AT LONG LAST (The Playas Series - Book 4)

by Brenda Jackson

  What also hadn’t changed was Liz’s attitude toward him. Although she hadn’t placed any barriers between him having a relationship with his daughters, she’d made it absolutely clear that whatever they had was over. Of course, now that he knew how she felt about him, he wasn’t taking her at her word. So, on Monday, he had sent her flowers. Tuesday, he had shown up at her office with lunch—Chinese food, her favorite. On Wednesday, he had bought her a bottle of what he knew to be her favorite perfume.

  That evening, after putting their daughters to bed, Liz had pulled him aside to have a serious talk with him. She had thanked him for his thoughtfulness, and for the things he’d done for the children, but she wanted him to stop trying to charm her. Nothing he did or said would convince her that he’d loved her, not Asia. She’d further stated if he kept up with this nonsense, the relationship between them—which, at the moment, was based solely on their love for their daughters--would be taking a drastic turn. In other words, if he didn’t back off, she would.

  Her little spiel left him at an impasse. Not for one minute did he think she was making an idle threat. He knew when Liz was dead serious about something and when she was not. He knew when there would be room for negotiations and this was not one of those times. She honestly didn’t believe him and was tired of what she saw as lies.

  Sean refused to give up on her and what he still wanted to believe they could have together, but right now, he wasn’t sure how to proceed. He had to think very carefully about just what his next move would be. Because he definitely intended to make one. He wanted his girls and he wanted her. And he was going to have them, one way or another.

  He glanced over at her and saw her take a sip of her iced tea. Now that she’d made things clear to him, she wasn’t as uptight as she’d been. She obviously felt comfortable that she’d put everything concerning them into perspective.

  When she’d opened the door to him that morning, he’d honestly thought she’d been glad to see him. Sean had definitely been happy to see her. It seemed as if they were on their way to rebuilding the type of relationship they used to have--one based strictly on friendship. Still, it bothered him that she refused to entertain the thought of there being more between them.

  “Usually on Saturday afternoons, I take the girls to that huge bookstore in Maples,” she said, intruding into his thoughts. “They have story hour where narrators read stories to the kids. Do you want to come with us?”

  He smiled over at her. “I’d love to.”

  She got up from her chair and grinned down at him. Suddenly it struck him that, at this moment, she was once again the Liz he used to know. The one who’d been his best friend, the one he’d talk to for hours, about practically everything. “Good,” she said, cheerfully. “Maples is a thirty-minute drive from here. The girls and I nominate you as driver.”

  He threw his head back and laughed, loving this playful side of her, while realizing how much he’d missed it. “I have no problem taking my ladies to Maple.” His ladies. She didn’t seem bothered by what he’d said, and he was glad. One day, she would accept that she and the girls were his.

  A couple of hours later, the narrator had finished reading five stories to a group of kids who were all in the twins’ age group. Sean thought it had been fascinating to see the happiness in his daughters’ faces while listening. He’d discovered their love of stories, especially at bedtime. He’d read them a couple this week, but it was something he wasn’t used to doing. He had no trouble admitting he could use some improvement.

  “The girls and I are going to the bathroom. We’ll be back in a minute,” Liz said, taking each of the girls by the hand. He watched her rush off toward the escalator. Glancing around the huge mega-bookstore, he decided to do some browsing while he waited. Rounding a corner to head to the area where medical journals were located, he suddenly stopped at a table showcasing a particular book. “Well, well, Dr. Lance Montgomery is still in the publishing business, I see,” Sean said to himself as he studied the huge hardcover book, How to Jumpstart a Lasting Relationship.

  Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans, Sean was about to walk past the display when he remembered something--the man was a relationship expert. In fact, for the longest time, Asia had actually despised Montgomery, yet in the end, the man had won her heart. How had he done it?

  Okay, Sean had to admit, Asia had probably been in love with Montgomery all along. But when he’d done something she’d considered unforgivable, she’d built a wall around her heart. But somehow, Montgomery had been able to tear down the wall and get Asia to believe in him again. Sean would give anything for such a thing to happen with him and Liz.

  Drawing in a deep breath, he grabbed one of the books and thumbed through it. Umm, Chapter Nine sounded interesting. It was subtitled, Winning the Heart of the One you Love. Sean smiled, thinking there would be no television for him tonight. He intended to spend the evening reading.

  Glancing around to make sure Liz and the girls hadn’t come back yet, he quickly walked over to the check-out counter. It would be pretty damn ironic if the man who’d taken one girl away from him could help him get another.

  The one who was his true love.

  26

  LOGAN

  “I can’t believe our vacation is almost over,” Claire said as they entered their hotel suite that had a gorgeous view of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.

  Logan couldn’t either, but he would have to say that the days he’d spent with her had been the best ones of his life. Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore had been just as magnificent as he’d imagined. And throughout their time together, he’d fallen deeper and deeper in love with Claire.

  Now they were down to their last week together, which included spending time in Toronto. He’d been to the city once before while attending a medical convention, but it was Claire’s first time here. He was glad he could give her this experience.

