So Right With You (11 page)

“Hi. Sorry. I overslept this morning.”

“So we heard.” Garrett’s teenage sister, Kate, smirked.

“Oh.” Chloe had wondered how much they suspected. From that remark, she knew. Embarrassment surged through her, turning her cheeks a rosy pink. “Do you want any help, Suzanne?”

“I’ve got everything covered. You go over and have yourself a seat.” She smiled.

She looked at the table. The only available seat was, of course, next to Garrett.

He shrugged and grinned at her discomfort. One thing about Garrett, he was unshakable. Not even the knowledge that his parents knew they had slept together could affect him, at least not for long.

She approached the table, resigned. Garrett stood and pulled out the chair for her. Another thing about Garrett was that he was a gentleman to the end. She sank into the chair with a sigh.

She envied Garrett’s father who sat reading a newspaper, oblivious to the not-so-subtle innuendoes floating around the room.

Suzanne set the last of the pancakes on the table and took a seat. From time to time, Chloe glanced up and found Suzanne watching her, her mouth turned up at the corners as if she held a secret. Chloe suspected what the secret was. The woman was picturing a wedding, as well as grandkids to spoil.
Great!
She tried to get Garrett’s attention, but the man was seriously focused on his pancakes, the coward.

*~*

Breakfast was over and Suzanne and the rest of the Nolan clan had mysteriously disappeared, leaving Garrett and Chloe to clean up. Actually, it wasn’t that mysterious. Chloe had seen all the hand signals Garrett’s mother had sent.

“You know what she’s up to, don’t you?” she asked.

“Of course,” he answered.

“So, what’s the plan?” Chloe washed another plate, while Garrett dried a glass.

“She’s only going to be here this weekend. Why don’t we humor her? Seems easier that way,” he reasoned.

“Are you crazy? I have a feeling your mother is already planning our wedding.” She shot him a look of disbelief.

“Yeah, I suppose. Look, all we have to do is hang out this weekend and placate her. In a few months, she’ll forget about it.”

“I don’t want to be the one to disappoint her.” Her voice was edged with worry.

“You know how she is when she gets an idea in her head. It’s easier to go with the flow.”

“I don’t like it, but okay,” she said, yielding.

“I have to pick Cam up from the airport. Why don’t you come with me? We’ll talk strategies.”

*~*

Garrett wanted to touch Chloe so badly. But the way she was staring out the window, he didn’t think she would be too receptive. He couldn’t blame her. Having a wake-up call by the family of the man you had just slept with was more than a little awkward, especially when the man’s mother was auctioning him off for you.

If he could keep his mother and Chloe separated, he could work on getting things back to the way they had been. He wanted time alone with her. It occurred to him that Kali Swanson was due to arrive this afternoon for her usual visit. He had promised Chloe he would introduce them.

“So are you ready to hear my plan?”

“Sure.” She pushed up her eyeglasses.

He glanced away from the road to look at her. “I think we need to neutralize my mother.”

She gave him a questioning stare. “What does that mean?”

He turned back to the road. “I was thinking if we limit her access to us, she would be neutralized, no harm done.”

“How do you expect us to do that?” she asked.

Garrett started to explain. “Hear me out. You remember a few days ago I mentioned Kali?”

“Yeah.”

“She’s due to be here later today.”

“Okay. But I still don’t see how that helps.” She gave him a puzzled look.

“My mother is very supportive of the Foundation, so if we were to spend time helping Kali, my mother would leave us alone.”

“It sounds a little devious. How did you come up with that plan?”

“I was meaning to introduce you and Kate to her anyway. But it can also serve our purposes.”

“What about your family? Shouldn’t we be spending time with them?”

“We’ll have dinner with them tonight.”

“Thanks, Garrett. I wasn’t feeling too good about things.”

He reached for her hand and squeezed. “Tell you what, I’ll talk with my mom and tell her to ease up, not that she’ll listen. When she has her heart set on something, she’s very determined.”

“Sounds like someone else I know.” She raised her eyebrows at him.

He gave her an intense look that had her thinking about last night. “I suppose so.”

*~*

Cam arrived in style with a giggling blonde clinging to him as they exchanged text information and promised to keep in touch. He had, of course, picked her up mid-flight.

Cam gave the blonde a hug before she drove away, then turned and noticed them. Even though Cam wasn’t a Nolan by blood, there was no denying he was one of them through and through. He presented a cool Asian air that drew woman to him in droves, and naturally, he loved it. Chloe could picture a younger Garrett being the same way.

Who was she fooling? Garrett was still that way.

