With that parting shot, she stormed back out into the waiting room. Her breath came fast and her pulse raced but she’d said her piece.
When Tammy wrapped her arms around her, she let the tears come again.
Chapter 24
Jake rested on the couch at Rick and Harmony’s, watching some robot cartoon show Nick had left on before he went to play in his room. Jake’s foot was set and his cuts were healing. He hadn’t even had to stay overnight at the hospital, but he still felt like he’d been zip-lined and run over by a herd of cattle. They’d confirmed three fractures in his foot but his rock-hard head was fine. He couldn’t get Claire’s words out of it, though.
She’d looked so frightened when she’d rushed into that room. Her face had been sweet and dear and concerned. And then she’d let loose like Mussolini from the balcony. Her words had cut him worse than any fall from an obstacle could. Two days after his fall, and he still felt like he was on that swinging bridge.
“How’s the foot?”
He glanced up at his brother, who was just coming in from work. “Can’t kick.”
Rick’s face broke into a smile. “Funny. Head still hurt?”
“Not too much. Harmony’s been making sure I take my meds.”
Rick nodded as he set his keys on the counter. “So what are you going to do about it?”
“About what?”
His brother snorted and came to sit on the chair next to the couch. “Seriously? About the situation with Claire.”
“There is no situation with Claire.”
“Right.”
“You heard her, bro. You heard the things she said. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with me.”
Rick stared at him for a beat. “Oh my God, you’re so stupid.”
Jake frowned. “What are you talking about? She told me to go, Rick. To get the hell away from her.”
“Did you hear the other things she said? How you don’t have any regard for the people who love you?”
“Yeah, so?” Realization dawned on him like the sunrise on their last morning together. “I’m an idiot.”
“Yep.”
Jake stared at his brother. “Do you really think she loves me?”
“Yes, though I have to wonder if you’re too stupid to love her back.”
Jake’s smile made his lip split a little but he couldn’t keep it in. “No way, bro. I’m not that stupid.”
“Good.” Rick grabbed the remote and started flipping through the channels. “Maybe another Chapman has a chance at this happiness stuff. It’s pretty awesome, by the way.”
“Yeah,” Jake answered.
But his mind was on Claire and on just how he could show her he wanted what they had to last forever.
***
Claire turned off her computer and sat back. Another week’s work done. She’d thought a lot about Mr. Forbes’ words on the afternoon of Jake’s accident two weeks ago, and was trying to secure a loan to get the car back. She really didn’t want to stretch herself so thin by taking on private clients through the tax season. It was mind-breaking work and it was bad enough she was facing a long lonely winter. She shouldn’t have to face it wiped out too.
Friday night. Tomorrow was the day she’d thought to go to Cally’s. At least for a short visit. She couldn’t keep freezing him out. She just wasn’t built that way. She’d proved that to Jake and his family on that horrible night in the emergency room.
God, she’d carried on like a crazy person. She hadn’t heard from Jake since, but that wasn’t surprising. He’d never contacted her after she’d ended things. Why would he now that she’d practically ripped him a new one?
Rick had since told her that Jake had stayed at their house for a few days before going back out to the tent-cabin just the other day. He had a walking cast and the doctors expected him to have no lasting effects from his accident.
“Accident,” she grumbled. “Deliberate daredevil baloney, was more like it.”
Claire gathered her things and stepped outside to get into her car. A lovely autumn evening promised her a nice brood on the front porch as she contemplated what she was going to do with the rest of her life.
As she pulled up to her house her mouth fell open. There at the curb, resting in all its loveliness, was the Thunderbird.
“What the heck?” she murmured.
She stopped her car and stepped out, gaping at the car. It glistened in the soft light of the sunset and she reached out a hand to caress its rear fender. How did it get here? She hadn’t yet secured payment to get it back from the collector.
“It’s yours, Claire.”
She jumped at the sound of Jake’s voice. He stood on her porch, leaning against the post and resting his plastic-booted foot on the step.
“What did you say?”
“It’s yours. I got it back for you.”
“I… You what? This isn’t…” Words slammed together in her head but she couldn’t seem to form a coherent sentence. “I don’t get it.”
Jake thumped down the steps and walked toward her, swinging his injured foot as he came. She saw little evidence of his accident other than the boot. His cuts and bruises looked like they were pretty much healed. He looked at gorgeous as ever, with that light stubble on his cheeks and those eyes of his.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “Not to Boston. Not to Europe. I’m staying here.”
She looked at the car again, then back at Jake. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying I want this.”
She blinked. “My car?”
He laughed, his eyes sparkling now. “No. I want what we have. I want to be with you.”
His words stunned her. She stood stock still as he came up and wrapped his arms around her. In the next second she melted against him with a sigh. Oh, she could smell him. “Do you mean it?”
He kissed her temple. “Yes. I love you, too.”
“Hmm.” She pulled back to peer up at him. “You love me? Too?”
