Truth

minute.” Sliding the chain and pulling the freed door inward, Claire gasped at Harry, two men dressed in the hotel’s signature burgundy, and a woman in a San Diego police uniform.
    She stood in shock at the crowd before her.
    Any anger she’d heard in Harry’s voice through the door evaporated as he took in her appearance. “Are you all right?”
    Before she could respond, he hugged her shoulders, and pulled her into his embrace. She didn’t resist, melting against his chest. Unconsciously, she inhaled his masculine scent as her cheek felt the rhythmic beat of his rapidly pumping heart.
    “ Are you alone?” Claire nodded. “Did he hurt you?” She shook her head.
    Harry turned to the others, “You may go.” Speaking to the woman in uniform he said, “We’ll let you know tomorrow if there’re any charges.”
    Harry’s unwavering embrace impeded her view, yet Claire struggled to free herself and turn toward the police officer, “There are no charges.” Looking up Harry’s soft blue eyes, she continued, “I’m sorry. I just fell asleep.” Looking back to the woman in blue, she said, “Thank you for your time. I’m sorry for any misunderstanding, but there are no charges.” Harry pulled her back into his embrace. She felt his heart slowing to a steady rhythm. "I'm sorry I worried you.” She mumbled as they walked into her suite.
    The comforting tone of his voice dwindled and agitation prevailed, “You said you’d call. You promised.”
    She stepped back from his touch, suddenly defensive. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say. I was upset when Tony left. I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I just did.”
    Harry reached out to Claire’s cheek and wiped smeared mascara with his thumb. “You’ve been crying?” She nodded. “What happened?”
    She exhaled and recalled the evening in a synopsis of the finer points. “We argued. He told me not to speak to the media about our relationship. I told him to leave the people I care about alone. Then, when he left, he gave me this.” Claire pointed to her necklace.
    “ He gave you a necklace?”
    “ It was my grandmother’s. It’s the only thing he saved from my Atlanta apartment, my only connection to my life before him.” She fought the sobs bubbling in her chest and whispered, “It means more to me than anyone will ever know.” Claire tried to compartmentalize the realization that lurked in the back of her mind; Tony knows how much it means to me, he’s the only one who knows all about me .
    Harry’s voice helped clear her thoughts, “If it’s something you want, I’m glad he returned it. But, why now?”
    “ He said, as a sign of commitment . In that box of information, there was a picture of it at an auction of my things. I thought it was gone forever.”
    Harry took Claire’s hand and led her toward the sofa. On the table in the middle of the small grouping sat the almost empty bottle of wine and two glasses.
    When Harry’s grip tightened, Claire felt the need to explain, “I ordered a bottle of wine before he showed up. It came with two glasses, and I offered some to him.”
    “ Very hospitable of you.”
    Claire wrenched her hand free at the crispness of his tone and turn toward the bedroom. This time she didn’t get the chance to dismiss him. He followed, seized her shoulders, and turned her around. Peering down with the softest blue eyes, Harry spoke, “I don’t care about the wine. I only care that you’re safe. I called and called. You didn’t answer. His jet left the private airstrip about 12:30. I panicked. After what you told me about last time, I was scared to death you were on that jet, involuntarily.”
    “ I really am sorry. I don’t know why I didn’t hear my phone.” She picked it up, from the table near the wine. The screen’s message said eight missed calls, as well as text messages and emails. She checked the ringer, it was silenced. “I guess I never turned on the ringer after my meeting with Meredith.” She looked up into his caring expression. “Thank you for your concern. What’re you going to do about work tomorrow?”
    Harry smiled his first smile since arriving, giving Claire the sensation of sunshine breaking through a cloudy day. “I know the boss. I’d better text her and let her know you’re all right, but she gave me the day off.”
    Claire grinned, enjoying the sensation of raised cheeks instead of ones dampened with tears, “I’ve always heard it helps to have