AT LONG LAST (The Playas Series - Book 4)

by Brenda Jackson

  For that very reason, she kept walking and refused to look back. Closing her bedroom door behind her, she began stripping off her clothes. After the workout she’d had today, she needed a soak in the tub but would settle for a shower. But she forced herself to take a few moments to close her eyes and draw in a deep breath. It was crazy, but she could still smell Logan’s scent. It seemed to have infiltrated her nostrils.

  Opening her eyes, she moved toward the bathroom. More than once today, she’d caught herself staring at Logan while sensations danced in her mid-section. When her new friend Dee Carlson caught her, she’d only smiled and asked, “And the two of you are only friends?” When Claire had nodded, Dee’s comeback had been, “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”

  Now Claire wasn’t so sure about it either. She knew she was attracted to Logan. But then, what did she expect, when she was spending so much time with him. At some point, she would have to start seeing him as a man, right?

  Not necessarily. People didn’t become attracted to their friends unless the attraction had been there all along, right? Claire wasn’t sure, but she did have to admit to herself that Logan had created a fire in her blood, and it was slowly burning away her inhibitions.

  How would she handle being so close to him for the rest of the trip? When they left Arizona, their next stop was to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in New Mexico, for all nine days of the festival. From there, they would fly to Yellowstone National Park, then Mount Rushmore and finally hit Niagara Falls before returning to DC.

  If she was smart, she would feign some kind of sickness and bail. She’d tell him to go without her, that she would catch a commercial flight back to DC. But that wouldn’t be fair—to her or to him. Besides, she wanted to see all those incredible places. And again, she had to admit to herself that she wanted to see them with him.

  She drew in a deep breath as she stepped into the shower. The warm water came down hard on her. She only hoped it would wash some sense into her, as well. The last thing she needed was to have the hots for Logan. Hopefully, the attraction would pass.

  Claire turned her face toward the stream of water and closed her eyes. She couldn’t get the image of Logan, peeling off his shirt, out of her mind. Nor could she forget how tempted she’d been to rub her hand over his naked chest to see how it felt beneath her fingers.

  She snatched open her eyes and pushed her hair back from her face. Somehow, she would get her attraction to Logan under control. She had no other choice.

  Logan drew in a deep breath as he watched her go. When he heard the bedroom door close behind her, he knew he should head back to his own room. Instead, he decided to enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace, alone. It would give him time to think about all the things they’d done today, memories he would treasure.

  It didn’t take him long to fill his wine glass and return to the sitting area. Reclining on the sofa, he stretched his legs out onto a hassock and stared into the flames. He liked the Carlsons. He and Cohen had had a lot in common, which made conversation between them easy. However, at no time had he not been aware of Claire. The majority of the time, they’d held hands even when there hadn’t been a reason. He’d liked it when Dee Carlson had commented that they made a beautiful couple, even though Claire had been quick to correct the woman’s assumption, telling her they were just friends. The couple had appeared surprised, but had given them a ‘that’s what you think’ look before changing the subject.

  It seemed that everyone could see through Logan’s plan—everyone except Claire.

  She had rushed off to bed and he understood. They had done a lot of walking and hiking around the canyon, today. And they’d taken a ton of pictures. It was the kind of place a person would want to capture on film, just for the memories. Especially when those memories included her.

  Tomorrow, when they drove from the lodge to tour The Wave and Antelope Canyon, he would have Claire to himself. They would make a full day of it, leaving in the morning and returning late that night after having dinner at one of the restaurants in the area.

  She no longer seemed to experience any anxiety at restaurants, and he was glad of that. The first time they’d gone out in DC, he’d noticed how often she looked around, keeping a watchful eye on the entrance of the restaurant. It was as if she’d been checking out everyone who entered, trying to judge whether or not the person was safe.

  He could understand the reason behind her behavior, and his heart had hurt for her. But although he regretted that so many people had lost their lives, he thanked God every night that Claire’s had been spared.

  When he took another sip of wine, his mind shifted to something else. Namely, how good Claire had looked today. She’d been wearing jeans and a t-shirt and although he’d seen her wear similar attire before, for some reason today, his libido had hit the crazy mark. It might have been because they’d been in each other’s company so much. That was only natural. Or it could be that his sex drive was ready to spring into action, now that he was finally with the woman he loved. After all, he hadn’t been with anyone else since the day he’d met her. That day, he had decided that she was the only woman he wanted in his bed. It was a form of self-torture he’d hoped to be finally finished with on this trip, but only if she made the first move. Logan knew how he felt about her. Now, Claire had to decide how she felt about him.

  And he would give her time to do that, even if it killed him. Unfortunately, the way he was feeling, it just might.

  At that moment his phone went off. Why was his sister calling so late? It was close to ten here, so it had to be after midnight in Indiana. “Yes, Carrie?” he asked after clicking on his phone.

  “I’m giving everyone an update.”

  He frowned. “On what?”

  “Pop’s date. Did you forget that he’d been invited to dinner today?”

  Yes, he had forgotten. His mind had been filled with thoughts of Claire. Instead of answering her question, he asked, “So, how did things go?”

