Heaven

by Rebecca Julia Lauren

  Amber: Is “fishing” code for something more interesting?

  Me: Funny. No, I’m really going fishing.

  Amber: Wear the sexy jean shorts and one of the cute V-necked T-shirts I packed.

  Me: Got it. Thx.

  Amber: If you catch something more interesting than trout, call me. ;-)

  When Jase tapped on my door I was dressed in shorts that were probably too short, and a green T-shirt that was definitely cut too low. I thought about putting on another one, but Amber sent one last text that made me wonder if she’d packed a camera in my bag.

  Amber: DO NOT CHANGE THE TEE. Leave your hair down.

  My heart skipped a beat when I looked at Jase. He was downright yummy with his hair still damp from the shower, wearing khaki cargo shorts and blue T-shirt that molded to the chiseled muscles of his chest. I blinked, realizing I was ogling my best friend like a member of the harem. Luckily, Jase didn’t seem to notice that I was shamelessly drooling over him because he was checking me out as well.

  His eyes slid down me with appreciation, and his slow smile made my stomach dip. He reached out and clasped a curl between his thumb and forefinger.

  Shifting nervously under the weight of his heady stare I asked, “Do I look okay to fish?”

  “You look good enough to eat.”

  I liked the sound of that. He pulled me against him and I laughed in surprise. “Amber will be glad to hear it. She packed my clothes.”

  “Cori, you’re so beautiful.” Heat darkened his eyes.

  I loved Jase saying stuff like that to me.

  The look in his eyes made my toes curl. Taking my hand he led me down the staircase through the quiet house and into the kitchen where Charlie sat with a mug of coffee in one hand and a newspaper in the other.

  He glanced up, clearly surprised to see me and not too pleased about it from the irritation I glimpsed in his eyes, which he quickly masked. Charlie’s cool gaze raked over me, and, unlike his brother, he did not seem to like what he saw.

  “She coming, bro?”

  Jase’s devastatingly sexy smile burned away the coldness of his brother’s stare. “Yeah. Cori has never been fishing. I can’t wait to initiate her.” His eyes glittered with the innuendo.

  “If it’s a problem, I can stay behind. No big deal.”

  The statement was directed at Charlie, but Jase answered in a tone that clearly said whether I went or not wasn’t up for negotiation. “It’s not a problem.”

  I wondered if Jase caught the disapproval in his brother’s eyes. For some reason, I think he did but was choosing to ignore it. Jase handed me an insulated coffee thermos and put his arm around my shoulders.

  “Thank you.” Taking a sip, I realized that while I’d been trying to analyze Charlie, Jase had added crème and sugar to my coffee. It was perfect, just the way I liked it.

  “Okay, let’s roll.” Charlie sounded reluctant, and I glanced over at him, feeling uncomfortable.

  I had the feeling it was going to be a long day.

  Jase

  Cori’s eyes sparkled and her entire face lit up when she reeled in the huge Red Snapper. I watched her skillfully reel in the fish, my eyes slipping over her lithe body and imagining what it would feel like to have those tanned, shapely arms and legs wrapped around me while I rocked into her.

  She looked at me and I felt like the air had been sucked from my lungs. Unsettled by my powerful reaction to her, I glanced away.

  “She’s not what I expected.”

  I looked over at my brother, who was watching Cori as well. “I hope that means you’ll stop glaring at her. She thinks you’re pissed that she came.”

  Charlie looked chagrined. “Sorry, bro. I was afraid she was another Brianne. I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”

  I let out a soft chuckle, thinking just how different Cori was from my ex girlfriend. It was embarrassing that Charlie still thought he needed to look after me, but I had only myself to blame for the way I’d acted after the break up with Brianne. That had been over eight years ago, but apparently no one had forgotten it. My gaze snapped back to Cori. “She’s nothing like Brianne.”

  Charlie’s eyes shot to mine. “You didn’t really get your junk pierced, did you?”

  I laughed at the look of horror on his face. “Hell, no.”

  He took a drink of beer and a slow smile spread across his face. “Yeah, I like her a lot. So when’s the wedding?”

