by Meredith, MK
She kissed him back hard, trying to absorb the pain and disappointment he felt, the pain he kept hidden from when he and Ryker were young boys. She found it both beautiful and sweet that he thought for a second her project wasn't working for him.
But he was wrong.
It was working better than she'd imagined it would.
He’d revealed more to her than he realized. So much that he would probably not be very happy about the insight he had given her. It was amazing how sensitive so many big, strong men really were.
She pressed her body against his, trying to ease the building desire. She pushed her hands between their bodies to unbuckle his belt and release his zipper. His touch and whispered words emboldened her. Taking the length of him out of his jeans, she gripped him firmly, stroking him to the edge of excitement.
His hands were everywhere, tenderly cupping her breasts, giving a gentle squeeze. Dipping his head, he pushed the V of her t-shirt aside until he was able to bare one pert nipple. Without hesitation, he took it in his mouth, flicking his tongue back and forth over her flesh.
Waves of pleasure built with each caress. “I want you.”
“Thank God,” he growled.
After shoving his jeans and underwear down his hips, she scrunched her long maxi skirt up around her waist, slid her panties to the side, and stroked herself across the tip of his cock.
His fingers dug into her hips as he encouraged her to continue her exploration. She gently lowered, taking him inside her, thrilling at the sensation of being stretched and filled. She set a rhythm to build their pleasure even more.
Mitch found her clit with his thumb and with feather-light caresses pushed her higher.
She dug into his shoulders, using his shoulders as leverage to lift and drop. Faster and faster the pressure built, his hands stoking her fire, her desire unrestrained, and with his name on her lips, she crested over the precipice, drowning her cry in a deep, hard kiss.
“Holy fuck.” His voice was barely audible.
She rested her forehead against his. “I know. I don't know what is wrong with me. I was supposed to be focusing on this festival, but when I saw you all I could think about was getting your pants off.”
His low chuckle was full of appreciation. “So much for ripping the Band-Aid off, I think we annihilated a whole bandage.”
“I thought one time would be enough to push me forward.”
“Maybe you just need to get a little bit of exploration out of your system. I don't mind helping you with that.” He pressed into her harder, sealing his sexy offer with a kiss.
She smiled against his lips. “You are so generous.” She giggled.
“I really am,” he returned with a devilish grin. “Maybe after today, you'll be able to move forward.” His voice sounded so strong and so sure, and she admired his ability to keep a distance.
Because as she looked into his blue eyes, recognizing the man he truly was, the idea of moving on from him became harder and harder to bear.
Chapter 13
Mitch couldn't get the sensation of Claire out of his system. She was like a lingering virus that didn’t respond to any modern medicine—except this virus made him dream of the future, lose sleep, and left him in a persistent state of wanting.
Forcing his voice to remain distant and detached when he told her maybe she was ready to move on was one of the most difficult things he'd ever done. But he wasn't willing to make a commitment, especially to her. And not because he didn’t want to see her face every day or have the right to wrap her in his arms every night, but because he'd never forgive himself when he hurt her.
Yet, at the same time, thinking of her moving on with somebody else was unimaginable.
He squeezed his eyes shut against the excruciating image of her with anyone else but him.
How had he let her creep under his skin so easily?
“Mr. Brennan, do you care to elaborate?” Judge Carter asked.
Yanked back to the present, Mitch pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to focus. His initial interview for the city attorney seat was not the time to be distracted with a relationship he wasn't even in. Most of his problem was Claire, but a solid portion was also the idea of having to sit in judgment, to have to depend on the opinions and acceptance of the adults he spent his childhood avoiding. “Yes sir, I apologize.”
“Then please explain to the board why you think you are the best candidate for city attorney.”
“You need someone in this position who really knows the town, where the town came from, and where it’s going. You need someone who's willing to fight and fight hard to make sure that every life in Cape Van Buren is better for having lived here.”
“And you think you can do that?” Clint Fenwick asked with a look of disbelief.
Mitch had to hold back his own belief on how Fenwick ever got elected to a city council seat in the first place. He knew the man meant well, but his judgments often lacked compassion and were fueled by his personal moral code rather than the laws set by the council.
Pulling back his shoulders, he pressed on. “I know I am the one to do it. I've lived here my whole life, I’ve seen the good and the bad—hell, we all know I’ve been a part of both.”
“That’s an understatement.”
Mitch let the sotto voce statement slip by. “And I've been working diligently the past few years to help turn around what has not been working.”
From the council, “Such as?”
“As you know, I helped secure the easement for the Cape, and I continue to work to make sure the conservation center is set up properly to serve the people of our town. It’s an organization that will continue to give back for years to come.”
“Easy to do when you’re best buds with the owner, is it not?” Judge Carter pushed.
“Or some might say even more difficult. Ryker Van Buren knows all of my faults, yet he still knew I was the best man for the job. He wouldn't trust the center in anyone else's hands. For any of you who know Ryker, you know that says a lot right there.”
The board members looked at one another in silent consideration and then back to Mitch.
