Claim Me Now (Heron Harbor Book 2)

by Lea Nolan

  “We should get to the train station. The next train’s in less than half an hour.”

  Was she really going to leave—after that kiss? “If that’s what you want.”

  She nodded. “Yeah. That’s what I want.”

  He drew a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s go.”

  Minutes later, they pulled up to the train station, and Raven purchased a ticket on her phone.

  “I can get out now and wait on the platform.”

  “Do you mind if we wait with you?” Jack nodded toward Brilla, whose head was jutting out from between the two front seats. She smiled, and her pink tongue fell out the side of her mouth.

  Raven smiled, too. “Sure. If you want to.”

  Oh, he wanted to. He couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her one second before he had to.

  They got out of the car and climbed the platform. Jack eavesdropped on a group of people talking about the sights they’d visit in the city: the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, decorated windows on Fifth Avenue, and Wollman Rink in Central Park.

  Stepping close, he took Raven’s hands in his. “If you stayed, we could do some of those things, too.”

  “But I’m going home,” Raven answered, gripping his fingers tight.

  “You don’t have to.”

  She nodded. “I do.”

  He flashed a half-grin. “But there’s a part of you that wants to stay, isn’t there?”

  Looking away, she shook her head. “Jack, don’t do this.”

  “You can’t kiss me like that and expect me to believe you don’t have feelings for me. I’ll tell you right here, and now, I’m crazy for you. Since everything fell apart, I’ve been lost without you. Can we try this again? We were good together. Tell me that you see that.”

  She pulled her hands from his and stepped back. “We’re too different, Jack. I’m a fixer. You’re a destroyer. There’s no way we can overcome that.”

  There had to be a way. “What if I’m not a destroyer? I don’t want to be. Not anymore. I didn’t tell you the whole truth about why I came to the beach house.”

  Her head tilted. “What do you mean?”

  “There’s a reason I don’t deal with the Human Resource issues of new acquisitions and mergers. It’s my Achilles heel. I can’t stomach the human fall out. Leveraging debt, the firings, and benefit cuts, it rips my soul in half. I get away to recharge so I can stay in this job. But I don’t want to do it anymore. I want to be proud of everything I do, not just some of it.”

  She laid her hand on his chest, above his heart. “Your intentions are good, but it’s easier said than done, especially with your stepfather. You said so yourself.”

  “I’ll prove it.” Jack pulled his cell phone from his jacket pocket, hit a number on his speed dial, and pressed the speaker.

  Beckett Winthrop picked up the line. “Jack, my boy, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

  Jack wasn’t his boy, any more than Beckett was a snuggly paternal figure. “Beckett, I’ve really enjoyed working for WFG, but my time with the company has come to an end. You’ll have my resignation on your desk Monday morning.”

  “Uh, what? No, that won’t do. I’m retiring this year.”

  “You’ve said that for years, and it never happens,” Jack said.

  “I see. So this is an ultimatum to get me to step down? You know I don’t like power plays.”

  Jack nailed Raven with a stare, willing her to believe him. Willing her to stay. “No, I’m genuinely quitting.”

  “You can’t. You’re my successor.” It was possibly the first time he’d ever heard panic in his stepfather’s voice, but he wasn’t taking it back.

  He couldn’t. It felt too right.

  “You’ll have to find someone else.”

  Beckett laughed. “You’ll change your mind. This is like when you wanted to quit college three weeks into your first semester.”

  Raven’s jaw dropped, her expression full of silent outrage, and it made Jack smile. He’d heard it all too many times to let his stepfather bother him, and besides, Raven had just shown she really did care. “It’s not at all like that.”

  “I don’t understand. Do you want more cash? Shares? What’s your angle?”

  There was only one thing he wanted, and, for once, it had nothing to do with his career. “There’s no angle, Beckett. I’m just done working at WFG.”

  “And you don’t even want to talk about it?”

  “There’s nothing left to say,” Jack said.

  “Well . . . what about New Year’s Eve dinner at the club?” His stepfather’s voice betrayed a rare note of vulnerability. “Will you be there?”

  “Of course I’ll be there.” Family was family, after all. Beckett was all Jack had—and vice versa.

  “That’s what I wanted to hear.”

  Jack hung up and looked at Raven. She grabbed his arm. “What did you just do?”

  Reality was beginning to sink in. “I . . . think I’m . . . unemployed.” He laughed, feeling freer than he had in . . . he didn’t know how long. Maybe ever. What came next? He could figure that out tomorrow. Today, all that mattered was the woman standing before him.

  Raven chuckled, too. “Oh my God, I can’t believe you did that. Are you okay?”

  He drew a deep breath. “I’m better than I’ve felt in years.”

