In Duffs We Trust

Part 4 Questions

Claire sat across from Tom in the small bar. She was surprised he had suggested dinner.

"Okay, so now we have the look down lets discuss dating" Tom took a drink of his wine.

"What about dating" Claire questioned him as she took a bite of her fries.

"When was the last?"

"Promise not to laugh?" Claire challenged.

"Yes, boyscout promise."

"Considering I know for a fact you weren't in boyscout I'll take it."

"It's been about a year" Claire admitted.

"Why so long?"

"I've been busy" Claire lied.

Truth was she wasn't too busy, she just hadn't found someone worth dating. She had been asked but turned them down.

"Liar" Tom accused.

"So what does my dating have to do with any of this?"

"Well, we need to work on your skills."

"I am pretty sure my skills don't suck" Claire challenged.

"Okay, who has caught your eye recently."

Claire took a sip of her beer before answering.

"Chris."

"Evans?" Tom asked.

"Yes" she blushed.

"Interesting."

Claire watched as his face fell a bit but didn't say anything. There was No way Tom liked her like that. At one point she had a crush on him but put it aside when they became good friend's. Who wanted to ruin a friendship over a crush?

"Interesting good or bad?"

"Good" Tom added quickly.

"So the key points in dating are as followed" Tom started.

"First, setting the mood is essential. Some light lighting and music always work well. Decide if it will be dinner or dancing. Once that's established remember not to get too sloshed. Let the conversation start out simple, such as music, books, films,etc. The rest is easy. Once you've set the comfort standard the rest will flow."

"Spoken like a pro" Claire grinned at him.

"I've had my fair share of dates" he grinned.

"With sucessful endings I suppose?"

"Touch'e love" Tom winked.

Claire knew Tom could close a deal. He was smooth, smart, funny, sexy...wait where did those thoughts come from she wondered. She quickly brushed it aside and focused on Tom.

"So should I ask Chris out on a date?"

"Yes, take charge. Chris likes a woman of action."

"You would know this how?"

"He is a friend Claire."

Claire knodded in agreement with Tom.

Dinner ended and Tom took Claire home. The walk was nice and Claire enjoyed spending time with Tom. It had been far to long.

Claire finally arrived home with Tom in tow. She felt a tad woozy from the drinks they had shared and knew sleep was her best chance of she wanted to call Chris successfully the following morning.

"Thanks for all of this Tom" Claire smiled at him.

"Thank you for helping me with the script."

"No problem. Goonight Tom" Claire turned making her way up the steps.

"Claire?"

Claire turned and suddenly found herself in Tom's arms as he claimed her lips passionately. Claire couldn't help the small moan that escaped her lips as he pulled her tighter to his body as his hands settled on her hips. After a breathless moment Tom pulled away from her and met her eyes.

"What was that" Claire asked breathless.

"Checking your skills" Tom spoke quickly.

"I see" Claire met his eyes.

"Well done, you are an ace."

"I've always known that. Goodnight" Claire turned and climbed the stairs opening her door stepping inside leaving Tom smiling on the street.

Tom hadn't meant to kiss Claire. He didn't under any circumstances regrett it. He had wanted to kiss her at dinner. He lied telling her it was to test her skills when in truth Tom wanted even craved to have her in his arms, to kiss her amazingly pink plump lips that called to him like a siren of the sea. What had changed between them. Did she notice what she had done to him? Tom was stunned to hear her words on Chris. Chris was a nice guy but wasn't known for being a one woman kind of guy. Not that Tom could say he was better. He had his flings but something had changed when he saw Claire at the after party. He had royally screwed up in his words but she still blew his mind. Her honesty, loyalty, and most of all her blunt words he realized he missed. How could she not see how incredibly beautiful she was. Her beautiful brown hair that always looked as soft as silk even when she complained of it's unruly changes. Her deep blue eyes that were the color of the deepest parts of the ocean. Her smile that touched her eyes, her laugh or the way she would light up when she talked about a book. Had he fallen in love with her? He put his feelings aside and made a vow that Claire would have everything she desired and he wouldn't stop it, no matter how much he wished it was with him.

With one last glance at Claire's door he made his way back to his hotel in hopes he could find some sleep.

Claire stood inside her  door smiling. How had she fallen for Tom yet again? She wanted to open the door and pull him inside showing him exactly how much she liked him. His kiss still burning her lips, his hands on her hips. She hadn't realized how much she had wanted him until as she stood baren. Claire realized then that no matter how much she felt for Tom she had to push it aside. He didn't feel the same and she wouldn't let herself fall for him again with no mutual feelings returned. Claire slipped off her shoes and tossed her jacket aside making her way to her bed for some sleep. She prayed sleep would come swiftly.

As Claire settled into her comfy pajamas her phone buzzed.

Claire flipped the screen open and saw a text from Tom.

Come to the set tomorrow? -T

Claire smiled.

Yes, goodnight Tom -C

Claire clicked her phone off and settled under her comforter clicking the lamp off and letting her eyes close with Tom's smile on her mind.