“Yes.” He touched her face and smiled wider. “I remembered what you said when you were yelling at me, Claire. You love me.”
She thought to deny it, then she laughed. “I do.”
He kissed her lips and she moaned softly as she tasted him again. How she’d missed him!
Pushing gently, she held him at arms’ length. “But how did you know about the car?”
“Mr. Forbes told me.”
She groaned. “He told you? When?”
“When I asked him if he knew what I could do to win you back.”
“Oh my God, you asked him that?”
“Yep. Seems he’s quite the romantic. Who knew?”
“But how did you know where it was?”
He turned her and started walking her toward the house. “I went to see your father.”
Shame burned in her cheeks. “Cally. You went to see Cally?”
“He loves you, Claire. He’s made a ton of mistakes but he loves you.” Jake smiled again, stopping to take her hands in his. “Almost as much as I do.”
“Well, I have to pay you back for the car.”
“You don’t. Consider it a wedding present.”
She laughed. “Right.”
She continued up the steps but when he wasn’t beside her she turned back. “Do you need help up the stairs?”
“No.”
“Then why are you standing there?”
“Because I can’t get down on one knee with this damn boot on my foot.”
“Down on one knee?” Her hand flew up to her chest and she gasped. “Oh.”
“Marry me, Claire? I promise I won’t put myself at risk again.” He winked. “At too much of a risk, anyway.”
She ran back to him and threw herself into his arms, only easing her hold when she felt him teetering a little. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you.”
“Good.” He held her close. “Now let’s get inside.”
“The climax couch?” she asked in a whisper.
Jake laughed that low, sexy laugh and the two of them went inside.
Epilogue
Jake sat back from his desk, rubbing his eyes. He was still getting used to doing so much of his work at the computer but it was gratifying to see how successful the adventure courses had proven to be. Corporate clients, residents and locals all loved them and came back again and again. Athletes training for triathlons came too, using the many existing bike trails and finishing with the obstacle courses and swimming.
He was in charge of all the recreation at Cypress now, actually. And the place was getting buzz all over the place that it was a perfect setting to test your limits and then relax them away.
He was the one in charge of the kids’ excursions, too. That was the most fun. Teaching kids how to stay safe while letting go was the best. He’d even promised Nick that they’d have a superhero kids’ event in a few months. The fall would be a perfect time for it. The work was as fulfilling and he loved it. Staying here had been the best choice he’d ever made, and if he needed more evidence there she was standing in his doorway.
“Hey, there,” he said, unable to keep a smile from his lips.
Claire smiled back at him and walked in. “Ready to go home?”
Jake rubbed his eyes and stood. “Yep. The only thing that makes working here in the office worthwhile is the fact that I get to take home the money mind.” He winked. “I get to take her to bed, too.”
Her cheeks turned that sweet shade of pink he loved. “We’re going over to your brother’s tonight.”
“Right. I forgot.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her right on her mouth. “Come on. Drive me home.”
She jingled her keys, now sporting a custom T-bird key ring he’d had made for her. “At your command.”
They stepped out into the warm spring evening and got into the Thunderbird to drive to the house they now shared. They’d decided to live in her place after the wedding, which they’d celebrated right at the lakeside near the tent-cabin. They’d had their honeymoon there, too. Far from everyone and everything. It was the most fun Jake had ever had without risking his neck.
“Have you heard from your sister?” she asked as they pulled up in front of their house.
“Nope. You saw the card she sent after the wedding, but that’s it. Rick doesn’t know where she is, either.”
“Your father called again?”
“Yeah. Spoke to Mr. Forbes first, though. Typical Bill. Thinks he can talk anyone into anything if he waves around enough money.”
She placed her hand on his and he unclenched the fist he hadn’t known he’d made. “Mr. Forbes won’t give you up, Jake. He wants you to work here at Cypress. He values you and you’re the best Recreation Director we could hope to have.”
He shrugged and got out of the car, going around to open her door as he always did. “You’re biased.”
She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I am.” Kissing him, she took his hand. “I think we might have just enough time before we have to go over to your brother’s.”
Jake’s heart raced and it was with anticipation instead of adrenaline. After he drove them both crazy on their favorite piece of furniture, he held her close.
“I love you, Claire. Always.”
It was what he’d started saying after their reconciliation and he said it still.
“I love you, Jake. Always.”
He breathed in her sweet scent and knew this was it. Better than the high dive. Better than a climb up a craggy side of a mountain. This was what he craved now. Not thrills and risks. Love and life.
Claire took her own chances with him, giving him her heart. He was damned if he’d let anything happen to it. For him, love was the biggest risk of all.
And he was damn glad he took it.
Loving Cassie
by
JoMarie DeGioia
PUBLISHED BY:
Bailey Park Publishing
Copyright © JoMarie DeGioia 2015
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher, except where permitted by law.
Chapter 1
Chapman Financial, Boston
Slap!
Cassie Chapman winced as the slick newspaper slammed down on the polished surface of her father’s desk. Bill Chapman wasn’t playing. That was for sure. One glance at his red face and furrowed brow told her that.
