A Match Made In Heaven?

Chapter 36

After a lot of tossing and turning in bed last night I finally managed to drift off to sleep. I wake up to my alarm clock ringing.

I feel Clay's arms tighten around me as I turn around to face him. "Hey, did you get any sleep last night? You were shuffling around all night."

I look up to meet his concerned and loving eyes. "I got a bit but..... I guess I had too much on my mind to completely unwind and relax. I couldn't stop thinking about Claire. I mean I have been in her position to some degree and I know how alone she must feel right now."

Clay kisses my forehead gently. "You know that you are the most caring person that I have ever met in my life Lucy."

I smile back at Clay. "Clay.... What if it was me showing up to the engagement party that made him...."

I don't get to finish my sentence before Clay interrupts me quickly. "No no.... Don't even go there Lucy. None of this is your fault."

I sigh lightly against Clay's warm chest. "Maybe but..... It's been years since he done that to me and he had never done anything to Claire in all that time.... Until I showed up again."

"You can't be thinking like that. If he was capable of doing that once there was always the possibility of him doing it again."

"I know..... God I hate this. I really thought I could put all of this behind me but this whole thing is far from over."

"Don't worry Lucy, you have me and Chloe and hopefully your sister now. We can can get through this together."

"Thanks Clay. I guess we both have to get up now."

"Unfortunately..... But I plan on making it up to you tonight if you'll let me?"

"Mmm, that sounds interesting. What did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking I'd cook you a nice meal at mine, bring a change of clothes. I don't intend on letting you go home tonight."

I smile up at Clay. "Well that's good because I don't intend on going home tonight."

Clay's hands gently cup my face as he leans down and our lips brush against each other. His tongue slowly runs along my bottom lip before plunging into my mouth. My fingertips lightly press into his toned chest urging the kiss to deepen.

When we pull back from one another we are both a little out of breath. That kiss definitely would have led to a lot more if we both weren't against the clock to get ready for work.

"I'm nearly tempted to call in sick just so I can finish that kiss." Clay says, chuckling lightly.

I chuckle against his chest. "Oh I wish.... But it's only my second day back, I really don't think it would be a good idea.....we can finish it later."

"Too right we'll finish it later."

Clay slips out of the bed and starts to get dressed. "I'll pick you up here at 6?"

"Clay I can manage to walk to your apartment by myself you know?! It's only down the street."

Clay tilts his head at me and narrows his eyes. "I'm well aware of that Lucy but I'd rather walk with you, ok?"

I sigh and smile at Clay. "Okay, very well. See you at 6!"

Clay leaves my apartment and I get up out of bed and get ready for work. When I'm dressed and ready I check myself in the mirror. I go out to the kitchen and have a quick breakfast before leaving my apartment and making my short walk to work.

(God, all I can think about is Claire. I hope she's okay.)

I finally arrive at work. I make my way in past Sophia ignoring her existence. At this point it's the only way to deal with her. When she gets no reaction from me she seems to lose interest.