And always looking at Ryan as though he were the center of her world.
At a holiday gathering in Seattle, Chloe had practically followed him the entire night. She laughed at every joke he made. Created reasons to brush against him again and again. Watched him with unmistakable admiration.
When Claire mentioned it afterward, Ryan shut it down immediately.
“You’re overthinking.”
Then he said the line that now sounded far too practiced.
“You’re insecure.”
That Tuesday morning, Claire got on a 7 a.m. flight to Denver because of a serious supplier issue at work. Drained from almost no sleep, she moved through security and bought overpriced airport coffee before boarding.
Ryan had said he was flying to Portland.
Before stepping onto the plane, Claire texted him.
Safe flight. Love you.
He replied almost at once.
Love you too. Boarding for Portland now.
Claire put her phone away and headed toward row fourteen.
She took the window seat and shut her eyes.
Then she heard his voice.
“Take the window seat, babe.”
