Unveiled Hearts: Heart's Intent, #2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

THIS BOOK WOULDN’T be what it is without my fabulous editor. Big thanks to Victoria for helping me create a better story.

Thanks to Elizabeth for being my awesome proofreader. I appreciate all you do for me.

DEDICATION

IN LIFE WE ARE FACED with many choices. One of the best choices I made was starting to write. Above that the only thing that tops it are my two boys. Luke and Nathan I love you so much and you are truly the biggest blessing and best thing to come into my life.

SONNET TWENTY-FOUR

Mine eye hath played the painter and hath steeled

Thy beauty’s form in table of my heart.

My body is the frame wherein ’tis held,

And pérspective it is best painter’s art.

For through the painter must you see his skill

To find where your true image pictured lies,

Which in my bosom’s shop is hanging still,

That hath his windows glazèd with thine eyes.

Now see what good turns eyes for eyes have done:

Mine eyes have drawn thy shape, and thine for me

Are windows to my breast, wherethrough the sun

Delights to peep, to gaze therein on thee.

Yet eyes this cunning want to grace their art;

They draw but what they see, know not the heart.

—William Shakespeare

CHAPTER ONE

A SOFT BREEZE FELL over Matthew Price’s face as he lounged on his backyard deck. The constant beeping from a car horn beeped sharply in the distance. One of his neighbors must be displeased to pound on it with such vigor. The taste of bile rising in his throat was becoming equally hard to ignore. He clenched his fist and allowed his nails to bite into his palms. All of his senses worked as they should. He counted them off each day as a reminder he hadn’t lost everything. It was his sight that continued to elude him. Dr. Sousa told him to be patient, that his vision wouldn’t return overnight, but he’d been hopeful. It’d been foolish and a complete waste of his time.

He’d been released from the hospital a mere two weeks ago, and he still couldn’t see more than a blur. He managed all right moving around the safety of his home, but with anything else he was completely dependent on others. For someone who’d prided himself on his independence, it’d brought him down to the lowest of levels. As far as he was concerned there was no reason to keep trying. What was the point? He was resigned to the circumstances life dealt him. This was who he was. The blind man—a lawyer who couldn’t even read the law briefs he’d written. Research? It would be nearly impossible to complete now. What kind of lawyer—or man—would he be without one of the most basic of human abilities?

Are you ready to go inside now, Matt?

Claire Jackson—his babysitter, and the woman he desired beyond reason. At least until he had the misfortune of losing his capability to look at her. Hell, who was he kidding? He still wanted her. It was doing something about it that baffled him. Like everything in his life after the accident, this was a change he hated. He couldn’t be the man she needed, and now she was something neither one of them anticipated she’d be. She was his constant companion. When she wasn’t at work she was with him, a continuous nag and voice of reason. Between her and the medical personnel that came by weekly to check in on him he’d never been alone. All he wanted was for them to leave and give him time to breathe.

Go away, Matt barked. Can’t you leave me alone for five minutes?

You’ve been out here an hour now. It’s starting to get chilly. Her voice was calm and soothing. I can make you some lunch if you’re hungry.

Didn’t she understand? Of course she didn’t. How could she when he didn’t fully get it himself? There was no reason to do anything anymore. He had no purpose in life and he was struggling to find his place in the world. The car accident that blinded him had taken far more than his sight from him. It erased who he saw himself as. So what if it was chilly out and he’d been sitting in his backyard staring at nothing? It wasn’t as if he could actually see what was in front of him. It took the phrase staring blindly to a whole new level.

I don’t want food. He clenched his fists. I don’t want a damn thing except for you to leave.

There was a time he’d have loved having her in his home. An all too brief moment when he’d imagined her with him, loving her in every possible way. He’d been an idiot to ignore his feelings for her. Now he didn’t think he could have her the way he’d always wanted. His short-sightedness had cost him a lot. The opportunity to be the man in Claire’s life was one of them. He’d thought he had time, sweet time, but what a joke. If he could go back he’d make so many changes. She wouldn’t be his nursemaid, but his lover. How could he even begin to think he could be more than someone she’d have to take care of? Seduction? That was laughable. He’d grope her all right—but not in any romantic way. He’d latch on to her as his guide to make sure he didn’t walk into a wall or trip over his own feet. The helplessness he experienced every day didn’t make him feel suave or romantic.

I’m not going anywhere. She sighed. You need to realize that and accept it. Yelling at me isn’t going to achieve the results you’re hoping for.

What would? She was as unflappable as he remembered. He yelled at her every day—hell, several times if he was being truthful—and she still came back. She remained calm and steady. The picture of her as he remembered flashed through his mind, long golden blonde hair and warm brown eyes. She was so beautiful, caring, and independent. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. Claire was perfect, at least to him. I don’t understand why you’re here. Find someone else to stay with me. He waved at her dismissively. I don’t want you around.

It was a lie, but maybe if he said it often enough she’d finally understand and leave. He couldn’t handle her being around him every day. Not when it seemed as if he’d never see properly again. This was what he needed to get through his ordeal. She had to go, and fast. Someone else could do what she did every day. Claire deserved better than what he had to offer.

Claire stared at him for several beats of his heart. The harshness of her silence churned through him, drawing out the ache of never having her. When she finally spoke, he almost breathed a sigh of relief. He’d never been able to handle her silences. I care about you. No one else, save Dani, would have your best interests at heart. She has her own problems and healing to do. She lifted his hand in hers and rubbed it. Be reasonable.

