Page 49 of By The Book
It wasa beautiful day for a wedding. Not too hot, breezy, a perfect cloud-dotted sky that gave periodic breaks from the beaming sun.
Claire gazed at the event, awestruck by the beauty Eliza had created in the gorgeously landscaped backyards shared by the group of friends. The ceremony had taken place behind Mac’s home on a terraced brick patio beneath an open gazebo. The bride’s father had walked her through the circular arrangement of chairs rounding to the patio, giving every guest the perfect view of the beautiful bride and the Intercoastal behind the couple as they exchanged their vows.
A billowing tent had been placed in Carter and Eliza’s yard with lounges and chairs and other glamorous sitting areas scattered throughout.
Due to the construction still taking place at Oliver and Marsali’s new home, a line of hedges had been placed to create a barrier to keep anyone from wandering that way, and if that didn’t work, the extra security hired after last night’s incident worked, too.
“Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” Marsali asked. “No matter how large or small, Eliza never fails to dazzle.”
Claire turned her attention to Marsali, who’d acted as V’s matron of honor. “It’s unbelievably beautiful.”
“She is an artist at what she does,” Marsali said. “So, how are you?”
“I think I should be asking you that. Were you able to sleep last night?”
Marsali turned her beautifully coiffed head toward her husband, who stood nearby talking to Mac, and nodded. “It took a while but I did. Oliver held me all night so I’d feel safe, but I think it was for his benefit as well. He’s upset that it happened and blames himself, even though he shouldn’t.”
The image of Denz holding her filled her mind, and Claire felt a flush crawl up her neck.
“You know,” Marsali said, “some women might not appreciate a man taking charge and being all protective, but I do.”
Claire nodded her agreement silently. Credit needed to be given when it was due, and she appreciated the quality as much as Marsali.
“Denz seemed to be a comforting presence to you last night before you left,” Marsali continued. “Are you sure there’s nothing between you?”
“There can’t be.”
“Why do you say that?”
“The danger of his job, the way he travels—I don’t want to be with someone like that again.”
“Ah,” Marsali said softly. “Well, I understand the thought process but—I still get the feeling there’s more between you than just friendship.”
Marsali’s gaze narrowed on her, and Claire knew her expression gave her thoughts away. “I was…held last night, too.”
Marsali’s eyes widened and Claire shook her head. “Nothing happened. He just held me. On the couch, in the living room. All night. Because I needed it a-and asked him to.”
“I see.”
“I had adrenaline shakes and theywouldn’tstop and… It was all very innocent.”
“I believe you.”
Claire gripped her glass so tight she was afraid it would shatter, so she set it on the railing where she stood. “Denz… He’s nice. Okay? I see it. He’s… He’s great. But he’s temporary and as soon as he passes his physical, he’ll be reassigned. It would be a mistake to get close to him.”
“Maybe. Or…maybe you’re looking at this all wrong,” Marsali said.
“What do you mean?”
“Claire, you’re obviously nervous about dating again, but just as obvious is the fact you and Denz share…something.An attraction or curiosity or interest. Whatever you want to call it, why not use his time here to explore that?”
“Marsali, I know I had a baby at seventeen, but I’m not the type to sleep with someone when I know they’re not going to stick around.”
“I didn’t mean that at all. Do you have my dating book? If so, you’d know that’s not how I think relationships should be handled.”
“It could neverbea relationship. That’s just it.”
“Friendship is a relationship, Claire. And so long as Denz knows your boundaries and he’s okay with them, why not use his temporary status to test the waters? Use it to get comfortable going out again, being with someone other than your husband. Practice your flirting? In that regard, Denz’s temporary status isperfect,especially when you’re already so comfortable with him. He’s…safe.”