  He was well aware she still considered him a friend—one with obvious benefits—but hoped she would now, at least, consider continuing what they’d started. More than anything, he wanted her to see the advantages of opening her heart to love again. The love he would give her, if only she would accept it.

  Like before, Claire had made the reservations for this hotel suite before they’d left DC, so it had two bedrooms. However, like in all the other places they’d stayed after New Mexico, they would be using only one. Sleeping together had become the norm after their time in Albuquerque, and he couldn’t imagine not waking up with her in his arms. Or making love to her before starting his day or ending his night.

  When she pulled her luggage to the middle of the sitting area and hesitated a minute, his heart began pounding. Surely, she wasn’t wondering where she would be sleeping tonight. The last thing he needed was for her to have second thoughts.

  She finally turned to him and smiled. “Which bedroom will we be sharing, Logan? There are two of them and both have incredible views. Do you have a preference?”

  A silent sigh of relief eased from his lips. “Either will do, unless one has a bigger bed.”

  She chuckled. “I’ll check, but I believe they’re both king-size. Nice size kitchen, although I doubt we’ll do as much cooking here as we did in Albuquerque.”

  Since they’d spent nine days at the Balloon Festival, they’d decided not to dine out every day. Instead they’d gone grocery shopping, and shared their time in the kitchen. He’d enjoyed cooking with her and discovered they liked the same foods. “I’ll check out the rest of the place while you decide on the bedrooms.”

  “Okay.”

  He walked into the eat-in kitchen that was attached to a balcony. He could see them enjoying a glass of wine every evening on the patio, the way they’d done in Albuquerque. And one of the advantages of this hotel was that their suite was high enough that they could go outside and enjoy the view without even getting dressed.

  “The beds are the same size, and each room has a private bath, so either will work.
”

  He turned around and not for the first time, his breath caught while looking at her. Thomasina Claire Fowler was a very beautiful woman. “Do you want to go out and explore, or would you like to take a nap first?” she asked.

  That had become the norm for them when they arrived in a new place. Because he piloted their plane, she was thoughtful enough to add a couple of hours of rest time into their schedule. “I want to close my eyes for an hour or two,” he said. “Have you made dinner plans?”

  She smiled. “Yes. We have a reservation at seven at a cute little place in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”

  He nodded. “Will you take a nap with me?”

  She laughed. “Are you sure a nap is what’s on your mind, Logan?”

  “Of course. I can barely keep my eyes open,” he said, feigning exhaustion.

  “Tell that to your crotch.”

  Now he was the one who laughed. Claire was the only woman he knew who had the audacity to call out an erection. “I guess I need to do something about that.”

  “No, I think I need to do something about that,” she said, walking toward him.

  Just thinking about what she had in mind made heat course through him. When she stood in front of him, a teasing glint appeared in her gaze and then she said, “Umm, maybe not. I think I’ll go shopping instead.”

  She turned as if to walk away and he quickly reached out and grabbed her arm. “No so fast.”

  She lifted an amused brow. “What? Do you want something, Logan?”

  “What do you think?”

  She smiled. “I think I might have spoiled you.”

  “There’s no doubt about it. But I spoiled you, too, didn’t I?” They had spoiled each other in ways he’d never forget. Even while piloting the plane here, his mind had been whirling with memories of their time together.

  “Yes, and I don’t regret anything we’ve done, do you?”

  He lifted his hand to push a wayward curl back from her face. “I doubt I could ever regret anything we do together, Claire.”

  A smile on her lips, she wrapped her arms around him. “Come on, then. Let’s take that nap. After dinner, I want you to take me dancing.”

  “Baby, I’ll do whatever you want.”

  Claire slowly opened her eyes in a room filled with the aroma of sex. The last thing she remembered was returning to the suite after their night on the town. She loved to dance and hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed it until the moment Logan had taken her into his arms. Then, once they got back to their room, he had taken her in another way.

  She drew in a deep breath, feeling both exhilarated and exhausted. There was just something so…incredible about making love with Logan. Especially since he always gave as much pleasure as he received. There was definitely nothing selfish about her ‘friend’.

  Switching to her side, she glanced over at Logan. He was sound asleep, and she wasn’t surprised. The man had more stamina than the law should allow. It took every ounce of strength she possessed to keep up with him. Yet, she would still want more. He had the ability to make her hunger for things she never wanted before. Things she’d thought she could do without. Had done without.

  Now, she wondered if she would ever be able to do without them again. It was a good thing she was soon returning to Algiers—Logan’s magnetism could keep her grounded for good.

  Even when he’d been piloting the plane, she’d had a hard time keeping her eyes off him. In those snug jeans and shirt rolled up to his elbows, he was gorgeous. Naked or dressed, he exuded hot sexuality. How would she handle it when they parted ways?

  She drew in a deep breath, knowing she had to handle it. Thinking of her sister’s warning, Claire realized she’d missed Asia’s call and hadn’t taken the time to read her text. Both had come through after dinner, but they’d been out dancing. It was after midnight, too late to call for some people, but Claire knew her sister often kept late nights. Easing out of bed, she grabbed her cell phone and left the bedroom, closing the door behind her.

