They moved together, her every sound of pleasure reaching deep inside him as his own climax soon threatened. Bracing himself on his arms, he closed his eyes and held on to his slipping control. This girl took everything from him and he nearly lost it himself when she came.
“That’s it,” he said, burying his face in the crook of her neck. “God, I love making you come.”
Her skin was dewy and slick and he flicked his tongue over her throat. Sweet and hot.
“Jake!”
He knew she was climbing again. When she trembled beneath him, when she squeezed tight around him, he thrust three more times before they both went over the edge together.
Falling on her, he held on tight as he slammed his eyes shut. His head spun as his blood pounded in his ears. She’d pleased him before, with her hands and her mouth, but this? He felt like he’d lost consciousness there for a couple of seconds.
“That was…” she sighed.
She didn’t finish her sentence and he was damned if he could. He just withdrew and hug her closer. She’d wrung him out and he’d never felt so good.
He had no idea what came next but he had a few more weeks in Cypress. And the more time he could spend in Claire’s bed, the better.
Chapter 16
Claire had woken to an unfamiliar feeling Sunday morning. It wasn’t a bad one. Nope, not at all. It was the sensation of having a guy curled up against her in bed. She’d turned slightly, and found Jake’s eyes open as he regarded her with that sexy half-smile. And when his earring glinted in the light slanting in through her blinds she thought she’d never seen anything hotter. Or more dangerous.
She’d expected him to leave after the time in her bed, after the two times, actually. To her surprise he’d stayed the night. But in the morning with that easygoing smile? He’d been just too much to handle. So she’d made some sort of excuse and he’d taken her cue to leave her alone.
Now it was Monday and as she carried her pumpkin latte to the office she tried her best to assure that no one in would guess what she’d shared with Jake Saturday night.
Tammy walked up to her as she neared the doors to the Sales Center. “Hey, Claire. Happy Monday.”
Claire smiled. “How was your weekend?”
“Okay.” She held the door open for Claire, then walked through. “I was happy to get out of Cypress, though.”
“Why?”
Tammy quirked an eyebrow. “You weren’t here last year, Claire. Halloween can be downright scary.”
“Ah. All the kids.”
“Oh, yeah. I went to a costume party at a bar on the coast. It got a little wild. A lot of fun, though.”
Claire clicked her tongue. “You’ll never get any candy that way.”
“Liquor is quicker,” Tammy laughed. “Trust me on this.”
Claire went into her office, Tammy trailing behind her.
“So what did you do Saturday night?” she asked Claire.
“Manned the bowl for the trick-or-treaters.”
Tammy visibly shuddered. “Children.”
“You want children someday, don’t you?”
Tammy gave her a look of mock-horror. “Bite your tongue! I don’t plan on even thinking about kids for at least ten more years.”
“Old mom,” Claire teased.
“Not that old, girl. I’m only a couple of years older than you. Besides, are you looking to push a stroller?”
Claire tamped down the answer that wanted to spring forth. Yes, she wanted a child. And not in ten years. But with her job and with Cally, she didn’t stand a chance of putting things in order before that could happen.
“Someday,” was all she’d admit.
Tammy just shook her head. “I’m so not even thinking about it.” She glanced at her watch. “I have an appointment in thirty minutes and I have to prepare. Do you want to get lunch together today?”
Claire held up her tote, which held her tablet and her lunch bag. “Brought something.”
Tammy rolled her eyes dramatically. “Fine, fine. You brought something. I’ll see you later.”
“Yep.”
Claire set her things down and booted up her computer. She’d left everything in order on Friday afternoon, as usual, but she still scrolled through the more recent docs added to the active account folders. Inevitably, she came across the file she’d forwarded to herself after her meeting with Jake at the End Zone. And also inevitably, she thought about their pool games that night.
She’d liked kicking his ass, truth be told. He wasn’t a sore loser, either. Not to mention the way he’d watched her as she’d played the table. Now, after his confession Saturday night, she knew all the delicious things he’d been thinking during their pool game.
“Good morning, Claire.” Rick Chapman leaned into her office. “What’s up?”
The hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention. Turning slowly in her chair, she faced Jake’s brother. He wore a look of expectant smugness, if that could be a thing.
“Hi, Rick. Nothing much.”
Rick smiled then. An easy expression that lit his whole face. “You don’t have to hide it, Claire. I think it’s great.”
“W-what’s great, exactly?”
“You and Jake.”
Claire’s mouth dropped open. “Me and… What are you talking about?”
Rick held up a hand. “Okay, okay. I’m not teasing you, I swear.” He glanced somewhere behind him in the hallway, and his smile grew wider. “Hey there, bro.”
Claire’s stomach tumbled down to her toes. Jake was here. Jake was here and his brother knew she’d slept with him.
“Good morning, sunshine.” Jake all but pushed Rick out of his way. “Where do you want to have lunch today?”
He looked good. His polo shirt fit just right and was nearly the same blue as his eyes. In a flash she imagined him as he’d been in her bed yesterday morning, though. Wearing nothing but that same easy smile.
“Lunch?” she asked.
“Yeah. That meal between breakfast and dinner?”
