The display of affection pleased her. Claire stepped back. No, Im good.
Steve patted her shoulder. If you need anything at all, you let us know. He was a big man with large muscles and a kind smile.
Thank you. Claire moved aside so they could enter.
Nathan, as tall as his mother, ducked past her without a word. Lisa gave her a shy smile, and Matthew stared at her for a moment with his round green eyes and sweet expression. You have grass in your hair, he declared before following his family.
Claire reached up and ran her fingers through her hair, mortified to imagine how she must look. She shut the door and took two steps when there was another knock. She quickly opened the door to find her aunts best friend, Sandy Wellington and her husband, Dave.
Hello, Sandy, Dave.
Sandy grasped her hand. Her short dark, graying hair curled becomingly to frame her round face. Dear, we came to see that youre all right.
Dave stepped over the threshold. His silver hair was swept away from his forehead and he wore dark slacks and a blue oxford button-down shirt. Sandy was beside herself when we heard the news.
Im okay. Really. She could see the doubt in Sandys blue eyes. Claire smiled reassuringly. Please, come in.
The Wellingtons were kind and thoughtful people. They had also been instrumental in helping Claire on the way to realizing her dream of The Zone.
She took a quick peek outside to make sure there werent any other visitors before shutting the door.
The women and children had congregated at the edge of the kitchen, while the men had ignored the water to inspect the damage. Peggy Jordan shooed her children away, instructing them to go busy themselves. The oldest two went to the Ping-Pong table while Matthew sat in a beanbag chair to play with the puppy.
Claires gaze landed on Nick. He leaned casually against the counter that separated the living room from the kitchen. Lori stood close by, smiling up at him. Something unfamiliar twisted in Claires chest.
She started forward, trying to discern what she felt. The corner of Nicks mouth lifted at something Lori said. Claires steps faltered. She realized with sickening clarity that she was jealous.
Nick only half-listened to the animated brunette in the pink blouse. His attention kept straying to Claire. Every time someone new entered, she acted as if she were unaccustomed to people caring about her, worrying over her. Why in the world wouldnt they? It was obvious these people were fond of her.
The Jordan family was friendly and hed appreciated the way Steve had assessed him and then greeted him with a firm handshake. Mr. Wellington was honest in his wariness, had asked point-blank what his intentions were toward Claire, as if he were her father or favorite uncle.
He respected the mans forthrightness and had answered truthfully that he was passing through and had no designs on Claireonly that he wanted to make sure she was safe before he headed out again. His honesty had earned him a quick nod of approval and a pleased smile from Mrs. Wellington before they moved on to look at the damage with Officer Bob, who acted the tour guide.
The brunetteLori, was it?said something mildly amusing and he gave an obligatory smile. She put her hand on his arm, her fingers cool and inviting. He shifted out of her reach but smiled again to soften the rejection to her obvious interest. She was Claires friend, after all. How long have you known Claire?
Lori sighed, clearly getting his hint. For a while now. Her gaze turned speculative. Shes a hard person to get to know. Lots of walls up.
Nick raised a brow. He didnt see walls. He saw lots of open doors that invited trouble. He saw a woman protecting a puppy, protecting kids. She seems pretty outgoing to me.
Oh, dont get me wrong. Shes definitely not the shy and retiring type. Shes very sweet and giving, its She pursued her lips in thought. She doesnt talk much about herself. More concerned about others. Which is something I dont encounter often in my line of work.
And what line of work would that be.
Im a hairdresser. Cheaper than a psychologist and you get nice hair.
He smirked and glanced at Claire. She looked tired, but her smile came quickly as she talked with the children before moving to where the adults had gathered in the kitchen. Mrs. Wellington had found a mop and was sopping up the waterlogged floor. Claire frowned before she bustled in and herded everyone into the living room. Then she traipsed right back into the kitchen, grabbed some sodas out of the refrigerator and began handing them out.
Not only did she need a protector, she needed a keeper. Someone to carry part of the burden she insisted on taking. He rolled his suddenly tense shoulders.
No way should that person be him.
