Claire's POV
My eyes wouldn't look away no matter how hard I tried.
"Why did he show up today of all days? I could have worn something better. Darn it! Was he here for a while? Why didn't Vanessa tell me? Oh no…" I thought.
"Claire. Claire!" Dad called, and I turned my gaze to him.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" he asked.
"Yeah, sure," I replied.
My gaze turned back to Rawl at the table. I hadn't thought he would be here.
"Are you sure, baby? You look like you saw a ghost," Dad said, putting the pot of food on the table.
"I'm fine, Dad. I thought I forgot something," I replied, and went to take a seat.
"Hi," I said shyly to him and smiled at Vanessa, not wanting to look suspicious.
"Good morning, Claire," Rawl responded, making the butterflies in my stomach dance.
"I…I didn't know you were coming," I said.
"He wasn't. He just arrived a little while ago, and your dad asked him to stay," Vanessa replied.
"Ouch," I groaned, rubbing my leg. Something had kicked my leg from under the table, and I knew who it was.
I glared at Richmond, and he smirked. That devil just had to be my brother.
He leaned in and whispered, "Forgot something, huh? Or… you got startled? Seems I'm not the only one catching feelings."
I snarled and was ready to bite him, but he was prepared. "I don't think that's a great idea. You wouldn't want to mess up in front of your crush now, would you?" he asked, and I gulped.
"Buzz off," I whispered.
"Only if you pay me," he said, and I frowned.
"In your dreams," I replied.
"Uh-huh, I think it'll be interesting to see how long you can handle it when I tell everyone what you're thinking," Rich responded.
I knew my brother. He wasn't someone to dare anyone and not follow through.
"Fine, how much?" I asked. "So you can leave me alone."
"Fifty bucks," he said.
"Over my dead b…" I argued.
"Um, Dad," Richmond said, getting Dad's attention.
"Yes, Rich. Do you need anything?" Dad asked, and my heart rate rose.
I immediately kicked him, and he groaned. "Ouch!"
"What's wrong with you?" Dad asked.
"Fine, I'll give it to you. Just shut up!" I warned.
Rich smiled and rubbed his leg. "Could you pass me the soup, please?" he asked, and Dad moved it closer to him.
I let out my breath and started to serve my portion. I kept avoiding Rawl's gaze and focused on eating my food.
"It's good to see you again, Claire. Vanessa told me you're in your final year at the university," Rawl said, and I felt my body shiver at the tone of his voice.
Why did his voice have to be so deep and charming?
"Oh, yes," I answered, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.
"Yes, Dad. She's doing great in the art department, and we'll be graduating on the same day next month," Vanessa chimed in, and I couldn't be more grateful.
"Oh, really? That's great. Shawn, you have a graduate now," Rawl said, praising my dad.
"Yeah, I couldn't be more proud of her," Dad replied.
"Ewww, all this love is choking," Rich said, making a salty face.
"Best you die now so we'll forget about you," I replied.
"And miss out on making your life hell? No," Rich responded, and I scoffed.
"You two are at it again," Vanessa said.
"She's always a pain," Rich responded, and I slapped the back of his head.
"Say it again," I warned and continued eating while everyone laughed.
I kept stealing glances at Rawl as I ate my food and looked away just before he could catch my gaze.
I was the last person to finish eating, as always, and did the dishes.
Rich and Vanessa argued about a series in the living room while Dad and Rawl played chess.
I washed the plate, smiling as I remembered my dream. I giggled, washing the dishes softly, imagining I was touching Rawl's body. I was in ecstasy, and my mind drifted farther away.
"Claire," I heard a familiar voice, and I slowly opened my eyes.
"Claire," he called again, and I turned to see Rawl standing beside me.
"Oh my," I gasped and dropped the plate. It shattered on the floor, and I panicked, looking for the broom like a madwoman.
"Here, let me do it," Rawl said, taking the broom and starting to sweep.
"Oh no, don't. It's my fault. Let me do it," I begged.
"Nah, it's fine. Finish what you're doing, and I'll help you," he said.
I opened my lips to argue, but he continued. "You looked like you were thinking of something. Are you tired?" he asked, and I gulped.
"Um, no. I…I was just, um, dreaming," I answered.
"Dreaming?" he asked, paying attention to me. "About what?"
"About your lips on my skin," my brain sang. "Those strong hands on my body."
My gaze slowly moved to his hands, and I swallowed at the sight of his thick veins.
"Oh my God. What would it take to get you to hold me? I wish those kisses were real."
"Claire," he called.
"Um…yes," I stammered, looking around nervously.
"I…I was dreaming about school. I missed having the lectures and my friends."
What the hell are you saying, Claire? You have no friends except Vanessa. Miss school? You freaking hate school. If only I didn't need the certificate.
"You must be quite popular at school?" he asked calmly, sweeping the floor.
"Not really. I just prefer not to draw a lot of attention to myself," I answered.
He swept the broken plates into the dustpan and dumped them in the trash bag by the door.
I cleaned the last plate and placed it in the dish rack, then washed my hands. I started to leave, still trying to avoid his gaze when I slipped on something and fell.
I closed my eyes expecting an impact but nothing came. My eyes slowly fluttered open and met his gaze. I had never known his eyes looked this lovely up close. His warm strong hands held my body in place and the butterflies began to dance in my stomach.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps and it was too late. "Hey, Claire, what's up with your brother ?" Vanessa's voice halted the moment she saw us.