  “We’re not engaged.” I saw Charlie’s confusion. “Cori and I are friends. Mom and Dad have been trying to get Brianne and I back together so I asked Cori to come and pretend to be my girlfriend. Cori made up the part about us being engaged after getting into it with Brianne last night.”

  The flash of sympathy on my brother’s face made me feel like shit.

  “Maybe you shouldn’t have come. The last thing you need is to be dealing with this.”

  “None of us should have to deal with it, but here we are. It’s no worse for me than it is with you and Lucy.”

  “It’s different. They’re not trying to set Lucy and I up with the person that almost destroyed us.”

  Well, hell. There it was. Proof plain as day that Charlie thought I was still messed up because some girl had dumped my ass eight years ago. If that was true, I’d have to be truly pathetic and I hated that my own brother thought that of me.

  “Brianne didn’t almost destroy me. I was only eighteen when it happened. I may have lost my shit then, but cut me some slack.”

  Charlie leveled a cautious look at me, like one you would give a person that you feared might go bat-shit crazy. “I’m on your side, Jase.”

  “I know that. I just wish you knew that you don’t need to protect me.”

  “That’s what big brothers are for.”

  “Right. Lucy is the reason I’m here.”

  “Yeah. I think she’s realizing that we’re never going to be like one of those perfect TV sitcom families that work out their problems in thirty-minutes.”

  “We haven’t been able to do it in years.” I took a drink of beer. “You still seeing that flight attendant?”

  He shook his head, fished something out of his pocket and tossed it at me. It was a key. “We broke up. Since I’m not going to need that you might as well use it. It’s a key to a beach house on the South side of the island. If it gets too much, take Cori there.”

  “Thanks,” I said, already thinking about how Cori and I would use that little beach house. I was suddenly rock-hard. Watching Cori bend over and peer into the water conjured up images that drove me wild.

  I thought of the things I’d like to do with her. Cori was extraordinary. What would she think if she knew what had really happened after Brianne had dumped me? The thought wouldn’t leave me, and I was curious what she’d do if she knew the truth.

  Cora

  I was looking forward to dinner with the Fords about as much as I’d welcome having all of my body hair ripped out with hot wax. Yeah, it was going to be fun. At least I looked good.

  “Hi, Harper,” I called with a smile as I descended the staircase. “How’s it going?”

  His lips curled upward in a smile. “Quite well, Cori. Thank you. You look lovely this evening.”

  “Thanks.” I twirled around slowly, glancing at Harper quizzically. “Does this look like something rich people wear to dinner?”

  His eyes crinkled at the corners. “It’s divine.”

  Wow. I really liked the sound of that word. Glancing down at the red halter-top dress with swishy skirt, I smiled. “So you think Jase will like it?”

  “I love it.”

  My heart slammed against my chest at the sound of his deep, rich voice that brushed over me like tender caress. I spun around and my breath caught as my gaze landed on Jase. If I’d been a member of the harem, I might have swooned because the sight of Jase Ford in dark slacks and a blue button-down shirt affected me more than an erotic romance novel and my favorite vibrator.

  I heard mys
elf whisper his name, and noticed my voice was husky, raw with emotion. He smiled, his gaze traveling down me in appreciation before lifting and locking with mine.

  “Amber picked this one out too?”

  I nodded, my throat suddenly dry. “You wouldn’t be looking at me like you are now if I’d have picked out my own dress. I’m a fashion disaster.”

  His lips twitched. “That bad?”

  “I voted for an oversized cotton T-shirt dress that I bought online. Amber wouldn’t let me pack it. Actually, I think she might have burned it.”

  He chuckled. “You’d look beautiful in anything.”

  Heat crept up my neck at his softly spoken words. “If I teeter on these sexy but impractical heels and land on top of you, you might regret your thanks.”

  His eyes darkened and I realized what I’d said. Closing the distance between us Jase offered me his arm. “In that case you better hold on to me Cori. I’d never let you fall.”

