"Holly?"
She answered from the bedroom, "Yes?"
"I think I want to stay here this coming week."
"Good idea."
"Holly?"
"Yes?"
"Was this your plan from the beginning?"
She walked into the living area, dressed in a long clingy peach-colored dress with a V-neck. She shrugged bare shoulders. "I wouldn't necessarily call it a plan..."
He grinned at her. "Just how much managing of me have you been doing?"
She came to the couch and sat on his lap. "As much as I could get away with."
"You're good for me," he said in some surprise.
"I know."
"You know, we've gone beyond our agreement."
"That has occurred to me lately."
"Are we still okay?"
She grinned at him. "Are you ready to declare undying love and propose marriage?"
He rolled his eyes. "Undying lust maybe, with a proposal of sex before the night is over."
"That's my thinking too. But nothing says we can't be good for each other, like friends would be. Right?"
"Exactly."
"Then let's go to my father's house and run the gauntlet of well-meaning family."
"Do you think they think we're together?"
"Of course. And we are. Just not in the way they think."
"Has anyone ever told you that you're imminently practical?"
She smiled at him and got up off his lap. "Come on, they'll be waiting. I think my Dad is doing a major fish fry."
"I've definitely eaten better food since I met you."
She laughed her musical laugh. He wondered briefly when that laugh had become so important to him. Shrugging to himself he followed her out the door.
The evening at the Grainger house was one of laughter, people talking over one another, tons of fresh seafood, and finally a serious conversation where Jason laid everything out for the family about just what had happened. He was completely honest about his lack of judgment in hiring the guy who had taken the bribe, and he let them all know that his other projects had cancelled. When he stated that he would understand if they wanted to use another architect for the Sully Point project, they essentially told him to shut up and get on with the work.
"From our point of view this just means you can devote all your energies to our project," Sam said. "This makes us happy. We are very sorry about what has happened to your business. But I'm guessing that once things take off on our project, things will pick up for you in the city as well."
"I've decided to stay in Sully Point for the coming week, to get the project started," Jason told them. "And I'll make use of Anna's loft if that's okay."
Anna smiled at him. "It will be good to know someone is using it. Can we get you anything, like a drafting table? My work is always done on an easel, so there isn't really anything there for your kind of drawing."
"I do a lot of work on my computer," Jason said. "But yes, I have been known to use a drafting table."
"I'll have one delivered tomorrow," Anna said firmly.
The time spent with the Grainger family left him feeling he was surrounded by fans of his work. Their optimism lifted his spirits enormously.
He spent some time that evening talking to Cody about fishing and the boat trip tomorrow. Cody was holding a fussy baby on his shoulder and pacing the front porch. It seemed that as long as Cody was moving, the baby was quiet. Jason liked the easygoing fisherman and businessman. He had an air of contentment about him that Jason envied. Of course, you only had to see Cody look at his wife Julia to become aware of their love for each other. He came away that night wondering for the first time in a long time about whether he was missing out on life by not looking for that kind of love and commitment. He poured all of himself into his work--and now that edifice was crumbling.
Holly had spent the evening talking to her sister and Julia. No matter where he was or who he was talking to, he felt connected to her, as if tied to her with a string. She would glance at him occasionally and he'd feel that tension of the connection between them, a vibration of that string. He didn't think Holly had spoken two words to him that whole time, yet by the time they left, he felt as if they'd had an entire conversation just in those glances.
The ride back to the loft took place in silence, Holly holding a container of leftovers to put in the fridge. They'd also brought coffee and rolls with them for the morning, before going on the boat. At one point during the drive, she reached out to run her hand down his arm. It was such a possessive, comfortable, affectionate gesture that Jason felt his breath catch in his chest.
They got to the loft and Holly put on music that flowed throughout the large space. Jason appreciated the speaker system. She stood in the center of the large room, swaying to the music. "Dance with me?" she asked. He crossed the room to her and put his arms around her. Even as they moved to the music, he kissed her and felt that he was home.
That night they made love in a calm, quiet, gentle manner that somehow made everything more intense. They fell asleep in each other's arms and Jason didn't dream of buildings falling down. Instead he dreamed of a house, a house he designed, a house that was a home.
Chapter 6
They got up early to get out on the boat to fish. Cody met them at the docks, claiming that it had been too long since he'd been out. Holly knew her brother was determined that Jason should have a good time. At some point during the previous evening, everyone had come up to her to have a quiet word about how he was doing. They could all see the change in him, and they'd all decided to keep his spirits up. Holly felt sure the family support could only help, but she also knew with certainty, the healing of Jason wouldn't be complete until he was designing a building in the city again.
But that was out of her control at this point in time. What she could do was make sure he relaxed today and that tomorrow he started work on the project. She'd do whatever she could to help make it happen.
"Holly, what the hell are you wearing?" Jason asked her as the boat pulled away from the dock.
She'd just taken off the t-shirt she'd been wearing and had on a bikini top under it. "I want to get some sun today."
