AT LONG LAST (The Playas Series - Book 4)

by Brenda Jackson

  She shook her head against his chest before lifting her face to him. Pushing hair back from her face, she said, “I dreamed I was there, at the restaurant, with my friends that night.”

  He wasn’t surprised, sure that the nightmare would haunt her for many years to come. He stared into her tormented face, searching for some way to help her. She didn’t say anything for a moment, then added brokenly, “I saw us. I saw how it would have been, had I gone with them that night. We were having fun like we always did whenever we got together. It was Robyn’s birthday and we’d just finished singing to her. We had passed all our gifts to her to open. Then all of a sudden, there was an explosion, and I saw what I’d imagined had happened to them. Body parts flying all around me, blood everywhere, the building caving in with stones and brick flying through the air. The screams of people dying. But for some reason, none of it affected me. It was like I was there and then, I wasn’t. It was as if a shield of protection had been placed around me, while I watched my friends’ lives come to a horrible end. In the end, I realized I had cheated death.”

  He reached out and tenderly caressed the side of her face, trying to marshal the emotions her words had caused within him. “No one can cheat death, Claire. When it’s your time, it’s your time. That night in Algiers… It wasn’t your time to go. Had it been, you wouldn’t be here now, sweetheart.”

  When more tears sprang in her eyes, he held her even closer. He knew she needed to grieve before she could move forward, and he continued to hold her while she finally let go. At that moment, his love for her was magnified. He was a man who had waited a long time for love. A part of him had always believed the right woman would one day come into his life. A woman he couldn’t imagine living without. And he’d known the day he’d met Claire, that he’d found that woman.

  She pulled back and looked at him. “I hurt, Logan. Kiss my pain away.”

  Locking his eyes with hers, he wondered if tomorrow, she would even recall making her request.

  “Please, Logan.”

  He shifted his gaze from her eyes to her lips, feeling his control go to hell. Finally, at long last, he dropped his mouth to hers.

  It was as if a dam of emotions had burst inside him. Immediately the taste of her consumed him. He tried holding back, knowing she was being driven by emotion more than passion, but for now, it didn’t matter. He needed this as much as she did.

  When she kissed him back with a hunger as ravenous as his own, he knew he had to make an even more conscious effort to hold onto his sanity, as well as his libido. He wasn’t sure how long their lips mated. But he did know that this was one kiss he would never recover from.

  Claire felt the intensity of Logan’s kiss in every part of her body. Instinctively, she moved closer to the warmth of his bare chest, to the comfort she was finding in his arms. She wasn’t sure why she’d dreamed of that night in Algiers. It might have had to do with seeing the woman who’d reminded her so much of Robyn. Or it could have merely been one of those “moments” her grief counselor had warned her she would have, at an unlikely time, for no apparent reason. Just because.

  She wasn’t sure just how long they kissed, but for her it wasn’t long enough. When he slowly drew back his mouth, she inhaled a sizzling breath as desire replaced the agony she’d been feeling. She wanted to lean in and take his mouth again, but didn’t. But she was very aware of the taste of him, as well as the way the palm of his hand was still slowly caressing her back.

  “Lie down and go back to sleep, Claire,” he encouraged soothingly, close to her ear.

  She looked up at him. “Please stay with me tonight. I don’t want to be alone.”

  He didn’t say anything at first. Then he merely nodded. “Get under the covers, Claire.”

  It wasn’t until that moment that she realized how much her short, skimpy nighty revealed. And how much more of her was exposed when she scuttled under the bedcovers to do as he’d asked. But all he did was stretch out to lay atop of the covers, then pulled her again into his arms.

  With her head resting on his chest, Claire listened to his breathing and found comfort in knowing he was there with her, that she wasn’t alone. She closed her eyes and felt the kiss he placed on her forehead just moments before she dozed off to sleep.

  13

  Claire slowly opened her eyes to see the bright sunlight shining in through the window. When she felt strong masculine arms around her, she shifted her body and looked into the deep darkness of Logan’s eyes. Suddenly, the dream she’d had last night came crashing back. It had only been a dream, but it had seemed so real. It was as if her friends had been alive again and she’d been there with them and then…

  “Good morning, Claire.”

  Logan’s words intruded and stopped the memories from invading her mind any further. “Good morning. Thanks for last night.”

  “You remember it all?”

  Yes, she remembered it all. The pain of the dream and the pleasure of his kiss. “Yes, I remember.” She paused a moment and said, “I also remember asking you to stay with me.” She thought she would let him know that, in case he assumed she was wondering why he was in her bed. “Thanks.”

  He reached out and caressed the side of her face. “You don’t have to thank me for anything I do when it concerns you, Claire.”

  Because they were friends. Claire knew that and the thought had never bothered her before but now…

  “Hungry?”

  She glanced over at the clock. It was ten in the morning. “You still want to leave after lunch?”

  “Unless there’s a reason you don’t.”

  She was to have made her decision this morning, as to whether or not to return to DC or go on with him to New Mexico and all those other places. Her decision was made. She intended to stay with him. “No, there’s no reason.” She paused for a moment. “About my dream. I think it happened because I saw a woman at the canyons yesterday. She was a dead-ringer for my friend Robyn.”

