Turning slightly toward the clock, Claire adjusted her eyes and read the numbers: 10:27. At first, she wondered where the morning had gone. Then she remembered dawn breaking through the dark sky, when they finally submitted to exhaustion and yielded to sleep. Dismissing the idea of leaving their secure haven, Claire peacefully closed her eyes, curled her body close to Harry, and savored the closeness.

In the recesses of her mind she recalled Harry’s confession; he’d anticipated them together since she purchased her first cellphone. Smiling, she contemplated her first thoughts of a union – when Harry first asked her to play video games. Although, she told Courtney his anti-Tonyisms drew her in; she acknowledged to herself, his unwavering kindness, concern, and support held her captive.

Grinning into her pillow, she recalled Harry’s prowess between the sheets. Prior to Tony, she’d been in a sexual slump. Simon was many years earlier, and they were just children. Between the two, there were a few nameless, meaningless men. Unquestionably, Tony’s sexual abilities were boundless. Nonetheless, the daunting reminder of his nonconventional introduction into her life and bed darkened every positive memory.

Gratified with Harry’s skills, Claire snuggled into the soft sheets, enjoyed his warmth and floated in and out of consciousness. Nearing eleven, Claire stirred as Harry eased his way out of bed. Her damaged self-esteem waited patiently for him to return. When he didn’t, she freed herself from the warm cocoon, shyly wrapped herself in her robe and wandered into the sitting 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 overtaking her face.

Gently easing her onto the pillows Harry moved to the foot of the bed. With his own devilish snicker, he allowed his lips to brush the skin of her ankle, calf, knee, thigh, hips, and stomach. By the time he reached her breasts, Claire’s expression morphed into a pleasure clouded gaze, and her back arched as he teasingly suckled each nipple.

Weaving her fingers through his unruly hair, she asked the question burning in her mind, “How many of those packets do you have?”

Harry lifted his eyes to hers. “This is my last one.” She exhaled. “I suppose we’d better make it count.”

The thought alone electrified her skin, taking her beyond words. She gasped as her head foolishly bobbed in response.

She heard him say, “I know a few other ways to utilize our resources,” as his kisses moved back toward her stomach and south.

Acquiescing to his suggestion, Claire fell against the soft pillows and allowed her body to enjoy the excursion.

******

Phillip Roach reviewed the video: 23:42:34 Mr. Rawlings leaves Claire’s suite. Phillip notes she appears unharmed, perhaps slightly stunned, as she closes the door. Phil rubbed his temples and ridiculed himself for sending the note. Thankfully, since he hadn’t heard from Mr. Rawlings, he assumed Claire managed to hide its existence from his employer. There was something in Mr. Rawlings’ voice as he waited in that car, something which alarmed Phil. Now, shaking his head at the stilled image of Ms. Nichols closing the door while simultaneously looking into her closed hand, Phil acknowledged Claire’s talent. This petite woman could influence Mr. Rawlings, in ways few others could.

The video restarted, 03:17:25, Ms. Nichols had a crowd at her door. Listening to the dialogue prior to the door opening, Phil determined Harrison Baldwin to be the one to gather the group. Baldwin looked and sounded tense while he banged on her door. As Claire appeared, she looked recently awakened, having slept in her clothes. Though her face was barely visible through the crowd and Baldwin’s embrace, she looked uncharacteristically disheveled.