Page 64 of Unwrapping Romance

“No, Claire,” I shouted. “You left her. You left her in my care, and I make the decisions regarding her. She’s settling in here, and she’s fine. I will not let you disrupt her life and confuse her more than you already have. Don’t you dare call me again. You made your decision. Happy travels, Claire.” I ended the call.

I set my phone down and looked at Sierra. She reached over and placed her hand on my leg.

“It sounds like she’s regretting what she did,” she said.

“I don’t care. She can regret it all she wants.” I stood up. “I’m heading up to bed. Are you coming?”

“Yeah.” She finished her drink and set the glass down.

I lay in bed, one arm behind my head and the other wrapped around Sierra as her body snuggled against mine. Staring at her, I thought about how fast my perfectly manicured life was spinning out of control. I’d never loved before. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t allow myself to feel such feelings. But now, I hadthis beautiful woman lying next to me who stirred up the very feelings I ran from my entire life and a little girl who I tried so desperately to stay away from so I didn’t fuck her up like my father did me.

The following morning, after my alarm went off, Sierra stirred and turned the other way. After showering, I stood in front of the mirror and shaved. Sierra walked into the bathroom, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s so funny?” she asked, dabbing her toothbrush with toothpaste.

“You’re looking a little rough this morning.”

“Excuse me?” Her brow arched.

“Your hair is all messed up.”

“Considering the way your hands were through it last night and the occasional pulling, what did you expect?” she mumbled, brushing her teeth.

I smiled as I waited for her to finish brushing her teeth and grabbed her hairbrush. Standing behind her, I began brushing her hair.

“What on earth are you doing?” she asked, staring at me through the mirror.

“I caused this mess, so I’m going to fix it.”

“Jack, you don’t?—”

“Shush, Sierra, and let me brush your hair.”

When I finished, I pushed her hair over her shoulders and kissed the back of her head.

“There. Back to normal.” I smirked. “I’m going to grab a quick cup of coffee before heading to the office.”

“I know you need me there,” Sierra said, following me down the stairs.

“I know I need you to take Ellie shopping,” I said, grabbing a mug from the cabinet. “Which reminds me.” I pulled out mycredit card and handed it to her. “Buy yourself a nice sweater or something.”

She mumbled, but I couldn’t understand what she said.

“What did you say? I didn’t catch that.”

“I said a new sweater sounds nice.” A small smile crossed her lips.

“I can’t believe Ellie isn’t up yet.”

“She’s exhausted from yesterday, as am I,” Sierra spoke.

“You’ll be fine. I have to go. Here.” I handed her the cup of coffee I made. “I changed my mind. Perk up, buttercup.” I smiled.

“Seriously?” Her eyes narrowed as she held the warm cup between her hands.

“Yes, seriously. Tell Ellie I’ll see her later.”

When I arrived at the office, Daniel walked in and sat down.

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