Cameron winked at JC. “Don’t let my wife’s sweet smile fool you. She’s quite a drill sergeant, worse than I was to you and the rest of the men.” He leaned to kiss Rosie’s head. “I’m hoping with JC here that will all change. I have some stuff to go over with him, and we’ll be up shortly. No work tonight. I’m going to throw some steaks on the grill and we’ll relax.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” She snuggled their daughter in her arm and gave her husband a quick kiss before leaving.
JC sat in the leather chair across from Cameron’s desk, waiting for Cameron to explain why he had asked him to come to Clearwater. When he didn’t say anything JC spoke up, he couldn’t take the anticipation any longer. “Why did you really ask me to come here?”
“I need help with the shop, and who better than someone I know that has the training and experience. You’re like a brother to me. That made the decision easy.”
His statement meant a lot to JC, but the obvious still remained. “Cameron, I’m a cripple, I can’t run a business.” JC rubbed his leg to make a point. “I’m sure there were many others you could’ve called, why me?”
“You? Because there’s no one better. You were an excellent Marine, and just because you lost your leg doesn’t mean you lost your life. I asked you here to help me, and you’ll soon learn that you still have a lot of life to live. It’s a win-win situation.” He picked up a file on his desk and tossed it into a drawer. “For all those years, I let the Marines control every aspect of my life, but now I’m a free man, and I couldn’t be happier. I never thought life outside of the Marines would ever be something I’d want to explore, let alone enjoy. You’ll be surprised at how well you adjust.” He smiled. “I know what you’re going through. I’ve seen the same uncertainty in other soldiers. Clearwater is just the place where you can find yourself and your future.”
JC frowned. “I’m not the same person. A place doesn’t change you. I’ll never be whole again no matter what I find here in Clearwater. I’ll do whatever I can to help you, but my leg will always be an issue. One I can’t move past.”
“Your leg doesn’t master you. You’re in control of your life. If you think of your prosthesis as a hindrance, it will always hold you back. You’ll never discover the future. We thrived on schedules, missions, deployments, and danger for years, but there’s so much more. Now is your time to discover it.” Cameron passed him a folder.
It would have been a waste of time arguing with Cameron. He’d always held strong beliefs, one was the will to overcome anything. So if JC believed in something strong enough, he’d succeed? But being a cripple wasn’t something he could will his mind to let go of. “I still don’t understand why you want me. I can’t teach the classes you offer here. What do you want me to do?” He held the folder in his hands, but didn’t open it.
“Inside you’ll find a list of jobs you can help me with—running the office, signing up clients for the courses, following up phone calls and emails, acquiring gun registration, and so on. You can also oversee the shooting range, assist with the gun training, and I’m sure there’s more I’m not thinking of. What do you say, will you at least give it a try?”
“If I wasn’t willing to help you, I wouldn’t be here. I just don’t want to let you down.” JC flipped through the pages in the folder. They contained all the basic information about the business he’d need to familiarize with if he was going to be assuming the office duties and allowing Cameron more time with his wife and new daughter. “When do you want me to start?”
Cameron smiled and extended his arm cross the large cherry wood desk. When JC leaned forward to shake his hand, Cameron added. “Welcome aboard. Tomorrow we can start going over the computer system and get everyone registered. It’s a great time to learn because it will be slow until the classes begin in August.” He pushed the black leather chair back from the desk and stood. “Why don’t we head to the house? You can settle in and review the folder. I’ll get the steaks on the grill.”
Chapter Two
Rebecca James tossed her law book on the counter, and then tied her apron around her waist. The best thing about working the late morning shift at Express-Ohh’s was the time it allowed her to study. The café wouldn’t pick up until the lunch crowd strolled in, giving her at least another hour to master all she needed to know for her upcoming test on employment regulations.
“Hey Becca, thanks for coming in on short notice.” Jennifer, the owner, stepped out of the backroom with a bag of coffee-to-go cups. “I really do appreciate it.”
