by Lori Foster
He didn’t know how she did, but as usual she’d rolled with the punches.
She stood on the side door stoop, him in the grass, and it aligned them a little more evenly. She only had to lean up a little, her breasts brushing his chest, to lightly kiss his mouth.
Very softly, she said, “I’d like to take care of this door now. Okay?”
“Sounds good to me.” Repairs were one way to help her cope.
He got that. There was something very satisfying about swinging a hammer, driving a nail. Being engaged both physically and mentally with a project. He often worked off frustration in the barn, building and repairing.
Since Honor had moved in, he’d found a much better way to expend energy.
Honor looked at the door, perplexed. “How do we get it out of there?”
“We’re on the wrong side, for one thing.” He kept her close with a hand on her slim hip. “The hinges are on the inside.”
A wry smile twisted her mouth. “Guess I should have realized that.”
“I’ll show you.” With any luck, he’d get a lifetime to teach her everything he knew about carpentry. “Let me change clothes and we’ll get to it.”
“Together.”
She said that as if just understanding the possibility of such a thing. Her new acceptance further lightened Jason’s mood while also sharpening his determination to get there sooner. “You and me,” he agreed. “Together.”
* * *
For the most part, Honor tried to ignore the fact of the money now sitting in her account. She knew it was there, felt the weight of the reality in her heart, but it still seemed surreal. When she thought of the financial boost, it was of what she’d lost, not of what she’d gained.
Pretending it wasn’t there seemed the most expedient way to regain some normalcy.
Except that she no longer knew what “normal” looked like.
So much of her time had centered on taking care of her granddad that free time now felt like an additional burden. No matter how busy she stayed, and she tried to stay really busy, she still felt at loose ends. The second things got quiet, she found herself listening for the phone to ring, or subconsciously making plans to visit the facility. Once or twice she’d even considered reaching out to her random, slightly insane, always antagonistic relatives just to fill the emotional void. Unfortunately their feelings over the loss were so disparate she knew she wouldn’t find any consolation there.
She also considered leaning on Lexie. But God love her, Lexie had already been there for her, in every way imaginable, through so much. This grief, this new adjustment, felt like something she had to battle on her own.
“You look lost in thought.”
Honor smiled at Jason. “Maybe just a little.” She finished washing the coffee carafe.
Behind her, Jason looped his arms around her and put small but heated kisses on the back of her neck. Near her ear, he asked softly, “Want to talk?”
For so many reasons, she cherished every minute with Jason, but mornings were extra special. His attention provided insulation against the bad thoughts and feelings. When he kissed her, especially when he touched her, all she felt was warmth and excitement.
“I’m fine,” she lied, because dwelling on sadness definitely didn’t help. Today they’d join the neighborhood by the creek for games and food and...fun. The concept felt so foreign that it made her hesitant. But she was determined to embrace the opportunity. Jason looked forward to it, so she wouldn’t bring him down.
“You’re sexy,” he countered, his hands opening on her, one low on her stomach, the other just under her breast. “Unfortunately I can’t do anything about it right now. Hogan’s going to need a hand setting up the grills.” His hands gently caressed but didn’t wander. “I’ll be back in an hour so we can head to the creek together.”
“I’ll be ready.”
He turned her, slid both hands into her loose hair and turned up her face.
Jason never seemed to mind when she was morning-rumpled. In fact, he was his most affectionate in the mornings, as he showed her now by nuzzling her throat, teasing her ear and then putting his mouth softly over hers for a brief but stirring kiss.
His forehead to hers, he said, “If at any time you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, let me know and we’ll leave.”
She would never do that. “I’m looking forward to it.” Another lie—and she could tell Jason knew it.
Gaze heated, brows angled in worry, he slid his thumb over her bottom lip and chose to let it go. “Wear something old, bring a towel and don’t forget your sunscreen.”
With one more kiss, he turned and left her.
Honor realized that her toes were curled, her heart raced...and she’d once again forgotten about her grief.
Jason could be the cure to melancholy. If she could bottle him she’d make a fortune.
She’d grown so fond of him, of his family. Colt had a permanent place in her heart, and Hogan would always have her respect.
When Hogan had asked her about joining them for a day of volleyball and picnicking, he surely hadn’t realized what an aberration it would be for her.
That he’d been thinking of her, that he’d insisted on including her, meant so much. The entire day ahead would be consumed with volleyball and barbecuing, games and...friends. Real friends who cared for her. She knew that because she felt their caring in so many ways.
Things she once would have equated with pity she now recognized as understanding, commiseration, protectiveness and defense.
The same things she’d often tried to give to her grandfather.
Because she loved him.
The morning sun spilled through every window as she packed a few supplies...or more like overpacked too many supplies. Her largest tote now overflowed.
As usual, when Jason returned, he tapped at the front door before opening it. From the kitchen table, Honor saw him lean in.
She loved that they’d moved past the formality of him being a guest. Although he hadn’t quite moved in—that wouldn’t make sense with his own house right next door—he did go back and forth with ease.