“I’ve also been working along the outskirts of town with the housing projects to make sure that our special housing units meet all safety requirements, and I've been holding the landlords to their responsibilities.”
“That’s not an easy feat,” George Carter piped up. “We've had a hard time with that for years.”
Mitch nodded. “We have. But it’s taken more than trying. I’ve physically put myself in front of them with documentation and support from local law enforcement relentlessly. It's important for everyone in our town to have a safe, clean place to lay their head.”
“What do you have to say about putting someone at the head of our city attorney position who isn't necessarily known for being a family man?”
Mitch gritted his teeth but kept a serene, neutral face. “Being a family man means more than having a wife and children. My family extends well beyond the walls of my home and includes everyone in our town, Judge Carter. Doesn’t yours? You’re my family. Fenwick, even you’re my family, and we don’t even like each other.”
That got a chuckle from the members and an accepting, good-natured scowl from Clint. At least that was something.
“I’ve always taken care of my sister and my mother. Janice Brennan would never have accepted anything less. Not to mention Maxine Van Buren.”
Judge Carter laughed. “You wouldn't dare not to.”
Mitch dipped his chin. “That may be true. The rest of my skills, experience, and abilities speak for themselves. You’ll find it all in my portfolio.” His heart slammed in his chest as he tried to read the expressions on their faces. He couldn't imagine being passed up for this opportunity. This was what he needed to be doing. This was what would give him fulfillment, make him feel like he was truly a part of something bigger than himself, and really allow him to positively touch the lives of each citizen in their t
own.
“Well...” Judge Carter straightened the stack of papers in front of him. “I think we have all we need for now. We’ll be considering a few more candidates, narrowing the selection down to two and then calling those chosen in for another, more detailed interview. Just the fact that you got this far is an achievement in and of itself, Mr. Brennan.”
Mitch forced back the disappointment crawling up his throat. That’s what people said to soften the blow of the word no. “I’m the right candidate,” he reiterated, standing before them and tapping his finger on the table. “If this council truly knows what they're doing, you will see that already.”
As he let himself out of the courthouse, he resisted the urge to go to Claire and tell her everything. He had to stand on his own with this. As he forced his feet to take steps away from where they wanted to go, he acknowledged the physical pain it caused and pushed on.
Though the process of getting the position of city attorney seemed to be one of the hardest things he'd ever done, staying away from Claire might well be impossible.
* * *
Claire braced herself and stared at Larkin and Blayne. “I don't care what Maxine says.”
Blayne scoffed. “Until she refuses to let you consume any more moonshine.” She snapped her fingers.
“No.” Claire shook her head. “I'm serious. I am over this ridiculous feud. The Van Buren art festival and the people of this town are more important than any argument between two sisters that happened so long ago people have forgotten what happened at all.”
Larkin piped up. “Me, too. I expect all of you out at the Cape to help with our upcoming Coast Week event. No excuses.”
Claire looked around the Fountain of Youth stage and nodded. The early afternoon sun shone onto the stage, offering a welcoming glow. The temperatures were beginning to fall, getting ready for October, but remained pretty comfortable most days.
She had refreshments catered from both the Flat Iron coffeehouse and North Cove Confectionery, giving an enticing array of pastries and coffee and tea and scones. The comforting aroma alone had already attracted a few people she had to turn away because they weren't part of their meeting.
Larkin picked up a scone and took a bite, talking while she chewed. “You’re very brave. I'll give you that.”
“I'm brave?” Claire teased. “You about ran a man out of his home and off his lands.” Larkin's telltale blush infused her skin a bright red.
“Yeah, well, facing down Ryker is one thing, facing down Maxine Van Buren is another.” Claire threw her hands up in welcome as Shelly Anne Mills ascended the steps to the stage with her wisdom.
“Well, the past few weeks have proven to me that I am little-by-little not caring so much about what other people think.”
Blayne whistled. “A lesson taken straight out of Maxine’s own book on life. But, wow, look who's gotten her feisty back!”
Claire grabbed the hands of her best friends, so thankful that they had come into her life. “Thanks to this town and you ladies, I have turned my life around. When you guys first approached me, I was still hiding behind a fortress of anger. And that anger was blocking all of my creativity, making me miss out on the things I really love in life.”
Larkin smiled. “You’re a huge reason I was able to move on, too, and in ensuring that the Center is becoming such a big success.”
Blayne sniffed and gave a dismissive wave to her friends. “Enough! What are we doing here, Claire? And you better have a good explanation because here comes Maxine.”
Maxine followed the path toward the Fountain of Youth, eyeing one of the South Cove Madams, Patrice, the grandmother of the man who owned Dine on the Vine. With a sniff, she lifted her nose in the air as she passed, making Shelly Ann laugh.
“Woman, you’re such a character. Poor Patrice has no chance standing against you.”
Larkin laughed. “Who does? But she loves the people of this town more than anyone else, doesn't she?”
Shelly Anne nodded. “That she does. She has a wicked fine heart.”
