Page 84 of Crying Shame

“Don’t even think about that. What matters is that you’re here with me now.”

And maybe we could take a break from work to enjoy each other.

45

Elon

Clarissa's parents showing up unannounced set off a storm inside me, and I hired extra security guards.

Jeff was determined to find Regina, wherever she was, although it hadn't mattered to me that she'd written that I was living with Clarissa.

Clarissa had always been part of me—even when she was gone. And now I had everything because she was once again in my life.

We finished our work for the day. It was time to head to lunch that I had my staff set up outside since it was such a nice day.

I needed Clarissa to know that she’d be safe with me. I also still needed to find a way to prove myself. As we stepped onto the patio, I said, “I’ll fly with Sam to his game.”

The property extended to the beach from the far end of the house. She sat with me in the garden. “You don’t have to.”

We uncovered our salads.

“Hunter can’t hurt me," Clarissa said. "I have you.”

I picked up my glass of wine as we were done with work, and I was all hers. “I want to see Sam play with his friends. I also want to talk to his coach so he knows the Super Bowl offer is legitimate.”

She took the glass of wine I handed her. “I’m happy.”

I was, too, but something was missing.

I needed to know this was forever.

We finished our salads, main course, and dessert. The time flew. I wondered if it was too soon to ask her to marry me.

She was the only one for me, but I kept my lips sealed.

We went to pick up our son from school, and I hugged him.

Sam held our hands, and he asked his mother, “What's going on, Mom? I can tell you’re upset.”

My heart stilled. I hadn’t recognized anything was wrong. Clarissa swung her hand and smiled at our son. “I think we should wait till we get home to have that discussion.”

Once again, I'd missed something. Sam hopped in the limo.

“I’m just starting to like this school," Sam said when we were home and walking to the house. "The team seems okay, too, which is why I’m not begging for us to move to Manhattan so I can go to school with Aurora.”

I followed Clarissa and Sam into the house.

“You’re getting along with Aurora?” Clarissa asked Sam.

Sam shrugged as he dropped his book bag on the floor. “Her mom had it rough like you did, but she’s happy with Uncle Arman now.”

Clarissa laughed and playfully bumped him. “Well, I’m glad you’re making friends with a girl.”

His lower lip curled. “Let’s never call her that.”

"Why not?" She batted her eyes, clearly teasing him.

Sam wrung his hands. “Because… I don’t know. I just like her as a friend.”