AT LONG LAST (The Playas Series - Book 4)

by Brenda Jackson

  But there was one little niggling fact she couldn’t ignore. So far, Logan hadn’t given her any indication he wanted anything more from her than friendship. Even when he’d had the chance to kiss her beneath the twinkling stars, he hadn’t. Claire wasn’t sure if she had the nerve to step out of her comfort zone and go after a man she wanted. She’d never done anything like that before.

  Still, the one thing she couldn’t dismiss was that Logan was a man who interest her. Today he had stimulated her senses and a few obvious body parts. Why did he have to be sexy-as-hell, and why did she suddenly have to start noticing?

  She would get some sleep and decide in the morning as to what she would do. Should she return to DC? Or stay and try her hand at seduction?

  Paradise Island

  “You better hope your little plan doesn’t backfire,” Lance said to his wife after she got off the phone with her sister. Asia glanced over at him, a huge smirk on her face. “It won’t. Claire won’t be going home anytime soon,” Asia said.

  “How can you be so certain of that?”

  Asia smiled over at her husband. “Because I know my sister. She hates taking advice from me.”

  “Then why did she call?”

  “Just to hear what I thought about the situation. Besides, the fact that she called at all means she wants Logan in a bad way. I don’t know what happened, although I’m sure it has to be a number of things, but Logan has begun to rock her world, whether she wants him to or not.

  “And this woman you told her about? Susan?”

  Asia smiled. “I had to give Claire some motivation, and there’s nothing like throwing a little competition into the ring. She’s jealous and that’s good.”

  Lance shook his head. “You don’t feel guilty, sticking your nose into her love life?”

  “Nope. Logan needs all the help he can get, even if he doesn’t know he’s getting it. Besides, Claire didn’t feel guilty sticking her nose into my love life, did she? She loved me enough to do what she felt she had to do to assure my happiness. I’m doing the same thing. Claire doesn’t know it yet, but she’s falling in love with Logan. She’s going to fight it tooth and nail but if there’s anyone who can help her move beyond Walter, it’s Logan. Your brother has the patience of Job.”

  Lance chuckled as he pulled his wife closer into his arms. “You’re right about that. But what happens when she discovers she’s been played by her sister?”

  Asia reached out and stroked her husband’s cheek, remembering Claire’s part in getting them together. “She will be exactly as I was when I found out what she’d done. Forever grateful.”

  12

  Logan’s mind was filled with thoughts of the woman sleeping beside him in the car. He could understand her exhaustion. Although they hadn’t done as much walking and hiking today as they had yesterday, it still had been an adventurous day for them, filled with a number of activities.

  They had awakened early that morning and grabbed a quick breakfast at the lodge’s restaurant before hitting the road. The drive from the lodge to where they’d joined an organized tour for The Wave and Antelope Canyon had taken nearly two hours, but it had been worth it. It was hard to believe it had taken him forty years to see the marvelous sights this country had to offer and a part of him felt good that he was sharing the experience with Claire.

  Once they’d arrived that morning, they’d taken a tour of the canyons by helicopter. It had been incredible. And it had been obvious from the smile that had stayed on Claire’s face the entire day that she was enjoying it.

  She stirred and he glanced over at her and then quickly returned his gaze to the road. It was dark and there wasn’t much traffic on this long stretch of highway. The illuminated dashboard of the rental vehicle indicated it was close to ten, yet he wasn’t tired. Being with the woman he loved had invigorated him. He’d been worked up all day. Even the sound of the soft music playing on the radio couldn’t calm the emotions running rampant inside him, feelings he’d had for the past three years that were getting stronger by the second.

  “Why did you let me fall asleep on you?”

  He glanced back over at Claire. In the moonlight, he could see the drowsy-yet-sexy look on her face. At that moment, he could clearly remember the first day they’d met. Logan had remembered seeing the smirk on Lance’s face when he’d introduced them. His brother had known immediately that another Montgomery male had been smitten.

  “You were tired,” he said, forcing his gaze back to the road.

  “That’s no excuse.”

  He smiled. “It is for me. I didn’t expect you to keep up with me today.”

  “Mark my word, Logan Montgomery, one day I will.”

  I’m counting on that. Hope sprang to life inside Logan. He doubted she’d realized that this was the second time she’d hinted at the possibility of them sharing time like this together again.

  “We’ll see, Claire,” he said with pretended nonchalance.

  He kept his eyes on the road while listening to her shift around in her seat. She had drifted off to sweet slumber when they’d barely been on the road twenty minutes. He’d been fine with that. It had felt good having her sleep beside him. One day, he intended to have her slumber by his side in another way and in another place. The thought of going to bed with Claire and waking up to her every morning stirred his insides.

  “Dinner was nice, Logan.”

  He’d thought so too. “I really liked the place you selected. The food was terrific.” At that moment, he decided to add, “One day, we need to go back there.”

  She didn’t say anything at first, then added, “I’m going to hold you to it.”

  He was tempted to tell her that she didn’t have to hold him to it--he intended to make it happen. One day she would realize it wasn’t a coincidence that they often talked in circles and included each other in future plans. Or that others assumed they were a couple when they weren’t. More than one person today had told them how good they looked together. Tonight was their last night in Arizona, and they had a lot of photos and even more memories. Tomorrow they would fly out to New Mexico.

