Clearwater Romance (22 page)

The cool night air didn’t soothe JC’s thoughts as he stood on the balcony. He was stupid to put the move in motion before his mother could consider it. He never thought it possible that she’d turn down the chance to get away from North Carolina, and away from the constant reminder of the military. Or maybe it was just him that was affected by the reminders. Would his siblings feel shorted by having to leave their schools and friends behind? Laya and Lee were seniors this fall and might not want to be uprooted. Maybe JC should have considered his whole family’s position further before signing his name on the dotted line for the property.

“Can’t sleep?” He turned to find Rebecca leaning on the glass door, a blanket wrapped around her, and her long brown hair slightly tousled from sleep. “It’s late. You need to get some rest.”

She came to stand next to him. “How long have you been awake?”

He glanced down at her, his hands itching to touch her. Awake? Heck, he never got to sleep. When they checked into the hotel, all the double queen bedrooms were taken, leaving one availability—a king room. It was almost as if the cosmos were aligning, bringing him and Rebecca together. Because the bed was so large, they agreed to stick to their own side. His thoughts jumbled as he lay awake next to her. The smell of sweet vanilla from her shampoo, and the round curves of her body hardened his shaft as soon as he had settled down next to her. He had to get fresh air or take her right then and there. “A bit.” He lied.

“What’s on your mind? Are you worried Jackie won’t agree?” She slid her arm across his back, the blanket now wrapped around them both.

You’ve been on my mind since I stepped into Express-Ohh’s.
He turned to gaze into her eyes. “If Mom doesn’t want to come to Clearwater, I can’t force her. I just feel bad we have everyone lined up for the building.”

“It will work out.”

Her hand caressing his back broke the final straw of his control. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to his body, and lowered his head. Their lips met with desire. Her lips slid open, letting his tongue explore her mouth. His hand slipped under the blanket, grabbing her ass to lift her off her feet. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms locked around his neck drawing them closer.

Passion pulsated in his groin. He wanted nothing more than to take her to bed and have her scream his name. He broke the kiss, enjoying her warm breath over his face. “We shouldn’t.”

“Why? I want this. Don’t you?” Her breath came in gasps.

“I’ve wanted you since I first laid eyes on you. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to be with someone as much as I want you.” Adrenaline flooded through his veins.

“Don’t stop. I want your hands on my body, your lips on mine. Please…” She begged.

Without further invitation, he walked the two quick strides to the bed. He lowered her on the bed, the blanket discarded on the floor. Whisking her nightshirt over her head, he took in the sight of her naked body. He tossed her nightshirt aside, slid his hand over her waist, and knelt before her. He wedged his body between her legs. Trailing kisses along her neck, hunger coursed through him. He wanted to take his time, to get acquainted with every inch of her body. He claimed her nipple with his mouth, sucking it, and flicking his tongue over them.

“Oh, JC,” she moaned, and tugged at his shorts.

Reluctantly, he released her nipple to travel kisses over her shoulder and up her neck, until he could gaze into her hazel eyes. “You’re beautiful.” Her cheeks reddened as he pushed her back on the bed and crawled next to her. “I want you on top, to see your body riding mine. I want to see your beauty highlighted by the moonlight.” He rolled onto his back, pulling her with him until she lay on top, and caressed the curves of her body.

“What about your leg? Do you need to…?”

“I’m fine.” He slid his hand between their bodies, his fingers teasing her pleasure and entering her core, tantalizing her with yearning. She arched her back, giving his fingers deeper access. As the moonlight accentuated her body, she rode his fingers to an orgasm.

“JC, please, I need you.” Her voice was full of desire and need.

He moved his hands to her hips and lifted her. “Up.” When she hovered above him, he adjusted so his shaft stood just below her entry. She slowly lowered down. Filling her inch by inch, he pushed up on her hips making her rise again before entering her completely with his manhood. His steady strokes fed her fire like tinder set to dynamite. His hands on her hips guided their pace.