  By the time she reached the sitting area, she saw Asia had sent her a second text, an hour ago.

  This one said, Call me. No matter how late it is.

  As Claire pulled up her sister’s number, she hoped nothing was wrong. Asia was not one to press the panic button unless there was a reason. Had something happened to their mother? Leland?

  “Hello?”

  “Asia? What is it? What’s happened?”

  “I don’t know. You tell me, sister-dear. I haven’t heard from you since you got to New Mexico. That was a long time ago.”

  Claire took a relieved breath, then frowned. “Hey, communicating works both ways. You could have checked in with me.”

  “Oh, no. Don’t try pulling that one, Claire. You made it clear you would reach out to me next, which meant you didn’t want to be bothered.”

  Asia was right. “And you know why I did that, Asia.”

  “Because I was the voice of reason that you didn’t want to listen to at the time.”

  Claire had to admit that her sister was right about that, too. Still, she was glad she hadn’t listened to Asia’s advice. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know what it felt like to be made love to by Logan Montgomery. She wouldn’t know how it felt to be treated like royalty—to be treated like she mattered. Not just as a sexual object. There had been sex, yes, and plenty of it. But she’d also enjoyed the quality time they’d spent together. Like their talks. Preparing and sharing meals. He’d even sung to her in the shower one morning. Tomorrow, they’d spend a full day at Niagara Falls and then on Wednesday, they would drive to Toronto and stay there for a couple of days.

  “Any regrets?”

  Asia’s question pulled her back from her thoughts. “No regrets about anything, Asia. No matter what happens next, I’m glad Logan and I spent so much time together.”

  “I’m happy for you. But how are you going to feel when your affair ends? You know what Logan wants out of life. How are you going to feel when he finds someone who’ll give it to him?”

  Claire didn’t say anything. It shouldn’t matter what Logan did and with whom after their affair ended, but she couldn’t help wondering if Asia was still intending to shove this Susan woman down his throat. Her sister’s next words gave her the answer.

  “Logan will be visiting Paradise for a few days before he heads to Tampa so don’t wear him out too much, Claire, or he won’t be any good for Susan. I invited her to visit us at the same time he’s here.”

  She heard the amusement in Asia’s voice and but honestly, she couldn’t find anything funny about the situation. “For all you know he might not be interested in her.”

  “You’re right. He might not. Then again, he might. It’s his business, Claire.”

  “I didn’t say it wasn’t. I just don’t get why you feel the need to fix him up with anyone? With her?”

  “Why not her? Susan is a nice person. As soon as I met her, I thought she’d be perfect for Logan. Like I told you, they have a lot in common, including the desire to settle down. That’s more I can say for you, right.”

  Claire didn’t know how to respond. Finally, she said, “Fine, do what you want. If Logan and this woman want each other, more power to them.”

  “There’s no need to take this personally, Claire. I just want him to be happy.”

  “I’m not taking anything personally.”

  “Aren’t you?”

  Claire frowned. Was she? “How’s Mom?” she asked, desperate to change the subject. “Have you talked to her?”

  “Yes. She and Timothy were getting ready to go on another cruise.”

  “And how’s my nephew?”

  “Leland is wonderful. I hope you get a chance to see him before you return to Algiers.”

  “Of course, I’m going to see him. I’ll be back in DC next Sunday. Maybe I can repack quickly and -”

  “You can’t visit Paradise right after you get back, Claire.”

  “Why not?”

&nbs
p; “Because Logan will be coming straight here to stay a few days.”

  “So?” Claire asked.

  “I told you--that’s when I invited Susan. Considering everything, it will be uncomfortable for you and Susan to be here at the same time. It could get messy and I don’t like messy.”

  Anger began stirring within Claire. “Fine. I’ll go visit Mom and Timothy if they’re back from their cruise. Then maybe, I’ll visit you guys afterwards.”

  “Great!”

  Claire frowned. “Does Logan know you’re fixing him up with this Susan?”

  “No, it’s a surprise. I can’t wait for them to meet. It’s going to be wonderful, I just know it. I have a feeling they will hit it off immediately.”

  Claire felt her patience with Asia dwindling. A part of her understood her sister wanting Logan to be happy—even with another woman, one who wanted the same things out of life that he did. Yes, she understood. Almost. She wasn’t totally there yet and honestly, she wasn’t sure she’d ever get there.

  “So, what do you guys plan to do tomorrow?” Asia asked.

  “Tour Niagara Falls. We can see it from our suite and it’s beautiful at night with all the colors. You and Lance should put it on your bucket list.”

  “We will.”

  “And we’re driving to Toronto on Wednesday. There are several places I want to visit there before leaving,” Claire added.

  “Sounds like fun. Give Logan my love and -”

  “Wait! I forget to mention something. I saw Sean.”

  “You did? Where?”

  “At the airport in Arizona. He looked good and told me to tell you hello. He seems to have gotten over you, although I don’t think he’s married or anything. At least, he wasn’t wearing a band on his finger.”