by Loyd, Sandy
“I’m sorry if I upset you, ma’am,” Deputy Snyder said, adding as she started for the door, “I know this can’t be easy to hear, but I’d still like to ask a few questions.”
She was almost out of the room when he said to Jason, “Well, that went real smooth. See if you can get her back in here. As it stands now, there’s no proof that a crime has even been committed, and without her cooperation, my hands are tied.”
Once outside, Claire felt Jason’s presence behind her before he spoke.
“Are you sure you don’t want to tell me what’s going on? I promise you, I only want to help.”
Her fingers dug into her palms until the sharp pain registered. She inhaled and uncurled her fingers in an effort to relax.
“How can I tell you when I don’t know myself?”
“Then let’s go back inside and use the deputy to find out.”
“No.” She sighed. “I only want to go home.”
“Come on,” he said as he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward his car.
Claire obediently followed and slid into the front seat of his Mercedes after he opened the door. She stayed silent as he climbed in beside her, started the car, and backed out of the space. When he turned the opposite direction onto the main road, heading south away from Miami, she spoke up.
“I thought you were taking me to my car.”
“Not just yet.”
“I want to go home,” she said through clenched teeth.
Undeterred, he met her gaze. “When’s the last time you ate?”
“That’s hardly your concern. Now turn around.” She crossed her arms and jutted out her chin, refusing to let him take charge again.
“You’ll like this place,” he said, ignoring her protests and flashing that innocent, boyish grin she was becoming all too familiar with. “Antonio’s promises great food, as well as atmosphere. It’s worth the drive, especially when life’s overwhelming.”
In minutes, they turned into a parking lot hidden behind live oaks and lots of greenery. The restaurant, a liberal description, sported a large weathered deck hanging over the water. The place appeared to be fairly small and run-down, a local dive. Definitely not a tourist hangout.
Jason opened Claire’s car door and helped her out. Then he grabbed her hand, tugging her with him toward the entrance and giving her no option but to tag along.
Her annoyance at his taking over vanished the second she stepped inside as the scent of baked bread, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, and other spices assaulted her nostrils. A growling stomach knocked out the last of her resistance. It had been too long since she’d last eaten.
“Okay. I could be persuaded to eat,” she murmured. Dinner did seem like a good idea, but only because she was suddenly ravenous.
The overbearing man would soon learn she wasn’t about to bend on anything else.
Chapter 6
“What the hell are you thinking, screwing up our plans like /that?” The woman stormed into the hotel room, pushing past Carl Carter when he opened the door. “You are such a moron. You can’t even do one thing right. How could you be so stupid?”
“I did everything just like you told me, so if anyone’s stupid, it’s you.”
Carl shrugged nonchalantly, unconcerned with the enticing woman’s furious expression. He had his own agenda, and it didn’t include sharing anything with a controlling woman like her. Of course, that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy her while he waited for his plans to finalize.
Watching her, he smiled inwardly and licked his lips in anticipation. The woman’s anger quickened his pulse, and he felt a stirring in his groin. She had a hot temper, easily ignited. Screwing her when she was mad as hell always made for great sex.
“Why not advertise the fact that you drugged her?” Her voice held a sarcastic edge. She shook her head and all but snarled. “You were supposed to rinse out the flutes. How could you be so careless? Without proof, she’d have never known.”
“I was a little drunk at the time. And you picked me up. Why didn’t you remind me, or do it yourself?”
“Did it ever occur to you to ease off the champagne?” She started pacing.
Yep, Carl thought as he watched her wear a rut in the carpet. All that glorious hair and those thoroughbred legs. Hot sex. Primed and waiting, needing only a jump-start.
“You told me to make it look authentic.”
“Then why didn’t you?”
“I got carried away. Lost track of what I was doing. She can be as hot as you, babe.”
“Don’t give me any babe shit. This was the perfect way to make Claire suffer, and now it’s completely unraveling. They found the empty blood bag.”
The news stopped him short, and he swore under his breath. “It was careless of me not to stow it properly.” The bag had blown away during the ride back to the car. He damn sure didn’t think they’d find it this soon, though.
His grin was back as he shrugged off the mistake. “This was your idea, babe,” he goaded. He had his own strategy for making Claire suffer—one that was still intact. “If it’s messed up, I’m sure you’ll fix it.”
“You’re pathetic,” she snapped, her green eyes flashing pure rage. “Why do I put up with you?”
He stalked over to her, wrapped an arm around her neck, and jerked her forcefully to him. “You know why,” he ground out.
His lips weren’t gentle when they collided with hers as he used his mouth to still her outbursts. His busy hands weren’t gentle either, touching spots he knew would draw an immediate response. Instantly, she was all over him, and there was no finesse to her touch.
“I love it when you’re hot and bothered,” he whispered. He nipped at her ear, biting the lobe none too tenderly before he trailed hot kisses across her cheek.
Other than on the sailboat, Claire never got hot and bothered, and he’d put up with her long enough. To think she’d given him an ultimatum. His money had saved her company and enabled it to grow. He had no intention of settling for half.