Why? He yanked his hand from hers. As far as I can tell, this is how I’m going to be for the rest of my life. I think I’m being perfectly rational. He clenched his jaw tight. Let’s quit pretending this is going to get better. I am blind. You’re the one not accepting things that aren’t going to change.

Matt...I... Clare’s voice broke apart as she spoke. Matt was inherently relieved he couldn’t see the hurt on her face. It was the only blessing he could hold onto with his blindness. He never wanted to hurt her, but believed this was a necessary evil. She had to move on without him. It’s been a couple weeks. You can’t give up yet. Ren said it would take some time. Your body needs to heal, and only time can give that to you.

Yeah, Ren, the great Dr. Sousa, who acted as if he knew it all but wasn’t any more infallible than anyone else was. His law partner, Daniella Brosen, loved the good doctor, had always loved him. They seemed to be rekindling their relationship and taking it in a different direction than the friendship they had in high school. Matt was happy for Dani, honestly, but he was irritatingly jealous of it. He’d wanted that with Claire. Now he didn’t think he’d ever have it with anyone ever. He hated who he was now and knew it wasn’t a good place to begin something as fragile as a relationship.

I don’t care what he had to say. What matters is what I want and know in this moment. He turned toward where he thought she was and lifted his head. "I may or may not regain my sight. That isn’t the bottom line right now. You want to know what is? I’m sick of you being here in my house, invading my space, and ordering me around like I’m a child. I’m supposed to be your boss. So find someone to replace you. I want you gone by dinner."

It might turn out to be the worst decision he ever made, but he believed it was the only one he could make. His feelings for Claire made him second guess everything. One thing he was certain about though: she wouldn’t move on with her life if she was always taking care of him. She was wonderful, and he was far from it.

I don’t know what crawled up your ass and turned you into a raging prick, but you’re right. I don’t have to deal with it. Her voice sounded like it had an edge of steel behind it. Good for her; it was about time she stopped being the calm and comforting caregiver. Claire leaned down, her hair whispering across his face and leaving tiny tingles of sensation. Her declaration shocked him more than anything. If you want to battle me every step of the way, counselor, game on. I’m willing to give as much as I get, but you should know—I plan on winning the war.

Holy hell, she was sexy. He wanted to yank her into his lap and ravage her in every way possible, but that wouldn’t be conducive to his plan. She couldn’t see this as a challenge or she’d never back down. As much as he liked the idea of entering into a clash of wills with her, it couldn’t be allowed.

We’re not at war. He waved at her dismissively. That would imply this mattered to me. You don’t, and never did.

A lie, but she couldn’t know the truth.

You can act like a repulsive jerk all you want, but I see you for who you are. Everything you are has always been visible to me. The truth has been evident since the moment we met, and nothing you do or say will make it ring false now. We all have inner demons we conceal from the world. There’s no hiding when you believe there is nothing worth keeping your walls up for. She hammered her point home. But make no mistake, I’m not your punching bag. As much as I care about you, I can’t be the person you beat up on every day.

Pain shot through him at her words. He hated hurting her, even when it was necessary. In the long run, she’d thank him for it though. I never asked you to be. Leave and you won’t have to be the proverbial punching bag ever again. It would be easier for us both if you weren’t here.

I didn’t say I was leaving.

She had to be smiling. Her face was a blur, and fine details were lost to him, but he could almost make out the outline of her lips. Matt started to grin back in response, but managed to hold it in. Claire was a fighter and wouldn’t give up easily. It was one of the qualities he admired in her. She made a damn good legal assistant. He should have known she wouldn’t go because he’d ordered her to.

Then what was all that nonsense you were spouting? He frowned. What new tactic was she about to unleash on him? I thought you’d finally seen reason and was about to bow out before the real skirmish began. I wouldn’t hold it against you if you did.

So generous of you. Claire snorted. I’ll pass.

So?

So what? she asked. Oh, you want to know what I have planned. She laughed. It was so lovely to hear that his lips twitched in amusement. And spoil the surprise? What kind of idiot do you take me for? You’re the best strategist I know. It would be moronic to give you a heads-up.

Damn, he admired her. He’d hug her if she’d not see it as encouragement. Not very sporting of you.

The cool breeze was doing nothing for his overheated skin. He had to get his hands on her. No, he couldn’t do what he wanted. Claire wasn’t meant to be mauled in desperation. If he was ever lucky enough to have her, she was to be savored. She was the finest of women and should be treated accordingly.

Well, I never said I’d be fair. Her tone was light and filled with amusement. It left him with giddiness flowing through his veins. You know the saying.

No, I can’t say I do. He waited on bated breath. The banter was so good he couldn’t get enough of her. Why don’t you enlighten me?

She leaned in close and ran her hand across his thigh. He hardened to the brink of pain. If he reached up he could pull her into his lap and kiss her senseless. Matt wanted to, but refrained from acting on it. If she knew how much she affected him he’d never win this war they started. He’d be putty in her hands, and she’d be able to mold him as she pleased. He almost begged her to do it. One moment of insanity might be worth it for the lifetime of pleasurable memories.

All’s fair in love—and war. Her hot breath caressed his ear. And Matt, make no mistake, this has nothing to do with merely one of those, and everything to do with both.

Without another word, she left him to think about her parting shot. What the hell had he managed to get himself into this time?

CHAPTER TWO

CLAIRE BREEZED INTO the law offices of Price and Brosen and stopped in front of the receptionist. "Do I have