  My heart fluttered as I linked my arm with his. He smelled amazing and I leaned toward him and breathed in, hoping like hell he didn’t noticing me smelling him. I was trembling, hyperaware of Jase like I’d never been before.

  “Cold?”

  “No, it’s you. You’re making me shiver.” I’d no sooner whispered the words than he stopped, turned, and suddenly my back was against the wall and he was kissing me. His tongue slid against mine and I sucked it. Jase groaned. The kiss turned hotter, hungrier and more desperate than any other kiss we’d shared. He pulled away, his breathing labored and his eyes nearly black. “My God, Cori.”

  “I feel the same way,” I breathed, my head against his. I don’t know how long we stood like that, but as my breathing gradually returned to normal I wondered what had happened to Harper.

  “I think he wanted to give us some privacy,” Jase said, reading my mind.

  “That’s sweet and kind of embarrassing.”

  “You mean the way you can’t keep your hands off of me?” he asked, his eyes glittering with amusement.

  I slugged his bicep and winced, feeling like I’d hit solid rock.

  Jase looked down at me in concern, picked up my fist and brushed his lips over the smarting knuckles. “You okay?”

  My stomach quivered. “Hmm. We better go to dinner.”

  Bracing myself for the event, I felt good. Brianne was, thankfully, absent. It was just the family, Jase’s mom and dad, Charlie and his sister, Lucy. Everyone exchanged small talk, and Jase introduced me to his sister, whom I immediately liked. Lucy Ford was friendly and easy to talk to.

  “I love your dress. It’s fab!” She threw her arms around me and hugged me. I hugged her back.

  “Thanks. I like yours too.” I did. Lucy’s yellow slip dress was beautiful and complimented her dark hair.

  “I’ve always wanted a sister. You’ll have to let me help you plan the wedding.” She looked suddenly uncertain. “I mean I won’t butt in or anything, but I’d love to help and I’m great with planning things.”

  I could not resist a smile. Her energy was infectious. Lucy was beautiful, warm, vibrant, and kind. As I talked with her, I couldn’t shake the familiar feeling that I’d met her before and then it hit me. Lucy reminded me a little of both Ellie and Isabelle.

  “I’m so happy for both of you.” Lucy folded her slender arms around her brother’s neck, and I caught a glimpse of something in Jase’s eyes that made me freeze.

  He loved her. The way he held her protectively, the soft look in his eyes and how relaxed he was with her. This wasn’t the sexy player I’d jokingly dubbed harem-boy. I was starting to believe that this Jase, the one that cared about his family enough to come home even when they didn’t always get along, the guy that had loved his high school girlfriend enough to propose, and the one that made me feel like he could make all my dreams come true if I’d only let him, this was the real Jase Ford.

  I guess I’d always known that there was more depth to Jase than I gave him credit for, but it was easier to pretend we were only friends when I thought of him as harem-boy. My train of thought derailed. Jase and I were just friends. I’d have to keep reminding myself of that because my plan to have him teach me all about sex would crumble like dry sand if I started having feelings for Jase.

  Pulling my attention back to dinner, I took a drink of water, hoping no one noticed that I’d spaced out for a moment. Of course, someone did notice. I felt Jase’s gaze on me, turned and gave him a reassuring smile.

  “Lucinda will make a wonderful event coordinator when she graduates from college. We’re very proud of her.” Beverly Ford was beaming with pride.

  Lucy seemed uncomfortable with the compliment.

  “She graduated at the top of her class just like Charles,” Jase’s dad added. “Both of my children were valedictorians.”

  For some inexplicable reason it felt like an uncomfortable silence had fallen over the table, and I sought to fill it. “That’s great.”

  “I’ve no doubt that Charles will be the youngest lawyer in his firm to make partner.”

  “Terrific,” I said, waiting for one of them to tell me about Jase’s accomplishments but they were oddly silent.

  I think Douglas was about to continue to praise his oldest son or daughter, but Charlie stopped him. “That’s enough Dad. Cora doesn’t want to hear this.”

  The first course of the meal was served and I watched Jase to make sure I picked up the right fork. Letting out a quiet sigh of relief when Jase smiled at me, I knew that I hadn’t committed some unforgivable lapse in manners.