  “He’s not saying much, but he’s been smiling a lot.”

  “Umm, that’s a good thing.”

  “Yes, and they have another date this week. To the movies. I was able to get that much out of him, at least. He really likes her, Logan.”

  “Good for him. He deserves a good woman.”

  “How do you know she’s so good, if you’ve never met her?”

  “It doesn’t matter what any of us thinks. It’s up to Dad. Remember that.”

  “I do, but…”

  “But what?”

  “Nothing. I want him to be happy.”

  He didn’t say anything for a moment. In a way, he understood how she felt. Dad had always been their rock…especially Carrie’s. It was funny how quickly she’d become a daddy’s girl, and it was a position Logan knew she wasn’t ready to give up. He sighed deeply. It was time to put his big brother’s hat back on. “You will always hold a special place in Pop’s heart, Carrie. You know that.”

  “I know.”

  “When you married Connor, did you love Dad any less?”

  “Of course not!”

  “Then that’s the way you should look at it. If Dad and this woman get close, it has nothing to do with you, or your relationship with him. “

  “I know you’re right. You’re always right. Now I wish you were here to give me that big brother hug.”

  “I’ll do it the next time I see you. How’s that?”

  “I’ll hold you to it. And speaking of you always being right, how’s your mission to get Claire?”

  “Slow, but then that’s the way I want it.”

  “I have a feeling Claire will start to feel something for you before she catches on how you feel about her.”

  Logan lifted a brow. “What makes you think that?”

  “I just do. It happened that way with me and Connor. And speaking of Connor, I need to go back to bed before he misses me.”

  Logan chuckled. “Yeah, you do that, and in the morning, give my brother-
in-law my regards.”

  “I will.”

  “I love you, Carrie.”

  “And I love you more, Logan. Goodnight.”

  He smiled. “Good night, Squirt.” He hung up the phone and glanced at his watch. He needed to get up early tomorrow. After he finished this glass of wine, he’d head back to his room and dream about Claire--the woman who was so close, yet so far away.

  Claire had awakened, and couldn’t go back to sleep. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, she saw it was a little past four in the morning, which meant it was after seven on Paradise. She needed to talk to Asia. Her sister was the relationship expert. Maybe she could explain what was wrong with her. Once she understood, then she could stop it from happening. Because it wouldn’t be fair to Logan if she couldn’t control this attraction. He’d invited her to come with him on this trip as a friend, not as a woman who was all over him.

  Asia would be up by now. So, Claire grabbed her cell off the nightstand and called her sister.

  “I know what time it is at the Grand Canyon, Claire. Why aren’t you asleep?”

  “I was, but I woke up.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  Claire began nibbling on her lip for a minute and then decided to say, “Just for the record, I’m asking for a friend.”

  She heard Asia giggle, which meant her sister knew she was lying through her teeth. “Whatever. So, what does this friend need to know?”

  Claire hesitated. But of course, Asia wasn’t having any of that, and repeated, “Claire? What is it your friend wants to know?”

  Drawing in and then releasing a deep breath, she said, “She wants to know how she can suddenly become attracted to a man she’s always considered a friend.”

  “Hmm, chances are, she’d always found him attractive, but was fighting it.”

  Claire rolled her eyes. “I didn’t say my friend hadn’t always found the man attractive, Asia, because she had. I need to know why she is suddenly becoming attracted to him? Finding him attractive has nothing to do with becoming attracted to him.”

  “Doesn’t it?”

  “Of course not. I see them as mutually exclusive.”

  “And yes, they can be. If they are…in your friend’s case as you claim, then that means her blinders have come off and she is finally seeing him with a different pair of eyes.”

  “Why?” Claire asked. “There has to be some sort of reason.”

  “Usually there is. It could be something as simple as proximity, if the two of them spend more time together. Absence might make the heart grow fonder, but togetherness can drive up desire. And before you ask, there’s no way to stop it.”

  “Then should that person remove themselves from the situation?”

  “Why would your friend do that? I’d think she’d want to know how far it would go.”

  “Why would she want to know that?”

  “Because life is too short not to make that discovery. My theory is that everyone deserves happiness. Sometimes you lose out by turning your back on what would make you happy by thinking it’s not right for you.”

  “And what if it’s not right for you?” Claire asked softly.

  “But what if it is?” Asia countered. “Let’s cut the BS, Claire. This is about you…and Logan. I wondered how long it would take you to notice he’s a man, big sister.”

  Claire rolled her eyes. “I’ve always known he was a man, Asia. He just isn’t the man for me.”

  “Why not?”

  When Claire couldn’t respond, Asia continued, “Think about it and call me back when you come up with an answer. But do you know what I think?”

  “What do you think, Asia?” In a way, Claire was afraid to ask. Asia used to be logical when it came to relationships, especially after David Crews messed over her. Then Lance had come along and proved that even bad boys could be tamed. Now Asia wanted everybody to fall in love and be as happy as she was. Claire didn’t have a problem with being happy. She just didn’t want to fall in love. Not again. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing someone the way she’d lost Walter.

