CLAIRE

DAYS LATER

I pushed open the apartment door a little after eight, my feet aching from a long day at the studio. The launch of CLAIRE Studio had gone well, but the follow-up work was nonstop, emails, meetings with retailers, final checks on production. I was tired, but happy.

The lights in the living room were low. I kicked off my shoes and walked quietly down the hall. Julian’s home office door was slightly open. Soft light spilled out into the hallway. I peeked inside.

He was still at his desk, focused on his laptop, his jacket was off, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, hair a little messy...