  “One of your friends who was killed in the bombing?”

  “Yes.”

  He nodded and then sat up. Her gaze followed the movement, lingering on his bare chest and the PJ bottoms. But mostly on his chest and remembering being pressed against it while he kissed her. When she met his gaze, she knew he’d noticed her staring. He didn’t say anything but stare back. Was he remembering their kiss like she was doing? Swallowing, she finally said, “I am kind of hungry. Would you like to grab something to eat before we head out to the airport?”

  “I think that’s a great idea,” he said, easing off the bed. He stood and looked down at her. “Claire, about last night...”

  If he was going to apologize for kissing her, she didn’t want to hear it. She had needed the kiss. She had wanted it and she had enjoyed it. “Like I said, Logan. I appreciate everything about last night. Thank you.” Not giving him a chance to say anything else--especially not to mention a kiss she didn’t regret--she added, “I’ll be ready for breakfast in a half an hour.” She then rushed from the bed into the bathroom, and closed the door behind her.

  A few hours later, after they’d shared breakfast at the lodge, Claire and Logan were back at Sky Harbor airport, in Phoenix. She was feeling much better, but noticed he wasn’t as talkative as he’d been yesterday. She figured he thought he’d stepped out of line with their kiss. Hopefully, he would get over it, because she intended to make sure there were plenty more where that one had come from.

  During her shower, she had replayed everything about the kiss in her mind. Just remembering it sent pleasurable shudders through her. Their time in Albuquerque would determine how he’d feel about becoming lovers, because she intended to tempt him every chance she got. But then, she also had to make sure he understood that a vacation fling was all she wanted.

  “Give me a minute to make sure the Cessna is gassed up and ready to go,” Logan said, intruding into her thoughts.

  “All right.”

  “Claire?”

  Claire tur
ned to the male voice and smiled. “Sean, it’s good to see you.”

  The man returned her smile. “It’s been a long time. You’re looking well.”

  Claire looked over at Logan. Was she imagining things, or was he sizing Sean up. “Logan, I’d like you to meet Sean Crews. Sean, this is Logan Montgomery.”

  “Montgomery?”

  “Crews?”

  Each man seemed to say the other’s surname simultaneously as they shook hands. Obviously, although they’d never met, they both realized that the other’s last name meant something. Sean was the first one to ask, “Are you related to Lance Montgomery?”

  Logan nodded. “I’m Lance’s brother. And I assume you’re David Crews’ brother.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  Claire knew Logan recognized Sean as more than David’s brother. Sean was the man Asia had planned to marry before that relationship was sabotaged. To this day, Claire didn’t regret being part of that sabotaging. She’d liked Sean. She still did. But she’d known her sister’s heart had belonged to Lance, whether Asia had wanted to admit it or not. She couldn’t help wondering if Sean knew of Claire’s role in their breakup.

  “Sean, are you living in Phoenix now?” she asked him.

  He shook his head. “No, I was just in town attending a medical convention. How is Asia? I understand she has a child now.”

  Claire nodded. “Yes, she and Lance have a son who is cute as a button. But then of course, as his favorite aunt, I’d think that.”

  Sean chuckled. “Of course, you would and with good reason. Next time you see Asia, let her know I’m truly happy for her.”

  For some reason, Claire felt Sean’s words were sincere. She hoped he had moved on with his life, like Asia had moved on with hers. He wasn’t wearing a wedding ring, so she could only assume he was still single. “I will definitely tell her that.”

  Sean glanced over at Logan again. “It was nice meeting you, man.”

  “Same here,” Logan said.

  Then he looked back at Claire. “And it was good seeing you again, Claire. Take care.” With that, he walked off to be absorbed in the crowd of travelers.

  “He seems like a nice guy.”

  “He is. I liked Sean. What I didn’t like was the fact that he was David’s brother. He might have loved Asia, but he wasn’t the man for her. I knew that, and deep down, I believe Asia knew it too. I hope Sean finds someone who makes him happy. He deserves the love of a woman who truly loves him.”

  14

  SEAN

  Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.

  Les Brown

  Sean Crews settled into the chair at the gate’s terminal. What were the odds of him running into Claire Fowler at the airport? Especially with Lance’s brother. He’d seen the territorial look in the man’s gaze when he’d approached them. It looked like Lance wouldn’t be the only Montgomery interested in a Fowler. If that was the case, he was happy for them. He’d meant everything he’d told Claire. He was happy for Asia as well.

  He’d accepted things would not have worked out between him and Asia, although he’d wished otherwise. David was still more of an ass than ever. There was no doubt in his mind that if he and Asia had married, David would have done anything and everything to destroy their marriage.

  Asia had put up with enough of David’s foolishness and deserved better. And from what he’d heard from their mutual friends, Lance Montgomery had done a total 180 and was now a dedicated husband and father. That just went to show that miracles could happen.

  Something else had happened, as well. He’d realized a number of things about himself. He’d accepted that the love he thought he’d felt for Asia had only been a deep desire to protect her from his asshole of a brother. He’d seen the way David had treated her, and believing she deserved better, had decided that he was the person who could make her happy.

