Weekends Required (Danvers #1)(28)

Suzy ignored her and turned instead to Grayson, “Talk at ya later Gray,” as she reached up with her knuckle to pop Grayson on the shoulder.

Grayson looked a little surprised and vastly amused as he studied Suzy and replied, “Yes, it’s been interesting Suzanna, very interesting.” Suzy appeared taken aback at the use of her full name but in typical Suzy fashion she shrugged and laughed it off. Grayson turned to Claire and extended his hand to her, “Claire it’s been a pleasure; I’m sure I’ll be talking to you soon.”

All too soon, Jason’s sleek black Mercedes arrived at the valet station, and he was holding the door open for her. Accepting defeat, Claire slid into the soft, leather seat, and Jason shut the door and walked around to the driver’s side. “Claire, why don’t I drop you off at your home instead of at your car? It’s late so rather than navigating a dark parking lot it would probably be more feasible for both of us to call it a night.”

“Bu… But, I don’t have a way to work tomorrow; I have to get my car tonight,” stammered Claire.

Too late, she realized she’d just stepped neatly into a trap. “I’ll of course be glad to pick you up in the morning as well,” replied Jason smoothly.

“That’s too much trouble; you can just drop me off at my car.”

“I would prefer to see you to your door and know you have arrived home safely.” Rather than persist in arguing, Claire quietly gave him directions to her apartment.

“So what was the reason for the celebration tonight? I gather it was something to do with a man from the toast I overheard?”

“Mmm, yes, Suzy’s boyfriend, or ex-boyfriend, Jeff.”

“Bad break-up huh?”

“You could say that. I won’t go into the whole thing, but it was sudden and unexpected on her part.”

“That’s a real shame; Suzy is great; I can’t imagine a man doing any better,” said Jason earnestly. He just continued to surprise her and apparently her expression showed it.

“What’re you thinking?”

“I’m surprised that in a company the size of Danvers you seem to know everyone.”

“They’re my people Claire and as such each of them is important to me. Everyone there contributes to the success we have, and they’re as worthy of my respect and concern as are you,” added Jason quietly.

Had she ever really known Jason? She’d always felt that he was oblivious to everything around him other than the bottom line. The truth seemed to be quite the opposite; Jason had his hands on everything in his company and obviously spent a lot of his time getting to know each person in it. Claire was surprised to see them approaching her apartment. She was almost sorry to see the ride end so quickly. She directed Jason to her vacant parking spot, and Claire let out a loud groan before thinking.

“What’s the matter?” asked Jason.

“Oh it’s just my neighbor, Billy. I can never seem to get into my apartment anymore without him stopping me,” said Claire.

“Is he bothering you?” demanded Jason.

“It’s nothing major; he just wants to be more than my neighbor and I’m not remotely interested.”

“Let’s see if we can let him really know you’re not interested.” Jason shoved his door open and walked around to her side to open her door. Speechless, Claire stayed in her seat looking up at him. “Come on sweetheart, let’s get inside.” Jason grabbed her hand and whispered in her ear, “he’s looking at us, play along.”

Too surprised to resist, Claire allowed herself to be pulled out of the car. Jason shut the door behind her and put his arm around her shoulder.

As they walked onto the sidewalk, Billy approached them. “Oh Claire, I thought someone had parked in your space and I was coming to take care of business for you.” Hitching his jeans a little higher as he delivered that line, Billy then turned to look at Jason inquiringly.

Jason offered a hand and said, “Jason Danvers, appreciate you looking out for my girlfriend, Bill.”

“That’s Billy or William, not Bill. I’ve never seen you here before; how long have you known Claire?”

“Oh we’ve been close for several years, isn’t that right baby?”

“Er, um, yes several years. We usually stay at Jason’s house that’s why you never see him here.”

Billy’s eyes darted back and forth between them as if sensing something amiss but unable to grasp exactly what it was.

“Well Bill, it was nice meeting you, see you around; I’m sure.”

As Jason led her away she heard Billy say, “It’s Billy!” Jason took the keys from her hand and opened her apartment door following her into the entryway. Claire collapsed against the wall, laughter shaking her body.

“That was so funny! You really had him torn up calling him Bill; he’s very serious about his name,” Claire managed to choke out between peals of laughter.

Jason didn’t seem to see the humor in the situation that she did. “Claire, I don’t know if you should take him so lightly, he seemed very territorial towards you. Are you sure that you have never had any type of relationship with him?”

“Ugh, are you kidding me? Give me credit for having some standards. I’ve never had any type of anything with him nor have I ever given him any hope that I would. I think he’s just a lonely person who likes to imagine things are something they aren’t. He probably does the same thing to all the female residents here.”