37. Drew

Claire has been back at work for three weeks now, and I’ve kept my distance. It’s been hard—loving her from afar. Sometimes I wonder if letting her go completely would be better for both of us.

No one has heard from my kidnapper mother, and I still haven’t spoken to Jared. I know he was just a kid, and it wasn’t his fault, but he knew the truth. He knew about my real family, and he saw how my supposed family dragged me down—dragged Claire down—and still said nothing.

It’s 7 a.m., and I’m already at the office. I’ve been coming in early and staying late because everything at home reminds me of Claire—and the fact that she isn’t there anymore.

I walk over to her desk and restock her fridge, slipping a new bottle of prenatal vitamins into the top drawer. Jared mentioned that the ones she’s currently taking make her nauseous, so I contacted her doctor to find the best alternative. I’ve also had Summer order an extra lunch each day—Claire rarely remembers to pack one, especially if she’s running late.

I miss her. Being this close to her but still so far away—it hurts.

After work, I sometimes drive by her place, just to sit outside for a few minutes. Hoping for a glimpse of her in the window. A glimpse of the life she’s building without me.

Summer rounds the corner and catches me at Claire’s desk, finishing up with the fridge. Lately, she’s been arriving earlier and leaving later, matching my hours. I’ve told her she doesn’t need to, but she still shows up.

“Hey, boss,” she says, her voice light. “I can finish up here if you’ve got something else to do.”

I glance up from where I’m crouched and notice a few too many buttons undone on her blouse. She leans over slightly, and I avert my eyes.

“No, but thank you, Summer. I prefer to do this myself.”

She lingers, so I ask, “Did you need something else?”

She shakes her head and walks away.

An hour later, I’m at my desk with the door wide open, waiting for Claire. She’s been looking more tired lately, and I’m almost certain it’s the pregnancy. I just need to know for sure.

I hear the elevator ding and her laughter floats in—Claire and Jared. I step out of my office and spot Jared at her desk, clearly mid-flirt, while Claire sits back with her head tossed, laughing.

I clear my throat. Her laughter stops. Silence falls.

Jared, ever the opportunist, breaks the tension. “Well… this is awkward.” He pats my shoulder as he walks past. “Claire, in my office after Drew is done checking you out up close and making sure you’re adequately pampered.”

I smirk and shake my head as he disappears.

Claire speaks. “Drew, I’m okay. I appreciate everything you’re doing for me, but really, you don’t have to.” She pauses. “Well, except the massage chair and the foot massager—those I’m definitely keeping. Okay, fine, the fridge too. And the lunches—don’t stop those.”

She smiles, and I chuckle, resisting the overwhelming urge to lean over and kiss her.

“I’m not taking a thing back, Claire Bear. How are you feeling? Any more nausea?”

She nods. “Still pretty tired. And honestly, the lavender smell in here is a little much. But I’ll live.”

I frown. “The lavender’s bothering you? Why didn’t you say something? I’ll have Summer stop using it until after the baby comes. What other scents are bothering you? I can make sure they’re not used up here.”

She looks surprised, shaking her head. “That won’t be necessary, Drew. I’ve got ginger ale in the fridge and peppermint candy—it helps.”

I turn toward Summer’s desk. “Hey Summer, no more lavender or scented products until after Claire’s pregnancy.”

Summer glances at Claire, then nods.

I pull out my phone and send out a company-wide email: the executive level is now a perfume-free zone until further notice. Not that many people work on this floor—just Jared, me, and a few other top officers. If they don’t like it, they’re welcome to trade in their view for a cubicle downstairs.

Claire’s computer lights up with the notification. She reads the email and stares at me. “Really, Drew? Perfume-free? Oh my gosh, everyone’s going to hate me!”

I shake my head. “No one knows it’s because of you. Just me and Summer.”

“AND ME,” Jared shouts from his office.

I smile. “Whatever makes you most comfortable is all that matters to me, Claire. That’s not going to change. Besides, maybe the little princess in there doesn’t like lavender, and Daddy always does what his princess wants.”

I turn and head back to my office, leaving Claire and Summer staring after me, mouths agape.

From behind me, I hear Jared yell, “You smooth motherfucker. Hell, I’d want you if we weren’t related and straight. Ladies, please close your mouths and go change your undies—it was hot and all, but we’ve got work to do. And for the record—I can totally do better.”