Claiming Caroline (Claimed 3)

Chapter Six

King

I think I've worn a hole in the rug stretched across the foyer floor with my incessant pacing. Damned if that's stopped me from making endless circuits through the airy space. Caroline agreed to have dinner with me tonight, but I'm worried as hell she'll change her mind. I wouldn't blame her. God knows, I don't deserve a chance with her. Not after making her sister miserable for the last two months.

It's abundantly clear how close Caroline is with Kennedy. She was a mama bear today, ready to fight for her baby sister, even if it meant fighting me. She could not have been more beautiful had she tried. Her loyalty to her sister is sexy as hell. There's an honesty about her that I find irresistible. She stands up for what she thinks is right, even when it means losing something she wants.

I can't remember the last time I met someone like her, who throws their whole hearts into love like she does. She was so worried about her sister today…and about me losing my job. But she agreed to give me a shot anyway.

I don't know if she realizes it yet, but she's in love with me. It's the only reason I stand a chance in hell of proving to her that I can be a man worthy of her. And make no mistakes, I will prove it. Thirty-six hours without her sweetness in my life was long enough.

She lights up my entire fucking world with just a smile. I tremble to think what damage her tears would do. I've never been easily led, but I would follow her anywhere without question or hesitation. She makes me want to do better, be better.

Caroline Thorne is everything that's been missing from my life—passion, purpose, and fierce devotion. I've become jaded, hardened by life and the bitter aftertaste of betrayal. I let it blind me, drain me of passion and hope, and leave me adrift in a world I forgot how to love. In my world, liars always win and the cheaters prosper.

She gives me hope that it doesn't have to be that way.

If Kennedy has the talent to the change the world, Caroline has the heart to do it. She's so fierce when she believes in something. It's impossible not to believe right alongside her. The mere thought of being the man who gets to stand at her side while she makes the world a better, brighter place is all too appealing.

I don't want to be the man who fights her battles for her—she's more than capable of fighting them herself. I want to be the man who gets to worship her while she does it. The one she trusts with her heart and soul. The one who gets to wake up beside her every morning and make love to her every night. The one who gets to love her.

She needs a daddy to help settle her and teach her how to fly. One who knows just how precious she is and adores every facet of her personality like she deserves. I'm that man. Loving her will be my motherfucking purpose in life now and my greatest joy.

I'm not afraid I'll mess it up or fail. I refuse to let that happen. I'm claiming Caroline Thorne, and god save anyone who tries to stand in my way. The university can have my job if they want it. The vultures can have every word I've written until now.

It's a small price to pay for a future with my princess.

A car pulls up out front, stalling me in mid-step. I spin toward the door, more nervous than I think I've ever been before. This matters more than anything ever has before. I've never brought a woman here. I've never wanted one here. But my heart pounds with the anticipation of having my sweet baby in my personal space.

I pull the door open before she ever makes it up the sidewalk to me. My lungs stop functioning when I catch sight of her. Her long hair is unbound, waving freely about her round face. The dying rays of the autumn sun catch in the long strands, turning the reddish gold to fiery copper. She's changed from her jeans and t-shirt into a jacket and simple black dress with ballet flats.

How does she get more beautiful every time I see her?

"Hi," she whispers once she's standing in front of me. She ducks her head as if she's feeling shy. Her hands go into the pockets of her coat, but she doesn't fidget as if seeking approval or reassurance. This princess knows her worth and doesn't need anyone to tell her how exquisite she is.

I tell her anyway.

"You look ravishing, Caroline," I murmur, holding out a hand to her. I always forget how truly tiny she is until she's standing in front of me. She barely reaches my chest but there is no mistaking her and her lush curves for anything less than a woman.

She slips her smaller hand into mine, giving me that million-dollar smile that tightens my balls and my throat. There's always a touch of mischief lurking in her gaze and a curious, innocent excitement. I see both there now. I also see happiness, as if she's as thrilled to be back at my side as I am to have her there.

"I was worried you wouldn't come," I confess, pulling her inside with me.

Her face falls. "I'm sorry I stood you up yesterday, Jared."

"Shh," I soothe, kicking the door closed to pull her into my arms. "You don't owe me any apologies, sweet baby. I'm not angry with you. I'm grateful as hell you agreed to give me another shot. I know I don't deserve it."

"You do." She tips her head back, reaching up to cup my jaw. "I know what kind of man you can be. I have faith in you."

"You didn't have any problems with Kennedy?"

"No, she's at her friend's rehearsal dinner tonight," she says, her voice soft. "And I'm exactly where I want to be."

I kiss her, unable to stop myself when she's as sweet as she is fierce. She's an addicting combination of angelic innocence, devilish mischief, and spirited intelligence. Her sweet little mouth is equally as addicting. I kiss her again and again, helpless to do anything else when she whines my name and clings to me like she never wants to let me go.