The woman’s moan pulled him out of his thoughts, and he smiled before taking that gorgeous, pouting mouth once again. Only this time, his lips and tongue softened as they thoroughly kissed her, effectively sucking passion from her, increasing the intensity of her reaction.
Ah, yes, he thought. Primed and ready, and so was he.
“You think sex will solve this?” she asked when he released her lips.
Both were breathing heavily. As he looked into eyes that had changed from stormy anger to stormy fervor, his only answer was a slow, sensual smile. It was exactly what would shut her up.
“It’s what I’m good at,” he murmured before grinding his mouth against hers once more. When he moved into her heat and let her feel his erection, she moaned again, causing him to groan.
“And you have to admit. It’s a lot better than fighting.”
Chapter 7
“Jason!”
Claire glanced up as the pleasant voice added, “Where’ve you been hiding? You’ve been a stranger for too long.”
“Sophia.” Jason’s face lit with a welcoming smile when a large-boned woman wearing a chef’s apron took his outstretched hand. Her once jet-black hair was caught up in a neat bun, dulled with streaks of gray that were the first clue to her age.
Once she was closer, Claire noted deep laugh lines highlighting friendly brown eyes on a handsome older face. Time had muted the woman’s beauty, but her graceful bearing and warm smile negated the effects.
Jason turned to Claire and nodded. “This is Claire Carter. I figured she could use some good Italian cooking.”
“Any friend of Jason’s is a friend of ours,” Sophia said.
Claire’s earlier annoyance dissipated as Sophia took hold of her hand and pulled her into an exuberant embrace.
Keeping an arm around her shoulder, Sophia added while leading her into the room, “Come on in, we’ll fix you right up. Antonio’s been busy. Special today is angel hair pasta with shrimp and mussels.”
She stopped and grinned at Jason. “Would you like to eat inside or on the deck?”
• • •
An hour later, Claire sighed and stretched her legs, feeling replete after enjoying one of the most delicious feasts she’d ever eaten. All during the meal Jason had entertained her with stories of his boyhood, staying off the subject of Carl and his disappearance.
“How’d you find this place?” she asked.
“My parents own a second home about a mile away. I’ve been coming here since I was a boy.” Jason topped off her glass with red wine before emptying the remainder into his own glass. “It’s one of my favorite spots, especially on Mondays when it’s not too crowded. Sophia and Antonio don’t need tourists. Too many locals know about it, so it’s always packed.”
When they first sat down to eat, they were the only couple out on the deck. Now it was starting to fill, but she still noted plenty of vacant tables.
The breeze off the water made the typical hot and muggy South Florida evening more tolerable, although the sauna-like heat never bothered Claire. She lifted her face to the breeze, perfectly content to be outside and enjoy the magnificent view.
In the distance, Mother Nature flexed her power. Flashes of lightning burst from thunderclouds that had gathered near the horizon, as the sky darkened for endless moments before the sun came out of hiding. The effect of the light show was an impressive display of color from burnt orange to midnight blue as it changed from light to dark.
Claire picked up her wine, eyeing it thoughtfully before sipping. “It is nice.”
She didn’t want to admit that the pushy attorney had been right again. The quiet meal, complete with dazzling scenery and good conversation, had been something she’d desperately needed. Even the wine she normally didn’t drink went down easily.
Her gaze centered on Jason and she smiled. “How’d you know this would help?”
“I told you. It’s where I come when the world’s crashing down around me.”
She giggled and took another sip. “I don’t imagine that happens too often.”
“You’d be surprised,” he said softly.
They had a lot in common, she realized, thinking about the childhood he’d revealed during the course of their meal. Both came from stable families, third-generation Floridians, something of a rarity in a state whose population growth came mostly from transplants arriving from all parts of the globe, not just the eastern United States.
“Can I tempt you?” Sophia glided up to their table, pushing a cart laden with the most decadent desserts Claire had ever seen.
“I don’t know. I’m pretty full.” She groaned, shaking her head as she glanced at the older woman.
“Go on,” Sophia urged her. “It’s on the house.”
“You decide.” Jason laughed and stood. “I’ve got to visit the little boy’s room.”
Claire watched him leave and then grinned at Sophie, who was also watching him.
“It’s good to see him laughing. He’s like one of my own.” Her attention returned to Claire. “Now, what would you like? Jason’s little Amelia always has the chocolate mousse, although I have no idea where she puts it, and Chloe always has the tiramisu.”
“Amelia and Chloe?” she asked, her gaze narrowing.
“Jason’s daughters.”
“Jason has children?” She never imagined the imposing attorney as a dad. The thought that he was happily married with a family made her a little bit envious. She’d always wanted children. Now it looked as if she’d never have a family.
“They’re lovely girls, and usually in tow when he comes in. He’s always talking about passing something he loved from his childhood down to the younger generation. We’re only too happy to oblige.” Sophia nodded at the dessert cart. “Now, pick something out. Otherwise I’ll feel insulted.”
“Okay.” Claire shoved the negative thoughts away and pointed to a chocolate éclair. “I’ll have that, but only if Jason helps me eat it.”