He leaned forward, locking his mouth on her nipple and sucked until she moaned in pleasure. Her hips increased pace, driving the force of each pump. His thrusts became deeper and faster into a perfect rhythm. They moved together with such precision, as if in a well-choreographed dance.

Her body tightened around his shaft and her nails dug into his chest. “Oh, JC!” she cried out as his own release followed.

Breathless, he brushed her hair from her face. He wanted to see her. Rebecca’s eyes were glossy and dreamy—the aftermath of amazing sex. She slid off him, lying next to him. Snuggling next to his body, she sighed. He pulled the sheet over them. His breath returned to normal as contentment filled him. He cradled her, caressing her spine with long, lazy strokes.

“I know you’re worried,” Rebecca whispered, her fingers rubbing small circles down his chest. “But I have a feeling everything will work out.”

He kissed the top of her head. “It doesn’t matter.”

She glanced up at him. “Don’t lie to me. It does matter to you.”

She was right. Would he stay in Clearwater if his family chose to remain in North Carolina? He knew he would…now, with Rebecca by his side. Clearwater gave him a fresh start and possibly a new life that included Rebecca.

* * *

Dawn peaked through the sheer curtains hanging from the patio door. Sleep barely touched JC through the night, and when it did, it left him with nightmares. Being back in his hometown, seeing the service men and women at every turn had brought back the memories of his final mission. He had worked with a therapist months before and the dreams disappeared, for the most part. Since settling in Clearwater, the terror had left him. He needed to return to his new home soon.

When he took off his prosthesis so he could attempt sleeping, he was concerned Rebecca would cringe. But she surprised him. Instead of turning away, she clung to him tighter. She was truly an amazing woman.

She yawned. “The time change is playing with your sleep schedule. You barely slept. Maybe we should make arrangements for dinner instead of lunch.” She curled in his arms, her left leg and arm draped over him, cuddling close.

“We leave tomorrow night. If I’m going to convince Mom to move, it has to be today. Then we can relax and enjoy family time.” He draped his arm over her. “You didn’t sleep much either. If you want to stay behind, I’ll understand.” She had been his rock through this and he wanted her with him, not only to convince his mother, but to be next to his side.

“No, I’ll go. Unless you want to spend time alone with your family?” Her gaze met his.

“I want you there with me. I just didn’t want to pressure you.”

She laughed, sliding her hand up his chest. “I don’t want to walk on eggshells around your family.”

“I don’t want that either.” He placed his index finger under her chin, lifting her lips to his for a soft meaningful kiss. “My family can be a bit overwhelming. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

“Your family is an extension of you. I’m looking forward to all the embarrassing stories they can tell me about.” She kissed him again. “I need to shower.”

“Maybe I should join you.” He winked.

“We’ll never make it to your family’s house if we end up fooling around in the shower. I’ll take a rain-check for when we’re back in Clearwater.”

Watching Rebecca pad naked to the bathroom caused his shaft to harden with desire. He wanted to follow her, to see the soapy water cascading down her silky body, but there would be another day for that. Right now he had to get dressed and prepare what he’d say to convince his mother to move.

JC opened Rebecca’s door just as Lee jogged up to them.

Lee approached them, his arms crossed over his chest. Anger sparked in his eyes. “I didn’t think you were coming back? Mom said you were, but I figured you had to get back to your new life and job?”

“Boy, I hope you haven’t lost your manners while I was gone.” JC frowned.

“Sorry.” Lee held out his hand. “I’m Lee. It’s nice to meet you, Rebecca.”

She accepted his hand. “Same to you. I’m sorry we left before JC had time to talk with you last night. That was my fault. I was tired after the plane ride.”

Lee poked his finger at JC’s chest. “It’s your fault. You left us. You left Laya and me to handle everything. Poor Laya’s got so much to handle, and I have football practice starting in two weeks. Why’d you bother to come back?”

“Lee, I’m sorry you had to pick up some of the slack with me gone. I had to go. Today, I’m here to take everyone out to lunch, to enjoy some family time. I’ve missed you all.” JC had always sheltered the kids, doing his best to allow them each to have a childhood, but when he left, Laya and Lee had no choice but to take over. Lee resented it, and while that tore at JC’s heart, he had no real choice. He was useless to his family before.

