by Susan Meier
“A big juicy steak.” She rubbed her hands together. “I saw the grill on the deck. We can get some veggies and makings for a salad and have a feast.”
“Sounds like a good idea.” Before he shifted into Reverse to get them on the road, he pulled out his phone. He clicked a few buttons then said, “Hey, it looks like I’m going to be here at least another three hours. If there’s anything you want to do, go. I’ll call you when I’m ready.”
He hung up the phone and glanced at her. “See? I take care of my people.”
She wished she hadn’t been so critical of him, then realized this might be a good time to show him she could change too. “I know. I’ve seen it before. I’m sorry for being judgmental.”
He grinned. “Well, what do you know? Another apology.”
She laughed. “Just drive.”
It took them twenty minutes to find the store. Coming at it from a different direction, Avery lost her way twice. Jake laughed at her, then used his phone app to find the store the easy way.
They picked up steaks, veggies, things for salad, pickles, peanut butter and jelly, and Avery had a good time laughing at the way he gasped at the prices. He’d shopped, of course, while at the university, but not recently. He also seemed to love her strange cravings.
At the checkout he let her pay half. Another sign that he’d been paying attention when she talked. She teased him that he was paying for that night’s dinner and she took care of the milk, juice, four different kinds of cookies, bread, eggs, peanut butter, jelly, hamburger meat and pickles.
“That’ll keep me until tomorrow.”
Sliding into the driver’s seat, he cut her a sideways glance. “Seriously.”
“I’m kidding.”
He gave her a doubtful look and appeared to be about to tease her, but his phone rang. He slid it from his pants pocket and tossed it to Avery. “Answer that.”
She glanced down at the caller ID. “It’s your mom.”
“Put it on speaker.”
When she pressed the button, he said, “Hey, Mom.”
“Jake, oh, Jake. I can’t find Seth!”
Wincing at his mom’s melodrama, he said, “Is he lost?”
“Clark was killed in an automobile accident this afternoon.”
Jake instantly pulled the Porsche into a convenience store parking lot to give his mother his full attention. “Say that again?”
“Seth’s partner Clark was killed today.” Maureen burst into tears. “I’m reeling. And if I am this upset I can only imagine how bad Seth is. Sabrina went to his apartment. He’s not there.”
Avery watched fear race across Jake’s face. “I have an idea or two of where he could be. I’ll find him.”
“Let me know the minute you do.”
Avery disconnected the call as Jake shoved the gearshift into Reverse and laid rubber pulling out of the convenience store. “I’ll take you home. We’ll get the food inside,” he said as he sent the car screaming down the quiet street of the lovely beach town. But when he looked over at her, his gaze dipped to her stomach and he slowed his pace.
He drove carefully down the streets to Seth’s bungalow. When they got there, he helped her carry her groceries inside and even put the perishables in her fridge.
Then he headed for the door and she followed him.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“With you.” He was so upset his driving couldn’t be trusted. But he seemed to restrain himself when she was in the car. Maybe to protect his child? Maybe to protect her? Whatever the reason, she wouldn’t let him go alone. Not now. Not when their feelings for each other were growing and changing and potentially becoming something wonderful.
“I’m not letting you drive by yourself like this.”
“I’m fine.”
“Good, then we’ll just have a nice trip into the city together.”
“It’s late and you’re tired.”
She pushed him toward the door. “Oh, crazy, crazy man. I’ve told you. I’m pregnant. Not sick. Now get a move on or I’ll grab the keys and drive.”
That threat was enough to get him walking again. Inside the car, he started the engine and headed to the city.
She kept him talking, first just small talk, then when he seemed calm, she segued into asking about Seth’s friend.
“They just found out Clark’s wife Harper is pregnant.”
“Oh.” Oh, Lord. She began to understand his anxiety. He knew Clark’s child wouldn’t have a dad and it affected him differently than it would have before he’d learned he was going to become a father himself.
The almost three-hour drive seemed never ending, but eventually they made it into the city. After trying Seth’s cell phone again and again, they stopped at his apartment. Jake had a key. He didn’t knock. He opened the door and walked inside, but Seth wasn’t there.
Sitting on the sofa, he pulled out his phone. Avery sat beside him.
“I have the number for Clark’s parents. I didn’t want to have to bother them, but if he’s there with them—”
He broke off as he hit the Contacts button. After a few seconds he said, “Hello, this is Jake McCallan, there’s no need to disturb the Hargraves.” Avery assumed he was either talking to a maid or someone who’d gone to their house to comfort Clark’s parents. “I’m just calling to see if my brother Seth is there.” A pause. “He isn’t? You’re sure?” He closed his eyes. “Thank you.”
He disconnected the call. “Okay, so next is the apartment of an old girlfriend.”
“You can’t call?”
