“Stepsister,” Claire clarified. “Don’t mix things up, Chance.”
“Sure, stepsister,” Chance replied. “What I’m saying is that I can’t tell them the only girl I want is my stepsister.”
Claire looked at him and sighed. She understood he had a life before she came into his and that he couldn’t tell people what she meant to him. “I hate this secrecy. I miss our days in St. Lucia when we could run around and do things and go places and no one cared. Now we can’t even look at each other in public because our parents can’t keep their hands off each other.”
“Just for now,” Chance said, kissing her palm. “We’ll find a way.”
“How? Make them get a divorce?”
“Maybe,” Chance said. “Maybe.”
“It’s never going to happen,” she murmured. “Have you seen the way they look at each other?”
“I have, which is probably the same way we look at each other.” He reached out to stroke her face. “I’ve missed you so much. I’ve been travelling so much for work, but I’m glad I’m taking a break.”
“Oh. I thought you got tired of me.”
“Me, tired of you? That would never happen, Claire,” he said, smiling at her. He pulled her closer to him. “Claire, let’s just live in the moment and enjoy what we have right now.”
***
The next morning, Claire approached Bryan while he sat in his study. Her mother was in the garden lounging as she had every morning since they moved into Bryan’s house.
“Bryan?” Claire called as she knocked on the door.
“Come on in, Claire,” he said. He removed his glasses and closed the book he held. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Well, no. I’ve been here for over a month, and I’m ready to go back to work. Would you…make a call and get me an interview with one of the companies you recommended?”
“Of course,” he said to her, smiling. “I was waiting for the green light from you.”
“Oh great,” she told him. “Thank you.”
“So, what do you want to do?” he asked, looking at her. “I think I know practically every CEO of any company you might want to work for, so don’t hesitate to ask.”
Claire paused for a second as if she were thinking of her response. “Well, I always did like interior design, but I just couldn’t make any progress in the field because no one was willing to take a chance on me.”
“Well, I just happen to have a few friends in that industry. I’ll make a few calls.”
“Thanks again, Bryan. I appreciate it,” she said and left. Later on in the day she received a message from Bryan to come see him. She raced to the study, unable to believe he had worked his magic so quickly. Sure enough, a friend of his just happened to have an opening, and she was welcome to begin as soon as she was ready.
“I’m ready now,” Claire said excitedly.
“Then it’s settled,” Bryan smiled. “I’ll tell her to expect you in the morning.”
Claire ran back to her room, excited about getting out of the house. She rummaged through her wardrobe for something to wear and came up blank. But a few hours later, a couple of boxes of professional outfits arrived from one of the most fashionable boutiques in town. She went to find Bryan in his office wearing one of the jackets from the boxes.
“Bryan, I can’t accept these. It’s too much.” As she spoke the words, her hands caressed the soft jacket she wore.
“Do you always return gifts?” he asked teasingly. “Fortunately for you, I am not in the habit of taking them back.” He winked at her and went upstairs in the direction of his room.
Claire wanted to ask him what he meant but smiled as she realized he was talking about the emerald necklace Chance had sent her in St. Lucia. Chance must have told him about it. She wanted to tell Bryan she hadn’t returned it. The emerald necklace lay buried in her jewelry box, a symbol for how deep she had to bury her need for Chance.
The following day, Claire drove to the office as directed by Bryan and found the CEO happily waiting for her. After some general introductions, she was asked her opinion concerning the décor for a new office space the company had purchased. Claire showed off her expertise, and before the end of the day, she was handed the assignment and given full authority over the alterations she thought necessary. When the day was over, she left the office eager to share her experience with her mom or Chance. As soon as she got home, she went straight to find her mother.
“Hi, Claire. How was your first day?” Willow asked.
“Great. Got hired on the spot and already have a few assignments to complete.”
“That’s great! Bryan and I were hoping you’d like it.”
“He’s nice,” Claire said, referring to Bryan. “I’m glad you’re happy with him.”
“Yes, I am, Claire. He’s made me so happy.”
At that moment, Claire felt terrible about sneaking behind her mother’s back with Chance. Sneaking around was the only way they were going to be together, and she was okay with that, at least for now.