All Chapters of She's Mine To Claim: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Travis lay down on his side of the bed. “Go to sleep, Hailey.” She stared at him. “You're really letting me stay?” “You asked to stay.” Hailey quickly lay down and turned her back to him. She kept a careful distance between them, leaving most of the mattress empty. She'd been frightened of the dark since childhood, when a friend had played a cruel prank on her. Even now, she could tell herself that ghost stories weren't real and still imagine something waiting in the shadows. But Travis was beside her, and the bed was far more comfortable than the couch. Little by little, her fear faded. Before long, she was asleep. Travis remained awake. He wasn't used to sharing a bedroom. A frightening experience with a roommate during his university years had made him especially protective of his sleeping space. He glanced at Hailey. She was curled on her side, occupying barely a third of the bed. She'd asked to stay because she was scared, not because she wanted anything else from him

When Hailey returned to the Blake manor, Lilian asked about Layla's husband. “The X-ray showed a crack in his shinbone,” Hailey explained. “He'll need plenty of rest. Layla may have to stay with him longer than a week.” Lilian turned to the butler. “Please send Layla's family a few things from us. And ask whether they need help arranging his care.” “Yes, madam.” “Her son and daughter-in-law aren't nearby,” Lilian told Hailey. “It's understandable that she needs to look after her husband herself.” Hailey nodded. “I don't want you living alone while Layla is away,” Lilian continued. “I'll send someone to help at the apartment until she returns.” Hailey had expected this. Accepting temporary help was better than being asked to move back into the manor. “Thank you, Grandma.” By midday, Lilian had chosen a replacement. Her name was Peggy Reynolds, a middle-aged housekeeper who had worked for the Blake family for several years. Peggy followed Hailey to Heron Peninsula that aftern

“Could you make me something to eat, Peggy?” Hailey asked. “Of course, Mrs. Stewart.” Peggy went to the kitchen, leaving Hailey to settle onto the living room couch. She was exhausted and hungry. Travis had given her chocolate at the hotel and asked William to buy her a cake, but she hadn't wanted anything sweet. She'd been too tired to insist on a proper meal before leaving. At least she could eat now. Peggy returned with a warm dinner and set it in front of her. “Did you have a busy day at work?” “Very busy,” Hailey said. Peggy glanced at her tired face but didn't ask anything else. Hailey ate, thanked her and went to take a shower. By the time she got into bed, she was ready to sleep. Yet she kept remembering something Travis had said at the hotel, and her face grew warm. She buried it in her pillow. Stop thinking about it. Eventually, she switched off the light. The room went dark, and her hand immediately slipped back beneath the blanket. She sighed. Travis's prank

Hailey looked at Travis in confusion. “What? I haven't done anything wrong. Mrs. Sears was pleased with my work today.” Travis lowered his head and signed the remaining documents. “Then remember this.” “Remember what?” He handed the papers back to her. “If you ever do make a mistake, flattering me won't help.” Hailey laughed. “I wasn't flattering you. I was telling the truth.” She took the documents and left his office. Travis watched the door close. Hailey had changed lately. The sadness that once followed her everywhere seemed to have lifted. She smiled more easily, joked with him and no longer looked as though every conversation was something she had to endure. He was glad to see her happier. Still, he couldn't stop wondering what had changed. His gaze fell on the bag beside his desk. It held the belongings Hailey had returned to him when Peggy was staying at her apartment. He picked up his phone and called William. “Put the bag in Hailey's car.” William was reading

“Are you sure you want to sleep here?” Hailey asked. Travis looked up from his phone. “Is there a problem?” “No, of course not.” She opened the wardrobe and took out a blanket. “I'll sleep on the living room sofa.” “Why?” Hailey turned toward him. “Because you're sleeping here.” “The bed is big enough for two people.” She stared at him. “You mean I can sleep here too?” Travis returned his attention to his phone. “If you'd rather use the sofa, go ahead.” Hailey looked at the bed. It was certainly more comfortable than the sofa, and Layla usually woke early. She didn't want to be found sleeping in the living room. She put the blanket on her side of the mattress. “There's just one thing we should agree on first.” Travis raised an eyebrow. “What?” “You said I kicked you and hit you in my sleep last time. If I do that again, please don't be angry with me in the morning.” “Do you think I'm that petty?” Hailey remembered how he'd complained about her restless sleeping. “