Shattered Dreams

by Loyd, Sandy

  Jason’s concern amused her. He was trying so hard to keep his attraction hidden, but she saw right through the attempt. No one could miss his reaction in the kitchen earlier, and again when she’d sat on his lap. She had to admit that it felt damn good to be the one inciting a little lust. Though she knew Jason found her attractive, this—whatever it was—went deeper. She felt Jason saw her essence, and the total woman of who she was attracted him.

  “I gather you’re talking about something long term?”

  He nodded.

  “I’m not entirely sure you’re ready for that.”

  He stiffened. When the contour of his jaw hardened, she sighed, reached for his hand, and squeezed.

  “You don’t have all the answers to my problems. And I don’t have a crystal ball. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to hold myself back from something I want because someone may think he knows what’s best for me.”

  His narrowed gaze snared hers as he silently studied her. “Let’s talk about Snyder’s phone call.”

  Claire laughed, not fooled one bit by his evasive tactic. “Okay.” She could drop the subject. For now. “What about Snyder’s phone call?”

  “I’m trying to figure out why he thinks the body could be Carl’s.”

  “It’s not Carl. I don’t know why I’m so worried. He was very much alive when I left him.”

  “Tell me about that visit.”

  “Not much to tell.” Claire lifted her shoulders in a careless shrug. “I read him the riot act. Said I wanted a divorce, and it would be handled my way or he’d be left with nothing. The man had the nerve to try and charm me out of my decision.”

  She stabbed more forcefully at her salad. Just remembering the way he’d come on to her, using sex to try to coax her into changing her mind, enraged her. Carl actually thought he could kiss her into submission. She sighed heavily. And why would he think differently when it had worked so well before?

  Thankfully, the only reaction she’d had while in his presence had been seething rage. With hate surging through her system, she’d laughed in his face before storming out of the room, secure in the knowledge that Carl and his virile charm held no more influence over her. That memory brought a smile to her face as she answered Jason’s questioning stare.

  “I haven’t seen Carl since I visited his hotel room. A few days later, he stopped by the house to pick up some clothes and boxes I left on the stoop. At least, I assume he did.”

  She paused while the waiter interrupted to clear their salad dishes. When he left, she continued speaking.

  “I wasn’t there, and by the time I got home, the boxes were gone.”

  “I wonder who checked him in.”

  “Crystal.”

  “It wasn’t her.”

  She laughed. “You can’t believe that.”

  “I do,” he said.

  Her jaw dropped. “Excuse me, but wasn’t it Jason Roberts who came storming into my house shouting about Crystal’s involvement? How can you sit there and tell me so firmly I’m wrong? They were having an affair.” She strived to keep the impatience out of her tone, but she couldn’t help her snort of disgust before adding, “Crystal gave me evidence.”

  She broke off when their waiter entered her line of sight, carrying a large tray and folding table.

  “Crystal wasn’t having an affair with Carl.” Jason’s resolute voice interrupted her thoughts long after the waiter had retreated.

  His certainty sowed a seed of doubt and caused her to search his eyes for answers. Seeing that unyielding expression only increased her reservations.

  “What?”

  Jason frowned. “He was seeing someone else.”

  She stopped chewing and put down her fork. Her gaze moved to her wineglass as she played with the paper napkin while blinking back the tears that threatened.

  “Who?” she asked, once she felt more composed.

  “My soon-to-be ex.” He sighed. “I don’t think Crystal ever slept with Carl.”

  “That doesn’t make sense.” Her voice trailed off as her mind whirled. “She showed me proof. Pictures . . . receipts.”

  “Your sister’s a bit unconventional in her thinking.” He chuckled and lifted his wineglass to his lips for another sip before returning to his meal.

  His meaning sank in, and she mentally shook off the definite understatement. For as long as she could remember, Crystal had been unconventional. She also knew her twin’s behavior played a big part in why Claire stayed so passive. If Crystal’s wild actions generated attention, Claire garnered that same attention by remaining sane and serene.

