Losing to Win (Clearwater) (7 page)

“JC, please, I want to feel
you in me,” she begged. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him to her
body.

“Someone is impatient
tonight.”
He
rose up on his elbows and angled between her thighs. He eased inside, the slow
friction a delicious torture for him. With his shaft firmly inside her, he
eased back out before sliding home again. As he quickly found the perfect
rhythm, she writhed against him, encouraging him with sweet little gasps and
tight muscles. Every stroke added to the tension coiling at the base of his
spine.

Her body clenched around him
and she clawed his back, marking him as she exploded around him. The heat
lacing up his spine turned molten and his climax followed seconds later. He
leaned his head back and cried from the pleasure coursing through him.

JC rolled to his side, pulling
her to lie next to him, her arm across his chest. He could only see the
faintest outline of her features in the now darkened room. “I’m falling in love
with you, Rebecca.”

She glanced up, meeting his
eyes. Her hand continued to run the length of his chest. “I’m falling for you
too. I’ve never felt this way before. It’s happening so fast, but I don’t
care.”

As sleep claimed Rebecca, and
JC’s eyelids grew heavy, his heart was more content than ever before. He had
found a special woman who accepted all his faults. His life had purpose once
again.

Chapter Eleven

Rebecca sat on the sofa with
her law book on her lap, trying to study while Kelly played with her dolls. The
last week of being stand-in parent for Kelly had enlightened her. After her own
unfortunate childhood, Rebecca wasn’t sure she wanted children. She didn’t know
if she could even be a good parent, but Kelly had proven she could. This
parenting test had been a reminder of how much she loved children and wanted
some of her own.

“When will JC be home?” Kelly
glanced up from her dolls.

“Soon, sweetie.” She was
thankful that in the last week JC had been able to work from home part of the
day, giving him time with Kelly, as well as finding a rental home. Today he had
to meet with the principal of the local school about doing a self-defense
class, once school resumed.

As if summoned from the little
girl’s inquiry, JC opened the door. His dress pants and shirt were such a
dramatic change from his normal T-shirt and jeans Rebecca wouldn’t have
recognized him if she hadn’t seen him leave this morning. Damn he looked good.

“JC!” Kelly ran to him.

He bent down and picked her up
before winking at Rebecca. “Is Kelly the only one that missed me?”

She rose from the sofa and
kissed him.
“You
know I missed you. How did your meeting go at the school?”

He put Kelly down, who
returned to her toys on the floor, and slid his arm around Rebecca’s waist.
“Better than expected. I got a lead on a rental house.”

“Really? From who?”

“Ms. Marcie Lewis, she’s the
principal. Her mother decided to stay in Florida after her recent vacation. Ms.
Lewis hasn’t had time to put her mother’s house on the market yet. She offered
it to me until the construction is complete. We can see it this evening after
dinner.”

“Wonderful. I have dinner in
the oven now, but it’s not ready yet.” She was hopeful this rental would be the
one, because right now they were at a loss as to where his family would stay
when they arrived the following week. There were very few rental properties in
Clearwater, and most of them were apartments above shops, or seasonal rentals
for winter. The one place they did find, the landlord refused to rent to such a
large family, which put their search back to square one.

“Good, then I have time to
shower and change.” He leaned close to her ear. “Care to join me? You did
promise once we got back home.” He kissed the nape of her neck.

She nudged his arm. “Not with
Kelly right there,” she whispered.

He glanced at Kelly playing on
the carpet. “I love her as if she was my own child, but I can’t wait until we
are alone. I have plans to make you scream my name in every room of this
apartment, especially the shower.” He tapped her butt and strolled down the
hall, leaving her with the urge to follow him.

Rebecca looked forward to
Jackie’s arrival, but also dreaded it because it meant Kelly would be leaving.
JC might also leave too. He wouldn’t have to stay here once Kelly was gone. He
could return to the apartment over Clearwater Combat and Guns.

A chill of loneliness ran down
her spine. She tossed her law book on the sofa and joined Kelly on the floor.

* * *

“It’s a beautiful home, and
even better since it’s furnished. I did mention there will be eight children,
as well as my mother. Are you sure you’re okay with that?” JC wanted to make
sure Ms. Lewis was aware of all the children before he signed a lease and
committed to payments for the next six months or longer if the construction
became delayed.

Marcie Lewis laughed. Her
skirt and white blouse were unwrinkled from the long day, and her red hair was
still neatly pulled back in a stylish twist. She appeared no older than
thirty-five—if that, yet she gazed at Kelly with such longing, as if she wanted
children of her own. “This house has been full of children for years. I’m the
youngest of seven siblings myself. We’re all grown up now, and my mother is in
Florida. The house is so quiet. Your family will bring laughter and joy back.”

“JC, I love it. Is this going
to be my new home?” Kelly tugged his hand, wanting to be picked up. “I don’t
want to go back. I want to stay with you!”

“Kelly, remember your manners.
This is Ms. Lewis. She is the principal at the school you will be attending in
the fall.”