  And wasn’t that the fucking truth?

  “I’m so proud of you.”

  The train approached the station.

  He was proud of himself, too. When was the last time he could say that? “Thanks. I appreciate that. I really do, but I didn’t do it for you.”

  “Good. You shouldn’t have.”

  “But I want it to matter to you.”

  She bit her lower lip before admitting, “It does.”

  The brakes squealed as the train ground to a halt. The doors slid open.

  Jack held out his hand. “Enough not to get on that train?”

  Raven froze. “Jack, I don’t know.”

  “Don't get on that fucking train, Raven. We've got something special, and you know it.”

  She swallowed hard. “I do.”

  “Then stay and give us a chance.”

  She swept her hair back from her face. “I just don’t know. So much has happened today. It’s a lot to process. I should go home. We can talk after I get there.” She turned and stepped toward the open door.

  He couldn’t let her leave now, not after what they’d just shared. Mrs. Hendrix’s words flashed back. And he let loose with, “Raven, I love you!”

  She froze, then slowly turned to face him, her expression a mixture of shock and wonder.

  He continued, “I know it’s sudden, but it’s true. I also know you’re scared, but you can trust me. I promise I’ll be good to you. Just accept something sweet into your life for a change.”

  The whistle blew.

  She glanced over her shoulder at the train, then back at him.

  For a split second, he was sure she was going to get on that train and walk away, leaving his declaration of love hanging out there, but all at once, she turned and sprinted into his arms.

  “I—I think I love you, too. I mean, I’ve never been in love before, but is this what it feels like? Crazy and reckless, and—”

  His mouth claimed hers. He lifted her and pressed their bodies close. The kiss was long and passionate, a contract sealed. The only one that had ever mattered in his whole life.

  Somewhere a million miles away, the train’s doors slid shut, the wheels turned, and it left the station.

  When they finally parted, Jack set her on the platform, but he didn’t let her go.

  “What do we do now?” Raven asked. “We, uh, both seem to be unemployed.”

  He laughed and shrugged. “We’ll figure it out. And this relationship, too.”

  “What if I’m not good at this relationship stuff?” Raven glanced down. “I’ve never done it before.”

  He lifted her chin with his fingers. “Hey, th
is is just you and me. We’re both going to do great, and we’re both going to fuck up. Besides,” he said, with a playful wink, “I’ve heard you’re a quick study.”

  Raven rolled her eyes, but her smile said she was pleased. “Jack, thanks for asking me to stay.”

  He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “No, thank you for staying.”

  He took her hand in his. “Come on, let’s take our awesome ugly dog and go home. I want you in my arms and in my bed.”

  Grinning, Raven knocked him with her shoulder. “You don’t want much, then?”

  His gaze was full of heat. “With you, baby, I want it all. And together, we’re going to be fucking unstoppable. Just you wait and see.”

  THE HERONE HARBOR SERIES CONTINUES

  HOLD ME FOREVER - COMING AUGUST 3, 2021

  PREORDER NOW!

  Lark Donovan doesn’t need anything besides her art. That’s what she’s told herself for years as she’s traveled the country selling at art festivals and teaching workshops. She’s independent and takes life day by day, because that’s the only way to keep from getting hurt. The only rule she’s lived by is to never return to Heron Harbor Island, but that’s one she has to break to be in her sister’s wedding...

  Police Chief Hunter McMullen loves his life on Heron Harbor. The only thing missing is someone to share it with. He thought he’d found that once and the rejection still stings, especially when sexy, free-spirited Lark Donovan returns for a family wedding they’re both in. Reunited for the first time in years, they’re thrown together to celebrate another couple’s love–and damn if the sparks between them still don’t fly.

  Now, it’s all Hunter can do to avoid convincing Lark with his hands, his mouth, and his body that they belong together. But he can already sense her pulling away–again. The only question is how hard they’ll both fight to hold on to happiness...forever.

  Acknowledgments

  As with all my books I’m indebted to a tribe of people without whom the book in your hands would not exist.

  There are not enough words to express my gratitude for Laura Kaye and our enduring friendship, plotting sessions, COVID-19 quarantined writing retreats, shoulders to cry on, pasta salad, and crispy tater tots.

  Stephanie Dray is a kindred soul and a constant champion. I’m blessed to have her in my life.

  Christi Barth is always there, no matter what, as quick to offer a kind and sympathetic ear as a blistering (and much appreciated) critique. I’m so lucky to be among her friends.

  Rana Strazza offered not only her expert advice on fashion labels; Italian towns, language, and coffee; but also a FaceTime lesson in how to use a French press that ought to have been recorded for posterity because no one would believe how clueless I was.

