Shattered Dreams (8 page)

Both were breathing heavily. As he looked into eyes that had changed from stormy anger to stormy fervor, his only answer was a slow, sensual smile. It was exactly what would shut her up.

“It’s what I’m good at,” he murmured before grinding his mouth against hers once more. When he moved into her heat and let her feel his erection, she moaned again, causing him to groan.

“And you have to admit. It’s a lot better than fighting.”

Chapter 7

“Jason!”

Claire glanced up as the pleasant voice added, “Where’ve you been hiding? You’ve been a stranger for too long.”

“Sophia.” Jason’s face lit with a welcoming smile when a large-boned woman wearing a chef’s apron took his outstretched hand. Her once jet-black hair was caught up in a neat bun, dulled with streaks of gray that were the first clue to her age.

Once she was closer, Claire noted deep laugh lines highlighting friendly brown eyes on a handsome older face. Time had muted the woman’s beauty, but her graceful bearing and warm smile negated the effects.

Jason turned to Claire and nodded. “This is Claire Carter. I figured she could use some good Italian cooking.”

“Any friend of Jason’s is a friend of ours,” Sophia said.

Claire’s earlier annoyance dissipated as Sophia took hold of her hand and pulled her into an exuberant embrace.

Keeping an arm around her shoulder, Sophia added while leading her into the room, “Come on in, we’ll fix you right up. Antonio’s been busy. Special today is angel hair pasta with shrimp and mussels.” She stopped and grinned at Jason. “Would you like to eat inside or on the deck?”

• • •

An hour later, Claire sighed and stretched her legs, feeling replete after enjoying one of the most delicious feasts she’d ever eaten. All during the meal Jason had entertained her with stories of his boyhood, staying off the subject of Carl and his disappearance.

“How’d you find this place?” she asked.

“My parents own a second home about a mile away. I’ve been coming here since I was a boy.” Jason topped off her glass with red wine before emptying the remainder into his own glass. “It’s one of my favorite spots, especially on Mondays when it’s not too crowded. Sophia and Antonio don’t need tourists. Too many locals know about it, so it’s always packed.”

When they first sat down to eat, they were the only couple out on the deck. Now it was starting to fill, but she still noted plenty of vacant tables.

The breeze off the water made the typical hot and muggy South Florida evening more tolerable, although the sauna-like heat never bothered Claire. She lifted her face to the breeze, perfectly content to be outside and enjoy the magnificent view.

In the distance, Mother Nature flexed her power. Flashes of lightning burst from thunderclouds that had gathered near the horizon, as the sky darkened for endless moments before the sun came out of hiding. The effect of the light show was an impressive display of color from burnt orange to midnight blue as it changed from light to dark.

Claire picked up her wine, eyeing it thoughtfully before sipping. “It
is
nice.”

She didn’t want to admit that the pushy attorney had been right again. The quiet meal, complete with dazzling scenery and good conversation, had been something she’d desperately needed. Even the wine she normally didn’t drink went down easily.

Her gaze centered on Jason and she smiled. “How’d you know this would help?”

“I told you. It’s where I come when the world’s crashing down around me.”

She giggled and took another sip. “I don’t imagine that happens too often.”

“You’d be surprised,” he said softly.

They had a lot in common, she realized, thinking about the childhood he’d revealed during the course of their meal. Both came from stable families, third-generation Floridians, something of a rarity in a state whose population growth came mostly from transplants arriving from all parts of the globe, not just the eastern United States.

“Can I tempt you?” Sophia glided up to their table, pushing a cart laden with the most decadent desserts Claire had ever seen.

“I don’t know. I’m pretty full.” She groaned, shaking her head as she glanced at the older woman.

“Go on,” Sophia urged her. “It’s on the house.”

“You decide.” Jason laughed and stood. “I’ve got to visit the little boy’s room.”

Claire watched him leave and then grinned at Sophie, who was also watching him.

“It’s good to see him laughing. He’s like one of my own.” Her attention returned to Claire. “Now, what would you like? Jason’s little Amelia always has the chocolate mousse, although I have no idea where she puts it, and Chloe always has the tiramisu.”

