Chapter 3

Author's Note: Hi Girls! Finally I finished chapter three, yes! Big hug to my dearest Rach for beta this for me. (xoxo) Thanks for all the enchanting reviews to Zsulie, Kristi-Julie, risingdancer, OSUSprinks, bluegirl-783, Ursa and to Naseka. But hey, stop for a moment! I wanna ask something from all of you… What the hell do you think will happen in that flat? Maybe she will dancing naked in the living room when he arrives home? (Stop shouting yes! Ursa! Especially you! Yes, you! ) Hm?! You are so naughty. (Yes, all of you.) Lol. Clarisse is just a woman deeply in love… and the motto of the story is… Keep an eye on that, 'This could be the start of something new. It feels so right to be here with you.' Right? Then let's see the next chapter…

After Joseph left the house, Clarisse just stood there, leaning against the door…

Everything was peaceful as she slowly ran her eyes around the room, then started smiling like a child.

"I have a few hours alone. ALL ALONE." She closed her eyes for a moment. "I can't believe it."

It was like a dream. She really needed for this break, and except for the fact that she was in someone else's home, it was a perfect feeling.

"In someone else's home…" sighed Clarisse.

But she well knew that Joseph wasn't just 'someone else'. It was a strange feeling for her. She always felt uncomfortable in 'someone else's' place, but this time everything was different. She waited for the uncomfortable feeling, but it did not come. No, Joseph's flat was reassuring, snug and somehow… inviting.

First, she just lay down on the sofa and took deep breaths. She tried to breathe in the feeling of freedom. She didn't have any plans – she just wanted to do whatever came to her mind.

The sofa was comfortable. She could sink down into the soft material. Everything was peaceful and only the snapping sound of the fireplace broke the silence. Soon she fell asleep…

Nearly two hours had passed, when she woke up feeling completely refreshed. She decided it was time for tea.

She went up to her room until the kettle was ready. Her room… That was strange and comfortable at the same time. The room was really nice, and the bathroom -- like in a harem -- it was obviously Rita's work.

"That woman has a very good taste," thought Clarisse. She was already fond of Rita. Actually, she had always liked Rita, even before she knew who she was. Maybe because she looks like Joseph. Her eyes had that look… Yes, she really liked Joseph's friendly eyes. He had a look in his eyes… like he could put her at ease anytime with just one glance.

"Oh yes," smiled Clarisse and had an idea. She knew it was not appropriate, but she must have a look at his room. She didn't want to bother anything, but just to breathe in the scent of his place…

So a few moments later, she was standing in Joseph's room. It was friendly and thrilling at the same time. Joseph's scent filled the room, frankly everything smelled of him.

"Oh, my," Clarisse whispered, with feeling.

On his bedside table were photos of his family. One was a picture with his sister and mother on a vacation somewhere near the sea. The second one was himself with schoolmates, and the third one was… surprising. It was a picture of the royal family. And what was so strange about that? Well nothing… There was Rupert, the kids and Clarisse of course – the whole family. But there was something weird. There were four people were in the picture, but only Clarisse was remarkable.

She stopped to think about it, but a moment later she moved away. She found a mistletoe from last year's Christmas party… a remembrance of an almost kiss. Or so she wanted to believe. Who knows? That was so long ago…

Suddenly the clock on the wall struck the hour, and she woke up from daydreaming. She knew she should go. It wasn't appropriate, but it felt so right to be in Joseph's room.

His shirt on the wardrobe… the opened books in the corner and the big, dark colored bedspread…the pillows… Everything was so cozy and comforting. She slowly inhaled the scent of his room, for just another moment before she left, when Joseph's husky voice sounded at her back.

"You should be here more often…"

To be continued…

Author's Note: I'm sending only one message to myself: "RUN LIZ! RUN!"