Page 25 of Passing Notes

But no one messes with Clara Jean Hill and gets away with it. Not anymore. And never again.

CHAPTER 8

NICK

When I think of you, it makes me smile. When I’m with you, you touch my heart. We’re in our own little world together and I never want to leave it. - Clara

Sasha was brilliant. This rocking chair was comfortable, and the view from my porch was spectacular.

I felt like shit for how I’d behaved. Morgan knew how to get under my skin, and she’d been in rare form today. I shut down so I wouldn’t fall into our usual argument over her disapproval of my career choice. It wasn’t fair to Clara. I’d acted like an ass. And oh my god, I was so damn tired.

I’d never seen her angry like that before and I was only slightly ashamed that I found it hot. She had always been sarcastic and mouthy when she was mad, but it had never been directed at me. And before, she had an underlying sorrow and vulnerability I had always done my best to protect. Now that she was just pissed, it was sexy as hell. The years had made her strong. She was bold, she was beautiful, and she’d stuck up for me even though we had yet to clear the air between us.

I wanted to know her again. I wanted to know everything that had put that glint of steel in her eyes.

I would figure out how to make it up to her. And I would find a way to make her talk to me about our past too.

After that, who knew? If the feelings she aroused in me were any indicator, we’d end up being a lot more than neighbors.

Did I want another chance with her?

Maybe? Probably.

Okay, yes, I did. But I was nowhere near ready to face the reality of it, of how it would feel to have her be part of my life again. At least not now, when it was so obvious there was some kind of misunderstanding between us. But I had time, proximity, and chemistry on my side. I knew I could fix whatever it was.

She was hurt about the past but interested in me at the same time—that much was clear.

Our almost-kiss this morning on her balcony and the soft press of her body against my arm when Morgan was giving me shit told that tale. She could have stepped in with Morgan without moving so close to me. She didn’t need to get physical to defend my honor. And why had she bothered to defend me at all?

Even if I didn’t get a chance to be with her again, I’d fix it. She had meant the world to me. I had loved her more than anything, and I didn’t want her to think what we’d had together wasn’t real. Because it was, she was everything to me when I had needed her the most. I was lost after my dad died, and Clara had been the one to pull me through it. I sat rocking in the chair, remembering many of the small moments we shared.

I must have fallen asleep, because my text notification went off, waking me from my slumber. I sat forward to pull out my cell, heaving out a sigh when I saw it was Morgan.

MORGAN: I’m so sorry for being such a bitch to you. The wedding plans are overwhelming me and I’m exhausted. I got into it with Mal this morning and I took it out on you. I was horrible. Forgive me?

NICK: I know you’re stressed out. Sasha told me. I get it. It’s okay.

MORGAN: I’m sorry about being rude to your...girlfriend? Or is it too soon for labels? Clara, right?

NICK: Yep

MORGAN: Tell her I’m sorry, and don’t forget we agreed to keep our dating lives away from the kids unless it’s serious. Okay?

NICK: Will do. I won’t forget.

MORGAN: I mean, bring her to the wedding, of course. But tell the kids it’s a friend/neighbor thing unless/if you get serious about her and you know it’s going somewhere. Are you two serious?

NICK: Don’t worry.

MORGAN: Again. I feel terrible. Should I send her flowers or a plant? A bottle of wine?

I glanced at the collection of lush greenery on her porch and throughout her yard. She caught me looking so I gave her a wave.

NICK: Send a plant.

MORGAN: A plant it is. FYI, it’s date night. I’ll be incommunicado. The kids already know. Thanks again for keeping them during my time.

NICK: Yep