Falling For You [Tom Hiddleston]

23

Claire's POV

"That was interesting," I said to Kara while we waited for Tom to come back. "What did you think of Sadie?"

"Oh, I like her," Kara said with a pleased grin, picking up her wine glass to polish off the last of the excellent vintage Tom had selected for us. "And you?"

"Jack and Nick would adore her," I said truthfully, leaving it at that. While I hadn't revised my initial impression, I didn't dislike her, either.

"So they would. Although I've certainly never been so skillfully led through an interview before; I have the feeling I could learn loads from her."

"I agree." That had been akin to taking a master class on interrogation from a high level operative. "I'm glad Tom has such a loyal, intelligent friend in her."

"Me, too. As much as I can see where the Widdles shippers come from, I'm afraid I'm still firmly in the Bucklyn camp."

"They would make a cute couple, though." I thumbed through the pictures I'd taken tonight, making sure to Airdrop them to her for safekeeping because I couldn't keep them on my phone right now. "Hang on to these for me until I'm off this case, will you?"

"Of course." She scrolled through them before handing me her phone. "But they're nowhere as cute as you and Tom."

I felt myself blushing when I realizing she'd captured several photos of Tom and I while I thought she'd been busy talking to Sadie. I paused on one from right before he'd kissed me, struck by the surprisingly tender expression on my face.

I turned the screen around to show it to Kara. "Do I really look at him like that?"

"Yeah, you really do," Kara smiled, reaching over to pat my arm. "He's been so good for you, Claire; I haven't seen you smile like that in a long time."

My smile wobbled at the reminder of Jacob and I immediately handed back her phone, downing the last of my wine in a futile attempt to dull the ache in my chest before it became too hard to breathe. Tom might be good for me, but I couldn't say the reverse was true...I knew I wasn't good for him.

I was even more relieved that I'd used my time away from Caleb today wisely; now that I finally had the necessary evidence to move against Caleb Prior, it was only a matter of logistics. I'd called in several favors to get all the manpower I needed into place by the appointed time - this was much bigger than any of us had anticipated.

"James will never believe me when I tell him about this!" Kara said, getting my attention again. I hadn't missed anything while lost in thought; she was still scrolling through the pictures I'd sent her. "I can't wait for him to be home again; I've missed him so much, Claire."

"I know, Kara; I know." I set my hand over hers, giving it a light squeeze. "Soon - maybe this time he'll be home for good; you know Guardian would take him permanently in a heartbeat."

"We did talk a bit about that. We still want a couple more bairns and it would be good to have him home regularly. Only a couple more days now!"

"It's raining again," Tom sighed, somehow still looking like he'd just stepped out of a Brooks Brothers ad. The man wore a suit very well, I would give him that.

"My, look at the time!" Kara said, hopping to her feet. "I'd best be getting home to the bairns. Thank you again for sending Susanna round tonight, Tom."

He gave her a hug. "My pleasure. I'll see you Sunday, then?"

"Wouldn't miss it!" she assured him with a wide grin before looking over at me. "What time are you coming round, Claire?"