“Amelia and Chloe?” she asked, her gaze narrowing.

“Jason’s daughters.”

“Jason has children?” She never imagined the imposing attorney as a dad. The thought that he was happily married with a family made her a little bit envious. She’d always wanted children. Now it looked as if she’d never have a family.

“They’re lovely girls, and usually in tow when he comes in. He’s always talking about passing something he loved from his childhood down to the younger generation. We’re only too happy to oblige.” Sophia nodded at the dessert cart. “Now, pick something out. Otherwise I’ll feel insulted.”

“Okay.” Claire shoved the negative thoughts away and pointed to a chocolate éclair. “I’ll have that, but only if Jason helps me eat it.”

“Good choice. Jason has a soft spot for éclairs.” Sophia placed the dessert on the table along with two forks. “Of course, he has a soft spot for anything sweet,” she said with a conspiratorial wink before she turned and pushed the cart in the direction Jason had disappeared.

A moment later, he sauntered toward the table, brandishing his usual boyish smile.

“I picked out an éclair,” Claire told him. “I hope you don’t mind. I love them.”

His eyes crinkled at the edges when his grin widened. He nodded and sat. “I like anything sweet.”

“That’s what Sophia said.”

Claire cut the éclair in two and started eating. Jason picked up a fork.

After a few bites, she added, “She also told me about your daughters.”

“Oh?” His eyebrows shot up, and he eyed her speculatively while he swallowed. “What exactly did she tell you?”

“I guess that means you’re married,” she said, ignoring his question.

“For the moment.”

“I wouldn’t have pegged you as a family man.”

Jason laughed. “I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not.”

“So, what’s a guy like you doing with Crystal? She’s not exactly kid friendly.”

“What do you think?”

Glancing at the bite on her fork, she shrugged. “I don’t know what to think. That’s why I asked.”

“Bullshit. I know precisely what you think.”

“Really?” She met his stare. “You can read my mind?”

“Don’t have to. Accusation’s written all over your face. Plus, you’ve been alluding to it since we met.” He snorted and shook his head. “You think I cheated on my wife and had an affair with your sister. Don’t you?”

His gaze resettled on hers, and she couldn’t stop the heat she felt stealing up her face at his accurate assumption. After all, married men tended to be Crystal’s specialty.

“Well?” she finally asked, unable to contain her curiosity after he resumed eating. “You’re not going to bother denying it?”

“No. Believe what you want. Besides, it’s really none of your business.”

“I’m sorry. I guess I deserved that,” she said softly, allowing a contrite expression to move over her face to replace the embarrassed one. “You’re right. It is none of my business, but I’d love to hear about your kids. Amelia and Chloe, right?” She meant the question as a peace offering, hoping to revert to their easy rapport before she’d opened her big mouth. When he nodded, she smiled. “How old are they?”

He observed Claire cautiously, as if weighing her sincerity. “Amelia’s turning ten in another month, and Chloe’s eight.”

“Where are they tonight? How come you’re cheering up a crazy person, instead of being home with your wife and kids?”

“The girls are with their mother this week.”

“This week?”

“Yeah. It’s part of the divorce agreement Crystal worked out.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

He swirled his wineglass, studying the contents. “It’s not my finest accomplishment, so I don’t bandy it about.”

“How long were you married?”

“Eleven long years,” he said with a sigh. His wistful gaze moved to a distant point. “I married Elise right out of law school. Was going to take on the world, ya know?” He snorted and took a sip of wine. “Of course the problem with dreams like that, once they crack, they shatter so easily. Nothing’s left but tiny shards of dreams. And even if you put the pieces together again, the original is distorted.”

Claire heard the regret in his voice and looked down at her fork, uncomfortable without knowing why.

“Enough of that. We’re not here to dissect my failures any more than we came to dissect your marriage.”

The teasing quality in his tone drew her attention to his face. The innocent grin plastered there had her grin reappearing.

“Yes.” She nodded slowly. “It’s better if we both stay off the subject of failure.”