“Come on in,” she said. “I’m almost ready.” Finally she’d get to check out the creek. They didn’t need to drive; they’d take the trail from the farthest part of Jason’s backyard, making use of his wooden footbridge to get to the other side.
“Would you mind coming to my barn with me for a minute first?” His warm, lazy smile piqued her curiosity, especially when he added, “I want to show you something.”
Intrigued, Honor tucked her sunglasses into the tote bag, smoothed a few wayward wisps of hair back into her ponytail and joined him.
He relieved her of the bag, then laced his fingers in hers, leading her from the porch.
“Did you build something new?” She loved seeing his various creations. Each piece was unique, always beautiful and extremely sturdy. From bookcases to benches, playground equipment to gazebos, Jason never failed to surprise her with his talent.
That he also repaired everything from toasters to trucks was truly amazing, and a testament to his skill.
As they crossed the recently mowed grass, he said, “Something new, but not anything complicated.”
She breathed in the smells of clean air, dewy wet grass and...Jason. Fresh from a shower, his hair still damp, he smelled delicious.
But then, she loved his scent always. Mornings were now her favorite because she could snuggle against his chest and breathe in the warmth of his skin.
But then right after sex his scent was almost intoxicating. And while falling asleep, it soothed her better than any drug could.
She put her head against his shoulder and smiled.
Glancing down at her, Jason asked, “You’re quiet again. What are you thinking?”
“How yummy you always smell.”
Bemused, he grinned at her. “Yummy, huh?”
“Mmm. Always.”
He stopped in the middle of the yard for an
other stirring kiss. She felt the sun warming her back, a gentle breeze moving her hair, and she felt Jason, big, strong, rock-steady and consuming.
He was shirtless—no surprise there—and she absorbed the heat of his skin, the softness of his chest hair.
And that scent...
“Ahem.”
Honor jumped back and saw Colt, wearing a rascal’s grin, walk past them with an enormous cooler. Diesel bounded behind him, contained on a leash.
Hands to her face, Honor groaned.
Unconcerned, Jason pulled down her hands and put them back on his shoulders. “He was only teasing, honey. No reason to turn so red.”
“He saw us.” Whenever she’d dared to dream about finding the right guy at the right time and getting involved, not once had she considered his family being so close by, or that she’d get busted so often. “You make me forget...” Everything. “...where I’m at.”
“I’m glad.” He pulled her to her tiptoes for one last smooch, making muscles flex and shift in his upper arms and shoulders. “Colt has seen worse on commercials, and he knows that I care for you, so don’t worry about it.”
Her heart tried to jump into her throat.
Still keeping her close, he added, “I’m the only one who hasn’t given you a housewarming gift.”
It took her brain a second to catch up to the topic switch. “You don’t owe me a gift.”
He shrugged those stunning shoulders. “It’s not about owing. It’s about wanting to share, though I think what I’m giving you is more of a welcoming present. I hope you like it.”
Still in his arms, Honor whispered with complete sincerity, “You make me feel welcome every night.”
His darkening gaze went to her mouth. “Keep thinking along those lines, and I’ll be making you feel welcome this morning, too.”
Oh, how he tempted her. But if they didn’t go, her newfound friends would think she’d chickened out, that she was home being maudlin, and she didn’t want that. Hugging him tight, Honor said, “You’re so tough to resist, but I’m looking forward to the activities today, too.”
“Huh.” Jason held her back, his gaze searching hers. “That almost sounded like the truth.”
“Because it is.” Now. Jason had a knack for stealing her concerns, and giving her new focus. “I promise.”
“Then let’s get to it.” He readjusted the tote and took her hand again.
Curious, Honor allowed him to lead her into the barn. Lined up in front of his truck, she saw sets of beautiful shutters. “Wow, did you do these? They’re gorgeous.”
“They aren’t painted yet. I was waiting to see what colors you wanted.”
She stopped midstep, speechless. This was his gift to her?
“I only did enough for the front windows because I wanted to see if you liked them first. If not, I can show you some different designs—”
“Oh, wow.”
Stepping between her and the shutters, Jason tilted his head, his expression curiously intent. “Oh, wow, good or bad?”
With her heart so full, it wasn’t easy to speak. She hugged herself, then breathed, “I love them.”
Satisfaction eased his stance, and he went back to explaining. “Your type of house would normally have paneled shutters, like the ones that rotted away. These are just a step up with the cutout pattern in the top—”
“Just...wow.”
He stopped talking and instead a grin cut across his face. “You really like them?”
Dazed, she moved forward and knelt in front of the shutters. Emotional, nearly reverent, she touched the smooth design of the cutout. “They’re like pieces of art. The wood is beautiful.”
“I actually wondered about that. If you like the idea, we could stain and seal them instead of painting them. I think the natural wood would go great with the color you chose for the house.”
She couldn’t imagine anything more amazing. “Yes.” That’s what she wanted.
“Great. Now that I know you like them, I’ll get started on making more for all the windows. Once I’m done we can pick out the stain.”
It was dimmer, cooler in the barn. Honor looked around, her chest tight with emotions so out of the ordinary they almost frightened her. She twisted to see Jason. “Where’s Hogan?”