She loved working for Jennifer, but couldn’t ward away the sting of jealousy. Jennifer was the girl next door, long brown hair and a slim body that held curves in all the right places. She might only be five-foot-five, but she had real spunk. As if she had downed a dozen espressos, she was always running at full steam no matter the hour, not to mention she always had a sarcastic comment handy. Over the last two years of working for Jennifer, Rebecca wasn’t sure she had ever seen her mad.
“No problem, Jennifer. You know anytime you need me I’ll be here.” She took the cups from Jennifer. “When are you leaving?”
“Since you’re here early, I’d like to head out now.”
“Go ahead, I have it covered.” She stacked the to-go cups on the back counter. Having them close by made them handy for when the orders were pouring in.
“You’re a life-saver, thanks.” Jennifer grabbed her purse from under the counter, and turned back to Rebecca. “Oh, there’s an order for Clearwater Combat and Guns to be picked up at eleven. The sandwiches are already made. You just have to make the coffee. The list is by the phone.”
“Got it. Now get out of here. Your mother’s plane will be landing soon, and there’s no need to come back. I’ll close up. Go and enjoy the visit with your mom.” Another twinge of jealousy pulled at her heart again. This time, for the relationship Jennifer had with her mother. Their closeness and bond was something Rebecca had wanted for years with her own mother, but that was too much to ask.
Years of trying to compete with the bottle for her mother’s attention did nothing for Rebecca’s self-esteem. Having a mother who chose booze over her own daughter left her feeling not good enough. During her teenage years, she suffered with extreme depression until she turned eighteen and left home. She found a safe haven in Clearwater, Wyoming.
For the last two years she had divided her time between working at Express-Ohh’s and her online college classes. There wasn’t a lot of extra time when you were trying to graduate within three years. All of her hard work and dedication was about to pay off. This was the last semester that stood in her way before she’d finish her bachelor’s degree in just over two years.
With Jennifer gone, the quietness of the café settled around her. She reopened her law book, sank onto the swirl-stool by the cash register, and pulled her pen from her ponytail. She jotted notes down into her notebook.
“Excuse me.” A deep, masculine voice caressed her skin like warm water, forcing her to glance up. Her heart skipped a beat. A tall man loomed in front of her. Slightly over six-feet tall, his blue T-shirt clung to his chest, providing a teasing preview to the six-pack abs that lay snug underneath. His long legs were encased in light blue jeans. With his honey brown skin and deep green eyes, he belonged on the West Coast instead of Clearwater. He resembled a surfer, not a winter snowboarder.
“I’m sorry…I didn’t hear the chime of the door. What can I get you?” Rising from the chair, she tossed her pen on the notebook.
“I’m here to pick up an order for Clearwater Combat and Guns. I’m a little early, but things were slow at the shop so Cameron asked me to come over. Would it happen to be ready yet?”
She glanced at the clock behind him. Ten Thirty. “Umm, if you could give me a few minutes, I just need to prepare the drinks.” She held out her hand. “By the way, I’m Rebecca.”
Goose-bumps rose over her skin as he shook her hand. “JC.” He released her hand and lowered h
is bulky frame on one of the bar stools. He then ran his hand through his light, brown hair. The sun’s rays, through the windows, highlighted his hair with streaks of gold. “Take your time.”
She wanted to run her hands on that fine specimen of a man, to feel his tight muscles taut under her fingers. She turned to review the list Jennifer had left on the counter. “Can I get you something while you wait?”
“A cup of coffee would be great.”
She grabbed the pot of coffee and poured it into a cup. “You’re new around here, aren’t you?”
“Yeah.” He paused before sipping the hot coffee. “Ahh, that’s good. Cameron and I were in the Marines together. He called me to help him with the shop.”
“You’re awful young to be retired from the military.” Pouring more coffee into a to-go cup, she sneaked a peek at his dark green eyes.
“An injury cut my career short.” Was that a hint of disappointment lingering in his voice? “Are you from Clearwater?”