  “Care to fill me in?” she asked, once she realized Jason wasn’t offering any explanation.

  “It seems she was trying to save me and my children some grief.” He spent the next few minutes giving her an update on Crystal’s involvement. “An unconventional as well as effective way of handling things, I’d say,” he said, ending his story.

  “She drugged him and took the photos?” When Jason nodded, she snorted. “I’ll bet that’s where he got the idea to drug me. Carl never had a creative thought in his life if it didn’t involve sex or spending money.”

  And he’d known he was on borrowed time, she added silently. During their last argument, she’d meant every word she said. Either he shaped up and acted like a husband, or he’d find himself out the door. Crystal’s evidence had given her the resolve.

  Claire released a long, slow breath. “I’m losing my appetite talking about Carl. Let’s talk about something else.”

  “Okay.” Jason grinned. “Can’t have that.”

  Claire ignored the burst of heat his smile generated and concentrated on finishing her meal. She pushed out all thoughts of having those lips moving over her body. There would be plenty of time for that later.

  Still, she wished the current of electricity that zinged her every time he got within a few feet of her would slow down. The pop and sizzle running throughout her system wouldn’t let her relax. The man affected her too much.

  “It’s a beautiful evening,” Claire murmured after the waiter handed Jason the charge slip.

  A brisk breeze blew through her hair. She tucked errant strands behind her ear and looked at the horizon. Billowy clouds floated in the deep, blue sky, but the usual afternoon thunderstorms hadn’t materialized.

  “Perfect sailing weather,” she added.

  Jason rose after signing the bill. “Want to go out?”

  She couldn’t contain the laugh that sprang forth. “You have to ask?”

  “My kind of lady.” He grabbed her hand. “Come on. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be with on a Friday night sail.”

  Chapter 23

  Crystal opened the door and noticed the cowboy boots first because she happened to be glancing down. Her gaze traveled from the boots to the faded-jean-clad legs, up the long, sinewy torso until it hit his face as he stood leaning a shoulder against the doorjamb.

  “Hey, Red.”

  She swallowed hard. The man shouldn’t be allowed on the loose, she thought, peering into those incredible brown bedroom eyes that always reminded her of decadent chocolate. Unfortunately, like any vice, after one taste of what Jim O’Malley offered, she knew from experience every bit of her resistance would vanish on the spot.

  No! Don’t even go there. Her spine stiffened, along with her resolve.

  “Jimbo,” she said, acknowledging him with a slight nod. “How’d you get past security?”

  “You really have to ask?”

  “Okay. Stupid question. Here’s another. Why are you here?”

  She eyed him cautiously for a moment, ignoring his sexy half smile. When he didn’t say anything, her eyebrows shot up.

  “Especially when, how did you phrase it? That you’d never be caught dead stepping over my threshold again?”

  He winced and then grinned in a way that always grabbed her insides. “You got a minute?”

  “Why? So you can insult me some more?” She practical
ly sneered the words, using irritation to keep from succumbing to his sexy smile.

  “My apologies. Seems I got carried away.”

  Crystal steeled herself against the seductive quality of his voice. How did he do it? Sound so sexy with that lazy drawl of his gliding down her spine and back up again before wrapping around her ears? It wasn’t enough that his eyes and grin fired overloaded signals to her brain with torpedo-like precision. She certainly didn’t need sounds aiding in the process. She knew from experience he delivered exactly what his provocative drawl promised.

  “Okay. You’ve apologized. Apology accepted.” She moved to close the door, but his blocking hand deprived her of the satisfaction of slamming it in his face.

  “That’s not all I have to say.”

  “Maybe. But that’s all I want to hear.”

  “Look, can you just give me a minute?”

  “I’m busy.” She turned again, ready to shut him out of her life for good this time, but she stopped in mid-step when he said, “Please?”