“Hello, sweetheart. Kate told me you’re staying with us. How are you doing?” Cam leaned in to give Chloe a hug and a kiss on her cheek.

“Stop flirting. She’s not your type.”

“Oh.” Cam released her, but not before giving Garrett a considering look. He winked at Chloe.

“It’s good to see you. I see you haven’t changed at all.” She grinned. “How’s med school?”

“The same. Too many hours and not enough sleep.”

“You poor thing. It looks like you could use a haircut, too.” She ruffled his hair.

Although at twenty-seven, Cam was a year older than Chloe, she tended to treat him like her little brother.

“Haven’t had the time.” Cam shrugged.

“Sounds like somebody else I know. Maybe I should make an appointment for the two of you to see Ree while you’re here. You both need one.”

Garrett used his fingers to push back his hair. “When do I have the time?”

“That’s the problem with both of you, you never take the time.”

Garrett leaned in so only she could hear him. “I didn’t hear you complaining last night.”

Feeling self-conscious, she pushed her glasses up, adjusted her clothes, and stepped back from him.

“Oh, sweetheart, you’ve got a smudge on your glasses. Here, let me.” Garrett reached forward and removed her glasses. “They seem a little foggy.”

He blew hot air onto them and used a corner of his sweater to wipe them clean. Moving in close to return them, his eyes held hers. After a moment, he set her glasses back on her face and used the side of his thumb to caress her temple.

She realized she was holding her breath and released it shakily.

Cam watched the entire scenario, beaming. “Kate texted me about you two. But if I hadn’t seen it myself, I’d never believe it. Jeez, you guys need to get a room.”

Garrett glanced over his shoulder at Cam. “Mind your own business.”

“Sure,” he said, but his smile only widened.

It was amazing how best-laid plans could go awry. Garrett had planned to introduce Kali to Chloe and Kate. But when they returned, Kate had already left, having made plans with some of the local kids. Garrett was called away to handle a small problem on the ranch with his dad and brother tagging along. Some cattle had slipped through the fencing. Although the ranch hands normally took care of that kind of thing on their own, Garrett’s dad was eager to help and had pressured his sons into joining him.

That left Chloe with Suzanne. As much as she truly liked Suzanne, she did not want to say anything that would give Suzanne false hope that her dreams of grandchildren were about to come true.

Knowing Garrett, she figured she was the current flavor of the month. As much as the thought of leaving Nolan Enterprises in general, and Garrett in particular, pained her, she had already made up her mind that when this fling was over she would have to find a new job. She was already beginning to have feelings for him and didn’t see herself working with him afterward. Until then, she would enjoy the ride, literally.

That didn’t mean Chloe wanted to hurt Suzanne. The woman had practically been a second mother to her since she’d started with Nolan Enterprises. Chloe was on edge as she listened to Suzanne tell her another story about Garrett’s childhood.

“Did I ever tell you about the time Garrett cared for an injured bird? He’s always been good at taking care of people and things.” Suzanne gave her a meaningful look, like he could take care of her.

Chloe had had enough.

“Is that the time? Garrett arranged for me to meet one of the girls from the Foundation. I’m supposed to see her at three o’clock, so I’d better get going. Thanks for the coffeecake. It was delicious.”

This wasn’t exactly the truth. Although Garrett had planned to make the arrangement, he had not had the opportunity. Chloe didn’t care. She was desperate. She took a sweater from one of the hooks in the mudroom and slipped through the door before Suzanne could respond.

She had no idea where Kali might be, but she didn’t care. She figured if she roamed around enough she might actually find her. If not, she would at least get a reprieve from Suzanne’s matchmaking.

Chloe decided her best bet was to head toward the barn, since Garrett had mentioned how much Kali enjoyed horses.

Entering the building, Chloe saw a girl wearing a backward black baseball cap with a turquoise scarf tied around her head underneath it. She was feeding carrots to one of the horses. She talked softly to it as she rubbed its mane. She looked to be about the right age.

Every time the girl reached forward to touch the horse’s mane, he would nuzzle into her touch, then pull back as he tried to steal her cap.

The girl laughed. “Stop that.”

A breeze blew the barn door shut, and the girl looked toward the noise and spotted Chloe standing there. Startled, she dropped a sketch pad that had been wedged under her arm. She bent to retrieve it, slamming it shut. But not before Chloe saw one of her sketches.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. You must be Kali.”

“How do you know my name?” the girl asked.

“Garrett told me about you,” Chloe answered.

“Boss man.” She glared at Chloe with dislike. “Don’t tell me you’re another one of those bleeding-heart do-gooders, out to do something nice for the girl with cancer.”