“Look at this, Cassandra!” her father growled, laying his big hand flat on top of the tabloid.
She peeked at the front page of the paper. There was a lot of skin showing in that picture. And Wally, that doofus, was grinning ear to ear up at the camera.
“What the hell were you thinking?” he asked.
Cassie nibbled on her bottom lip as she searched for some kind of answer to placate him. She’d always been able to play her father like an iPod. Now, though? Now she was up to her neck in her latest mistake and she was damned if she could figure a way out of it.
“He didn’t tell me who he was,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.
Her father’s eyes narrowed. “Or who his father is, I’ll bet.”
“His father?” Cassie blinked at Bill. “Why does that matter?”
Bill cursed, coming around his desk to pace the length of his spacious office. His relocation gave Cassie an unobstructed view out the wall of windows. Pity the gray April sky didn’t do a thing to lift her mood. The thunderclouds following her father around the office didn’t help, either.
“His father is the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, for God’s sake!”
“Wally never told me that,” she said.
Bill turned to pin her with eyes as bright a blue as hers. “Really? You never got around to talking about just what the guy was doing in Copenhagen?”
Cassie crossed her legs, attempting to look calm even as her stomach was churning. She ran her palms over her Lucky jeans-clad thighs in an effort to soothe herself. She should have known better than to buy the line Wally had given her. He’d said he was the heir to some banking empire in the States with money to burn. He’d wanted to party and she was always up for a party.
“I don’t know why any of this matters, Dad. Wally and I met up with a few of his friends. That’s all.”
“His friends. Friends with highly-placed, high-profile parents.”
“So?”
“Friends with as little sense in their heads as you.”
His words singed her but she didn’t let it show. “We partied. That’s all.”
“You’re tangled up in this mess, Cassie.” Bill blew out a breath and sank back down in his chair. “The ambassador’s son has been in and out of rehab over the past year. Just tell me you didn’t take anything with him.”
Now she was angry. “I don’t do drugs, Dad. I never have.”
Bill nodded, raking a hand through hair still thick, dark and rich. He looked a lot like her two brothers, Rick and Jake. Tall and broad and handsome. A pang settled in the center of her chest. She missed her brothers. It felt like forever since she’d seen them and she hadn’t seen Rick’s little boy since he was born four years ago.
“Yeah, yeah,” Bill said. “I know.”
“That’s something,” she grumbled.
He glared at her again. “Look, young lady. You’re not a kid anymore. God, you remind me of your brother Jake.”
Cassie hid her smile. Jake was everything she wished she was. Bold and adventurous even if now he was, of all things, settled.
“Jake has a good life, Dad.”
A shadow passed over Bill’s face and he turned away. Cassie knew what he was thinking. Neither Rick nor Jake had anything to do with their father now. They were both married and settled and, even though they only exchanged emails, Cassie knew they were happy. That pang moved down to her stomach. Happier than
their mother had ever been.
“You have to give this time to blow over,” her father said.
Cassie focused on her father now. “Let what blow over? A party with the son of an ambassador?”
“He’s a drug addict, Cassie. And a lot more trouble than the rest of that Euro-trash you pal around with put together.”
Cassie bit her tongue at his dismissal of her crowd of, well they weren’t exactly friends, but still.
“I’m not seeing Wally. I didn’t even sleep with him.”
Bill’s flush deepened. “I don’t want to hear it.” He pointed at the blurry photo plastered across the front page of the paper. “You’re naked in that picture. And so is he.”
Her eyes scanned the photo. She was nearly naked but none of her important parts was showing. As for Wally? Apparently, he’d decided to take a few selfies after she and her girlfriends had fallen asleep. It did look like she’d been up to more than partying, though. There was no denying that.
“So one paper printed Wally’s photo. So what?”
Bill jerked open his bottom desk drawer and pulled out a stack of newspapers. “They’re all running the photo, Cassie.”
Crap. Tabloids printed in several different languages apparently all decided that the story was big news. Or at least big news this week. Her eyes nearly crossed as they ran over the images spread on Bill’s desk. Black and white or glossy full color, they didn’t look good.
“This will so blow over, Dad.” She waved a hand. “I’ll just head to London a little earlier than I’d planned.”
“You’re not going to London.”
“I reserved a flat.”
“I cancelled it. You can’t afford a flat.”
Cassie let out a soft laugh. “Yeah, right.”
Bill leaned toward her. “You, Cassandra Chapman, can’t afford anything.”
Her mouth dropped open. No. It couldn’t be. Her stomach tightened. “What are you saying?”
“You’re cut off.”
Alarm trilled through her. “Cut off?”
Bill nodded, and then ran his fingers through his hair again. “Yes, you’re cut off.” It seemed like he was making this up as he went along but he seemed very pleased with his latest decision. “My money doesn’t seem to matter to your brothers. Maybe you should take a lesson from them.”
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