  Lora Robertson and Matthew Strazza provided expert advice on private equity and venture capital, respectively, which greatly informed the book’s plot and characters’ perspectives and motivations. Everything Lora and Matt told me in our chats was correct; any errors that appear in the book are mine.

  I am eternally gratefully to the all-star team that beta read this book in world record time for no other reason than they love me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Christi Barth, Stephanie Dray, Rana Strazza, Kate Quinn, and Laura Kaye. This book is leagues better because of them.

  Erica Monroe of Quillfire Author Services is a fantastic copy editor whose comments made me laugh.

  I am so thankful to have Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency in my corner, and for her continued belief in me.

  Thanks also to the team at Dreamscape Media and especially to narrator Veronica Landon for bringing Raven and the rest of the cast to life through their stellar audio production.

  Finally, to my family, thanks for being so great as I wrote this book in the midst of a pandemic while everything else in our lives was tossed upside down and yanked inside out. My kids’ encouragement to “finish the book!” kept me going, and my beloved husband Patrick’s unerring support and ability to keep the plates spinning while I ducked out for writing retreats made it possible. A million thank yous will never suffice so I’ll have to smother them in non-socially distant hugs and smooches instead.

  Other Books by Lea Nolan

  HIS BILLION DOLLAR BABY

  Burned by love and grieving over his brother's death, sexy billionaire CEO Carter Anderson wants nothing more than to protect his family. So when beautiful and unassuming physical therapist Gwen Radley shows up at the funeral, pregnant with his brother's baby, Carter's certain she wants an interest in the Anderson empire—and both his suspicion and attraction grow when circumstances force Gwen to move into his family's mansion.

  An orphan, Gwen's never wanted anything more than a family, and she finds in the Andersons a place she and her baby might belong. When Gwen's therapy expertise leads to long hours of intense, late-night collaboration on a lucrative project, the attraction between her and Carter leads to a night of white-hot passion. But Carter's distrust remains, leading them both to wonder if he will ever embrace his brother's baby—or the love that's blooming between them.

  ORDER HIS BILLION DOLLAR BABY!

  WANT ME ALWAYS: HERON HARBOR #1

  Her mind says no…

  Wren Donovan’s done with love. Betrayed and humiliated by her ex-fiancé, she retreats to her family’s beach house on Heron Harbor Island to lick her wounds and gorge herself on ice cream, spray cheese, and a box of glazed donuts. Wren vows to devote herself to her law career and swears off men forever, but she isn’t prepared for what being reunited with her oldest friend makes her feel…

  His heart says yes, please…

  Smith Connors can’t believe his eyes when Wren walks into his restaurant. He’s loved her since they were kids, when summertime found them inseparable best friends. As a boy, he’d never felt good enough for Wren. But now he’s a rising-star chef with a thriving business who knows what he wants—which means he’s not letting beautiful, brilliant Wren get away again.

  Smith determines to show Wren how good they could be together, and soon neither of them can resist the heat growing between them. He’d do anything to earn her faith—and her heart, if only she could learn to trust again.

  ORDER WANT ME ALWAYS

  CLAIM ME NOW: HERON HARBOR #2

  Raven Donovan isn’t looking for a relationship. She’s married to her job and vice president of her company. So she’s blindsided when a corporate takeover leaves her unceremoniously unemployed. Reeling, she retreats to her family’s beach house on Heron Harbor Island and drowns her sorrows in a bottle of tequila. And then a tall, dark, and gorgeous stranger walks through the door...

  Jack Baines has it all–money, a good job, and he’s the heir to one of the largest mergers and acquisitions firms on the East Coast. With his latest conquest under his belt, he should be flying high. But as much as he enjoys the thrill of the hunt, firing people takes a toll on him. So he heads to the beach for some alone time, never expecting to find a half-naked, black-haired beauty in his rental.

  With a storm raging outside, Raven and Jack end up sharing more than just the house. A scorching night turns into a red-hot weekend that reveals how much they have in common–including Raven’s ex-company. That revelation threatens everything they’ve found unless they fight to build something new...together.

  ORDER CLAIM ME NOW!

  About the Author

  Lea Nolan is a USA Today bestselling author who writes smart, witty contemporary stories filled with head-swooning, heart-throbbing, sweep-you-off your feet romance. She also pens books for young adults featuring bright heroines, crazy-hot heroes, diabolical plot twists, plus a dose of magic, a draft of romance, and a sprinkle of history. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, she loves the water far too much to live inland. With her heroically supportive husband and three brilliant children, she resides in Maryland where she cracks crabs and bakes ugly birthday cakes.

  To learn more about her books and find exclusive excerpts, giveawa
ys, and other news, visit LeaNolan.com or subscribe to her newsletter.