“We don’t need you here.” The muscles in Lee’s neck bulged.

“Damn it, Lee, stop acting like a spoiled brat. I know you had to give up partying with the team and cruising the streets, but damn it we’re talking about our family. Your siblings needed you too.” JC’s anger peaked. He was tired of Lee acting like he was the only one that gave things up to help. “What the hell did you want me to do? I was a mess when I returned from duty. I wasn’t any good to anyone. Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I made, but it was right for the family.”

“You’re wrong. Mom was worse when you left, she cried all the time. When you were on a deployment she worried, but when she sat by your bedside she realized she could have lost you. Then you just picked up and moved across the country. It broke her. Kelly cried for you, night after night. Nothing any of us did would comfort her. She’s finally getting over missing you. She asks for you, but there’s no fighting at bedtime. Do you realize what coming back will do to Kelly? She woke up this morning searching for you and when she couldn’t find you she went back to bed crying. You’re the only father she’s known. Hell, you abandoned us all.” Lee uncrossed his arms, and for a moment, JC thought his younger brother was going to hit him. Instead he took off running down the street.

JC leaned against the car. His heart sank. Was coming back a mistake?

“JC.” Rebecca laid her hand on his arm.

“Oh, Rebecca, I’m sorry you had to witness that. Let’s go inside. I’ll deal with Lee when he comes home.” He glanced down the sidewalk to see Lee rounding the corner. He pushed away from the car.

“JC, wait.” She pulled his arm. “Lee is upset. I think some of his anger stems from missing you. It wasn’t just your mother that nearly lost you, it was your whole family. You’re their hero. They look up to you and you’ve been a standup father to them, especially the younger ones.”

“I did my living through Lee. He has my dreams of playing football and going to college. To see him so angry, breaks my heart. I don’t know how to fix it.” He shook his head.

“I think he wants your freedom. With you here, being the man of the family, he had it. Maybe the possibility of going to college in a year and leaving his family behind, he feels guilty. You said you did when you joined the Marines and when you moved to Clearwater. Go find him and tell him the reason you’re here.”

“What about you?”

He had to go after Lee, but he couldn’t just leave Rebecca standing on the sidewalk. Who knows how long he’d need with Lee.

“I’ll go inside. I have a feeling your mother has some questions she’s dying to ask me about what’s going on between us.”

He shook his head, sliding his arm around her waist. “I won’t put you through mom’s interrogation.”

“It won’t be that bad, and maybe I can soften her decision on the move. Now go on.”

“Are you sure?” He looked for a hint she didn’t want him to leave.

“I’m sure. I’ll see you inside.”

He leaned and kissed her. “You’re amazing.” He went after Lee, knowing Rebecca could handle his mother. He was more worried about the knowledge that he was falling in love with Rebecca.

* * *

Rebecca took a deep breath and knocked on the apartment door. She needed a swift kick on the behind for offering to go in alone, but JC needed to work through his issues with Lee without her. She either waited in the car or went inside.

Jackie opened the door. Her slightly greying hair was pulled back in a clip. “Rebecca? Where’s JC?”

“He went after Lee. They need to talk. I thought I’d wait for him here. I hope you don’t mind.”

Jackie stepped aside. “No, come on in. Did Lee run-off at the mouth again? He never knows when to keep his damn trap shut. If he goes making JC feel guilty about coming home there will be hell to pay.”

Rebecca shut the door and glanced around the room. The small apartment was fairly quiet. Laya sat on the sofa with a school book on her lap.

“Did you bring JC back?” Kelly peeked over the back of the sofa. She was in her princess pajamas and had tears streaming down her face.

The little girl pulled Rebecca’s heartstrings. She walked closer to the sofa, hoping to offer what little comfort she could. When she bent, almost eye level with Kelly, the little girl climbed over the back of the sofa. “Aww sweetie, JC will be here soon. He’s just downstairs talking to Lee.”