"I thought nobody got any sun these days due to cancer scares. And more importantly, that top barely covers you."
She laughed. "You aren't going to tell me you're a prude, are you? Because I won't believe it. This is a perfectly legitimate bathing suit top. And I do have a low level sun screen on, but I'm not afraid of getting a little tan. Any other complaints?"
"Only one. How am I supposed to focus on fishing when you look like that?"
She laughed again, and he smiled too, some of the tension lines in his face easing away.
Cody had them fishing for big ones that day, and by the afternoon, Holly's arms and shoulders were worn out. Even Jason admitted to being tired, and they put away the fishing gear to sit on the boat and enjoy being out on the water.
"Do you come out here often, Cody?" Jason asked. Cody handed the two of them beers, and opened one for himself.
"Not as often as before I met Julia. And now that we have our daughter, well, I have to confess to being a besotted father. I find every single thing she does utterly fascinating. Never expected to be so into kids, but man, it's a blast."
Holly smiled at the look on her brother's face. When the 'womanizer' of the town had settled down, many had predicted it wouldn't last. But Julia really was his one true love. She'd never seen him so happy. How, she wondered, did you know? Know that you could stay with someone forever?
Jason appeared to be relaxing before her very eyes. He was looking out at the sea while Cody went to the captain's chair to check on something. She reached out and took his hand in hers. He turned his head and smiled at her. "This was a good idea," he said.
"Good for what ails you?" she asked with a grin.
"Yeah. I--"
"Guys, we've got to head in," Cody said as he came back to join them, a worried f
rown on his face. "Weather is coming in, fast. It wasn't expected to do this. Holly, you know the drill. Take care of things, will you?" He hurried off.
"What did he mean? What drill?" Jason asked.
"We'll get everything loose into bins, and we put our life vests back on, even though we are both good swimmers. I'm not saying we should panic or anything, but Cody doesn't usually look so worried. He must see something on his equipment."
Even as they put away what little had been on deck, the sky began darkening. There was an electric feel to the air and the sea became choppy. "Have you been in many storms out on the water like this?" Jason asked her.
Holly said, "No, but Cody knows what he's doing out here. He'll get us back in before it hits I bet." She put on her shirt over her bikini top and then the life vest.
"Aw, too bad. That was a really nice view all day," Jason said with a leer.
She grinned. "You shouldn't try to pull off that look you know."
He waggled his eyebrows. "Whatever do you mean?"
She burst out laughing. Jason being silly was a new one for her. "Come on. Let's go see what Cody says."
They found him at the wheel and on the radio. "Yeah, headed in now. Hey, give a call to Julia so she doesn't worry."
He set the handset down and Holly asked, "Well? Will we beat it back to town?"
"Doubtful, but I'm trying."
They watched as the sky turned an ugly gray with a greenish cast to it. The boat began to be tossed about by the waves. Rain started pouring out of the skies. As the wind picked up the noise of the storm ratcheted up.
Holly was grateful when Jason's arms came around her from behind. They stood together, staring out at all nature's intensity, and she gasped as a large wave crashed over the bow.
"Whew, it's getting interesting out here," Cody hollered.
She nodded at her crazy brother. Interesting was not the word she would have picked.
"You guys need to get below," Cody continued, shouting and pointing to the steps down. "I'll feel better knowing you're down there."
"Okay," Jason said and they made their way down. There was a snug cabin and they sat on the built-in bench with the table in front of them. It was quiet, but the movement of the boat was more pronounced.
"Oh, oh no," Holly said and jumped up to run to the head. Being below decks during the squall turned her stomach inside out. She was violently ill and only as she finished did she realize Jason was there with cool cloth on the back of her neck.
She finally felt okay enough to go sit back down. Jason sat next to her and put his arm around her. "You gonna make it?" he said, louder than normal to be heard.
Holly nodded, embarrassed, but also glad he was there. She felt safe sitting next to him. He seemed so solid, such a very real presence. Admit it, Holly, she told herself. It is nice to have a man around during a crisis. She snorted, and laughed at her own thoughts. Jason turned a puzzled face to her, but she waved a hand as if it were unimportant.
For all of her adult life she'd done very well by standing up for herself, leaning on no one, especially not a man. Not that she had anything against men, but she knew how easy it was for a man to take over, and for a woman to let them do so. Holly had always been determined to make it on her own. And she had done it. She ran one of the most well-respected personnel agencies in the city. She made a good living. Did it really matter if she leaned on this man at this time? She sensed that she was asking herself about more than just the time in the storm. Jason was becoming more important in her life than she'd ever intended.
The boat gave a lurch and they clung to each other. Jason shouted over the storm, "Yep, a boat ride--definitely relaxing. I can feel it getting rid of my stress."
She started laughing and couldn't stop. When Cody came down the steps a while later, he found them holding each other up as they chortled and guffawed.
"What the--? Uh guys, we're back at the dock, and the storm is over. Passed on by. What on earth is so funny?"
