Truth

area.
    Tentatively stepping into the bright room, Claire found Harry standing in the sunshine, peering through the large window. A glistening vista filled with buildings and shimmering sea filled the large pane beyond his silhouette. Despite the beautiful view, Claire’s gaze focused on Harry’s firm bare torso, trim waist, and perfectly faded jeans. They were the same jeans from last night and hung perfectly around his hips with the top button undone. As she admired the vision, she noted the absence of visible boxer shorts. Suddenly contemplating their location, her insides tightened. If they are still in the bedroom -- it meant -- under his jeans...
    Smirking, Claire shook her head and listened as Harry spoke on his Blackberry.
    “ That’s fine, send the email to me and I’ll review it.” “No, that can wait until Monday.” “Be sure Lee knows.” “Yesterday?” “No, I wasn’t aware.” “Have Lee call me as soon as he’s off the call.” “Thank you Rachel. I’ll check in later today.” He turned around and saw Claire.
    Momentarily she feared her eavesdropping would upset him. However, Claire’s anxiety dissipated as Harry’s eyes lightened and a smile filled his handsome face. Slowly he walked closer keeping his glimmering eyes locked on hers.
    Though he spoke into his Blackberry, his expression revived Claire’s feelings from last night. “Yes,” he said, “forward everything to my personal email. I can get it from my phone.” His eyebrows rose as he neared and discontinued his conversation, “Good bye, Rachel. You know how to reach me.”
    He hit the disconnect button and flung his phone onto the couch.
    Harry’s change in countenance eased Claire’s uncertainties about the night before. Suddenly her facial expression was beyond control. No longer did she wear a mask, her cheeks rose involuntarily, and the tips of her lips moved upward. She remembered Courtney’s question: does he make you smile ? She knew the answer and momentarily considered calling her friend and screaming -- YES, he does ! However, her desire to remain within Harry’s grasp prevailed.
    “ Hey, Beautiful Lady, I called room service and ordered coffee.” His wrapped his arms around her waist. “It should be here soon.” He moved so close, Claire needed to look up to see his blue eyes.
    “ That sounds wonderful. It’s way too late for my first cup.”
    Lowering his lips to her forehead, Harry asked, “Did you sleep well?”
    Her arms encircled the torso she’d been admiring, and she murmured, “Hmmm, I did. You?”
    “ Much better than I would’ve on that couch.”
    Claire grinned into his chest, thinking so many questions. What did this mean for their friendship? Truthfully, she wasn’t looking for anything long term. And she didn’t want to hurt him, but selfishly, the closeness felt wonderful. Every inch of her craved more of what they’d shared.
    “ Harry,” she began shyly, “maybe we should talk about...” His hand gently lifted her chin, slowing her words. When their lips connected, her words ceased.
    “ How about we talk later?”
    Claire didn’t reason or think. Instead, she nodded and her body responded carnally without modesty. His hands untied the belt of her robe and slowly eased the fabric from her shoulders. As it fell to her feet, she pushed toward his warmth and security. From within the confines of his jeans, Claire felt his straining erection against her hip.
    Moving his gaze down her body and back up to her emerald green eyes, Harry asked, “Do you know how gorgeous you are?”
    She fought the urge to look down modestly and replied, “You make me feel that way.”
    “ You should always feel that way.” His hands cupped her behind as he pulled her nude body against him. The rough denim fabric burnished her suddenly sensitive skin. Their mouths united as Claire welcomed Harry’s tongue through her parted lips.
    This time she remembered the condom. “Do you have any more protection?”
    Harry released his embrace, grasped her hand, and led her to the bedroom. Going to the bedside stand, he opened his wallet, and with a triumphant look produced a small silver square packet.
    Claire’s smile and lifted eyebrows begged the question, did you expect this?
    “ What can I say? Once a Boy Scout ... always prepared.” His infectious levity made her giggle. Harry crawled on the bed and patted the mattress. She willing followed, unable to restrain the large ridiculous smile