  At first, he’d been nothing but a friend. And although he’d wanted more--and had pushed for more--in the end, that’s all they were. The two of them had never even shared a bed. She kept putting him off by claiming she wasn’t ready and later, he’d discovered why. Her heart had never been his. It had belonged to another.

  And then there was Liz.

  Elizabeth Howard had been his friend since the day they began working at Boston Harbor Medical Center together, close to ten years ago. At the time, she’d been involved with someone else. When she broke up with her guy, he’d been seriously dating someone else and she’d begun dating again as well. Then Asia had come along and he’d put all his time and attention into building a serious relationship with her. Liz had become his best friend, his confidante, someone he felt close to, not only on a personal level but a professional one as well. She worked at the hospital as a heart specialist, whereas he was an orthopedic specialist. Their paths crossed daily.

  He recalled when the two of them had been chosen to be a part of the President’s Goodwill team. The team had been created by President Kennedy more than fifty years ago. Its goal was to aid those countries that lacked sufficient heath care by assembling some of the most gifted doctors the United States had to offer--all specialists in their chosen field. Once accepted to the team, the doctors committed their medical expertise for five years.

  He, Liz and another team of doctors had spent a lot of time together. At the time, he’d never considered Liz to be anything other than a good friend. She had known how much he’d cared for Asia…or how much he’d thought he’d cared for her.

  Liz had been the one who had helped him pick out Asia’s engagement ring. And she’d been the first person he’d called after popping the question. She’d been his best friend. It was only after his breakup with Asia--and after a lot of soul searching—that he’d realized that the woman he should have been concentrating on had been right there, in front of him, all the time. That person had been Liz.

  And he’d lost her.

  It had been all his fault. One night, while trying to deal with his breakup with Asia, he had used Liz to try and ease his heartbreak and pain. After that, his friendship with Liz had never been the same. Not long after that night, she’d transferred to another hospital. She didn’t tell him where she was going, and no one else would tell him, either. It had taken her absence to make him realize just what she had meant to him, and to put what he’d assumed he felt for Asia in perspective. Funny how things turned out.

  He stretched out his legs, ready to get home and hoped there weren’t any delays. He couldn’t wait to return to Boston. He’d been gone a week, so the first thing he had to do was go to the grocery store. He had left his refrigerator pretty bare.

  He felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket and quickly pulled it out. Checking the caller ID, he saw it was the private investigator he had hired two months ago. He clicked on the phone. “This is Dr. Crews.”

  “Dr. Crews, this is Al Bergman. I have some good news for you. I’ve located the whereabouts of Dr. Elizabeth Howard.”

  Sean sat up straight in his chair and released a deep sigh. “Where is she?”

  “She’s living in a small town in Minnesota called Belfort. She runs the clinic there. The town isn’t large enough for a hospital.”

  A clinic? Sean shook his head. That didn’t make sense. Liz was a gifted heart surgeon. Why wasn’t she working at some major hospital? “Is she married?” He hated asking, but needed to know.

  “No, she’s not married. But she is a single mother.”

  Sean’s head snapped up. “A single mother?”

  “Yes. She has twin girls.”

  Sean felt a pain in his heart at the thought that Liz might have met someone and had the man’s children. He knew she’d always wanted a family. Sean wondered if she and her daughters’ father were still involved. “Any signs of a man in her life?”

  “No. It doesn’t appear she’s even dating. But then, I didn’t monitor her activities for long. I just located her, as you asked me to do. I couldn’t help but notice the girls, since they se
em to be the same age as my granddaughter.”

  “Which is?”

  “Around two. I saw them briefly as she was getting them in and out of the car at their daycare center.”

  Sean suddenly went still. “How old did you say you thought her daughters were?”

  “I’d say around two.”

  His heart began pounding. Could the twins be his? Was it wishful thinking on his part? He and Liz had had unprotected sex on New Year’s Eve.

  Sean stood and began pacing, ignoring the people watching him. Would Liz have told him if she’d become pregnant on their one night together? Not if she believed he had used her to get over another woman. Was that the reason she had left Boston Harbor MC without telling him where she’d gone?

  “Dr. Crews?”

  For a moment, he’d forgotten he still had the PI on the phone. “I’m at the airport, on my way back to Boston, Bergman. Email me your report. I need to know everything you have on both Ms. Howard and her daughters. And if you can, please get photos.”

  The excitement he was beginning to feel had his heart rate increasing. Regardless of whether Liz’s daughters were his, he wanted to see her, to apologize and tell her his true feelings for her.

  “I’ll get that information to you shortly, Dr. Crews.”

  “Thanks.” Sean clicked off the phone and returned to his seat. He tuned out all the noise around him as his mind wandered back to that one night when his friendship with Liz had changed.

  It had been New Year’s Eve when Asia had told him the truth, that there was no way she could marry him because she intended to marry Lance Montgomery. She’d told him she appreciated him but that she didn’t love him. To her, he would always be a dear friend. Her words had hurt--he’d wanted more.