She saw the question in her husband’s eyes and knew without a doubt this was a conversation she’d be retelling once they were alone.
“Where’s Phil, Taylor, or Eric?” Emily asked as they made their way back downstairs.
Claire shrugged. “They’re here. It’s like I told you before, even though they’re here, they don’t hover.”
“I miss Madeline and Francis.”
“I do too,” Claire admitted. “I understood their desire to get back to their home, but I know Nichol misses them too. We’ll definitely need to plan a trip to visit them in the future.”
LATER THAT NIGHT, the conversation Claire had anticipated came up for discussion as she and Tony readied for bed. She’d just settled onto the soft sheets with a sigh when Tony asked, “What was the big secretive meeting with Emily all about?”
Claire had contemplated this conversation every which way since Tony entered Nichol’s room. However, she didn’t expect him to be so forward. Well, fine. She’d be just as forward.
“She wanted to tell me something about Harry.” When Tony didn’t respond, Claire clarified, “Harrison Baldwin.”
“Yes, I’m well aware of who you meant.”
“All right, that’s it,” Claire said, as she laid her head on the pillow. “I’m exhausted.”
“I’m thinking not.”
She rolled to face her husband. “You’re thinking I’m not tired?”
His chest expanded and contracted. “I’m thinking that’s not it.” He emphasized the word. “What did she want to tell you about Mr. Baldwin?”
She worked to suppress a smile. “You know you’re cute when you’re jealous.”
“I’m not jealous.” His dark eyes widened in a ploy of innocence. “I’m merely curious.”
Sitting back up, Claire scooted closer, close enough to feel his radiating warmth. She reached out to touch his chest. “You’re warm. I think you got a lot of sun today with the kids.”
Tony grasped her hand and looked her in the eye. “Curiosity, Mrs. Rawlings. Could you please help me out?”
“You know what they say about curiosity, don’t you, Mr. Rawlings?”
“You’re playing with me right now, and I’m not in favor of it.”
Claire giggled. “Would I do that? Maybe I should get you something for the burn. You should’ve worn sunscreen…”
Before she could finish, Tony’s lips were on hers and she was back on her pillow. When he broke their kiss, his nose lingered millimeters from hers. “Thank you for your concern. Perhaps you could be as considerate of my mental health.”
“Emily told me that Harry’s in a relationship and he’s happy.” She lifted her lips to his. “See? No big deal.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why does she think you need to know that?”
Claire pulled away from the weight of his chest and sat back up. “Honestly, I don’t know. I guess she wanted me to know that he’s doing well.”
Tony shook his head. “Well, fine. He’s living in North Carolina near his daughter and in a relationship. I know I’ll sleep better tonight.”
Claire tilted her head to the side. “Wait a minute. How did you know about his daughter?”
“You knew too. Didn’t you tell me?”
“Noooo.” She elongated the word. “I didn’t know anything about him being married or having a child until this afternoon.”
Tony shrugged. “I’m not sure then.” He feigned a smile. “He’s happy, you’re happy, I’m happy—we’re all happy.” He lifted a brow. “Now, where were we? Oh, yes, you wanted to get me lotion.”
Claire’s neck straightened. “Don’t do that. You asked me a question and I answered it. Now I want to know how you knew about Harry. I was shocked when Emily told me that he’d been married. Obviously, you’ve known it for a while but never felt the need to tell me.”
“Why would I tell you that? What possible reason do I have to bring up your ex-boyfriend?”
“It was a long time ago. You know how upset I was when I learned he was FBI.”
“Roach told me.”
Claire contemplated his response. “Phil told you I was upset? Because yes, he was with me when I found out. Or… Phil told you about Harry and has kept you up to date on him.”
“Claire, you’re making this into more than it is. Emily shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t you dare turn this around on her. Answer my question. If you don’t, I’ll ask Phil tomorrow.”
“Yes,” Tony admitted. “Roach has kept me up to date on Mr. Baldwin as well as Ms. McCoy. She’s still in prison, by the way.”
Claire crossed her arms over her chest. “Is there anyone else you two are investigating? Any other secrets you’d suddenly like to share?”
“Yes,” his tone mellowed. “I have a burning secret I’d like to share.” As he spoke, he inched closer. “Are you ready?” When Claire didn’t answer, he lowered his lips to her neck. After a few butterfly kisses, he breathed heavily with each word. “Here’s. My. Secret.”
Goose bumps materialized as Claire waited for his revelation.
“I love you more than life itself.” His kisses moved from behind her ear to her collarbone. “I didn’t investigate Mr. Baldwin for any other reason than curiosity.” His lips continued to roam. “I’m insanely jealous of the time you two spent together, but…” He brought his head up and looked directly into her eyes showing her the chocolate swirls of desire and regret. “…I don’t blame anyone for the pain you were in when the two of you met, other than me.”