Chapter Four
Claire, dear. Stop fussing. We should be the ones serving you. Sandy took the soda cans from Claires hands and put them on the counter.
Thank you. Claire allowed Sandy to steer her away from the kitchen.
You need rest. Theres nothing that cant wait until tomorrow.
But I really need to make some calls. Find out how soon someone can come to fix this mess, Claire protested.
Lori stepped up to flank her on the other side. I can make your calls for you.
Thats sweet of you, Lori. But no. Claires gaze darted between the two well-meaning women. Really, you two. I can take care of things myself. I prefer it this way.
Lori shook her head, her brown hair swishing softly. See. I told you, she addressed Nick. Walls.
Claires cheeks flamed. Theyd been talking about her?
A soft, affable smile played at the corners of his mouth. His gaze traveled over her face, searched her eyes. She could feel the magnetism that made him so self-assured, so compelling. She blinked and quickly looked away before she succumbed to the pull he had on her.
Lori, be nice, Sandy admonished gently, then she turned back to Claire. What can we do to help you?
Claire shook her head. I dont know. Nothing at the moment, but if I think of something, Ill let you know.
Sandy frowned. You really dont have to do everything on your own.
But she did. She couldnt rely on anyone. Wouldnt allow herself to. As long as she didnt have expectations of others, she wouldnt be disappointed.
Of course, she couldnt voice that thought, she didnt want to hurt their feelings. So instead she smiled politely and changed the subject. How are Allie and Garrett? Will they be coming to visit soon? Allie and Garrett were the Wellingtons fraternal twins. Theyd gone off to college last fall.
Sandy patted her arm with a knowing sigh. Yes, they will be here this summer. I have an idea. Why dont you come home with us? You could stay in Allies old room.
Claire dropped her chin. Oh, no. I couldnt impose.
It wouldnt be an imposition at all, Dave said as he stepped to his wifes side.
Or you could come to our house, offered Peggy, as she and Steve joined the circle around Claire.
Thats sweet, but really she trailed off as panic flared. Things were spinning out of her control. Everyone meant well but she didnt want to need them. Didnt want to have to rely on anyone for anything.
Bob came around the group and stood beside Nick. The two men were so different.
Bob was good-looking, with his light brown hair and wiry build, in a very boy-next-door kind of way that appealed to some women. Not her, though. He was nice enough and they got along okay. Hed asked her out on several occasions over the years, but friendship was as far as their relationship could go. He just didnt do it for her.
She preferred Nicks near-black hair, dark eyes and towering muscular frame. His cool and dangerous demeanor appealed to her, making her pulse race and her brain sound alarms. He was the kind of man she didnt need in her life.
You cant stay here alone. Bob pinned her with his hazel eyes.
Claire ground her back teeth at his high-handed tone. Im not alone. Gwen lives here, too.
Sandy piped up. She can come to my house, too.
Or she can stay with me, Lori offered.
Everyone started talking at once. Only Nick remained silent, his black eyes watchful. Her gaze slid away from him as she tried to reason with the people who were intent on arranging her life. She hated when people tried to arrange her life.
Excuse me, everyone, Nicks voice, though low, rose above the chatter, effectively cutting off the noise. Claires been through a rough ordeal today. Im sure she could use some time and space.
Surprised by his understanding, Claires eyes widened.
Of course. Peggy took her hand. You let us know what we can do to help.
I will. I promise. Claires heart squeezed slightly at the womans offer of help and friendship.
Okay, kids, lets head out, Steve said as he took the puppy from Matthew and set him on the living room floor. He led his family out of The Zone.
Before they headed to the door, Sandy and Dave elicited a promise from Claire to call if she needed anything. Nick walked out with them.
Claire watched his retreating back with a frown and fought the ridiculous urge to cry. Shed asked him to leave, but shed thought hed at least say goodbye. There she went againexpecting something, only to feel hurt and rejected.
Would she ever learn?
Lori leaned in close, her gaze on Nick as well, and whispered, Hes certainly a prize worth holding on to.
Claire shook her head, feeling suddenly very tired. Youre too much the romantic, she whispered back.
Loris eyes twinkled with mirth. Bob, will you walk me to the shop?
