Anthony paused in the doorway, leaning against the frame for support as he tried to focus on her. "I... yeah, maybe a little," he admitted, a small, sheepish smile playing on his lips. "Joe thought I needed to unwind... and I think he was right."
Claire set her book aside, standing up and crossing the room to him. "I've never seen you like this," she murmured, studying his face closely. There was something disarming about seeing him vulnerable, and it tugged at her heartstrings despite the emotional turmoil of the past few days.
Anthony reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I'm sorry, Claire," he said, his voice soft and earnest. "For everything. For Megan showing up, for not telling you... I never wanted to hurt you."