  “What did you enjoy most about today, Logan?”

  It was too soon to tell her that being with her was what he’d enjoyed the most. So, instead, he answered, “The helicopter ride into the canyons. They were so beautiful. I tried imagining what they looked like, years ago, when they were being formed.”

  “They were absolutely majestic. I’m glad I got to share it with you.”

  He glanced over at her. “I’m glad, too.” He placed his gaze back on the road, a little too tempted to pull over and kiss her to show her how glad he was.

  “If you’re not too tired, I’d like to share a glass of wine with you when we get back to the lodge. I think it will be a wonderful way to end our last night in Arizona.”

  He thought so as well, although a number of other possibilities flowed through his mind. “Good idea.”

  They drove in silence for a few moments. She obviously had something on her mind.

  “When was the last time you talked to Lance or Asia?”

  He wondered why she was asking, and then figured she was just striking up a conversation. “I talked to Asia right before I came to see you in DC, when I made that stop in Paradise. I talked to Lance a few days ago when he called to brag about Leland’s first tooth. I mentioned that to you.”

  “Yes, you did,” she said laughing. “That Lance is a mess.”

  “Trust me, I’ve known him a lot longer than you have and I’ll take this new messy Lance over the old, arrogant ass Lance used to be any day. I’m still stunned at times at how the right woman can change a man, even when he is hell-bent on being unchanged. I guess it can work the same way for a woman, though, too.

  “Yes, I guess so.”

  He didn’t say anything for a minute, hoping he’d given her something to mull over.

  Soon after, they arrived back at the entrance of the lodge. He smiled over at her a
nd said, “We’re back.”

  As she sat staring at the flames in the fireplace, Claire wondered if her suggestion that they share a drink before bed was such a good idea. Logan had gone to fetch both the wine and glasses. She could hear him moving around in the kitchen, but that was okay. She needed the time alone to think about a few things.

  The only bad part about today was when she’d had a flashback to Algiers. She had run into one of the other tourists at the canyons today, who had reminded her so much of Robyn, she had to do a double take. The woman had the same rounded face her friend had had, as well as the same blond hair and blue eyes. She’d even had similar dimples in her cheeks. Claire had stared so hard, she’d felt obligated to tell the woman the reason why, and she’d appreciated the woman’s understanding. Like most people, the woman had heard about the bombing and had offered her sympathy to Claire over the loss of her close friends.

  Other than that one episode, the rest of the day had been perfect. Once again, she and Logan had held hands whenever they could. Normally such a thing would be considered a public display of affection, which was probably why more than once today, a number of people had commented on how good they looked together. She guessed PDA among two people who were just friends wasn’t common. So, why were they doing it?

  In the past, she’d held hands with the guys she’d gone out with on occasion, if they were attending a concert, or going out for dinner. It hadn’t been a big deal. So why was she thinking about it now? Was it because she and Logan weren’t dating?

  As well, in the past, holding a guy’s hand didn’t stir anything inside her. It was just something to do. But she was finding that wasn’t the case with Logan. She liked him touching her, encompassing her hand in the warmth of his. Hell, she even liked people thinking they were a couple.

  Claire drew in a deep breath and shook her head. Why? She thought about her conversation with Asia. She’d been truthful when she’d admitted to being attracted to Logan. If she hadn’t been absolutely certain about that before, she was definitely sure of it now. It was a good thing he’d been so caught up in the wonder of the canyons to notice that she’d been so caught up in him. She had been aware of every move he’d made, every breath he’d taken. And she couldn’t help but notice how solicitous he’d been of her, doing things that had gone farther than just holding her hand.

  There had been the times when he would ask if she was too hot or too cold due to the fluctuations in temperatures at The Wave. Or the times he’d offered to go grab her a bottled water or her favorite chocolate bar from the vending machine. And then, while touring Antelope Canyon, she’d almost stumbled while walking over uneven ground. He’d swept her into his arms and effortlessly carried her the additional few feet to a steadier surface.

  Claire had asked him if he’d spoken to Lance and Asia for a reason. She needed to be certain neither one of them had said anything about her late-night call to Asia. She didn’t think her sister would tell Lance, or Logan, about their conversation, but she had to make sure.

  Asia’s advice to her remained front and center in her mind. If she was going to return to DC, this would be the time to do it, before getting on the Cessna with Logan to fly to New Mexico. But she was no closer to making that decision than she had been last night.

  But Claire was holding firm and fast to what she’d told Asia. Logan was a grown man who could make his own decisions. She couldn’t have a fling by herself and if Logan wanted to indulge in one, knowing the outcome meant nothing, then it would be his decision.

  “Here you go,” Logan said, returning to the living room and handing her the glass of wine.

  “Thanks.” She took a sip. “It’s good. I assume it’s the last bottle.”

  “Yes.”

  She nodded. There had been one for every night of their stay. “What time do we leave tomorrow?”

  “Not until after lunch, so you can sleep late if you’d like.”

  Claire nodded. She could sleep late if she decided to stay. “Logan?”

