“My dad wouldn’t have hurt me or anything.”
Claire blinked. “I know. It was just…Jenny asked Snake to
do it and he did, and when I found out, I didn’t stop him. I
wanted to make sure you were safe, and if I couldn’t watch
over you myself, then I wanted him to be able to do it. He’s
your bodyguard and I’ve simply kept him on the payroll and in
the house. I’m sorry if you find that intrusive, it’s just that I—”
“I don’t find it intrusive.” Maybe she should, but Claire had
done it because she wanted to keep her safe. It meant that she
cared. “I know you care about me in your own way,” Haley
whispered.
Claire was still so close, so she took a chance and grasped
her hand. It fit into hers so perfectly. They were just as warm
and soft as she remembered.
“I know you think it won’t be enough, but it’s everything to
me. I have no anger or bitterness about what happened. I just
missed you and that was it. I kept wishing things could be
different, and finally, my grandma pointed out that they could
be if I wanted them to. I have to say, I only started believing
her on the drive to your house, but I already feel so much
better. I already think it’s possible. My grandma is rarely
wrong about anything. I know it’s going to take a lot of work
and probably a lot of convincing, but I’m not going to give
you up. I’m not going to—”
Her words were lost as Claire surged forward. She buried
one hand in Haley’s hair and dragged her forward, setting her
other hand at her waist to brace her against the powerful
onslaught of the kiss. Their mouths crashed together, and their
bodies followed.
Haley entangled Claire in her limbs, wrapping her arms