She mirrored his smile but she was sure hers didn’t look as comfortable as his. Rick was still watching from out in the hall, after all.
“I guess anywhere would be fine.”
“Good.” He glanced into the hall and nodded. “See you later, bro.” He looked back at her. “I have to go over the numbers with Mr. Forbes this afternoon, and since I want you to present them with me I thought we could go over what we’re going to say too.”
The prospect of a working lunch put her on a little bit steadier footing, even though it would be more than that. He’d insisted she meet with Mr. Forbes and she couldn’t think of a decent excuse to avoid it.
“Okay.”
He did that glance into the hall again, then stepped in and kissed her. “You look pretty today, Claire.”
And then he was gone. She held a hand to her chest, breathing in his scent as she licked at his taste on her lips. So what, they were dating now?
“So what, you two are dating now?”
Claire jumped at the sound of Tammy’s voice. The woman looked curious, and a bright sparkle glinted in her eyes.
“I guess so.”
Tammy laughed. “You guess so?”
Claire’s cheeks flamed. “Yes. We’re dating.”
“When did this happen?”
“I don’t know. We’ve been together a few times but this weekend we… We took it to the next level.”
Tammy stepped in and shut the door, her eyes bright. “Spill.”
Claire gave a vigorous shake of her head. “No way. Besides, it doesn’t really matter. Jake isn’t staying around Cypress once his courses are finished. This is just for now.”
“Yeah, Harmony thought that about Rick and he’s been here four years now.”
Claire knew what she was saying but she and Jake were far from what Harmony and Rick were. “Jake is a globetrotter, Tammy. There’s nothing that would get him to give that up to stay in boring little Cypr
ess Corners.”
Tammy winked. “I can think of one thing.”
Claire shook her head. “No way.”
“You know better than I do.” Tammy stood and crossed to the door, then turned. “Just enjoy yourself for once, Claire? I don’t know what puts that worried expression on your face once in a while, but I can’t think of a hotter guy than Jake Chapman to make you forget about it for a while.”
Claire stared at Tammy, who gave her a sweet and genuine smile before leaving her office. Claire turned to stare out her window. Did anyone else besides Tammy see that worry Claire tried so hard to hide? Did Jake?
She couldn’t think about that now. What she’d told Tammy was true. Jake wasn’t meant for hearth and home and domesticity. He was fun and in-the-moment and she decided she’d enjoy him while he was here.
If he took her heart with him when he inevitably left, so be it. She’d lived without it for so long, she doubted she would even miss it.
***
Jake had a lot riding on today’s meeting. And now that hurdle was passed he had the true go-ahead to start construction. He’d had Claire with him at the meeting, which was such a blessing. No one could deny his girl when she was talking numbers. She got that focused, intense expression that turned him on and he felt everyone in the room giving her their full attention. Not the attention he wanted to give her, but he saw that she was respected. Valued. He wondered if she realized that. She worked so hard all the time it seemed like she was always afraid of losing the position she’d earned.
In the end, having her in his corner felt like as big an accomplishment as getting her to date him. And admitting it in front of Rick and Tammy.
“Another glass?” he asked her, lifting the wine bottle on the table.
She shook her head. They were at the Clubhouse, where they’d had their first date, though that one hadn’t gone as he’d hoped. This one was easier and she actually seemed to order what she wanted instead of rabbit food.
“I shouldn’t.” She wiped her lips and set her napkin aside. “This was just lovely, Jake.”
“It’s not pizza at your place, but it’ll work.”
She smiled. “You think so?”
He arched his brows. “Oh, yeah.”
That pink blush he loved spread over her cheeks. “We’ll just see.”
He set his own napkin aside. “I foresee a very comfortable couch in our future.”
Her eyes darted around the restaurant as she checked if anyone was paying them any attention, but he didn’t miss the sparkle in them as well. This was all new for him. Usually he paid upfront for his fun, dinner before going back to the girl’s place. He was doing that tonight, but this didn’t feel like those one-nighters. Claire was different. The fact that he’d spent the entire night with her Saturday was all the proof he needed to recognize that fact.
He paid the check and escorted her out to his waiting Jeep. Holding open the passenger door, he let her climb in then walked around to the driver’s side.
“I’m going to drive you home, Claire.”
She swallowed audibly and turned slightly toward him. “Yes, you are.”
“And I’m going to come inside.”
She nodded, heat coming into her blue eyes.
He resisted stating everything else he was going to do to her just as soon as he got her home. There was no need, really.
They pulled up and by the time they took the short walk to her door he was half-hard. The way this girl affected him was something he’d never encountered before.
He didn’t miss that she trembled a little as she set her purse on the counter. Stepping behind her, he lifted her hair off the back of her neck and kissed her behind the ear. The soft sigh she gave stroked over him like a caress.
She leaned back against him. “Jake.”
“Yeah, baby?” His tongue snaked out to tease her earlobe. “What do you want?”
She turned and stared up at him. “You. On the couch.”
He smiled and kissed her lips. “I’m at your command.”
Her eyes lit and he never saw anything hotter than Claire wanting him. Right now.
