Young lass

Ch. 3

They walked into a restaurant Claire thought was familiar but she didn't read the sign until she entered; she felt a sense of recognition from there.

Few minutes later they got a table and they ordered their food, Claire noticed the menu, she couldn't remember ever eating here, it seemed so familiar and inviting.

"You look nervous," Frank noticed noticing her nervousness; his smirk had turned into a soft grin.

"I suppose I am a little," she admitted blushing looking down shyly.

"Don't be," he assured her reaching his hand across the table taking her fingers in his.

She pulled her hand back, "So I'm— what do you do for work?" she asked curiously wanting to change the subject.

"I'm a professor at Caledonian University I teach history and English whenever I can,"
he explained smiling at her warmly.

"When I saw you in this suit I expected you to be a professor," she commented earning a chuckle from him.

"What about yourself miss?" he questioned looking straight ahead not breaking their eye contact.

She sighed and took a sip of water, "I'm a nurse working to become a doctor," she replied, "I want to save people's lives," her voice filled with passion.

"That's admirable," he replied with a warm smile.

Time went by, Claire found herself growing more comfortable and seemed feel fond to his interest whether it wasn't as interesting or was; they were eating a Bucatini Carbonara pasta it was delicious and after years of living here Claire never tasted it before.

"So... the child at the park the other day, is he your son?" he asked suddenly cutting her line of thoughts.

"Yes, I adopted him two years ago," she said simply without looking at him.

"Adopted? I would've thought he was your brother," he remarked.

"Do I really look that young?" she chuckled a bit annoyed.

"You don't look like you'd want a child—," he paused seeing the expression from her face, "Sorry I didn't mean—"

"That's alright, I think I know what you
mean," she interjected cutting him off.

She smiled warmly at him, "Anyways— I wanted to ask about your age," Claire asked.

Frank shook his head slightly, "I'm 29 years old," he said, her face lightened up into shook.

"Oh—" she swallowed a bite of pasta, "I would've thought younger."

"What about you?" he asked.

"I'm 23," she replied merely.

He looked shocked but didn't show it— only in his eyes he did; Claire was shocked herself since he much older than her but that didn't stop her from continuously accepting his flirtatious behavior.

Their conversation carried on, and the meal came to an end, Frank paid the check, Claire told him that she didn't need it, he insisted anyway.

"I'll take you home," he said.

———

"So I guess our date comes to a end," Claire said placing her hand on his forearm, her skin burning.

Frank took his hand off the steering wheel, placed it on hers squeezing it gently.

"I should get going ," she said.

"Well let me walk you to your door," Frank said getting out of the car.

She hesitated a little then nodded, "All right thank you," she smiled at him.

He took her hand again guiding her through the street till they arrived at her door, "Well?" she said.

He cupped her cheek causing her eyes to lighten in shock as her mind went blank.

Claire leaned into his touch, his thumb caressing the smooth part of her cheeks as she closed her eyes enjoying it

"May I kiss you darling?" he whispered into her ear, a hint of lust lacing his every word. Her breathing became shallow and the air around her seemed heavy as she nodded. His eyes fell down to her lips which parted softly allowing him to see them. Her breath hitched in her throat as their lips touched, it was gentle; sweet; passionate; tender; everything they both desired.

She pulled away with her hands still on his chest, "I wasn't— expecting that," she uttered quietly.

He laughed lightly, his hand resting against her waist.

"Will you come by again tomorrow?" she said gazing at him nervously, "Just to talk more, nothing serious."

"Of course, I will," he smiled, "That reminds me, I have something to give you I'll be right back," he said walking back over to his car.

He came back with a stuffed bunny freshly washed; it was Fergus's.

"Thank you! he rarely could sleep without him," she exclaimed.

"Of course," he smiled, "I found it at the park."

She smiled, "Thank you," she restated taking the stuffed bunny from him, "See you tomorrow?" he smiled nodding his head.

———

She went inside taking a shower to relax and freshen her body and dress up for bed, she brushed her teeth and climbed on top of the covers.

The door bell rung a few minutes later when Claire was reading, she rushed to the door it was Fergus and Gail.

"Hey buddy," she said as he ran up to hug her, "Thank you Gail for watching him," Claire thanked.

"Call anytime Claire," she said waving to her and Fergus before leaving.

She took of his coat and shoes, "Are you hungry Fergus?" she asked.

He rubbed his eyes shaking his head no.

"Alright, just a bath okay?" she replied and he nodded.

She lifted him up bringing him upstairs noticing he was already snoring, "You can't fall asleep on me now," she said carrying him to the bathroom.

After his bath she brought him to his bedroom changing his clothes into his pajamas then laid him down in bed, "You remember you couldn't find your bunny?"she asked him.

He gave her a sleepy nod making Claire chuckle, "Well, he's back," she said softly then pulled out the stuffed bunny handing it to him , "Here."

Fergus grabbed it tightly and hugged it, Claire couldn't help but smile thinking he was cute, "Mama!" his little voice babbled.

"Goodnight," she smiled pressing a kiss on his forehead.

———

it was 9am when Claire woke up to a knock at the front door she was still in her gown she opened the door, "Frank," she said in shook, "I wasn't expecting you to be here so early."

"Did I wake you?" he said noticing her sleepwear , "I'm sorry."

"Nonsense," she said smiling brightly, "Come in, we can make some coffee if you like?" she offered offering him a smile.

He grinned nodding and walked into the house closing the door behind him.

She turned towards the kitchen and poured him some coffee, he followed closely behind her, "How long have you lived alone?" he inquired as Claire handed him the mug.

"Not long," she replied sipping some coffee, "Why do you ask?" she replied.

"It's a big house and only you and your son live here," he mentioned placing his cup on the table.

"I use to live with my uncle," she said sadden, "But since then... I've taken care of myself."

"I see," he replied.

They sat silent for a while before Frank cleared his throat.