  She wasn’t quite sure she heard correctly. It was so unlike Jimbo to beg. Sighing, she pulled the door wide and stood aside.

  For a tall, lanky man who seemed all legs and arms, he could certainly move gracefully, she noted while watching him saunter inside and close the door behind himself. He still looked like a walking sexual fantasy—hers—and that was what she wished she could ignore.

  Apparently, a few months hadn’t dulled the memory enough.

  Since he now stood in her living room, it was all she could do to stop herself from tackling him and seeing if he still had all the right moves. The idea had merit, she thought as he raked a hand through his hair. That move only highlighted a bulging bicep under a rolled shirtsleeve, eliciting more thoughts of those long, talented fingers roaming over her body.

  “What do you want?” She crossed her arms and flashed full annoyance with her glare, though she was more annoyed with herself than him for entertaining such crazy thoughts.

  “Can we sit?”

  “No!”

  “You’re not going to make this easy, are you, Red?”

  “What do you want?” she asked in a louder voice, making a stronger attempt to block out sensations still rolling over her at the seductive sound of his drawl.

  He’d never know how sexy she found him, how much she craved his touch. She wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction or add to his ego.

  She inhaled deeply and was assaulted on another front . . . his scent, spicy aftershave mixed with a bit of sweat. So totally Jimbo, and all the more enticing.

  “Well, darlin’, you haven’t changed. Still prickly.”

  “Your point?”

  “My point? Simple. I want you.”

  “You’re out of your freaking mind,” she half shouted.

  Her mouth dropped open and she could only stare in disbelief. He wasn’t serious? There was no way in hell he’d ever get close enough to hurt her again.

  Jimbo reached out and slipped a hand around the back of her neck, and though she saw it coming—and had plenty of time to step back—she didn’t. Hating herself for her weakness, she stood mesmerized, enjoying the rough texture of his calloused fingers as they rubbed against her neck. When she didn’t resist, he tugged her closer until their mouths were a heartbeat apart.

  She fought the sensations building, and though she knew she should, she still didn’t pull away.

  “Am I?” he said on a sigh. His lips dropped lower, brushing hers with just the slightest touch.

  Crystal closed her eyes, unable to breathe. Unable to think. Unable to do anything but feel the warmth of his exhales. She yearned to wrap her arms around him and close the remaining fraction of an inch between them.

  His mouth moved back and forth, barely grazing hers as more heat shot through her system. When his lips traveled across her chin, nipping a path along her jaw, she dug for every ounce of control she could muster to remain still and not respond. But her fingers itched to roam over all the contours of that craggy body and feel all that power.

  “I guess I am out of my freakin’ mind, ’cause this has been on it for weeks,” he whispered as he nibbled and sucked on her earlobe.

  She melted. God help her, she was caving . . . fast. Why not? He knew all of her hot spots. Knew how to use that mouth of his. And his hands? He definitely knew how to use them.

  One time. What could it hurt? It was only sex, and no one made love like him. No one.

  Jimbo might have hurt her with his accusations, but she’d survived, even proved she could live without him. She could do it again.

  Her arms slipped around his neck, and she positioned his head to take advantage of those lips. When she felt his hands start their lazy slide up and down her body, she couldn’t stop her murmur of pleasure.

  “Damn, I’ve missed you, Red. I’ve missed this,” he whispered into her mouth before pushing her against the door and stepping into her.

  Her only answer when his firm erection nestled in that perfect spot was a loud moan. At that point, Crystal gave up the fight and fully responded to his hot mouth, the one now kissing her neck and moving toward her breasts. Her hands flew to his arousal, and she stroked the hardness beneath the soft denim.

  She smiled inwardly when he jerked and grew even larger under her touch. Never in her life had anyone excited her the way he did. But excitement was only half the equation. Excitement always led to the most incredible orgasms. The cowboy always seemed to know how to keep the excitement alive to that very moment when everything spun out of control.

  Just as he was doing now.