“We went over earlier to set up two mammoth grills in the field. Hogan stayed to finish prepping his slow-cooked ribs. He got them mostly done here, but he’ll add more barbecue sauce and by the time we eat, he says, they’ll be perfect. You saw Colt leaving with Diesel.” He watched her. “We’re alone.”
Only the songs of birds and the rustling of leaves intruded. Her quickened breaths inside the barn brought the smells of sawdust, oil and earth. For an outbuilding where he worked, he kept it incredibly clean and organized. Even with the trucks and a boat inside, he had plenty of room to move.
After she quickly scoped out the interior of the barn, the craftsmanship of the shutters recaptured her fascination. Jason had made these for her.
“It’s so much work.” Tiny details showed in not only the design, but the construction. Jason, she knew, was a perfectionist. She looked up at him. “I should refuse, but I just can’t.”
“No, you can’t.” He crouched beside her on the balls of his feet, his strong thighs open, forearms resting across his knees, his hands hanging loosely. “It would insult me if you did.”
Lately it seemed the changes in her life came fast and furious, hitting her in ways she’d never expected.
She’d lost her grandfather, inherited a small fortune, made new friends...but Jason brought the biggest changes. For years now her granddad had been ill, slowly morphing into a stranger with only glimpses of recognition. She’d known his death was coming, and she’d prepared the best she could.
Never could she have prepared for Jason.
Before she’d even moved in, he strode into her life as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Each day was now as much about him as it was anything else, including her loss, her grief, her work or her house.
It was about him...with her.
And Jason hadn’t come alone. He’d brought with him family and friends, and they’d all become so important to her. For years, she’d struggled just to open herself up to Lexie. It went against her instinct to protect herself at all costs. Because of her steamroller attitude in life, Lexie was easy. She insisted on taking part and there was no stopping her.
But Jason was different from anyone she’d ever known.
She knew Lexie was in it for the long haul. Lexie knew her faults, the details of her background. Heck, she’d lived some of that background with her—and she’d persevered.
Would Jason?
Her thoughts caught in a whirlwind, Honor ran her fingertips over the very smooth wood. “These are so beautiful I’d like to hug them. But that seems ridiculously dumb, so...” Instead she threw herself against Jason.
Taken by surprise, he couldn’t brace for the impact and they both fell flat to the ground, Honor on his chest. She kissed his face everywhere, his brow, temple, nose and chin.
Laughing, Jason easily flipped her beneath him, protecting her head with one hand and closing the other over her hip. “We’ll both be dirty even before we get to the mud.”
“I don’t care.” She looped her arms around his neck and tried not to get turned on. “I don’t even know what to say. How do I thank you for such an incredible gift?”
“You already thanked me when you plowed me over.” Eyes warm and teasing, he readjusted to put one leg between hers. “Love your enthusiasm.”
Her breath caught. Hearing that particular word while he looked at her in that mysterious way sent her emotions into hyperdrive.
He braced on his forearms over her. “I know you can afford to buy new—”
“No.” She didn’t want to talk about that money. “These are new. And custom-made by you. They’re incredibly perfect.”
As if judging her sincerity, he studied her face, then trea
ted her to a small crooked smile. “I like seeing you happy.” Slowly adjusting his hips to hers, he turned her thoughts carnal. “It makes me hot.”
“You’re always hot,” she whispered back. “But I don’t mind. In fact, I’m thinking maybe we should—”
“Guess we’re interrupting,” Sullivan said from the open garage doors.
Lexie bobbed her eyebrows. “Ignore us. We’ll go on alone.” They moved out of sight.
Good grief, how did she keep getting caught in these predicaments? But she already knew. Jason would never be far from those he cared about, which meant privacy would exist only behind a closed door.
After she’d spent so much of her life alone, interruptions by friends and family were kind of nice. Embarrassing, but nice.
Groaning, Jason dropped his head to her shoulder, but straightened again and called out to Sullivan, “Wait for us. We’re ready.”
Lexie called back, “Take your time. We’re not in a hurry.”
Jason smiled down at Honor. “I want you to enjoy yourself today, but tonight, you’re all mine.”
Honor liked that idea more than she should have, but just as she didn’t allow herself to dwell on her inheritance, she didn’t want to daydream about commitment with Jason.
She’d lost too many people whom she cared about. She couldn’t lose him, too. So instead she’d concentrate on the immediate present—the fun, the camaraderie...and her oh-so-lovable neighbor.
15
SITTING IN THE shade of a huge tree, close enough to the creek to hear the gurgling of the water, Lexie watched as Honor lifted her arms and stretched.
“I’ve never had so much fun in my entire life.”
That was actually pretty sad, but still Lexie smiled. For days it had felt like she’d lost a piece of herself. Honor was present, and she said the right things, but Lexie wasn’t a dummy. She knew Honor too well for that.
She’d been shut out, and it had cut like a knife to the heart.
But today Honor had been more herself again. Lexie understood her struggle, maybe better than Honor herself did. “Tired?” They’d competed in games of mud volleyball, and now they were both covered.