Maxine and Patrice took the stairs in an awkward stop-start motion. Pretty soon Janice and Evette followed along with the comedy club owner's sister, Kit Fasbender, and Althea Manis, one of the two sisters from ETA, Entertainment and Travel Agency.
Maxine tapped her foot, giving Claire a playful glare. “You better have a good explanation for this.”
She channeled her inner Mitch and gave all the ladies her most haughty stare. “Oh, I have a good explanation, and that explanation is we have the fall art festival next week and need to pool our resources and work together to make this a huge hit. This town is more important than any ridiculous feud or competition that you ladies have. This one isn't about North versus South, this one is about Cape Van Buren and raising money for our children.”
“Has your program been approved yet?” Evette asked.
Claire's chest responded with a trembling squeeze. Mitch wouldn’t let her or the town down.
Would he?
“No, not yet, but it's just a matter of time. I’m sure of it,” she said.
Maxine picked up a pastry from the Confectionery, earning a big grin from Evette. “Well, better not be too much time—we only have a week left.”
“We’re all only too aware,” Blayne said.
Claire invited everyone to grab a bite to eat and take a seat. “Look, I called you all here today because I think that we can make this the best event ever. It won't end the friendly...” she rolled her eyes “...fun competition that we’ve always had, but this event is different.”
“Different how?” Janice probed.
“Because this one is for the children of Cape Van Buren. This event will launch all the various programs, and this is our chance to really help make a difference in their lives, to fill a void or offer guidance when they may not always get it at home.”
Kit from the comedy club spoke up. “No offense, and I sincerely don't mean this to be rude, but you aren’t a parent. How do you think it will be looked upon if the kids are getting advice from someone who doesn't have any of their own?”
The familiar pain and loneliness squeezed Claire's chest. All she ever wanted was a child and a family. Well, this was her way to have that. She thought of how best to answer but was saved by Janice and her nose for news.
“I was under the impression the event and your program were coming along just fine.” Janice sipped her Flat Iron coffee, avoiding eye contact with Evette.
Claire took a stack of papers and handed them out to each lady. “If you take a look at this, you'll see that we are well on our way. But I want to take this a step further, and it requires the organization and logistics of the South Cove with the creativity and fun of the North Cove to make it happen.”
“The South Cove Madams are fun. What are you talking about?” Shelly Anne frowned.
Maxine whistled. “Shelly Anne, you may be the fun exception. I’ve partied with you a time or two in our youth.”
Shelly Anne held her gaze for a moment. “You sure did. Boy, did we have a good time.”
“Did? We still do. You’ve also been there for me during some really rough times, too.” Maxine rolled her eyes. “Now look what you’ve done, getting me all sentimental.”
“We’re all family in this town. That’s what we do.” This from Janice.
Claire finished passing out her itemized list of exactly what needed to be done. “So, you guys will do it then? We’ll work together, no problems?”
Patrice shook her head. “No way. I’ve worked with Maxine before—she gets bossy.” Her voice was quiet but firm.
Claire wanted to laugh, these ladies were so amazing and a pain in the ass all at the same time.
“That's because I know how to get things done,” Maxine replied.
“I've never seen my son jump so high as when Maxine Van Buren asks him to do something,” Janice said.
“Well, that's because Mitch's a smart boy.”
“Speaking of
Mitch,” Althea from ETA interjected. “Did I see you and Mitch out in South Cove Park a few weeks ago, Claire?”
All eyes turned to Claire, and she felt her tenuous hold of control slither through her fingers like the sands out on the beach.
Attempting to change the subject, she clapped her hands together in feigned excitement, which deep down was much more like panic and a need for diversion. “Maxine you never told us how your date went with the judge?”
That did the trick. Maxine's fingers fluttered a bit as if unsure where to settle. “Oh, it was fine.”
Shelly Anne sipped from her coffee cup. “It was more than fine. I thought I was going to have to make a no PDA announcement in the coffeehouse from the way they were carrying on.”
Maxine preened with an air of sophistication. “You had to do nothing of the sort.”
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a baby moose tripped up the steps, running straight to Evette. She let out a small cry of shock, as did most of the other ladies, startling the calf and making it rear back on its tiny legs, take a sharp turn, and then run straight into the table.
Pastries went flying, and Shelly Anne’s coffee carafe tipped precariously close to the edge. Maxine jumped to catch it at the same moment Shelly Anne did, and the two women tangled into a crumpled heap.
Kit and Janice tried to get out of the way and ended up tipping over their chairs. The papers that Claire had passed out twirled about like confetti from the commotion, and all she could do was laugh.
Blayne and Larkin looked from her to the mess around them and joined in.
As the excitement settled, Claire held her stomach, aching from laughing so hard. “What in the world just happened?”
The baby moose went back to Evette and leaned into her legs. She patted its head, cooing softly to soothe its poor nerves. “I came across this little fella on a hike through the Cape woods the other day. His mamma had died, and I have a bad feeling that he imprinted on me.”
Claire's heart swelled with tenderness, and she couldn’t resist petting his sweet face. “Oh, my gosh, what a little cutie.”