“Naw. I’m from all around. Dad was in the Navy, so I grew up at different ports.” She left out the part where her father’s job was the reason her mother turned to the booze. Her mother couldn’t handle the separation, moving, and everything else that went with a military man. “I moved to Clearwater a little over two years ago, but I love it here. Are you planning to stick around?”
Before he answered, he took another long sip of coffee. He smiled and her knees wobbled. “As long as I’m needed, I’ll stay. Cameron has his hands full with the business and a new baby. I’ll do what I can to help.”
For the next few minutes, she chattered about the weather to fill the awkward silence. She placed the cup holders with the drinks on the counter. “The sandwiches are in the fridge. I’ll grab them and help you…”
“I can manage.” He swallowed the last mouthful of coffee from his cup and stood. He frowned as if irritated by her offer to help.
Reaching into the fridge she glanced over her shoulder. “I doubt it. Jennifer added a little extra to the order for Tessa. They’re very good friends, but Jennifer doesn’t get away from the shop much and Tessa just had Rosalie, so to let Tessa know she’s thinking of her, Jennifer sends some of Tessa’s favorites to her when Cameron places an order.” Inside the refrigerator, eight clear plastic sandwich containers were stacked neatly on top of a large square container that contained the sweet goodies. She turned around, holding the boxes. “Why don’t you grab the drinks and I’ll follow you out.”
He shook his head and reached for the tray of cups. “If I knew the order was this large, I’d have brought one of the boys to help.”
“Boys?” As she carried the boxes around the counter, his gaze met hers for the first time since he’d entered the café.
“Cameron has a few local high school boys at the shop helping finalize preparations for the classes starting in August. We still have a lot to do before we’re ready, but it’s coming along exceptionally well.” He stepped beside her, grabbing the front door with his free hand. “Let me take those.”
“I got them. Where are you parked?”
“Right there.” He nodded to the black pickup truck with the company’s logo on the door. “I appreciate this.”
“It’s all in the service you get here at Express-Ohh’s.” She flashed him her biggest and brightest smile. “Good service keeps our customers coming back.” She wanted him to come back. With dedicating the past few years to school and work, she was out of practice when it came to flirting. Not that she ever mastered the art of flirting like most average girls in their early twenties.
“Oh, so it has nothing to do with the fact that you’re the only coffee shop in town?” He teased, digging his keys out of his pocket. He pushed the small button to unlock the truck.
She laughed. “You tasted our coffee, do you really think another shop stands a chance?” Sliding the food containers onto the passenger’s seat, she could feel his body heat behind her. His cologne teased her senses, imprinting her memories and making her want to turn into his arms.
“Never.” He sat the tray on the floor-mat. Turning to her, he dug money out of his pocket. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I hope to see you around town again.” She tucked the money in her apron pocket and strolled back to the door. “Hey, will you be at the town’s picnic on Saturday?” Even though she rarely attended the picnics she knew Cameron and Tessa went regularly with Chloe and Jordan, the owners of Winterbloom Bed and Breakfast. Jennifer also planned to close the coffee house early that day. If JC was going then Rebecca would make sure she was there, even to see him from a distance.
“I don’t know. Cameron hasn’t mentioned it. I’m bunking at their place until the manager’s flat is finished above the shop. If they want me to go with them, I guess I’ll be there unless there’s work to be done. Why?”
Butterflies danced in her stomach, playing havoc with her courage. She nudged a pebble with the tip of her shoe. “I just thought…since you’re new in town that I’d introduce you to some of the towns’ people. The picnics are a lot of fun.” At least that’s what Jennifer told her. “You really should come…if you have time.”
“If you’re going to be there, I’ll try to attend, as long as Cameron doesn’t have something he needs me to do.” He shot her one last smile before sliding into the driver’s seat and starting the engine.
Her cheeks filled with heat as she watched him drive away. She was acting like a giddy schoolgirl, but for once in her life, she didn’t care, and couldn’t wait to see to JC on Saturday.