  I waited another moment, but when no one volunteered to tell me Jase’s accolades, I asked. Even though he’d enlisted and hadn’t gone the traditional college route, I knew that Jase was one of the smartest people I knew.

  My question was answered with silence. Jase’s mother looked red and quickly reached for her wine. Charlie and Lucy exchanged a tense look. I turned to Jase, wondering what the hell was going on. His easy smile didn’t reassure me, because I got the strange feeling that he was resigned to whatever was about to happen.

  “My little brother was the star quarterback of his high school football team.” Hearing the pride in Charlie’s voice, I smiled at him.

  Douglas Ford made sigh of disgust. “He’d have gotten a full scholarship to college if he hadn’t ran away.”

  “I joined the army, Dad,” Jase said calmly, seemingly unaffected by his dad’s scorn.

  “You threw away your future over a fight with your girlfriend. God knows you couldn’t have gotten into college if it hadn’t been for football.”

  “Dad, please. That’s not fair.” Lucy frowned, her eyes darting from her dad to her brother.

  “Brianne’s father would be happy to give you a good job with a future if you’re smart enough to take it.”

  “I have a job,” Jase replied easily, seemingly oblivious to the tension stirring in the room. He flashed me a grin that had charmed countless women, undoubtedly, out of their panties.

  “You have a struggling company and no higher education. Hell, you barely graduated from high school!”

  Lucy turned to me, her eyes wide. “It’s not his fault. Jase is dyslexic.” Clearly distressed at having revealed this, Lucy’s anxious gaze flew to her brother. Jase smiled reassuringly at her.

  How could he be so calm? His dad was openly attacking him and his mother was letting it happen. My gaze snapped to Jase again. I saw his clenched jaw and realized he wasn’t as unaffected by what was happening as he’d have everyone believe.

  I was seething with anger. “Of course it’s not his fault. Having dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. Some of the most famous, influential people have dyslexia.”

  “This doesn’t concern you, young lady,” Mr. Ford snapped.

  I was furious. “It does. Jase is important to me, and as a certified dyslexia teacher I feel it’s my responsibility to educate you since you’ve obviously been misinformed.”

  “You’re a teacher.” Charlie smiled
in approval.

  “I thought you said she was a musician,” Jase’s mother replied, frowning.

  “Cori graduated Suma Cum Laude with dual degrees in music and education.”

  I glanced over at Jase, shocked. I hadn’t known that he knew that about me.

  “What exactly do you do?” Jase’s mother asked.

  “I teach high school orchestra and tutor kids with dyslexia.”

  “Cori is an accomplished violinist. She’s extraordinary. I could listen to her play forever.”

  My eyes flew to Jase. I wondered if I was the only one that heard the admiration in his voice. A warm feeling unfurled in my belly when I heard him tell everyone how much he loved to hear me play.

  My heart filled, overflowed, and it felt as if it would burst. Jase had overcome not only being dyslexic but having to deal with parents who were clearly unsupportive of their child.

  I knew in my heart that Jase was gifted. Before they’d expanded their business, Reed and Jase had both been carpenters and I’d heard Reed say dozens of times that if no one else could figure something out, he’d call Jase because there was nothing that Jase Ford couldn’t fix.

  I was distracted throughout the rest of dinner, and I was afraid that Jase thought I was upset. When my smile didn’t seem to reassure him, I reached beneath the table and placed my hand on his thigh. If Jase had any lingering doubts about how wonderful I thought he was, I’d make certain he knew tonight.

  Luckily, the drama died down. Dinner continued without any more outbursts, and I thought I’d earned the approval of both of Jase’s siblings. I wondered if I had the approval of the person whose opinion meant the most.

  I wondered what he’d think if he knew how I really felt about him.

  Chapter 14

  Jase

  I’d never wanted Cori as much as I did now. Actually, it was more a need than want. I literally ached for her. When dinner was over I took her hand and led her outside to my truck.

  “Feel like a drive?”

  “With you, absolutely.”