“You swear?”

“I promise.” Rebecca made a cross over her heart. “You should go get dressed so you’ll be ready when he arrives.”

Kelly swung her arms around Rebecca’s neck. Rebecca lifted her.

“Kelly, I’m sure Rebecca doesn’t want to carry you around. Now get down.” Laya scolded her younger sister.

“She’s fine.” Rebecca moved Kelly to rest on her hip, her arm tight around the girl’s back. “You’re just excited to see JC, aren’t you?”

“I’ve missed him.” Kelly whined, snuggling her head against Rebecca’s shoulder.

“I know, sweetie.” She wanted to do something to ease the little girl’s pain. If Jackie declined the move it would be hard on Kelly when JC left again.

“Laya, why don’t you take Kelly to get dressed and make sure everyone else is ready too. I want to talk to Rebecca alone.” Jackie nodded.

Laya had to pull Kelly off Rebecca before she was able to do as her mother asked. She left Rebecca and Jackie alone in a heavy silence that seemed to fill the small apartment. Rebecca wondered how nine people lived in such cramped quarters. The living room was barely big enough to allow six people to sit. It had to have been worse when JC lived at home.

“Don’t judge me.” Jackie sat down on the recliner.

“I wasn’t. I was actually admiring how spotless the apartment is. Parents with fewer children have a hard time keeping up with all the toys and clothes lying around. Your home is so tidy.” Rebecca sat on the sofa across from Jackie.

“I can’t take credit for that. Laya does most of the cleaning.” Jackie smiled, glancing around her home before her attention fell back to Rebecca. “I’ve thought about JC’s offer.”

Rebecca fought the urge to ask what she had decided. Pushing Jackie might put her further from a positive decision. She wouldn’t do anything to hurt JC’s chance at having his family closer.

“Aren’t you going to ask what I’ve decided?”

Rebecca shook her head, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I figured you’d prefer to wait for JC. I’m only here to support JC, not to force you into anything you don’t want to do.”

“So if I said we were staying here, you wouldn’t pull that guilt shit you did last night?” Jackie’s tone made Rebecca cringe.

“I apologize if I came across harsh. I only told you the truth and hoped you would consider moving a good opportunity—for you and the kids.”

“I can see in my son’s eyes that you mean a lot to him. He seems to like living in Clearwater.” Jackie turned to study the picture of her son in his dress blues. His face so young and innocent, it had to be shortly after he enlisted.

“JC might stay in Clearwater, but not because of me. He’s gained peace there. I’ve seen a change in him after being home one day. This visit has brought back his anxiety and stress. I don’t think he could live here again. He’d lose all the progress he’s gained. You have to realize that.”

“Are his nightmares back?” When Rebecca remained silent Jackie added. “He tried to hide them, but the walls are thin here.”

“Yes, last night.”

“But not in Clearwater?”

Rebecca didn’t have any first-hand knowledge, only that he had told her he hadn’t had any since he moved to Clearwater. “None that I know of.”

“I saw the tension in him last night when he was here. I don’t want to be the one to cause him any further grief in his life. He’s a good boy and deserves to be happy, that’s why I’ve decided to go to Clearwater, as long as the kids agree.”

The door creaked. JC and Lee entered the apartment. Both were smiling and JC had his hand on Lee’s shoulder. “Did I hear you right?” JC approached his mother.

“It’s not up to me. The kids have to have a say in this, especially the older ones.”

“JC!” Kelly ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, crawling onto his lap. “I’ve missed you.”

“Are you really certain you want to move?” Lee questioned his mother.

“Everyone sit. I’ll gather the kids for a family meeting.” Jackie rose from the chair and walked down the hall.

“What did you say to her?” JC sat next to Rebecca, Kelly still clinging to his side. He wrapped his other arm around Rebecca’s shoulders.

“Nothing,” She whispered and leaned against him. “She sees what being back here is doing to you.” She tickled Kelly’s stomach. The little girl giggled. Rebecca was happy that JC would have everything he wanted, which she hoped included her.