“Sure.” Claire nodded to his father. “Thank you so much for dinner, Mr. Chapman.” She stood and faced Tiffany. “It was very nice to meet you, Mrs. Chapman.”
The woman’s smile wasn’t very friendly but her teeth were dazzling white. “Claire.”
Jake’s hand at Claire’s back both reassured her and hurried her away from the table. He didn’t say anything until they were outside, when he took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair.
“God, I’m so sorry.” He touched her cheek, his fingers gentle. “I didn’t know he’d talked you into dinner.”
“It was…nice.”
Jake smiled at her. “It was so not nice, Claire. They both suck in their own unique ways.”
“I hope I didn’t intrude.”
He stared at her, then laughed out loud. “That’s what I needed. You intruding. You’re the only thing that kept me from running screaming from the restaurant.”
She took his hand in hers. “Let’s go to your place, Jake. I hear it’s very cozy.”
He drew her close, bringing his lips to her temple. “You got it.”
Chapter 20
Jake gripped the wheel of the Jeep as it bounced gently over the path toward the tent-cabin. His hands were clammy and his pulse still raced from holding everything back during dinner. A slight headache beat rhythmically between his eyes.
“I can’t apologize enough for those two, Claire.”
“It’s okay, Jake. Besides, I was forewarned.”
“What?” He glanced over at her. “Who warned you?”
“Tammy and your brother.”
Jake nodded and faced forward again. “Yeah, they would both know. Rick all too well.”
“Your father doesn’t seem very happy.”
“With Tiffany?” He snorted. “Shit, would you be?”
“No, but that’s not what I mean. He just seemed a little put out when Tiffany was talking about Rick and Harmony.”
“Melody,” Jake said with a smile. “Like she doesn’t know Harmony’s name.”
“She is a special kind of bitch,” Claire said. “Rick was right on the money.”
“The boring money?” Jake shook his head. “You weren’t spared a barb or two tonight, either. Again, sorry.”
She smiled at him, a beautiful smile that was a surprise and delight after the shitty dinner they’d just endured. It was easy to forget about his father and Tiffany when Claire looked at him like that.
He stopped the Jeep and pulled the brake. “Come on.” He ran around to her side and opened her door. “As fun as making out in the T-bird was last Saturday, I don’t want to do anything to scare the animals out here.”
She laughed, free and easy, and he wanted nothing more than to lose himself in her. For a night. For a couple of weeks. For as long as he could manage before that itch came again and he had to get the hell out of Dodge.
Claire looked around the cabin as Jake lit a couple of lamps. The lighting was soft and warm and he couldn’t wait to get her naked. He stepped up to her and pulled her close, breathing in her sweet scent as he let go of the tension. Another kind of tension curled through him, starting from every point of contact between her body and his.
“I love holding you,” he whispered, running his hands over her.
She murmured something and stepped back. “Then let’s get rid of these clothes.”
He watched as she pulled that soft sweater dress thing up and over her head. She wore a bra and panties in what he thought of as her color now. That orange pink she looked so great in. Her skin was creamy-looking and his mouth watered.
“You look so good in that color, Claire.”
She shook her head. “You’re just thinking about the T-bird.”
He laughed and shed his own clothes. “How about I let you drive again tonight?”
Taking her in his arms, he fell on the bed and ran his hands all over her warm, creamy skin. She kissed him and he gave her his tongue as she ground against him. Their underwear was suddenly in the way and he worked her bra free as she eased down the band of his boxer briefs.
She ground against his dick and his eyes nearly rolled back in his head.
“I have to get inside you,” he bit out.
She pushed against his chest and leaned back, straddling his hips as she handled him.
“You’re ready already?”
He groaned as she stroked him. “It doesn’t take much to get me ready for you.”
She flipped her hair back over one shoulder and smiled down at him. “Then let’s do something about that.”
She bent down and kissed his chest, her mouth closing over one of his nipples.
“In the nightstand, Claire.”
He sucked in a breath as she eased off of him to stand beside the bed. She shimmied out of her panties and he nearly came just watching her. Reaching into the nightstand drawer, she pulled out a condom and tossed it his way. When she crawled back over him he knew he had to get some control or he was going to be very embarrassed in a few short minutes.
“Sorry, baby.” He flipped her over. “You can drive next time.”
She laughed and then let out a moan as his mouth ran all over her. Her sweetness was everywhere. On her lips. On her breasts. Between her legs. He couldn’t wait any longer.
He ripped open the condom wrapper and was inside her before another second passed. Moving faster and faster, he closed his eyes and let himself feel as she rose up to meet him thrust for thrust.
“Jake!”
She sobbed his name again as she came, and the sound was even sweeter than she was. A few more thrusts and Jake finally gave in, letting his climax tear through him as he held her as close as he could.
Her breath was still coming fast as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. After a few minutes he withdrew from her and grabbed the edge of the quilt, pulling it over the two of them.
“So do you like my cozy little tent-cabin?” he asked her.
She let out a purr and cuddled closer. “It’s no climax couch, but it’ll do.”
