Jake sat back from his desk, rubbing his eyes. He was still getting used to doing so much of his work at the computer but it was gratifying to see how successful the adventure courses had proven to be. Corporate clients, residents and locals all loved them and came back again and again. Athletes training for triathlons came too, using the many existing bike trails and finishing with the obstacle courses and swimming.
He was in charge of all the recreation at Cypress now, actually. And the place was getting buzz all over the place that it was a perfect setting to test your limits and then relax them away.
He was the one in charge of the kids’ excursions, too. That was the most fun. Teaching kids how to stay safe while letting go was the best. He’d even promised Nick that they’d have a superhero kids’ event in a few months. The fall would be a perfect time for it. The work was as fulfilling and he loved it. Staying here had been the best choice he’d ever made, and if he needed more evidence there she was standing in his doorway.
“Hey, there,” he said, unable to keep a smile from his lips.
Claire smiled back at him and walked in. “Ready to go home?”
Jake rubbed his eyes and stood. “Yep. The only thing that makes working here in the office worthwhile is the fact that I get to take home the money mind.” He winked. “I get to take her to bed, too.”
Her cheeks turned that sweet shade of pink he loved. “We’re going over to your brother’s tonight.”
“Right. I forgot.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her right on her mouth. “Come on. Drive me home.”
She jingled her keys, now sporting a custom T-bird key ring he’d had made for her. “At your command.”
They stepped out into the warm spring evening and got into the Thunderbird to drive to the house they now shared. They’d decided to live in her place after the wedding, which they’d celebrated right at the lakeside near the tent-cabin. They’d had their honeymoon there, too. Far from everyone and everything. It was the most fun Jake had ever had without risking his neck.
“Have you heard from your sister?” she asked as they pulled up in front of their house.
“Nope. You saw the card she sent after the wedding, but that’s it. Rick doesn’t know where she is, either.”
“Your father called again?”
“Yeah. Spoke to Mr. Forbes first, though. Typical Bill. Thinks he can talk anyone into anything if he waves around enough money.”
She placed her hand on his and he unclenched the fist he hadn’t known he’d made. “Mr. Forbes won’t give you up, Jake. He wants you to work here at Cypress. He values you and you’re the best Recreation Director we could hope to have.”
He shrugged and got out of the car, going around to open her door as he always did. “You’re biased.”
She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I am.” Kissing him, she took his hand. “I think we might have just enough time before we have to go over to your brother’s.”
Jake’s heart raced and it was with anticipation instead of adrenaline. After he drove them both crazy on their favorite piece of furniture, he held her close.
“I love you, Claire. Always.”
It was what he’d started saying after their reconciliation and he said it still.
“I love you, Jake. Always.”
He breathed in her sweet scent and knew this was it. Better than the high dive. Better than a climb up a craggy side of a mountain. This was what he craved now. Not thrills and risks. Love and life.
Claire took her own chances with him, giving him her heart. He was damned if he’d let anything happen to it. For him, love was the biggest risk of all.
And he was damn glad he took it.