“I don’t have her number. I only know her address because they had a party there once.” He combed his fingers through his hair. “Seth believes Clark saved him. He was this blue-collar kid, scraping by, but he took Seth in when Seth dropped off the grid because of our dad. Clark didn’t expect any money—not even rent—he just took him in.”
The unexpected confidence filled her heart with both joy and sorrow. It was wonderful that he knew he could turn to her. Heartrending that he had to.
“People who don’t have money can be very generous.”
“Seth paid him back by giving him half of the investment firm without any up-front capital.” He shook his head again. “They lived in their dodgy apartment for the next five years, long after each could have afforded his own place.” His eyes closed. “This will have hit Seth too hard to comprehend. I know he considers Clark more of a brother than he does me.”
Avery rubbed her hand across his shoulders. “Hey. When you needed him, Seth left his investment firm to take a place in your company. You’re brothers.”
He blew his breath out on a sigh. “Yes. We are.” He rose and extended his hand to help Avery stand. “Let’s go find him.”
Seth wasn’t at his last girlfriend’s. He wasn’t at any of the hangouts he frequented. Desperate, Jake drove to the neighborhood where Seth had lived with Clark and Oz.
Avery’s heart nearly exploded with relief when Jake said, “There’s his car.”
They parked on the street five cars behind Seth’s. As they approached the Cadillac SUV, they could see Seth behind the wheel, leaning back on the seat as if he was sleeping.
Jake knocked on the window and Seth’s head snapped up. “Open the window.”
Seth opened the door. “What? What do you want?” He looked around. “What time is it?”
“It’s after midnight.”
Avery hugged her arms around herself, warding off the chilly night air. “We’re here to take you home.”
Seth rubbed his hand down his face. “You heard about Clark?”
“Mom called.”
Seth closed his eyes, obviously struggling to control his emotions.
Avery’s heart broke for Seth, but she saw Jake’s strength. He wouldn’t let Seth go through this alon
e. He wasn’t just the leader of his family; he loved his brother. Made allowances. Didn’t cast aspersions or point fingers.
Jake said, “Avery will drive your car back to your place and I’ll drive you.”
Avery noticed the empty liquor bottle beside Seth in the passenger seat. Understanding why Jake wanted her to drive, she held back a wince, and as playfully as possible said, “I’ve always wanted to drive a Caddy.”
Seth sucked in a long breath. “This is wrong.”
Jake reached in and undid his seatbelt. “Yeah, I know.”
“He wasn’t even thirty.”
Sliding the shoulder harness down his arms, Jake helped him out of the SUV. “You told me he was a year or two younger.”
“And Harper’s pregnant.”
“I know. We talked about it last week.”
Avery helped Jake walk Seth to the Porsche then quickly opened the door. They got him into the passenger’s seat and buckled in, then Jake reminded her of the address to Seth’s apartment. She put it into her phone GPS just in case she lost Jake as they were returning to Seth’s.
After a twenty-minute drive, it took ten minutes to find a parking space on the street and another ten to get Seth upstairs and onto his bed, face-first, in his clothes.
When they walked into the sitting area, Jake said, “I’m not sure if he’s passed out or sleeping.”
“It probably doesn’t matter.”
“I called my mom while we were driving here to let her know Seth was safe.” He dug into his pocket and produced the Porsche keys. “Here, take these. I’m staying.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he shook his head. “Actually, it’s awfully late for you to be making an almost three-hour drive back to the beach house.”
She yawned.
“You’re staying too.” He pointed back to the hall. “Seth has a spare bedroom. I’ll sleep on the sofa.”
That seemed absolutely stupid, considering their past.
And their present.
They were having a baby. He’d kissed her in Paris and almost kissed her at least three times since they’d returned. She liked him—might even love him. She’d never stopped her merry-go-round of work long enough to really get to know anyone to love them. Yet, it seemed fate had set things up with Jake so she’d not only have time, she’d have ways to get to know him. Not just as a boyfriend or lover but as a wonderful human being.
She caught his hand. “Are you daft? Not only have we slept together often enough that it’s ridiculous to be splitting hairs, but I like you.” She caught his gaze. “And you like me.”
His eyes stayed locked with hers. “I do.”
Light burst inside her. He liked her, but more than that, two weeks ago he never would have been able to make the admission.
But neither would she.
She turned him in the direction of the hall. “Go.”
They walked to the bedroom and found extra toothbrushes in the guest bathroom. After stripping down to T-shirts and underwear, they climbed into bed.
Instinct and need rattled through her. The urge to nestle against him trembled along her skin. But it was late and she was tired. She would bet he was too.
Still, she didn’t roll away. She lay unmoving beside him, half hoping he would turn and kiss her. For some reason, she couldn’t kiss him. Probably because she’d been the one to break the ice and admit she liked him, and force him to admit he liked her too.
He had to make the next move.
She yawned. The warmth of his body spread into the covers and over to her. She closed her eyes and let it take away the chill that had seeped into her bones while they stood on the street with Seth.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
AVERY FELL ASLEEP almost instantly and Jake closed his eyes, savoring her nearness and the fact that they’d said what they’d both been thinking.