“She’s fine. She’s just
excited.” Ms. Lewis squatted in front of Kelly. “Why don’t we let your brother
and Rebecca talk for a few minutes, and I’ll show you the room I had as a
child. There’s a secret passage way between two of the bedrooms. It has a small
room that my sister and I played in.”

“Can I?” Kelly stared at JC,
excitement glistening in her eyes.

“Go ahead, but mind your
manners.” When Ms. Lewis and Kelly left, JC glanced around the living room
again. It was furnished with a large sectional that would easily seat his whole
family. A fireplace dominated the back wall with windows on each side. The
dining room off to the right had a long table for family dinners. It was
perfect for his family, and even had five bedrooms. Most of the children would
have to double up, but there was still enough room to spread out. The
downstairs family room would provide a great place for the children to play,
giving his mother, Laya, and Lee a little peace upstairs.

“What do you think?” Rebecca
was taking a few pictures to email his mother.

“It’s perfect. I know Mom will
love it, and Lee can walk to the high school without needing a car. I just have
to find mom a car and pick them up at the airport next week.” He wrapped his
arms around Rebecca. “It’s all coming together because of you. Thank you.”

“You’ve done most of the work.
I just sparked the idea. I’m glad it’s working out. You seem so happy with the
idea of your family moving here.” She slid her arm around his back.

“Are you okay with them being
so close? I know they can be a bit much.” He loved the way her body fit in his
arms, and the way her sweet vanilla shampoo excited his senses. “Will my family
being here make you miss your family more?”

“No. This move brings my dad
here too. So it works out for both of us.”

He leaned to hover his lips
over her forehead before pressing them against her cool skin. “What about your
mother? You never talk about her.”

“She’s a drunk and the reason
I left home.”

JC frowned. Rebecca’s
statement was firm and blunt.

“She filed for divorce, which
is why my dad is moving to Denver. His job requires a lot of travel, so he
needs a good airport and Jackson Hole has limited service. I’ve tried to talk
him into staying here. Maybe spending time here while your house is being built
will convince him to stay, at least part time.”

“I’m sorry. My father drank
himself to death before Kelly was born.” JC understood what it was like to live
with a drunk and didn’t wish it on anyone. It was hell watching his father
throw his life away for the bottle.

Kelly ran into the living room
at full speed, a big smile on her face. “JC, there’s a secret passage that
leads to a pink room. There are dolls and a coloring desk. Can it be my room?
Please.”

“Sounds like she’s sold. What
about you JC?” Ms. Lewis entered the room a few steps behind Kelly.

“If Kelly is happy then so am
I. Did you bring the contract?”

“Sure did.” She pointed to the
dining room table where her bag was sitting.

“Come on, Kelly, why don’t we
go check out the back yard while JC goes over the boring paperwork.” Rebecca
took Kelly’s hand and led her out the back door.

“Now that we’re alone, I
wanted to mention something that might be helpful to you.” Ms. Lewis dug the
contract from her bag before turning back to JC who sat at the table. “As I
mentioned before, I wanted to sell the house, but haven’t had time to get
everything straightened out. Your family will be starting over, leaving
everything behind, but if your mother is interested in the furnishings here,
she can take them when they move into their new house. Your family won’t have
to spend all that time shopping to fill the house, and I won’t have to figure
out what to do with it.”

He glanced around again. Some
of the items had to be antiques. “What would you want for everything?”

“Nothing. I want you to have
them, as long as they fit your tastes. Or more importantly your mother’s, since
she’s the one who will have to live with them.”

“I couldn’t…there are antiques
here. Belongings you’ve grown up with. You and your siblings must want some of
them.”

“We have what we want. Our
memories are more important than any possessions.” She pointed to the
furniture. “They’ll get used to the furniture while they are here, which will
make the move to their new home easier. Your family can start over again,
comfortably. I heard Jackie will be working in Dr. Bowmen’s office, and the
kids will be starting school in the fall. Your family will be part of the
community. This is what we do for our fellow residences when someone is in
need. Look at it as a gift, not charity, for you gave so much to your country.”

“Thank you.” He was in awe by
the generosity of the Clearwater residents. It was more kindness than he had
ever known. He owed so much to the town and somehow he’d find a way to pay them
back.

* * *

The day was growing late, but
Rebecca didn’t want the night to end. She snuggled against JC, her head against
his chest as a movie played on the television. She couldn’t focus on the movie
while waiting for her time with JC to end. His family was arriving in two days,
and she hated the thought of him leaving. The apartment would be empty without
him. She’d miss their quiet cuddle sessions after Kelly went to bed. He
couldn’t continue to stay here…or could he?

“Sugar, you seem a million
miles away. What’s wrong?” JC’s fingers trailed up her arm.

“I was thinking how quiet it
will be when Jackie and the kids arrive, and Kelly leaves. You’ll be going back
to the manager’s flat above the shop.” Saying the words made her sound like a
child who didn’t want to be left alone. She didn’t want him to think she was
pouting.