Chapter Three
Only a week in Clearwater and JC was ready to run for the hills. It was too much of a change in such a short time, especially when he couldn’t get his mind off Rebecca. Agreeing to go to the picnic was the biggest mistake of his life, well at least the second biggest one since coming to Clearwater. He was in no emotional shape to have a romantic interest in anyone. Not even adjusted to the loss of his leg, he didn’t want to drag a sweet woman into his shit-hole life. The phantom pain returned in his leg.
“Hey, JC is here with the grub.” One of the teenage volunteers jogged to the truck, with the other boys only steps behind him.
“It’s about time, I’m starving,” one of the boys hollered.
“Jake, go inside and get the pitcher of iced tea Tessa brought out earlier. The rest of you gather at the table.” Cameron waved the boys aside and assisted JC with the food. “We’ll eat in the house with Tessa. After lunch we’ve got to go up to Jackson Hole. The boys can finish the work today.”
“The bottom three trays are ours, and the rest are for the boys.” JC pointed to the last tray as Cameron took the sandwich containers from the stack. “Jennifer sent some sweets for Tessa.”
Cameron shook his head, his gaze drifting past JC and toward the house. “That woman of mine has a sweet tooth you can’t image, and it’s only gotten worse since Jennifer’s been indulging her.” Adding the last of the boys’ sandwiches to his stack, he nodded to the house. “You go ahead. I’ll give the boys their lunch, and I’ll be along shortly.”
JC didn’t hesitate. Standing around watching Cameron shout out orders only served to remind JC of his military days. He wasn’t adjusting to civilian life as quickly as his superior. All he ever wanted to do when he was growing up was to join the Marines. On his eighteenth birthday he signed his name on the dotted line, vowing his life to the core. Two months later, he boarded the bus to boot camp, never looking back.
He had been the man of his family, providing for their needs since he was fourteen. His father was a drunk most of JC’s life, but when he was fourteen his father left. He’d return once in a while, and his mother would take him back, but his father never stuck around longer than to get JC’s mother pregnant again, and then leave her and the family again. His mother was pregnant with Kelly when his father died.
The core offered a way for him to help his mother support the other eight children. It also forced his next oldest brothe
r, Lee, to step up and be responsible for the family. There was no longer time for Lee to goof-off with his friends, not when he had to make sure his siblings were cared for. JC’s mother couldn’t do it alone, and when he was in the Marines, the family responsibility fell to Lee and his twin sister, Laya. Laya was like a second mother to their younger siblings, making sure they were washed, fed, and reading them bedtime stories. JC’s mother worked two jobs to support her family, so Laya helped with the chores and children.
After the loss of his leg, JC prayed for an infection to take him. At least with his death, his family would receive his death benefits. How was he supposed to support his family with a missing limb? For months he grew hopeless, unable to get out of the bottomless pit of depression that had sucked him in. When he awoke in the hospital after his surgery, he saw his mother crying by his bedside—not for the loss of the body part that he grieved. She was thankful her son survived and made it home to her and the family. She didn’t care about money or his missing leg. She had told him that he was all she cared about.
It took a while for him to realize it too, but he was thankful to be alive. His mother and siblings needed him. Not for material things, but for love and support. He needed theirs as well. If it wasn’t for his family’s strong bond, he may have given up.
Thinking of his family made him homesick. Were Lee and Laya managing the younger children okay, or were their grades falling because of their extra duties around the house? Maybe he could convince his family to move to Clearwater. Cameron was paying him a hefty salary to run the shop, and he was sure his mother could find work in Clearwater or Jackson Hole. With his family closer, it would allow him to help with his younger siblings, and still repay the man who saved his life.
“JC, do you want help with those?” The screen door banged shut behind Tessa, pulling him from his thoughts.
He made a mental promise to check into housing for his family, and to find out if any shops were hiring in town before he approached his mother with the possibility of moving. “I’ve got it, but I sure could use a glass of your heavenly sun-brewed tea.” Stepping onto the deck, he smiled and winked.
Clearwater Romance Page 14