"L-l-life, brother dear," Holly managed to finally say. "Just life."
* * * *
Jason drove them to the loft and Holly claimed the bathroom to take a hot shower. He considered joining her, but the phone rang and showed him Gloria's number. "Hi Gloria, what's up?"
"Hi yourself. What are you doing this weekend that made you leave a message cancelling our Sunday lunch?"
"Holly brought me to Sully Point to get away from the city. We went out fishing earlier today."
"That's a smart girl you have there."
"I know."
"I called because I have news for you. I thought you should know that the Trenton building where your parents died is scheduled for demolition. They're bringing it down next week."
Jason was quiet, slightly stunned. The Trenton had become for him a kind of memorial to his parents, a marker of where they were slain. "Demolition? The whole thing?"
"Yes. From what I understand, somebody bought it and plans to put up a new building there."
"I don't know what to say. I guess it's already done, the decision is made?"
"Yes, dear. I'm sorry. It's going to happen. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"No, I'll be fine. It was only a building after all. It wasn't actually connected to them."
"Maybe so. In the meantime, you take advantage of your time away from the city. You two have a good time, and I'll see you when you're back in town."
"Love you, Gloria. Bye-bye."
"Love you too."
They hung up and Jason stared blankly at the wall. He didn't know what to think.
Holly walked up to him, wrapped in a towel. "I was thinking we could--Jason, what's happened? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, not really. Nothing much," he said and walked away from her into the kitchen. "Can I get you a drink? I think I'll have a beer."
She had followed and stood by the counter. He opened his beer and drank some. She walked up to him and touched his arm. "Tell me," she said softly.
"The Trenton. They're tearing it down. The building where--my parents--"
"Oh, Jason."
He set down his beer and put his arms around her, pulling her to him. He murmured, "It shouldn't be such a big deal. It wasn't really a monument for them. It was just a place."
"No, it meant something to you. I'm so sorry."
"Can we not talk about it? Can we just be together? I need you."
She nodded her head against his chest, then took his hand and led him to the bed. "No words."
He pressed up against her and she kissed him gently. As he kissed her back, the kiss became almost desperate. Her arms went around him and held him. He was not alone.
* * * *
Holly lay next to him as he dozed. She was on her side facing him while he was on his back, and she ran her hand lightly across his chest. His body was just ridiculously built. Broad chest, flat stomach, narrowed waist that led to--well, there was not one disappointing aspect to him. And he certainly knew how to use his body to create untold levels of pleasure within her.
She thought about how sad his eyes had looked at finding out about the building coming down. If only there were something she could do to help him. And right then it came to her. She sat up, eyes wide at her idea. It would be perfect! But, could she pull it off? No telling until she tried.
She scrambled out of bed and began getting dressed. Jason stirred, and she leaned over to kiss him on the lips.
"Mmm, do that again," he murmured as she stood up to look for her shoes.
"Can't. I need to get back to the city. I have a project I forgot about and I need to start working on it right away. You're going to stay here, right? To work on the project?"
"Yes, I think that would be best. I plan to call Marla and have her get in touch with everyone giving them a week of paid vacation."
"Sounds good. You can always have Marla come down here if you need her. She could stay at my father's place."
She felt his gaze upon her as she but
toned up her shirt. Looking up, she saw dark green eyes peering at her as if to read her soul. "I will be back," she said softly. "So no worries."
He gave her a smile. "Do you need a car to get back to the city?"
"Are you offering the Jag?"
He laughed abruptly. "No. Definitely not. But I'd rent you something."
"That's okay. There's an extra car in the family, seeing as how Cody and Sam--and Julia--are all car nuts. I drove it over here from my Dad's. It's a Mercedes."
"Good. Maybe I will have Marla come here. It's a good idea."
She stood up. "Okay, I'm off. I'll have my phone with me so call whenever you want. I'll be back down here on the weekend, early Friday afternoon if my schedule permits."
"Come here," he said. His smile at her crinkled the edges of his penetrating eyes.
"You aren't going to try anything, are you?"
"Just a simple kiss good-bye."
She paused and looked at him suspiciously, then walked over to the bed. He reached for her and the next thing she knew, she was on his lap and being thoroughly kissed. Her toes tingled as her arms went around his neck and the kiss grew more passionate. Finally, she pulled away. "Whoa. Okay, no more or I won't leave."
"Sounds good to me," he said in a low voice next to her ear. It made her shiver all the way down her body.
"But I have a plan," she said weakly as he kissed the side of her neck in little butterfly kisses. "I have work."
"Now how much work would you really get done on a Saturday night?" He said this against her lips right before he kissed her. She moaned.
"I guess I could leave tomorrow morning," she said a bit breathlessly as his hands moved to her shirt.
"That's my girl," he murmured. "Before, earlier, it was you taking care of me in my hour of need."
"And this time?" she wondered.
"This time is going to be pure fun as I take very good care of you."
"Oh my," she said.
Love Captures the Heart (Sully Point, Book 3) Page 9
