SCORE (A Stepbrother Sports Romance)(38)

Amy chose that moment to interrupt them. “I wonder where everyone else is. Let’s go.”

Claire didn’t move. Amy tugged on her hand and she followed her.

Chance ground his teeth as he watched them go. He would have her one way or the other. He watched her as she walked to her mother, and she and her friend sat down to chat. He saw other men looking at her, and he could completely understand why. She was different from everyone else, and devastatingly beautiful. He leaned against the beam, biting his nails and trying to concoct a plan to win her, even if it was only for a night.

***

On the other side of the room, Claire was looking at her mother oddly. “So?”

“What?” Willow asked and blushed.

“I saw you flirting with that man over there,” Claire said, nudging her.

“And what is so wrong with that?” she asked.

“Nothing. Just asking. So, what do you plan to do about him after tomorrow?”

“Who said I have to have plans after tomorrow? I’m just living for today. Maybe you should, too.”

“Way to go,” Amy hooted and laughed.

“It isn’t funny,” Claire said. “She is too old for this.”

“I beg your pardon?” Willow said. “It has been five years since I left your father. I think I’m due for a handsome man.” Claire shook her head. Willow shrugged her shoulders and got up. “As a matter of fact, I believe he is waiting for me.” She straightened her top and fluffed her hair, and without another word she glided across the room and disappeared down a corridor.

“I think I might take her cue,” Amy said and got up, too.

“Where are you going?” Claire asked.

“You said I could take him,” Amy responded.

“Take who?” Claire asked.

“Chance!” Amy said. “Have you changed your mind?”

“Oh, no,” Claire said as she remembered. “He isn’t mine to give, Amy. If you are interested in a one-night stand with some rich billionaire, go ahead. I’ll just stay here and read a book.”

“Everything alright over here?” Chance asked. He had walked up behind them.

“Yes,” Amy said, wheeling around to face him. “I was coming to hang out with you.”

“Oh yeah? Would you like to watch a movie with me in the entertainment room? I think that room is still relatively empty,” he said.

“Sure,” Amy was quick to say.

“You two go ahead,” Claire said. “I’d rather stay here.”

“Where’s here?” Chance asked and looked around the large room where several of the other passengers had gathered and were making themselves comfortable. “Come with me.”

“I told you, I’m not interested,” Claire said. “I just want to read my book in peace.”

“Not interested in a bed? I was going to offer you one of the master bedrooms that is still unoccupied. I thought you would be more comfortable there.”

“Oh,” Claire said. “Sorry. I misunderstood.”

There was a slight blush on her cheek, and Chance smiled at it. “Now, if you would follow me, please,” he said to them.

“Amy, get that,” Claire told her and showed her the duffel resting on the ground. “We grabbed some stuff from the luggage we might need and left the rest on the plane.”

“No problem.” Amy slung the bag over her shoulder and whispered to her friend. “Let’s go. I got a boy to catch.”

Claire shook her head and grabbed her overnight bag. “As always.”

They reached the room more quickly than Claire expected. Chance pushed the door open.

“Make yourselves comfortable.”

“Nice,” Amy said as they walked into a fancy room.

“Not bad,” Claire said, forcing her expression to mimic boredom instead of the excitement she felt.

“Master bath is in there, towels are over there in that cabinet, and you will find other toiletries you might need in the cupboard in the bathroom,” Chance told them, pointing to various locations as he spoke.

“Thank you,” Claire smiled.

“So, how about joining me in the entertainment room when you are settled?” he asked again.

Claire looked at him, then at Amy, then she looked away. “I’ll stay here. I’d love a hot shower,” she smiled. “Thanks for the accommodations. It is a lovely room.”

“Okay. Coming?” he asked Amy.

Amy grinned at Claire and winked. “See you later.”

After they left, Claire remained in the room, admiring the tapestries, art, and woodwork. The bathroom was a delight, and she slipped out of her clothes and stepped into the bath. The warm water flowed over her ivory skin, and she let it massage her tired body. Her head fell back so the water could course through her silken hair. She ran her hand over her face as her mind drifted to a moment not so long ago, when she was in the shower, and Trent had joined her. He had put his arms around her body, lathering soap over her and tickling her.

Her mind changed tactics and drifted to the hallway, where she stood only a few feet away from him as he held another woman in his arms and kissed her.

Were it not for the water cascading down her face, one could have easily seen the trail of tears as they joined the water pool at her feet. She leaned against the bathroom tiles and cried in silence as the pain of her heartbreak overwhelmed her.