Pure Bliss

18.

I froze in my tracks, waiting for what he had to say. He sighed to himself. I wasn't going to wait forever. I grabbed the door handle, gently pulling it open. All of my anger was drained. A hand clasped mine, peeling it off. His chest was against my back, as he leaned forward and shut the door lightly in front of me.

"I said stop." He spoke gently.

I stayed facing forward not wanting him to see the silent tears streaming down my face. I was barely holding it together. He grabbed my shoulders and pushed me towards the living room. He didn't turn me around to face him, for that I was thankful. He then pushed down on me as soon as we got to the fireplace. I had no fight left. I slid down to the carpeted floor. He placed one leg on each side of me, just like he did the night of our date. I leaned back into his chest, resting my head a little to the side, but still staring off into the fire. He weaved his hands through my hair, stroking it; calming me.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. I didn't move, waiting for him to continue.

"I was scared. I heard everything when you crashed and felt my heart break all over again. When I first saw you in the hospital after they brought you out of the ambulance, I was in tears. I was worried I would never get to see you smile again. It brought back a lot of unwanted memories. Memories I had tucked away. I hate hospitals, but I couldn't leave your side. The doctors told me you were fine, that you would just be unconscious for awhile. But I had to make sure you would wake up. I didn't want you to be alone, either. So I stayed. They told me you had been hit on the head pretty hard. They didn't know what damage would be done. If you would remember everything or nothing at all. That scared me the most. That you would forget me." He stopped for a moment, breathing hard.

"I know I was selfish, Claire. For that, I truly am sorry. But I didn't know how to cope. So I did the one thing I knew. I worked. I got your car fixed and your home. And then I worked until I had every person who tried to harm you and Nick behind bars. By the time that was finished, I figured it was to late. That you would either be with Joey or hate me. I went to call you a few times, actually a lot. I really did, but I just couldn't bring myself to press the button. What would I say? Would you hang up on me? I didn't want to find out that you did hate me. I was too scared." He continued to run his finger through my hair, seeming to be in deep thought.

All of a sudden his hand stopped, and he turned me to the side so he could see my face. Tears were still streaming down, as he cupped my face, wiping them away. He looked deep into my eyes, searching for something. I didn't hide one emotion from him. It felt like he was seeing straight to my soul.

"Could you ever forgive me, Claire?" He asked, almost afraid to hear the answer. I automatically nodded my head, knowing that everything he told me was the truth.

He slowly leaned down, just like the first time, and placed his lips upon mine. He gave me three soft kisses before he pulled away.

"I'm in love with you Claire Brown." He said with the most honest eyes. His admission took me by surprised and I let out a tiny gasps.

"You stupid man!" I giggled. "You should know that I love you." The biggest smile I had ever seen took over his face. He was truly beautiful. Then quicker than before, he leaned down, capturing my mouth with a passionate, heart stopping kiss.