“I don’t have to.”

“What?” Her heart skipped a
beat.

“I could stay, if you want me
to? Or you could stay with me. Wherever you want to be is fine with me, as long
as I have your body curled around mine each night, I’m happy.”

Excitement coursed through her
like a wave of cool water. The tension from the thought of being alone
disappeared. “Then stay here. My apartment is bigger. Or I can move in with you
so you can be close to work. I don’t care either, as long as we’re together.”

Chapter Twelve

Five Months Later…

With the house finished, JC
conned Chloe and Tessa into keeping his family occupied while the men moved the
stuff from the rental into the new house. He wanted the house to be perfect
when his family saw it for the first time.

“They’re coming up the drive,
is everything in place?” Rebecca asked JC from her post next to the front door.

“Cameron and Jordan are
putting the dresser in Mom’s room and that’s it.” JC walked toward Rebecca.
“Everything’s perfect. I wish your father could have been here, after all he’s
the one that made this possible.”

She slipped her hand into his.
“He promised he’d be over later. This is a family occasion and he didn’t want
to intrude.”

With her hand in his, he
opened the door, allowing his mother and siblings to enter. “Welcome home.”

Kelly shot past everyone,
running to the room he had promised would be hers.

“It’s beautiful!” Tears welled
in his mother’s eyes as she glanced around the room. The house had an open
floor plan, providing the family with as much space as possible. The hardwood
floors added a touch of class, while keeping the floors simple for upkeep.
“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I hope you’re
happy with everything.” His mother had a say in most of what was done, but
there were a few added features JC had worked on with Robert to be a surprise
to his mother. One of them included a small reading nook in the master bedroom
for her to unwind at the end of a long day.

Bringing up the rear, Laya and
Lee stepped inside. JC pointed down the hallway. “You two, go down there until
you see your names. There’s something special waiting for you.” Their eyebrows
rose before doing what he said.

“What did you do?” His mother
walked around the living room, her arms stretched open.

“Robert and I made a few
changes to allow them to have their own rooms.” When his mother opened her
mouth to speak, he held up his hand. “I know Lee’s only has one year of high
school and then he will be going off to college. Believe me, he’ll be thankful
for the privacy, and so will you.” He laughed. “Laya said she wanted to stay at
home and attend the online college she’s currently enrolled with, so she’ll
need her own space. That will leave the twins, Ann and Marie, sharing a room,
with Kelly right next door. The boys, Brian, Keith, and Jason, will share the
other bedroom, and the twins can move into Lee’s room when he leaves for
college. They are all used to sharing so it won’t be a problem. Laya and Lee
deserve some privacy, especially with their studies.”

“Laya’s going to love that.
She thought she was going to share with Kelly again.”

“I know.” Letting go of
Rebecca’s hand, JC took his mother’s hand in his. “We have a year before Lee
leaves, to make this a true home. A home all the kids will want to come back
to. Our apartment was never truly home, but you can create one here. You’ll
have more time now that you only have to work the one job at Dr. Bowman’s
office.”

“All because of you. I
couldn’t have asked for a better son.” She hugged him tight, and then stepped
back to reach Rebecca’s hand. “Thank you, Rebecca. You opened my eyes to what I
tried to stay blinded from. You not only brought my family happiness, you
returned the son I had before his injury. I can never repay you for that. You
are a true blessing to my son, to me, and my family.”

“I’m honored to help. JC means
everything to me.” Rebecca put her arms around JC’s waist.

“Don’t let her go, she’s truly
a catch.” His mother winked.

“I don’t intend to ever let
her get away. I love her.” JC smiled at Rebecca. “I have to go to Express-Ohh’s
to pick up the lunch I ordered. Want to go with me?” His stomach churned,
worried she’d say no, which would throw his next plan off track.

“Sure.” She grabbed her purse
and met him at the door.

“Mom, we’ll be right back.” He
followed Rebecca down the front steps, and for the first time since leaving the
military, he was nervous.

* * *

Entering Express-Ohh’s Rebecca
frowned, as if surprised to find the place empty. JC had actually arranged it
to be that way. He wanted to propose in the same spot he met the woman of his
dreams.

She glanced around the room
and checked the back office. When she returned to the front counter, JC was
bent to one knee.

“Rebecca James, since the day
I walked in here you haven’t left my mind. You’re an inspiration to me. You
brought my family together, and most important, you made me feel like a whole
man again. You made me a better man. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and
more. I love you, Rebecca, and I ask you in the same spot we first met, will
you marry me?”

Tears glistened in her eyes.
“I love you, JC. Yes, I’ll marry you!”

He slid the ring on her finger
and stood. She wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him. “You’ve made
me the happiest man.”

She kissed him hard on the
lips.

Everything in his life had
come together. He found a place to call home in Clearwater. His family was
here, and he had a future wife and hopefully children of his own in the coming
years. He may have lost his leg, but he gained so much more.