With the check paid and no more reason for lingering, Claire allowed Jason to help her out of her chair. Watching him hug Sophia, she couldn’t dismiss that her relationship with Jason had begun changing during their meal. Though she still knew next to nothing about him and couldn’t forget his interesting connection with Crystal, something had altered the way she viewed the man.

Because his life wasn’t picture perfect, Jason now seemed more approachable, less intimidating. That made him all the more dangerous, as well as all the more attractive. Reason enough to stay far, far away from him. She did
not
need to be thinking such thoughts, not until she dealt with Carl.

They drove back to her car in comfortable silence. He pulled into the parking lot and eased into a spot close to her Lexus. Shifting into
PARK
, he turned to face her, his usual friendly grin overtaking his face.

The car suddenly seemed too confining, and Claire had an overwhelming urge to flee. Squelching the impulse, she extended a hand.

“Thank you for a very nice evening.”

“Friends?”

The request was too hard to deny, especially considering the way his engaging grin captivated her and held her gaze. Claire knew at that moment she had good cause for being careful around him.

She shook her head and barked out a burst of nervous laughter. “I guess we are friends.”

“Good. Then you should know I told Jim O’Malley to keep digging. I’m sticking with this until I have some better answers.”

Her smile died and her back stiffened. She eyed him warily. “Why?”

“You’re my friend, and I’m worried about you.”

“I appreciate the concern. But it’s unnecessary.” When she grabbed the door handle, he reached to open his door. Noticing his intent, Claire hurriedly said, “You don’t need to do that.” She jumped out, but he was quicker. “Jason. I’m quite all right. Really.”

Her protests hit deaf ears. She heaved a heavy sigh and walked with him to her car, where he held out his hand, clearly expecting her to hand over the key. Again she complied, knowing she had no choice. Once Jason Roberts put his mind to something, he was immovable.

After opening the door, he offered the key with one hand while the other took her chin. He planted a simple kiss on her cheek.

“Good night, Claire.” He turned and sauntered to his car, saying over his shoulder, “I’ll be in touch to let you know what Jimbo finds out.”

She stood for a moment watching him, wondering about their similar circumstances. How different would her life be if she’d picked someone like him for a spouse rather than Carl?

When Jason drove off, leaving the parking lot empty except for her Lexus, Claire felt utterly alone. Sighing, she climbed inside and started the engine. Being alone was definitely better than being with someone who didn’t love you.

Besides, she reasoned, she wasn’t totally alone. She now had a new friend.

Chapter 8

The next morning, Claire’s cell phone buzzed, interrupting her meeting with Gwen as they sat in the conference room. Amy, who always helped out with last-minute details when they neared deadline, was also present. Storyboards were scattered about the large oak table.

“Sorry.” Claire offered an apologetic shrug after noting the caller ID. “I need to take this.”

Wondering what Carl’s banker wanted, she took off her earring, hit the
ON
button, and cradled the phone between her shoulder and head while flipping through proofs.

“Good morning, Mr. Hennessy. What can I do for you?”

Her smile died and a cold chill raced up her spine as she listened to his explanation.

“No. Carl’s not available at the moment. Why don’t you send the paperwork over with a courier, and I’ll make sure it’s taken care of?” She broke off and forced a smile, hoping it translated to her voice. “I’m sure a week’s delay won’t be a problem. Our concern is accuracy.”

Claire hung up, barely able to contain her rage. “That bastard!”

She didn’t realize she’d spoken the words out loud until Gwen said, “What’s wrong?”

Claire glanced up, noting both women’s interest. Pinpricks of furious tears burned her eyes, but she blinked hard, forcing them back.

Though worry had taken a small vacation while she was in Jason’s company the evening before, the minute she was alone her anxiety had returned, resulting in another sleepless night. She’d woken up this morning determined to stay strong, but with William Hennessy’s news just now, everything slammed into her at once and she felt herself coming completely apart.

“What’s happened?” Gwen prodded. “Is it Carl?”

“It’s Carl, all right,” she spat out. “It’s not enough the bastard drugs me, sets it up to look like I killed him, and then steals our assets. Now he’s leveraging the business.”

“What?” Amy asked, her eyes practically popping out of her head.