He laughed and concentrated on just breathing in and out until he could rouse the strength to have her again.
***
The next morning Claire was humming to herself as she went into the coffee shop. Last night had been so strange. Strange and amazing. First the horrible dinner with the Chapmans and then the incredible night with Jake at his cabin. Cuddling with him on that iron bed was so wonderful. She could get used to that feeling. Being safe and warm. Secure. Like nothing could touch her.
She ordered and paid for her coffee and moved back to wait.
“Good morning, Claire.”
She looked over to see Tiffany Chapman picking up her own cup of coffee at the end of the counter. “Good morning, Mrs. Chapman.”
“Tiffany, please.” She leaned closer. “You are sleeping with my stepson.”
Claire’s cheeks flamed but only part of it was embarrassment. How dare she say such a thing? “I’m not talking about this with you.”
The other woman shrugged. “Suit yourself. I think it’s sweet you want to protect Jake’s reputation. You’re such a sweet girlfriend.” She clicked her tongue and shook her head. “If you only knew.”
Claire’s name was called, sparing her from continuing this horrid conversation. “Have a nice day, Mrs. Chapman.”
Tiffany’s eyes narrowed but Claire just walked past her out into the beautiful fall day. She knew what the woman was trying to do. Claire knew all about Jake’s reputation. He was a lady’s man and, after they were finished with whatever this was, he’d find another girl to sleep with. Pain stabbed at her stomach but she just ignored it and took her usual too-hot first sip of her latte.
She focused on her work and put Jake’s stepmother out of her head. The woman really was a bitch, and Claire didn’t want to spare her any more thought.
By the time her Friday was wrapping up, she’d input the numbers for the week and readied her desk for Monday.
It was another weekend. Another Saturday with her father and another Saturday night with Jake. And hopefully another Sunday, too.
“You sticking around Cypress this weekend, Claire?” Tammy asked.
“Yep.”
Tammy laughed. “I don’t blame you. Even though the Chapmans will still be here.”
“I’m not letting her get to me, Tammy. Nope.”
“Good for you.” Tammy waved. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
Claire shut down her computer and turned off her light.
“Heading out, Claire?” Mr. Forbes asked as she reached the lobby.
“Yes, sir. Have a nice weekend.”
“You too.”
When she got back to her house she wasn’t surprised to see Jake’s Jeep parked out front. Her heart did that silly skip thing as she turned off her ignition and climbed out. He was sitting on her porch. Looking like he belonged there. Like he would always be there. God, she was a fool.
“Hey, Jake.”
He patted the chair next to him. “I thought we’d watch the sunset.”
That was so sweet she nearly swooned. Oh, she knew what was going on with her lately. While he was having a good time she was busy falling in love. She had to get a grip and fast. She was an independent woman. She made her own money and her own decisions. She didn’t need a man no matter how hot he was or how good he made her feel.
“Okay.”
They sat in companionable quiet for a few minutes, then Jake turned to her. “Pizza?”
“Sure.” She glanced at him, then noticed how tired he looked. There were shadows under his eyes. “Hey, are you okay?”
“Just beat. I worked my ass off today out at the courses.”
“How’s it coming?”
“The climbing apparatus are coming at the end of next week so we really need to make sure the sites are ready. The rope bridges are already being built, so it looks like we’ll make it.”
She wanted to ask if his father’s visit had anything to do with his extra push to get things done, but didn’t feel it was her place. Despite what Tiffany said, she wasn’t his girlfriend. Not really.
“I’m sure you will.”
He closed his eyes. “I could use a beer.”
“Then you’re in luck. I have a beer.”
He peeped open one eye and smiled. A lazy smile that did wonderful things to his face and amazing things to her body.
“Then, let’s go grab a couple and pick up the pizza on the way to the tent-cabin.”
Oh, another cozy night. “Sounds like a plan.”
Later that night, curled up in Jake’s arms after their second time, she had to face facts. She was in up to her ears with this guy and there was no way she would ever let him know. He was rushing to get his project finished and then he’d leave. She wasn’t melodramatic enough to think he was in a hurry because of her and what they had right now. But she had to admit that once he was done he was out of there. Before Christmas, which was what it was looking like now.
Another lonely holiday stretched out in front of her. Maybe a cookie exchange or two. Lonely Christmas Eve. Sad little dinner with Cally on Christmas Day. It was what she’d come to expect and she was an idiot for wanting anything more.
***
On Saturday morning Claire woke up to find herself alone in Jake’s bed. Touching a hand to his pillow, she found it was still warm. She located her bra and panties but there was no way she was going to put her work clothes back on and do an official walk of shame this morning. Instead she grabbed a t-shirt from the desk chair and pulled it over her head. It smelled like Jake. Fresh and delicious.
The sunrise drew her out onto the little deck at the back of the tent-cabin, and she found Jake sitting in one of the Adirondack chairs. He wore a worn shirt and a pair of jeans but he was barefoot. The morning was dewy cool and the sunlight was pink and pretty stretching out over the lake, but he didn’t appear to be enjoying it.
“Hey,” she said softly.
