerned.

Claire gave him a half smile and unconsciously touched her puffy eyes. "Nothing I can't handle." She said and led him into the living room and they both sat down.

"Would you like something to drink?" She asked hoping he would refuse and leave. She didn't have the energy nor the desire to entertain anybody. All she wanted was Levi and since he wasn't there she'd settle for the next best thing which was to curl up on her bed and suffer alone. She felt like a wounded dog seeking a dark hole to hide in and lick its wounds in private.

"No thank you Claire." He said watching her, the worried look still in his eyes, "Are you sure you're alright?"

This time her smile was real even though it was a small, faint one, "Yes, I'm alright David. What are you doing here?"

He smiled, relaxing a little, "I came to find out if I could take you out for dinner tonight to make up for the last time."

"No, not tonight." The very though of going out for dinner with him was like an assault to her already fragile nerves. "Thank you though, I appreciate the offer".

"Come on." He cajoled, "I know it will make you feel a whole lot better."

She shook her head, "Maybe next time."

He stood up and came towards her, then sat down on the couch next to her. He took her hands in his and looked at her seriously, "Okay I'll go right ahead and say it. I like you Claire. A lot. I know we haven't spent that much time together but I really think we could have something special."

She shifted uncomfortably and tried to discreetly pull her hands away but he wouldn't barge, "I'm flattered David. I really am. But it just won't work between us."

He squeezed her hands, "It could. If you give me half a chance I'm sure I could make you very happy."

And as Claire was about to respond there was a hard knock on the door that jarred her senses and before she could do anything she heard the door barging open.

Levi walked into the living room, he was still in his suit, probably just from work. His hair was tousled and wind blown. He looked so good, so sexy that it hurt to look at him. Her heart rejoiced at the sight of him and she stopped short from running up to him and wrapping her arms around his neck.