Something about her posture reminded her of Harper at that age. Harper had kept people away so she wouldn’t be hurt by them. She figured Kali was doing the same thing. She decided to ignore the remark and focused on the horse instead.

“She’s gorgeous.”

“It’s a he.” Kali rolled her eyes.

“What’s his name?”

The girl gave her a look like “loser” was printed on her forehead. But Chloe wasn’t willing to give up yet.

The girl sighed. “Jupiter. Look lady, I don’t know why you came here, nor do I care. I don’t need another friend.”

Okay. This was not going as planned. She tried again. “I see you like to draw.”

“Come on, seriously.” Kali shook her head.

Chloe was out of options, but she wasn’t willing to give up. “My friend Harper Sheridan is also an artist.”

Kali stopped petting the horse’s mane. She spun around to face Chloe, surprise stamped clearly on her face. “You know Harper Sheridan?”

“Well, yeah,” she said.

“Oh, my God. I saw an exhibit she did at the Fairview. It was amazing. I really like how she uses color and shading in her still lifes. She did some great landscapes too.” Excitement lit her face, transforming her expression from brooding to absolute glee.

She would have to thank Harper for this one.

“Well, maybe sometime I could introduce the two of you.”

“Seriously. You could introduce me to her? That would be so totally awesome.”

“Sure.” Chloe knew Harper would be more than willing to meet a fan.

“Can I see your sketchbook?”

“Ah.” She eyed Chloe warily. “I don’t usually show anybody. It’s kind of private.” She slowly extended the book to her.

Chloe took the pad and began to flip through it page by page. It was mostly pictures of the horses, but then she came across a sketch of a teenage boy with smiling eyes. She examined the portrait carefully. Among all the pictures, it was by far the best.

Kali, her face red with obvious embarrassment, snatched the book from her. Chloe figured that meant she liked the boy.

The barn door opened again, and a tall, lean, dirty-blond teenager swaggered in. Chloe realized he was the one in the picture. So that’s who he was, one of Garrett’s ranch hands.

“Hey, brat.” He smirked as he shoveled hay into one of the stalls.

“Yeah, dork.” Kali retorted.

“Who’s your friend?” He looked at Chloe with distrust in his eyes.

Kali looked at her and shrugged.

Chloe realized she hadn’t given her name. “It’s Chloe. I work for Mr. Nolan. I’m his administrative assistant.”

Josh looked relieved. It was obvious he liked Kali, too, and was being protective of her.

“Cool. I’m Josh.” The boy smiled and Chloe could see why Kali liked him. He was kind of cute for a teenager.

She looked at Kali. “I’d better get back. Give me your number and I’ll call your parents to see if it’s okay for you to meet with Harper.”

“That would be great. Thanks.” Glowing, she tore a sheet from the pad, wrote down her number, and handed it to Chloe.

Chloe folded it and shoved it in her back pocket. “No problem. It was nice meeting you both. Bye.” She smiled at the two teens and left.

*~*

When Chloe arrived back at the house, she found Garrett freshly showered, seemingly relaxed on the porch in one of the lacquered rockers. Spotting her, his posture straightened. He stood and lumbered over to her before she could even reach the steps. He’d been obviously waiting for her. For someone who always seemed so unhurried, the man could move quickly.

“Shhh. Don’t say anything,” he cooed in a playful tone.

Goose bumps rose on Chloe’s skin. Recovering, she asked, “What are you up to?”

“What I’ve wanted to do all day.” He moved forward and planted his lips hard on hers.

Chloe pushed him away. “Are you crazy? Your mother might find us. You left me with her all afternoon and she kept me entertained with stories from your youth. So, you really tried to impress Kimberly Dobson with the whole radio move from
Say Anything
?”

“Well, yeah, she had a nice… smile.” She had a feeling that wasn’t what Garrett had in mind as her best feature. “It looked cool when John Cusack did it. How was I supposed to know her father was home and would call the police on me for disturbing the peace? Besides, Kimberly ended up dating Ryan Newman, our school quarterback, the following week. Not one of my more stellar moments, if I have to say so myself.”

“I thought it was sweet.”

“You would. Come on. I want to show you something.”

“Is this like your etchings?” Chloe asked.

“Maybe.”

“I’ve already seen them.”

Garrett grinned. His look said it wasn’t the only thing she’d seen. “Come on. Follow me.”

“Why? Where are we going?”

“Trust me?”

“The last time you said those words…”

“Just let me pay for the clothes.”

“No.”

He blew out his breath.

“So, are you going to show me something or not?”

Garrett took her hand and led her down an embankment toward a cluster of oak trees. When he figured they’d gone far enough from the house and away from prying eyes, he backed her up against a tree. She looked around her hesitantly. Anyone could come across them, although the trees did make it fairly secluded. “You don’t think there’s any poison oak around here?