She grabbed his hand and they settled on what was quickly becoming his favorite piece of furniture. He sat and drew her down to straddle him. Her body was hot against him even through his pants and hers and he couldn’t help but moan. Arching slightly, he ground up against her as he held her close.
“You set me on fire, Claire.” He kissed her cheek, her throat, as he unbuttoned and peeled the blouse off of her. “So hot.”
She pulled his shirt up and over his head, then kissed him right over his heart. Reaching for his belt, she cupped his erection. Her fingers caressed him through his chinos and he moaned again.
“You’re hard as a rock.”
He could only nod. She gave him a tantalizing squeeze, then climbed off him just long enough to get rid of her pants before bringing her nearly-naked body up against his. Her skin was silk beneath his hands as he ran them over her. Warm and smooth and soft. Easing her bra strap down, he kissed her heated skin, right over her collarbone.
“Sweet Claire.” He pushed the cups of her bra aside and stroked and kneaded her beautiful breasts. “So pretty.”
She murmured something as he closed his mouth around one pert nipple and ran her fingers through his hair, holding him in place. There was no need. He could suck her breasts all day, she tasted so good.
Her body writhed against him then, and she had her fingers wrapped around him in the next second. “I want you inside me,” she whispered, pulling back to stare at him.
He never would have thought she’d take control but that look of determination was on her beautiful face again. That focus that nearly made him come all over her hands.
“Condom,” he rasped, thrusting up against her belly. “In my front pocket.”
With a few economical motions she had him sheathed. Coming up on her knees, she pushed aside her panties and slid down onto him. She was tight and hot and held him just right.
“Christ!” he bit out.
He groaned as she took all of him. She started the rhythm and he silently vowed to hold on for as long as he could. She made these hot, purring sounds as she rode him. Closing his mouth around one of her nipples again, he bit and sucked as those sounds got louder.
“Oh, my!” She hurried her pace, then shuddered. “Oh, Jake!”
She came and he held on to her hips as he exploded inside her. Holding her against him, he placed little kisses against her dewy skin. He had her all over him.
Cradling her head, he stroked her hair. “God, I love this couch.”
She laughed softly, a relaxed sound she rarely made, and wrapped herself around him. He might be new to this dating thing, but if he was the one to make her lose herself like this he’d do just about anything to keep this going.
Chapter 17
“Oh, Claire!”
The singsong call made Claire squeeze her eyes shut and pray for escape from Lettie. Over the past week, the subject of her and Jake’s dating seemed to be everywhere. Tammy was smugly happy for her and at dinner at the Chapman family’s on Sunday night Harmony had looked like she was ready to order her maid of honor dress any day now. That was so not going to happen, since what she and Jake had was… She wasn’t quite sure of what they had at the moment. That was the crux of it, then. An in-the-moment relationship, if that was a thing. That was new to her, but she figured that was about right.
Taking a breath, she ran her hands over her beige cardigan and turned to Lettie. “Hey there, Lettie.”
The older woman grinned, reaching to tap the seat beside her. “Come and sit, Claire. I think we have some catching up to do.”
Claire shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Lettie laughed. “Oh, you’re a sly one! Although I’d want to keep such a piece of delicious gossip under wraps, too.”
Claire stared into Lettie’s kind face, then sat down across from her.
“It’s not gossip, Lettie. Jake and I are dating.”
Lettie crossed her arms on the table and leaned toward her. “Very nicely done. He’s a catch.”
“He may be a catch but he’s not a keeper. Purely a catch-and-release kind of guy.”
Lettie shook her head, her silver bangs brushing back and forth. “I don’t know about that. He’s been doing all that work on that adventure thing-a-ma-jigger. He’s been squiring you all over the place. He’s been palling around with his brother and taking care of that adorable little Nick.”
“So what?”
Lettie’s eyes grew round. “So what? He’s putting down roots, Claire. That’s what.”
A foolish little bit of her heart gave a tiny jump at Lettie’s words but the rest of it knew better.
“I don’t think so,” Claire said. “Jake’s work takes him all over the globe. He would never stay here for more than a visit after his work is complete.”
“Hmm, I don’t know about that.”
“I do. And I’m okay with that.”
“I wouldn’t be. Letting a pretty guy like that go?”
Claire stood. “I’m not the clinging type, Lettie. I have enough to worry about without scheming to keep my boyfriend around.”
“Boyfriend?”
“What should I call him?” She raised her brows. “Lover?”
Lettie laughed as Claire had hoped. “Oh, you’re a naughty girl, Claire Callahan!”
For once Claire didn’t even care if the people sitting out on the patio heard Lettie. The woman was incorrigible so why fight it?
“Have a good day, Lettie.”
Lettie waved a hand. “And you have a good night.”
Shaking her head, Claire walked back to her office. Her work week was nearly over and then she could focus on having Jake all to herself. For the moment.
***
Jake collapsed on top of her, obviously spent. She loved the feel of his body on top of hers, especially since he’d just given her two of the best orgasms she’d had to date. The smell of him, the feel of his skin, made her long to just let herself drift on the lingering sensations tingling over her body.
“You wore me out, Claire. After the week I’ve had, this just about did me in.”
Cypress Corners Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 28