They liked each other.
He’d thought they were opposites, but the more he got to know her the more he realized they shared work ethic, love of family, a desire to do something good in the world.
A few weeks in each other’s company had shown them the obvious. They were more alike than they were different.
He’d always believed it would be frightening to be so vulnerable, but every time he thought of having her in his life there was a tightness in his chest that was more anticipation of joy than fear.
The thought kept him awake for another hour. Things might not work out and she could leave him. They could still fight. They hadn’t settled the logistics of their lives...a million things could happen.
But he didn’t give in to fear. Never had. Never would. He took action. He could control so many of the things that might bedevil them. He would focus on those.
Confident, he drifted off.
Hours later, he woke with a start. He would have bounced up in bed, except something held him in place. He glanced down and found Avery nestled into his side. Her head on his shoulder like a pillow.
His heart expanded as the events of the day before came back to him. They’d walked on the beach, shopped, found Seth together. But all those were quickly overshadowed by how damned wonderful she felt snuggled against him.
He enjoyed the feeling for a minute or two, then slid out of bed to use the bathroom and brush his teeth. When he returned she was awake, sitting up on the bed with all her glorious red hair a tumbled mess flowing around her.
“Good morning.”
It took a second before he found his voice. They weren’t just a hookup anymore. They liked each other. She was beautiful, smart, kind. And his for the taking.
“Good morning.”
She got out of bed before he had a chance to get back in. Disappointment roared through him. “Where are you going?”
“There’s a little person on my bladder. Never question a pregnant woman on her way to the bathroom.” She rose to her tiptoes and brushed a quick kiss across his lips. Her eyes filled with promise. “Get back in bed.”
He laughed lightly as she scampered past him, though his heart thudded in his chest. Everything was so different between them now. Better.
She returned a few minutes later, slid under the covers and nestled against him.
“I wonder if Seth is up.”
Her voice was soft, a low, quiet whisper, because if Seth was still sleeping, she wouldn’t want to wake him. Now that they had spent time together, real time, doing normal things, he knew that about her. He knew she was good. She knew he wasn’t stuffy as much as responsible.
She was the first person ever to really know him. The first person to ever really care to know him. And she’d come back to bed, because this was right.
“I doubt he’s awake yet.”
“I don’t hear anything beyond the door.”
Jake shrugged, feeling her silky hair move against his skin, waking all his nerve endings.
“He’s going to need fluids, aspirin and something to eat.”
“If he drank that whole bottle of whiskey, the something to eat might have to wait until about noon or so.”
She shifted against him. “I wonder what time it is.”
He leaned over and got his phone from the bedside table. “A little after seven.”
“We should get up. Check on Seth.”
He realized she was stalling. Maybe waiting for him to make the first move. “Or we could stay here.”
She laughed, low and throaty. “Why, Mr. McCallan. Are you propositioning me?”
She knew damned well he was, but he liked the flirting. He liked being reminded of how they had been when they met, as much as he liked how their relationship had morphed into something more.
He pulled back, smoothed his hand along her tummy, feeling the child that would bring them together before he let it skim down her hips, along her thighs and back up again.
He could have ravaged her. That’s what his hormones ached to do. It’s also what he would have done six months ago. But this was no longer about having sex. This was about emotion.
He liked her.
And she liked him.
The sheer joy of it filled him as a horrible retching noise rent the air.
Avery’s eyes popped open. “Oh-oh.”
Jake sighed.
“We should go and help him.”
He nuzzled her neck. “He’s a grown man. He’ll be fine.”
“Um, Jake. If we can hear him, that means he’ll be able to hear us.”
He thought about that then cursed.
“All right.” He tossed the covers back and got out of bed. “You get the aspirin and some bottled water and I’ll check on my brother.”
He walked to the master bedroom wearing only his T-shirt and underwear, but Avery took the time to step into her jeans. Her sexy, butt-hugging jeans.
If Seth hadn’t interrupted them, they would have made love. And if they’d dated like two normal people instead of just falling into bed, he was sure they’d be in love right now. Because he was absolutely positive that was what was happening between them.
Even the fact that they’d found a house they both liked, albeit that it was Seth’s, proved they were finding common ground. They were going to build a life together.
And he wasn’t letting any of it to chance.
* * *
Avery drove the Porsche back to Seth’s beach house and had to admit it was an amazing car. She put the top down and the air that spilled inside wreaked havoc with her hair, but she didn’t care. For the first time since she got pregnant, she wasn’t worried about Jake. Wasn’t worried he’d find out about the baby and try to take it. Wasn’t worried that he’d discover her dad’s troubles. They were falling in love. For real.
Her life felt good. Wonderful.
She wasn’t in the door of Seth’s cozy bungalow two minutes before her phone rang.
