Packing Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 2)

CHAPTER FOUR

* Jason *

Waking up with my beauty in my arms, I was completely happy and satisfied for a moment. Then I remembered, and felt a sick twisting in my guts. I knew she might break my heart in two. And I deserved it. I cannot believe I lied to her. Or at least, didn’t tell the truth that I had zero intention of this being a one-night situation.

I was a dishonorable, filthy jerk. But I’d already fallen for her so hard, so fast, that I was lost.

The level of shame at having been dishonest to the woman I’d already fallen for completely was tempered by the feeling of her soft skin against mine. Her body was wound around mine, holding me tight. She’d have to forgive me, once she saw that we were meant to be. Now I just had to convince her that we were so much more than a one-night stand to reset her life.

I knew that she needed some time and space to shake off her previous relationship, but if I gave her that space, she might fall for someone else. It would be so easy to picture her with a refined corporate type who could give her the world. I’d be able to provide for her and care for her in a few years when I was done with school, but until then, I didn’t have a lot to offer other than my absolute devotion.

Feeling Claire stirring in my arms actually frightened me. She was going to kick me out, and go on with her life. I could feel it. Or maybe I was just paranoid, since my heart felt so wide open right now.

Giving her a little kiss on the forehead, I rolled her gently, tucking the blanket around her. Grabbing my clothes, I went to get dressed in the living room so that I wouldn’t disturb her.

I had just started to look around for a pen and paper when I heard her at the bedroom door. “Are you leaving?”

“I’m sorry if I woke you. I have to work for a few hours today. I was looking for a pen to leave you a note.”

“Give me your phone,” she said. Handing it to her, she entered herself as a contact.

“Can I call you?” I asked.

She nodded, flashing the cutest little smile. Her hair was slightly messed up, and she looked so sleepy and delicate I wanted to drag her back into bed immediately.

Pulling her into my arms, I kissed her. But this time I wasn’t gentle. Since there was a chance this might be my last moment with her, I kissed her with the fire that had been burning in my gut from the second I laid eyes on her. As my fingers dug into her curvy ass, holding her luscious breasts tightly to my chest, I poured every ounce of raw lust into her lips. If a kiss could talk, I was screaming, “You. Are. Mine.”

When I finally released her, she was flushed, breathless, and maybe slightly confused.

“I’m about to make some requests that I have absolutely no right to,” I said gently, stroking her hair. “You keep this door locked at all times. Keep your eyes open when you’re out walking, and look around. If you see your ex anywhere, you run into a store and get help immediately, while you’re calling me. Do you understand?”

She nodded, smiling sweetly. “I’m sure there won’t be any problem. But it’s really nice of you to look out for me.”

“I’m a phone call away,” I said, kissing her forehead. Then I forced myself to leave immediately before I said anything else crazy.

I wanted to escort her to work. I wanted to ask what the security was like there. She didn’t seem concerned about that weaselly jackass Kyle, but I knew men better than she did.

It was one thing to see that your girlfriend was leaving you and moving out on the fly. But to be thrown into a wall by a tough dude twice his size must have been completely emasculating. Which of course, I was quite happy about. But it might make him mean, and stupid enough to try to contact Claire again.

There was no way I could let that happen.

I ignored Steve’s raised eyebrow when I showed up to work in the same clothes I had on yesterday. I ignored the obvious flirtations of the two university girls we were moving from an elegant townhouse to a stylish condo, obviously owned by somebody’s daddy.

I attempted to ignore Claire’s number in my phone. I wanted so badly to send her a message, but couldn’t let myself until I knew what I wanted to say. And it had to be something that wouldn’t scare her off.

Finally when I was on my way home, I passed a sign that would give me the perfect excuse to text her.

Hey Claire – this is Jason. Just drove past Davison’s furniture over on St. Clair West, and they’re having a huge furniture sale, in case you need anything else to finish off your new place. I can always borrow the truck if you need a hand. I hope you’re having a great day.

Desperately hoping that was perfect, I hit send. I wanted to show her that I was thinking about her, but also being casual and practical.

I wanted to be the man that made all of her problems go away. I wanted to be the one she would turn to. Her shelter in any storm. I just had to stay close to her until she came around and realized that I was already her guy.

I was absolutely thrilled that she responded.

Thanks, Jason. I appreciate it. I might need a few things next weekend. You’ll likely be working, but if it’s anything super heavy, I might give you a shout.

Dammit. She really had it ingrained that she couldn’t let herself bother me. That bastard must have really done a number on her. Twisted her mind. A sweet girl like Claire should be showered with attention, and made to feel like a princess, never a nuisance.