He turned, then smiled as his eyes ran over her. “You look good in my shirt, Claire.”
She pulled her hair over one shoulder and twisted it to give it some control, then settled down in the chair next to his. “Couldn’t sleep?”
“Couldn’t sleep in,” he put in. “I have to go out to the site today.”
“On a Saturday?”
“It has to get done and soon. I won’t have Bill crowing about how I never finish anything I start.”
Ouch. That came from somewhere deep inside him.
“I’m sure you’ll finish on time.”
“Ahead of time, if I can help it.”
He seemed driven in that moment. Like a Jake she’d never seen before. His father’s visit must have affected him a lot more than he would ever admit, but she wasn’t going to press him to admit that. She had daddy issues of her own to deal with.
“If you’ll take me back to the Clubhouse I can get my car and drive home.”
He stood and shook his head. “No. I’ll drive you home.”
Why had she followed him there in the first place? Turned out she should have driven all the way out here, given his odd mood this morning.
“But I need my car, Jake. I’m going to see my father today.”
He looked confused, then nodded. “Right. It’s Saturday.”
“Yeah.”
“Why don’t you get ready and we’ll go. I have a pair of sweats you can put on.”
There was a chill in his voice and she could almost feel him pushing her away. Where was the playful lover from last night? Where was the guy who always said the right thing and made her think she could have a little happiness once in a while?
Her moment was passed, then. He would finish this project, on time or sooner if he could help it, and leave Cypress Corners. And her, not that she had any hold on him. He’d said he’d be back now and then. She’d probably take him right back into her bed when he did, too.
The ride back to the Clubhouse was quiet with each of them lost in their own thoughts. Just how much longer did she have with him? A few weeks, if that.
He kissed her softly, though. Then made sure no one noticed her getting into her car looking like a bag lady before she drove back home. Her eyes burned with unshed tears that she couldn’t allow. Who was she to cry over nothing? Over a non-breakup of a non-relationship? It was crazy.
After her shower and two cups of coffee, she felt like she could face the world. And her father. She drove into St. Cloud and when she got to Cally’s the first thing she noticed was that the T-bird was gone.
Chapter 21
Bile rose in the back of Claire’s throat as her head began to pound.
“What the hell?”
She got out of her car and mechanically climbed the steps, taking a calming breath before rapping on the screen door.
“Just a minute,” her father said from inside.
Her heart raced as she stared at the spot where the Thunderbird usually sat. Nope. Her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her. It was still empty. Deserted.
“Come on, Dad. Open up.”
Cally opened the door and peered at her through the screen. “Hi, Claire-bear.”
“Where is it?”
He blinked his big Callahan-blue eyes at her. “Where’s what?”
“The car, Dad. The Thunderbird. Where the hell is it?”
He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling, but she saw a brittleness in his expression. “I had a bit of bad luck.”
With those words, her heart fell to the concrete steps. Clutching at the handrail, she struggled to remain upright as black dots swam into her field of vision.
“My God, Claire.” He pushed open the screen door and grabbed her arm. “Come in, sweetheart.”
She let him lead her into the mobile home, then collapsed onto the couch. “It’s gone.” She licked her parched lips. “A bit of bad luck.”
“Now, I know if I have a stake I can get it back.”
Claire buried her face in he
r hands, her eyes burning as tears seeped through her lashes. “A stake.” She sucked in a breath and lifted her head to pin him with her stare. “A stake? Are you kidding me?”
He pulled back, holding up his hands. “I don’t have any money, Claire. How am I supposed to play if I don’t have any money?”
“Play what? Dad, what did you do?”
“Played a sure thing. Or thought I did.”
“A sure thing?” Her voice had taken on a high, shrill quality that would probably shatter every window in every nearby mobile home. “You gambled? You’re not supposed to gamble!”
“It was a sure thing.”
He looked at her, his lower lip stuck out, and in that moment he looked like a recalcitrant little boy. A little boy who had cost her so much, who still cost her, and now had lost the one thing of value they had.
“Oh, Dad.” She let the tears fall and let him see them for once.
“Don’t cry, honey.” He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll win it back. You’ll see.”
That did it. She rubbed at her cheeks with the heels of her hands and took in a soggy breath. “No, you won’t. You’re not going to do a damn thing.”
“Now, Claire—”
“You’ve done enough!”
His mouth dropped open, then he nodded. “You’re right.”
“I’m right? That’s all you have to say now?”
“I’m sorry, Claire. What else can I say?”
“Gee, I don’t know Dad.” She stood and began to pace the small space. “You’re sorry. Where have I heard that before? Oh! From you! To Mom. To Me. About every single time you lost money. Lost the mortgage payment. Lost the utility payment. Lost your fucking bonus!”
He sank back into the couch, looking small and vulnerable. She so wanted to hold on to her anger. To be pissed and lash out at him for fucking up again and throwing away everything she worked for. An uneasy feeling tickled the back of her mind.
“Tell me the mobile home is safe.”
“You hold the title and the deed, Claire-bear.”
“And?”
“I can’t touch it so I didn’t. I swear.”
Cypress Corners Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 31