You only love me for my abs.
Shut up, loser. Shirt off.
With a glance toward Claire, Shane pulled it over his head and tossed it on the breakfast table next to him. Claire took the shirt to the sink, where she rinsed it in cold water, watching as Shanes blood tinted the water light pink. She didnt like to watch what Eve was doing; seeing the damage that Shane put himself through made her feel sick and frail, because hed done itas alwaysfor other people. For her, and Eve.
Done, Eve pronounced a few minutes later. Youd better not bleed all over my nice clean bandages, or Ill stick a sale price on you and put you on the corner for the next neck-muncher.
Youre such a bitch, Shane said. Thanks.
She gave him an air kiss and a wink. Like most girls wouldnt line up to play nurse with you. Right.
Claire felt an unwelcome, completely surprising surge of jealousy. Eve? No, it was just Eves usual teasing. Nothing else, right? She wasntshe wouldnt. She just wouldnt.
Claire wrung out the shirt until her hands ached, then pressed it between two towels to try to get it as dry as possible. She handed it to Shane while Eve was busy putting the unused supplies back in the box, and helped him drag the damp fabric over his head and down his chest. She couldnt help but let her fingers brush down his skin, and to be honest, she didnt really try. In fact, she might have moved a little more slowly than she should have.
Feels good, Shane said, very quietly, in her ear. You okay?
Claire nodded. He touched her lightly under the chin to lift it, and studied her face closely.
Yeah, he said. Youre okay. He brushed her lips with his and looked past her at the kitchen door as it opened.
Michael, with Claires parents in tow. The knot in Claires chest, the one tied tight around her heart, eased a couple of precious notches.
Her parents looked . . . Blank. Frowning, as if theyd forgotten something important. When her mothers eyes focused on her, Claire dredged up a smile.
Werent we going to have dinner? her mother asked. Its getting very late, isnt it? Were you going to cook, or
No, Michael said. Well go out. He grabbed his car keys from the hook next to the door. All of us.
bsp; Claire nodded. He touched her lightly under the chin to lift it, and studied her face closely.