(Complete) When Tim Burke meets Julie at a party, she isn't impressed. When they see each other again, Julie decides to give him a chance. As Julie faces burdens and sorrow in her own life, Tim and his family provide the support and love she needs...
A/N Translations are in the in line comments. If I am wrong, let me know and blame Google.
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Clare had never flown first class before. "Please don't pinch me, because I don't want to wake up... Ouch!"
Clare looked over at Michael, who was smiling and chuckling. She reached over and poked his side. He jumped and it was her turn to laugh, since she hadn't realized he was so ticklish. There was so much they didn't know about each other.
"Truce." As he leaned into her, one word sent shivers down her spine and radiate through her. It had been a week since Michael appeared at her door and every touch and kiss was electric.
When they arrived at Lindsay's house together. Lindsay was so excited. "Toby, I told you it would all work out. Look at them!"
"Man, I thought you fell off the face of the earth," Toby patted Michael's back as he glared at Clare.
Michael put his arm protectively around her. "Man, none of this was Clare's fault. I spooked her. It took me some time to figure out how to convince her we belong together."
Lindsay smiled and jumped up and down, and Clare felt the joy bursting out of her chest.
"I needed to go away to secure my future."
"I thought we secured our future when we cut that deal with the big fish."
Clare didn't know the details, but understood both Michael and Toby had money. None of it mattered to her, because she had a profession to support herself. Even if not immediately, she would someday make more than Tim. If she wasn't already perpetually smiling that thought put a smile on her face.
"Financially... but I took a trip to confirm my decision. Sorry my friend but I'm moving away."
"Oh my God, this is so romantic. All this time, you were in Maine! How was it?"
Michael laughed. "Cold." Clare bumped her hip into him. "Different because of the weather, but the restaurants are great. The traffic is nothing compared to LA. The people talk to you."
Toby turned to his wife. "Why are you happy about this?"
"Tobe, it isn't a surprise. They love each other and Clare loves her family. The day I met her she was sad and homesick."
Michael kissed Clare's forehead. She smiled at him and felt his gaze physically through her body. "She told me the day I met her she was going home and why it was so important to her. I fell for her, because home and family are her priorities. I want family, too."
The man was torturing her. He was so perfect, and he chose her. Toby still wasn't happy, but Michael told her his real concern was his family.
Clare squeezed his hand to reassure him, as she felt him tense at the plane's descent. They were in love but not yet lovers. It was Michael who wanted to wait. Also, they had shared only a limited time together because of Clare's schedule.