He looked surprised. Why?
Because I asked you to, you big lug. Lori rolled her eyes. Men. Then to Claire she said, Ill check on you tomorrow.
She held up a hand as Claire opened her mouth to protest. I know, but Im coming, anyway. She wrinkled her straight nose. It smells ghastly in here.
Ill light some scented candles, Claire said.
You shouldnt stay here, Bob said, his expression hard, concerned.
She tried for patience. You sound like a broken record. This is my home. Im not leaving. Besides, the damage is mainly outside. The waters only on the first floor and contained in the kitchen. Ill be fine.
You are so stubborn. Exasperation echoed in his voice.
Okay, time for us to go, Lori declared, linking her arm through Bobs. She gave Claire a meaningful look. Ill talk with you later.
Too weary to argue, Claire nodded. Fine.
Lori led a reluctant Bob out, leaving Claire alone.
Her lungs hurt and her throat felt like sandpaper. The place did smell and it looked horribleall black and charred on the back wall around the door. But it was her place. The only thing she possessed worth anything. And someone had tried to wreck it. She blew out an angry breath. She wasnt about to let anyone destroy her dream.
A wet tickle at her ankle reminded her she now had one other possession. She bent and scratched behind Little Nicks ears. Hope you dont mind that its just you and me, little guy.
She straightened and moved toward the stairs when the front door opened and Nick walked back in.
A surge of happiness tore through her, catching her off guard. She trampled down the giddy pleasure. I thought you left.
Sorry to disappoint you. His expression was unreadable but there was a tension in his body she hadnt noticed before.
No. No disappointment. Im glad to see you. I meanI wanted to say goodbye.
I came to get my jacket. He strode past her to where his leather jacket lay on the stool by the counter.
Oh. A bubble of disappointment popped in her chest. He hadnt come to see her or to say goodbye.
He slipped the jacket on and crossed the room to stand a few feet from her. I hear you might have a room to rent.
You know of a teen in trouble?
He gave her a sharp look. Id intended to stay awhile wherever I stopped this evening. My bike needs a tune-up. And now that its getting late, I might as well stay in Pineridge. Steve recommended a mechanic a few blocks away.
Her heart pounded in her ears. He wanted to stay here? Thats not a good idea.
One side of his mouth curled up into a lopsided grin. Youd be doing me a favor. And I could pay you by doing the work to repair the back of the building. That way you dont have to put any money out on expensive contractors and I can have a roof over my head. It would sure beat sleeping on the ground.
There are hotels downtown. And a Motel 6 on the outskirts, just as you come off the freeway.
He shook his head. Ill take my bedroll to the park.
You cant do that. Youll get arrested.
Your front grass will do.
No. Thats ridiculous.
Claire worried her lip, conflicted. On one hand she didnt like the idea of anyone invading her space. And he would definitely be an invader. But wasnt that the point of The Zone, to rent the rooms so kids wouldnt have to sleep on the ground? That was why Gwen lived with her, because she had nowhere else to go.
Nick wasnt a teen, but he obviously needed a place to stay for awhile. And apparently couldnt afford a hotel. She couldnt turn him out. She could only imagine the cost to his pride to have to ask for help. She knew her own pride held her back from asking anybody for assistance.
Yet, she couldnt shake a strong suspicion that somehow this was all just a ruse concocted to keep her under his protection. Why did he suddenly need his bike tuned up? Youre being paranoid, she told herself.
Nick interrupted her thoughts. I wont get in your way.
Heat crept up her neck. She was taking an awful long time to answer his question. Stalling, she asked, You could fix the wall and the porch?
Yes. Ive done carpentry work in the past.
Having him take care of the repairs would save her time and money. He was offering to work in exchange for room and board.
He needed a place to stay. She had it to give. Even though it wasnt a fair exchange. He would work harder than the rent she could charge. I have a room. But I insist you let me pay you a small wage for the work.
He frowned. Not necessary.
It is to me. She wouldnt be a charity case. Shed use the money in the building fund for his wage, and insurance, she hoped, would pay for the repairs.
He considered her for a moment. Okay. Deal.