“No, we should be fine.” His mind was solely on the fact that he was about to get Chloe naked. Besides, he didn’t really think there was any around here.

Garrett leaned in, putting his mouth to hers, causing her to forget all her reservations. He explored her mouth with his tongue, sucking and nibbling on her lips while he palmed her ass.

“Put your hands above your head against the tree trunk,” he told her.

“You’re getting a little bossy,” she teased.

“Trust me. You’ll like it.” His eyes burned into hers.

“If you say so.” She reached up to do as he had requested.

He reached forward to palm her breasts.

She arched into his caress and began to take her arms down to reach for him.

“Keep them up,” he said firmly.

Surprised, Chloe paused, looking at him before raising her arms again.

He continued palming her breasts while lifting her sweater and the blouse underneath so her breasts were exposed to the daylight. His eyes started smoldering from the view. She wore a simple lacy white bra that barely covered her nipples. He pushed it up over her breasts.

Chloe sucked nervously at her bottom lip. “I’d better not get sunburned.”

“Not a chance,” Garrett reassured her.

He used his thumb to stroke the extended peaks. He leaned his head forward, taking one of her nipples in his mouth and sucking. He then took her other breast and applied the same technique to it while palming the breast he had just left and continuing to thumb the nipple.

Chloe moaned. “More.”

With one hand he continued to massage her breasts, while his other hand moved down her torso until it rested above her jeans. He maneuvered his hand into the front and moved toward her center. He skated his hand around until he found the edge of her panties. He smoothly slid a finger inside her, as his erection pushed into her side. When that wasn’t enough, he pulled his hand out and undid her jeans, pushing both her jeans and her panties down. He moved his hand back to stroke her again.

She was drowning in a pool of sensations. Using his fingers, he continued to thrust into her, stretching her first with one finger, then with two, and finally with three.

Chloe gasped as the last penetration sent her flying over into the abyss of her own orgasm.

“Garrett,” she moaned.

“Hold on.” Unfastening his own trousers, he shoved both his pants and boxer briefs down. After sheathing himself, he lifted her up so that his shaft nestled against her center but was hindered from entering her by her pants and underwear, which were gathered around her ankles. Chloe tried to help by using her foot to ease off her shoes. She only managed to get one of them off before Garrett was inside her. She dropped her head onto his shoulder and wrapped her arms and legs around him tightly as he took her for a ride. This time, he came first and she followed.

“Are you okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

Chloe looked at him. She could see the concern in his eyes. He was worried he had been too rough with her. He had tried to protect her from the bark of the tree with his arms around her, but in the heat of the moment, he had pounded her pretty good towards the end, but it had felt so good.

“No, I feel spectacular.”

“Is that better or worse than incredible?”

“They both have their definite pluses in different ways.”

“That’s good. I aim to please.” He kissed her on the lips one more time before pulling out.

After using a leaf as a wrapper for the condom, he pulled up his boxer briefs and jeans.

Chloe looked down at herself. They hadn’t even taken the time to undress completely. Her pants dangled around one ankle due to her remaining shoe, and her sweater, shirt, and bra were pushed above her breasts.

She smiled before starting to pull up her jeans.

Garrett stopped her. “It only seems right that since I did this to you. I should make things right.” He kneeled to pull up her pants and touched her center gently as if to ensure its well-being. Then he pulled the rest of her clothing into place. Finding her discarded shoe among the leaves, he slipped it onto her foot, like Prince Charming.

Looking up, he smiled. “All done.”

Garrett took her hand and they headed back to the ranch house. Of course, when they reached the house, they stopped holding hands and went in separately.

*~*

Chloe went up to shower. As she dressed, she felt a slight stinging sensation on her backside. She turned to check it in the mirror. She saw a slightly red rash that she assumed must be an abrasion from where Garrett had held her against the tree. She dressed quickly and put the finishing touches on her makeup. The diversion she had allowed herself with Garrett had made her late for dinner.

She couldn’t help the smile on her face as she thought about how phenomenal the sex had been. None of her previous experiences with Trevor had ever measured up to what she shared with Garrett. When the time came to end this, Chloe knew a piece of her heart would be left behind. She was beginning to fall for him.

She left her room and went downstairs to the dining room. In spite of the table having a formal setting with fine china and crystal goblets, dinner with the Nolans was anything but formal. With all three of her children under the same roof, Suzanne had outdone herself cooking their favorite foods. The table was a buffet of good old-fashioned cooking with Suzanne having orchestrated it all.