Page 76 of Fight or Flight
The catcalls from the other men barely register as I slam her back into the newly built wall, making the construction shake.
Claire’s leg lifts to my hip, and I help her wrap around my hips as we continue to make out. My lips go to her neck, and she moans before the sound of someone clearing their throat somewhere close stops me from going further.
Tommy stands close by, his face tomato red, and I almost laugh at how uncomfortable the view of us two making out made him.
He lifts the keys to the apartment and once again clears his throat. “I, uh, you left this. I’m gonna... I’m gonna stay at Derek’s tonight, so you can... spend time together?” With each word, he looks more and more mortified, and it takes everything in me not to call him out for it.
Slowly, I step away from the wall and allow Claire’s legs to hit the ground before I grab the keys from his hand.
“Thanks, man,” I grin happily.
Claire fixes her hair under the hat and lifts her hand in a small wave, “Hiya, Tommy!”
“Hi, Claire. It’s nice to see you, so...” he looks anywhere but her and then steps away. “Anyway, have fun, you two,”
And then he’s gone.
Claire and I look at each other knowingly before we run toward my truck. We both cackle like fools as I start the engine and back out the vehicle.
I’m barely catching my breath when I glance at Claire, and a new fit of laughter chokes me.
Man, I’m so fucking happy. I never knew it was possible.
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THE DAY IS ALMOST OVER when we’re both lying on my bed, worn out after showing each other who missed whom more. The open box of half-eaten large pizza we ordered placed next to the bed.
Claire is now only wearing her simple black underwear as she leans her back on the headboard with her legs stretched out. My head is on her thigh as I eye her lovingly, and honestly, I wish we could just stay like this for the whole eternity.
Her hand goes through my hair, the nails scraping my scalp slowly, making my body relax even more.
“Tell me about the rehab,” I say gently, and Claire stops her movements for a moment before resuming, and I close my eyes.
“Honestly, it wasn’t bad,” she says softly. “Everyone was nice and set to help me get through it. The first week was the worst, obviously because my system craved whatever was in that syringe. But with each day, the need to get high lessened, and then something else took its place.”
“What was it?” I ask carefully, my eyes opening to read her expression.
“The need to see you and be with you. The way I missed Jenny and the family that I became a part of. I was surprised to find that pull was way stronger than the one toward drugs ever was. Did it feel good to pump my body with that shit? Yes, I’m never going to lie about that. But did it come close to how you make me feel?” She shakes her head and moves her body lower so our foreheads touch. “Not even close, Aidan. Nothing compares.”
“I love you,” I say gruffly, and don’t hide my eyes when they become teary. I will never hide my feelings in front of this magical woman. She possesses all of me. There’s no part of me that is not already hers, even my tears.
“I love you,” she says and kisses me slowly.
“You think we can do this?” I hear myself muttering sleepily.
“I think we can do everything. As long as it’s together,” she whispers, and we both fall asleep.