Holiday Second Chance Romance (Clarice and Trevor) novel Chapter 37

arma to clamen

37 Getting to Clarice

Clarice POV

We just left Alexia and Thomas in the beautiful room that Nick set them up in. I didn’t realize there was even an open room, especially one that looked like it could have been from a Christmas painting. They insisted they would pay for the room but Nick adamantly refused. I swear Alexia melted even more when Nick said he wouldn’t charge his own parents because they were family.

He sure as hell wasn’t charging them. Alexia hugged me tightly. She whispered how much she

loved me and would protect me if Trevor showed up tomorrow.

Just as Nick opens the door to the apartment, my phone rings. I smile when Judy’s name flashes on the screen. I step inside and accept the call. “Clarice, how are you feeling?” “Great, honestly

better than I have in a long time.” Nick gives me a wink before he closes and locks the door. “Why

do I feel like there is a story in those words,” she asks and I giggle. Before I can overthink things, I

push FaceTime on my phone and make sure the camera is facing away from me.

I aim the phone at a startled Nick, who quickly gives me a pantie dropping smile. “Holy sh*t,” Judy says and I giggle again. “Clarice, who the hell is the s*xy as hell lumberjack,” Judy asks. “He’s mine,” I blurt out before I can stop myself. “Yes, I am. My name is Nick Kringle,” he says. He moves toward me and wraps his arm around my waist. I turn the camera to face me. “Nick, this is my friend and editor, Judy.” “It’s very nice to meet you, Judy,” he says.

“Clarice, I’ve decided that you aren’t just my favorite writer, but my hero. My brother is going to be so disappointed,” she says and Nick chuckles. “Why the hell would Allen be disappointed?” “I may have told him that your husband f**ked up, and he planned to shoot his shot,” she says. “She is mine,” Nick says tightening his hold on me. “Sorry Judy as you can see I’m already taken. I’m actually hoping you’re calling me with that information I asked you about.”

“Of course, I am. I spoke to my boss and his brother, Anton, is actually a pretty fierce divorce attorney. I knew you wouldn’t mind, so I gave him the basics. He is more than happy to take your case. In fact, I gave him your number, and he should be calling you shortly. I’m not sure if you’ll have to fly back to California to meet with him in person, but it’s a small price to pay to get rid of that small d*ck a**hole,” she says.

Nick throws his head back and laughs. “Thank you, Judy. I appreciate it.” “If you want to thank me, you better make sure even if you end up staying in small town, Colorado, you don’t forget about me. I expect regular visits and lots more books. Maybe one inspired by your new man,” she says. ” ou couldn’t get rid of me if you wanted to, Judy. After the holidays we will set something up.” “Sc unds perfect. Have fun,” she says, making eyebrows at me before she disconnects the call.

ike her. I bet she spent time on the naughty lint an Lid” ha

in Li.

3. Gathe to Clare

mine around his neck. “Did you spend time on the naughty list, Mr. Kringle? His eyes darken and lust swirls as his hands slide down and cup my a** “I can think of a few things that might get us both on the naughty list Mrs. Kringle,” he says as he lifts me. I wrap my legs around his waist and giggle. I’ve never been so excited about getting coal.

Trevor POV

I hardly slept last night. I never left the office until nine at night, so I was hopeful I would pass out, but no such luck. All I could think about was seeing Clarice today. I’ve missed her so much. It’s been nearly a week since she left. This is the longest we have been apart since we took our vows. I pray when she finally sees me she remembers how much she loves me. I know those feelings didn’t just go away because I f**ked up. I realize now I should never have touched Loretta.

Even after the night in the bar I should have come clean. I should have told Clarice exactly what happened and begged her forgiveness. No. Instead, I decided to go along with Loretta’s bullsh*t and jeopardize my marriage. Loretta is a beautiful woman, but she is nothing compared to Clarice. If I’m honest, she is selfish. She was always the taker in her and Clarice’s relationship. I dread seeing her when I arrive at the hotel, but I know it’s inevitable.