  He looked over at her. “Yes?”

  “Are you sure you’re enjoying my company? I mean…there were a lot of women checking you out today. I don’t want to stand in the way of you finding someone you could be happy with.” What she’d just told him was true. Several women had been admiring him…including the one Claire had mistaken for Robyn.

  “Then it’s a good thing you’re with me to act as a buffer. I’m glad you came with me, Claire.”

  I’m glad you came with me, Claire. Before she could ask why, he continued, “I never told you how Pop’s date turned out.”

  Claire nodded. “That’s right, I forgot to ask. So how was it?”

  When he told her what Carrie had said, she couldn’t help but be happy for Jeremiah. “Sounds like your dad enjoyed himself. I’m glad he’s decided to find someone. It’s not good to be alone.”

  He nodded and then glanced over at her. His eyes seemed even darker in the dim lighting in the room. “What about you, Claire? Think you’ll ever have an exclusive man in your life?”

  She wondered why he was asking? She’d told him she was married to her career. Even if she left the State Department for a while, she would have a career somewhere else. “I can’t juggle exclusivity with the career I have. I’ve heard horror stories from people who’ve tried. It’s hard on a relationship.” Claire took another sip of wine. “However, I see no reason not to engage in an affair every once in a while.”

  “An affair?”

  “Or a fling, whichever term you prefer using. Where there’s no love, just lust. Women have needs too.”

  He arched a brow. “I’d think a woman would want more.”

  “Why?” She needed to understand his thought process and make sure he knew hers. Especially after hearing him say he was glad she came with him.

  He shrugged his shoulders. “I overhear talk in the office. Most women want a ring on their finger and a trip down the altar.”

  And a man like you to make that trip with them, she thought. She knew whoever ended up marrying Logan would be one lucky woman. He wasn’t afraid of commitment, and was a caring and considerate individual. That was why it was so important that he understood her position. She’d covered it with him once, when it had been nothing but conversation between them. Now she was doing it again, with a plan in mind. “I’m not one of those women.”

  “The other night, you mentioned leaving the State Department. You’ve changed your mind about that already?”

  “No, but a change in careers will require a lot of time and concentration. That’s another reason I don’t need to get involved with anyone. I have to take care of my career, first and foremost. All I’m interested in is a no-strings fling.”

  There. She hoped she’d made herself clear. So, if he was receptive to her seduction plan, he’d know it was an affair that led nowhere. If she decided to stay with him for the duration of the trip, she would turn up the heat between them. At least, she intended to try. She would sleep on it another night and make her decision in the morning.

  Glancing at her watch, she said, “Sleeping in late makes sense, since we don’t have to leave for the airport until after lunch.” She stood and stretched, noticing that his gaze followed every movement of her body. Interesting. Maybe Logan wasn’t as immune to her as she’d thought.

  “Just leave your glass. I’ll take it in the kitchen.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you in the morning.” She walked off toward her room. But unlike before, when she’d felt him watching her, she turned around. She met his gaze and held it. “Is anything wrong, Logan?” It didn’t seem to bother him that she’d caught him staring.

  “Nothing’s wrong at all, Claire.”

  She nodded and kept walking, wondering if he would say that in a couple of days if she decided to stay.

  Logan wasn’t sure what had awakened him. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, he saw it was three in t
he morning. He listened, but when there was no noise, he closed his eyes. But then, he heard it again. He strained his ears, making out the sound of intense sobbing.

  Claire?

  His heart pounded hard in his chest when he jumped out of bed and rushed out of the room and through the suite to Claire’s bedroom. Now he could hear the sounds more clearly. She was bawling. Without bothering to knock, he entered the room, scanned the area that was drenched in the moonlight flowing in through the window…and saw her.

  She was sitting up in bed, her face covered with her hands, weeping profusely. He immediately went to her, trying not to notice how thin her nightgown was and how translucent her flesh appeared. “Claire?” he said in a soft and gentle voice. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

  It was as if she hadn’t heard him. She kept crying, which was now becoming more of a wail. He quickly moved toward the bed. “Shh, it’s okay. You must have had a bad dream.”

  Logan was reaching out for her at the same moment that she threw herself into his arms, tightening her arms around him as she sobbed on his bare shoulder. For a quick moment, the feeling of touching her, skin to skin, overwhelmed him. All he was wearing were his PJ bottoms. He wondered what had happened to push her into this state. She’d been fine earlier. Had she gotten a phone call with bad news or had it been a bad dream?

  “Claire? What’s wrong?”

  Lifting her tear-stained face, she stared at him. She opened her mouth to speak and instead of words, she released a choking sob. He pulled her back into his arms as she soaked his chest with tears. “It’s okay. Just let it out. I’m here. I’ve got you.”

  His words seemed to work, because in a few, short moments, her weeping began to slow, while his hands soothingly stroked her back, comforting her as best he could. When she began trembling, he tightened his arms around her.

  For countless minutes, neither of them said anything. He figured she was trying to pull herself together, while he just relished the feeling of holding her. His jaw clenched hard, trying to retain his control at the way she clung to him. “What upset you, Claire? Did you get a phone call?”