  Slowly they sank to the floor without breaking contact. The exquisite torture went on and on while he continued using hands, mouth, and tongue to hold her in that place of suspended pleasure. But now she wanted more. Craved more. And she would allow herself more.

  She quickly unzipped his jeans and pushed material out of the way. He’d already relieved her of shorts and underwear, so it was an easy task to position herself to take all of him.

  Ah . . . God, he felt so good sliding into her, she had to admit as her mind slowly emptied of everything but sensation. She’d missed this too.

  In a flash, he was pumping, keeping to a steady, exquisite rhythm. He increased the tempo, his strokes going deeper, penetrating her entire being, until the burst of pleasure, one she hadn’t experienced since the last time she’d made love with him, exploded inside her.

  When reality flooded back into Crystal’s consciousness, her eyes finally focused. He lifted himself on his forearms and she tried to sit up.

  Spying Jimbo’s well-worn jeans shoved as far down as possible, held in place by those hideous cowboy boots, she laughed. Her laughter hid her twinge of regret born out of an influx of unwanted emotion.

  Why had she allowed him to push her into this?

  As her gaze roamed up the rest of him, she sighed. Okay. Despite those god-awful boots, he was hard to resist. Just looking at the way those muscles bunched when his arm went around her middle sent waves of awareness through her.

  Then he flexed inside her, drawing her attention to his face. “Keep looking at me like that and I’ll be ready for another round.”

  “Get off of me, you oaf,” she snapped, trying unsuccessfully to shove him away.

  The lean appearance was misleading. Jimbo was rock solid and he wouldn’t budge. Irritation ran heavy inside her.

  “Why do you wear those goddamned boots?” If she could focus on that, she could hold on to her anger. Anger was the only thing that could protect her heart from his onslaught.

  “I like my boots.” He flashed that lazy grin, melting her insides before kissing her neck, totally unconcerned about how silly he appeared with pants and boots meeting at his ankles. “The ladies in Texas think they’re sexy.”

  “Well, you’re not in Texas anymore, Toto. This is Florida, and it’s ninety fricking degrees outside, not to mention ninety percent humidity.”

  “It’s hot in Texa
s.”

  He reached for her and nuzzled, using his tongue and lips creatively, banishing all thought of boots from her brain. Then in a quick move, he pulled out of her, bent to take off the boots, and kicked at his pants.

  “But if you don’t like them, it’s an easy problem to fix.”

  Once naked from the waist down, he leaned back over her. His heated gaze said he meant to continue with lovemaking. Before losing all common sense, Crystal tilted away, moving her head sideways to avoid his lips while glaring at him.

  “Not so fast, hotshot. What makes you think you can waltz into my place and pick up where you left off?”

  Jimbo’s quick hand stopped her retreat, holding her firmly in place. Then his mouth brushed hers, halting an inch above.

  “I’m here, aren’t I?” he murmured just before he nipped at her bottom lip, softly sucking. “And this means there’s still something between us.”

  No . . . no . . . no! her mind shouted. Don’t let him kiss you like that.

  Sensation after sensation slammed into her as he entered her again.

  She moaned into his mouth, fighting the feelings. This wasn’t happening. Though she wanted to give in and lose herself in the moment, she couldn’t forget the past or how he’d hurt her.

  “I don’t think so,” she whispered after finally managing to break the kiss.

  “No thinking,” he ordered softly, finding her lips again.

  This time Jimbo plundered and pillaged, giving her no room to back down, and forcing her to heed his tender command. His full arousal stroked her insides.

  Moaning because she couldn’t contain the pleasure, Crystal caved again and lost herself in the sensations.

  Later. Regrets would come later. Much, much later.

  Chapter 24

  Jason jumped on board the Seawind and turned to help Claire.

  “I wish I knew we were going sailing,” she said. “I’m not really dressed for this.”

  “I’ve got something to change into if you want.” Jason nodded at the stairs. “I’m changing.”