“Good choice. Jason has a soft spot for éclairs.” Sophia placed the dessert on the table along with two forks. “Of course, he has a soft spot for anything sweet,” she said with a conspiratorial wink before she turned and pushed the cart in the direction Jason had disappeared.
A moment later, he sauntered toward the table, brandishing his usual boyish smile.
“I picked out an éclair,” Claire told him. “I hope you don’t mind. I love them.”
His eyes crinkled at the edges when his grin widened. He nodded and sat. “I like anything sweet.”
“That’s what Sophia said.”
Claire cut the éclair in two and started eating. Jason picked up a fork.
After a few bites, she added, “She also told me about your daughters.”
“Oh?” His eyebrows shot up, and he eyed her speculatively while he swallowed. “What exactly did she tell you?”
“I guess that means you’re married,” she said, ignoring his question.
“For the moment.”
“I wouldn’t have pegged you as a family man.”
Jason laughed. “I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not.”
“So, what’s a guy like you doing with Crystal? She’s not exactly kid friendly.”
“What do you think?”
Glancing at the bite on her fork, she shrugged. “I don’t know what to think. That’s why I asked.”
“Bullshit. I know precisely what you think.”
“Really?” She met his stare. “You can read my mind?”
“Don’t have to. Accusation’s written all over your face. Plus, you’ve been alluding to it since we met.” He snorted and shook his head. “You think I cheated on my wife and had an affair with your sister. Don’t you?”
His gaze resettled on hers, and she couldn’t stop the heat she felt stealing up her face at his accurate assumption. After all, married men tended to be Crystal’s specialty.
“Well?” she finally asked, unable to contain her curiosity after he resumed eating. “You’re not going to bother denying it?”
“No. Believe what you want. Besides, it’s really none of your business.”
“I’m sorry. I guess I deserved that,” she said softly, allowing a contrite expression to move over her face to replace the embarrassed one. “You’re right. It is none of my business, but I’d love to hear about your kids. Amelia and Chloe, right?” She meant the question as a peace offering, hoping to revert to their easy rapport before she’d opened her big mouth. When he nodded, she smiled. “How old are they?”
He observed Claire cautiously, as if weighing her sincerity. “Amelia’s turning ten in another month, and Chloe’s eight.”
“Where are they tonight? How come you’re cheering up a crazy person, instead of being home with your wife and kids?”
“The girls are with their mother this week.”
“This week?”
“Yeah. It’s part of the divorce agreement Crystal worked out.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
He swirled his wineglass, studying the contents. “It’s not my finest accomplishment, so I don’t bandy it about.”
“How long were you married?”
“Eleven long years,” he said with a sigh. His wistful gaze moved to a distant point. “I married Elise right out of law school. Was going to take on the world, ya know?” He snorted and took a sip of wine. “Of course the problem with dreams like that, once they crack, they shatter so easily. Nothing’s left but tiny shards of dreams. And even if you put the pieces together again, the original is distorted.”
Claire heard the regret in his voice and looked down at her fork, uncomfortable without knowing why.
“Enough of that. We’re not here to dissect my failures any more than we came to dissect your marriage.”
The teasing quality in his tone drew her attention to his face. The innocent grin plastered there had her grin reappearing.
“Yes.” She nodded slowly. “It’s better if we both st
ay off the subject of failure.”
With the check paid and no more reason for lingering, Claire allowed Jason to help her out of her chair. Watching him hug Sophia, she couldn’t dismiss that her relationship with Jason had begun changing during their meal. Though she still knew next to nothing about him and couldn’t forget his interesting connection with Crystal, something had altered the way she viewed the man.
Because his life wasn’t picture perfect, Jason now seemed more approachable, less intimidating. That made him all the more dangerous, as well as all the more attractive. Reason enough to stay far, far away from him. She did not need to be thinking such thoughts, not until she dealt with Carl.
They drove back to her car in comfortable silence. He pulled into the parking lot and eased into a spot close to her Lexus. Shifting into PARK, he turned to face her, his usual friendly grin overtaking his face.
The car suddenly seemed too confining, and Claire had an overwhelming urge to flee. Squelching the impulse, she extended a hand.
“Thank you for a very nice evening.”
“Friends?”
The request was too hard to deny, especially considering the way his engaging grin captivated her and held her gaze. Claire knew at that moment she had good cause for being careful around him.
She shook her head and barked out a burst of nervous laughter. “I guess we are friends.”
“Good. Then you should know I told Jim O’Malley to keep digging. I’m sticking with this until I have some better answers.”
Her smile died and her back stiffened. She eyed him warily. “Why?”
“You’re my friend, and I’m worried about you.”
“I appreciate the concern. But it’s unnecessary.” When she grabbed the door handle, he reached to open his door. Noticing his intent, Claire hurriedly said, “You don’t need to do that.” She jumped out, but he was quicker. “Jason. I’m quite all right. Really.”
Her protests hit deaf ears. She heaved a heavy sigh and walked with him to her car, where he held out his hand, clearly expecting her to hand over the key. Again she complied, knowing she had no choice. Once Jason Roberts put his mind to something, he was immovable.