The bedroom was located on the other side of the wall, and the double sided fireplace served both rooms. The bed was a huge four poster made of rich cherry with a comfortable looking lighter blue comforter and pillows adorning it. Claire was happy to see that Jason hadn’t made his bed; somehow that made him seem more human. Whereas the rest of the home had a casual elegance, the bedroom and the sitting room décor were truly comfortable and homey feeling.
“You missed your calling, why aren’t you an architect? You could certainly be very successful because this house is amazing. It’s simply beautiful,” Claire enthused.
Jason looked very happy and relieved at her statement. “I’m so happy you like it; I want you to feel comfortable here."
Coming over to take her hand, Jason said, “Claire if you feel like you need some space, you’re more than welcome to use the guestroom. I would like you here with me in my bed but I’m not going to pressure you, it’s completely your decision, and I’ll respect it.”
Touched by the sincerity in his voice, Claire reached up and pulled his head down to hers, lowering her lips softly against his for a brief kiss. “I want to be with you; I need to be near you tonight.”
Jason pulled her tightly against him, her head resting on his shoulder. “I need it too. I just want to feel you in my arms, no pressure to make love. I’m going to get our suitcases out of the car. I wouldn’t mind having a quick shower before dinner, and you probably feel the same way. If you want to take the master bath, I’ll use the one upstairs.”
He gave her a kiss on the forehead then released her and pointed towards the bathroom door. The master bath was as beautiful as the rest of the house. A huge marble whirlpool tub dominated one corner of the room, with a separate shower stall and a double sink with a granite top vanity. Claire wrinkled her nose as she inspected her appearance. She looked pale, tired and rumpled. A hot shower was just what she needed to feel human again.
Claire stripped off and slid into the shower. She sighed in pleasure as the spray of the water eased some of the tension in her shoulder. She reached for Jason’s shampoo and lathered her hair and rinsed. Twenty minutes later, she felt like a different person. She located a hair dryer under the vanity and was soon looking for her suitcase. Claire found that Jason had left it right outside for her. The only nightgown she’d packed was a bit dressy, but she didn’t feel like changing back into clothes.
She pulled the long Lilac silk gown over her head, grateful she’d thought to pack the matching robe as well. She belted it tightly around her waist and then pulled a hair clip from her bag and secured her hair in a loose knot at the nape of her neck.
Claire opened the bedroom door and was met with the smell of something delicious. She followed her nose to the kitchen and found Jason at the stove with a kitchen towel thrown over his shoulder and a frying pan in his hand. He had also opted for something casual and wore a pair of low riding blue lounge pants and a South Carolina Gamecocks t-shirt.
She’d seen Jason in expensive suits and in jeans but this was the look that seemed to suit him best. He didn’t look like a rich business owner even with the opulent surroundings; he simply looked like someone you could depend on, someone you could love. Whoaaaa girl, where did that come from? You sleep with a guy a couple of times, and suddenly you’re picking out china and writing his name on your notebook?
Fatigue had apparently affected her more than she realized. She was feeling fragile and entirely too needy where Jason was concerned. It was hard to remember twenty-four hours ago; she was livid at him, ready to pack her bags and never look back. As if in mutual agreement, that subject hadn’t been brought up even though Claire knew it was just on hold and not forgotten.
Jason had been wonderful today, and his support had felt so good. She rarely had anyone to lean on anymore. She did have Suzy, who would do anything for her, but somehow it wasn’t the same. The issues with Jason were far from over and had to be addressed as soon as she had the strength to do it. For now, there was comfort in this moment, pretending that someone loved her.
“I hope you like omelets; it’s the specialty of the house.”
“I love them. It sounds wonderful. I’m impressed at how at home you seem in the kitchen. I figured you for a takeout kind of guy,” laughed Claire.
“Don’t be too impressed, I’ve limited abilities. After awhile, it gets very old to eat out every night. I’m not going to lie; I do have a housekeeper who comes in a couple of times a week and takes care of the grocery shopping and cleaning. If left to my own devices, there would probably be nothing but chips and beer in the kitchen and dirty clothes trickling through the doorways.”