Forever.

Chapter 26: Thank you

Claire's P.O.V. (The next day)

"Claire," I hear Braden whisper against my head, "Claire," he says again.

"Yeah?" I ask as I open my eyes, but they feel like they weigh a million pounds and all I want to do is close them back.

"I have to go get my cast off, and I didn't want to just leave you here." He says.

"Oh, okay. I'll go with you." I say as I sit up, to give him room to get up.

"No, don't. You need to stay here and get some rest, because you look absolutely exhausted." He says. "I'll come back here and get you, and we can get your discharge papers. Then, we can go get some new clothes, swimsuits, and head off to the beach."

"Okay, but I still want to come with you." I say.

"I want you to come with me too, but you look beyond exhausted." He says.

"Yeah, well so do you." I say.

"Really?" He asks.

"No." I say as I look down.

He cups my face in his hands and gently lifts my head up. He looks deep into my eyes for what feels like a very long time.

"Yeah, you're staying here. You can barely hold your eyes open." He says.

My eyes begin to feel too heavy to keep open, and they start to close.

"Claire, wait." Braden says. He guides me down and my head makes contact with the pillow and he kisses the top of my head. "I'll be back soon."

I nod, and my eyes close fully.

***

I feel a hand push the hair that was in my face out of the way. The hand stays on the top of my head.

"You are so beautiful." Braden whispers.

My eyes flutter open, and they immediately meet Braden's.

"Thanks." I say.

"Are you feeling any better?" He asks as he takes my hand in his.

"Yeah." I say as I nod.

"You sure?" He asks.

"Yes, I'm sure. What is this about?" I ask.

"I'm just making sure that you can do this." He says.

He quickly leans down and gently presses his lips to mine. I gently kiss him back, and it feels really good. He feels like safety. His lips against mine is the best feeling in the world. I know he loves me, and I know he cares about me.

I slowly sit up, but still keep my mouth connected to his. He sits down next to me, and I put my legs over his waist. He cups my face in his hands and my fingers naturally gravitate to his hair. A happy moan escapes from his lips and he pulls me even closer.

His hands travel to my waist, sending a chill down my spine. He slowly pulls away, leaving our foreheads connected.

"I love you so much." He says at a whisper.

"I love you too." I whisper.

"Come on, let's get out of here." He says as he backs up.

"Okay." I say as I stand up.

"Wait, change before you go." He says.

"All of my clothes were ruined in that fire, I don't have anything to change into." I say.

"And that's where you're wrong." He says as he hands me a shopping bag.

I open it up and see shorts and a pink tank top.