  “I think you’re afraid to try with Logan. I think you’re terrified that he will blow your mind the way Lance blew mine.”

  Claire rolled her eyes. As far as Claire was concerned, Asia and Lance had blown each other’s minds. “No man can do anything to my mind, Asia. I’m beyond that stage.”

  “Humph. You haven’t tried a Montgomery man. If Logan is anything like his baby-brother, you won’t know what hit you.”

  “I don’t want anything to hit me. Besides, if it came to that, I could handle Logan.”

  “Then why are you calling me for advice, Ms. ‘I’ve-got-Logan-and-all-his-masculine-fineness-under-control’?”

  “I’m not trying to get Logan under control. I just want…”

  “What? What do you want, Claire?”

  She swallowed deeply and then whispered, “Him. I want him, Asia. I want Logan.” There, she’d admitted it—to her sister, and herself.

  “Sounds like a high degree of lust is talking to you, Claire. I think you need to be forewarned about something regarding Logan, though.”

  “What?”

  “He’s not a man who would just want a vacation fling. The last time he was here, I overheard him tell Lance that he’s ready to settle down and start a family. Those are the last things you want, so why waste his time?”

  Claire didn’t say anything for a moment. “You know why I feel the way I do, Asia. I wanted those things with Walter, and then…”

  “I know. Don’t you think Walter would want you to be happy? Do you honestly think he’d want you to deny yourself a chance to love again? To have a family?” Asia asked, her voice soft.

  When Claire didn’t say anything, Asia continued, “Just so you know, I had no idea you were having fantasies about Logan. So, I might have done something you might not appreciate.”

  Claire didn’t like the sound of that. “What?”

  “I talked to Susan about him. You know, the pilot.”

  Claire got out of the bed and began pacing. “What do you mean, you’ve talked to Susan? What did you say?”

  “Hey, I told you I’d been thinking about fixing them up. So, when Susan called a few days ago, it seemed like a good time to put my plan into action.”

  “And what plan is that, Asia?”

  When Asia didn’t say anything, Claire asked again. “What is the plan, Asia?”

  “I heard Logan tell Lance he would be stopping by here to see Leland before heading back to Tampa. He said he’d stay a few days. So, I got Lance to pretty much pinpoint the date with Logan. Once I knew when he’d be here for sure, I invited Susan to join us during that same time.”

  “How could you do something like that?” Claire yelled.

  “What’s the big deal? If I recall, you were going to fix him up with Mindy, remember? So why are you getting so bent out of shape now? You’re just feeling a little horny? Logan deserves more than lust. He deserves a woman who wants the same thing he wants. We both know that’s not you, Claire.”

  Claire was so angry, she could actually feel her cheeks get heated. “That’s beside the point, Asia.”

  “Maybe for you, but not for Logan. I know the only reason he never got seriously involved with anyone was because he wanted to make sure his siblings were happy first. Now that they’re all married off, it’s his turn to find someone to share his life with. I want that for him, Claire. He’s entitled to it. You’ve already said you can’t give him what he deserves, so seducing him is out of the question. I think you should find an excuse to go back to DC. It’s not fair for him to get involved with you if you don’t want the same things he wants.”

  Claire didn’t say anything, though she was tempted to. She had to bite down on her tongue to stop herself from telling tell Asia that she wasn’t one of her clients who needed advice. But then, hadn’t she been the one to call Asia? And she had needed advice. But still…

  “Look, Asia. Lo
gan is a grown man. I’m sure a little fling with me isn’t going to kill him or his plans for finding Ms. Right. You’re acting as if men don’t have affairs and then move on and later meet the woman of their dreams. Trust me, sleeping with me won’t blow Logan’s mind to the point that he’ll think I’m the one. I’ve told him more times than I can count how I feel about love, marriage and family.”

  There’s another risk you’re taking, Claire.”

  “And what risk is that?”

  “What if he blows your mind and makes you decide you want the same thing he wants? What if he makes you fall in love with him?”

  “That’s not possible, Asia. No man is capable of that.”

  “Fine, I guess you’d know. But don’t say I didn’t warn you about Montgomery men. Look, I hear Leland crying, Claire, so I have to go. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision and cut your trip short with Logan, since you’re not the woman he needs. Let me know when you do the right thing by returning to DC. Good-bye.”

  Claire then heard a resounding click in her ear. She drew in a deep breath. You’re not the woman he needs… Why was she upset with Asia? Logan had pretty much told her the same thing, about his desire to settle down. Her sister was right. The best thing to do was to go back to DC, the sooner, the better. She’d even thought of doing so when she first begin noticing him as a man versus a friend.

  But heaven help her, she didn’t want to leave. And she didn’t want Logan to meet and fall in love with this Susan, whatever her last name was. Claire wasn’t sure why she felt so adamant about that. Besides, like she’d told Asia, she saw no reason for her and Logan not to indulge in an affair if that’s what they wanted.

  So what if she’d suddenly become overcome with lust around him? That had nothing to do with them having a future together. Couples had vacation flings all the time. How far they took their affair, if they chose to start one, wasn’t up to Asia. So why was her sister treating her like a client?