I grab my bag from the bed. I stare at the room that Clarice and I have shared since we were married. I never let Loretta step foot into this room. God, I’m an id**t for ever thinking that Clarice would be alright with Loretta being part of our marriage. I make my way through our home making sure everything is in its place for when I convince Clarice to come home. There isn’t option. I can’t live without her.

any other

The ride to the airport seems to take forever. Once I park my car in the overnight lot, I make my way to my terminal. I know it will be hours before I arrive, but just the realization that I am one step closer to seeing my wife has my heart beating again. I feel like my heart stopped beating the minute she left. I groan as soon as I step foot on the plane and realize that my seat is next to a blonde who is wearing far too much makeup and too little clothes for Colorado.

I stow my bag and take my seat intending to put my noise canceling head phones in, but the blonde has other ideas. Her hand on my forearm has my eyes snapping toward her. “Hi, I’m Amy, What’s your name handsome,” she asks. “Married,” I say, brushing her hand off my arm. She giggles like I had just told the funniest joke she has ever heard. “I’m just being friendly. Surely your wife doesn’t mind if you have friends,” she says. “Amy was it,” I ask, and her eyes light up. “Amy, let me save us both some trouble. I don’t want you to know me and I don’t want to know you. I am not interested in the least. So no, I don’t want a friend or anything else you have in mind.”

I push my earbuds into my ears and close my eyes. Thankfully, she must get the message because she doesn’t bother me the rest of the flight. I must doze off at some point. A hand on my forearm again has me ready to lose my sh*t until I realize it’s the stewardess. “Sir, the plane has landed. I

DO

TUE

30

OW

می

37 Getting to Clence

need you to grab your bag and disembark,” she says. “Oh sorry, I didn’t get much sleep last night. I was too excited about seeing my wife,” I say as I stand to grab my bag.

“I heard you with real life Barbie. I must say your wife is a lucky woman. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard married men take a woman like her up on her offer,” she says. A wave of guilt washes over me and I simply nod. Twenty minutes later I’m in my rental car and making my way to the hotel I booked. I park and grab my bag before making my way inside. As soon as my foot touches the tiled floor, Loretta’s voice has my steps faltering.

“Trevor, you’re finally here,” she practically yells as she rushes toward me. Before she can launch herself at me, I take a step back. Hurt flashes in her eyes, but she doesn’t press the issue. “How was your flight,” she asks. “It was fine. I need to check in. I want to put my stuff in the room and get on the road. The drive is like two hours. At least that is what the GPS says.” “It’s roughly two

hours, but I’m used to the drive,” she says.

“Loretta, you are not going with me. I need to talk to Clarice alone.” “No, you are not going to shut me out, Trevor. I am part of this,” she says. “I’m not going to talk about this in the lobby.” “Fine, let’s go to your room and talk. I know you are worried about getting Clarice back, Trevor, but I am not

the villain in all of this,” she says.

“Fine, we will go to my room, but I swear, Loretta, if you try anything stupid I will make you regret it.” She looks as if I just slapped her. I don’t wait for a response as I make my way to the reception desk. After another ten minutes, I have my room card, and I’m making my way to the elevator. As soon as I step inside, Loretta steps in behind me. I fight the urge to roll my eyes as I turn to face

the doors.

I’m grateful when she stays close to the wall. Two minutes later, the elevator door slides open and Loretta steps into the hallway. I follow behind her wondering how she knows which direction my room is in. “My room is next to yours. I told the receptionist you were my brother,” she says. “Why” I finally ask. “I told you I missed you, Trevor. I know you are acting cold because you are worried about losing Clarice, but I know you love me,” she says.

I don’t respond and move to the room that matches my key card. I step inside and throw my bag on the bed. When I turn, Loretta is standing in front of me. “I called you yesterday to tell you something important,” she says. My body feels like someone just threw a bucket of cold water on me. “Don’t even tell me you’re pregnant, because if you are, you are getting rid of it.” “What the f**k Trevor? No, I am not pregnant, but how could you say such a thing,” she asks.

“My wife is pregnant with my child. She is the only one that will be having my baby. Do you really think she would ever forgive me if you got f**king pregnant? Use your f**king head. Now, what the hell was so important you called me after I specifically told you I was busy?” “Your parents