| |
G-R-E-A-T-E-X-P-E-C-T-A-T-I-O-N-S
While the guys seemed to be having some sort of intervention, Claire followed Sophie and Freya into the main bedroom. Humming as she carried the lantern into Sophie’s closet, Freya asked, “Claire? Do you have what you need for the gala?”
“Um. Yes.”
Sophie laughed, winking at Claire. “She’s a terrible closet thief. If you have anything you don’t want stolen, lock it up.”
“I heard that. I always return them, plus some,” Freya hollered from across the house.
“Correction, she returns them. And she usually adds a fun sketch as payment.”
Claire stood back and laughed, enjoying the distraction, and knowing Grady would appreciate a smaller audience for his intervention. “I saw the charcoals in the bathroom. My favorite was the cedar branch, but the one with the jagged mountain peaks was gorgeous too. It sounds absolutely worth it.”
The main bedroom was as airy as the rest of the house, even in the gray morning. Freya popped out of the walk-in closet a moment later. “I’m going to have to go for the green one this time.”
Fingernails in her mouth, Sophie winced. “I have a small addiction. It’s Freya’s fault. I had a few cute dresses that I never wore until she made me start wearing them. Turns out, I like them, so I keep adding to my stock.”
Raising her eyebrows, Freya pulled a slinky, pink silk dress from its hanger. “Asher appreciates them as well.” Turning to Claire, she handed her the dress and winked. “Grady’s fond of silk.”
She didn’t want to think of how Freya knew he liked silk. He’d mentioned he had a thing for Sophie when they’d first met, but otherwise she was unaware of Grady having any romantic involvement with his friends. Not that she was the jealous sort, but it helped to know this sort of thing. “Actually, I’m set on that end. The dress I brought is silk.”
Sophie added, “By the way, Freya just knows things. Not to worry, neither of us has any personal experience involving Grady and silk.”
“I wasn’t worried. I’m really not a jealous girlfriend. But I am possessive.”
Freya tugged off her cozy power-outage yoga pants and sweatshirt in a blink, leaving nothing more than a miniscule pair of lace panties. Blushing, Claire looked away. Sophie laughed. “You’ll get used to Freya.”
Nodding, Claire didn’t argue. “I’d love to be that comfortable with my body.”
Freya slipped a green velvet number over her head. “Claire, you have an amazing body. If you’re not comfortable with it, I’m going to kick your ass.”
“I appreciate your violent response. It’s taken me a while to get here, but I like me. Although that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable enough to undress in front of you guys.”
Sophie nodded, sorting through the pile. “Me neither, so we’re good.” She fussed with the choices, sighed, chewed on her nails a bit more, then put her hands on her hips. “I can’t decide what to wear.”
Claire wandered into the closet. “You do have cute stuff. What about the pink one?”
“I love that one.” Sophie said as she came up behind her and ran her fingertips over the smooth fabric.
Freya groaned, “Sadly, we don’t share a shoe size. Claire? Please say you’re an eight and a half?”
“Nope, sorry.”
Sophie grabbed a pair of suede heeled booties and rose to her feet. “Claire, I have to admit, I was worried when Grady decided to move in with his parents when the house burned down. We tried to get him to stay with us, but he insisted Asher and I needed the privacy.” Sophie sighed before continuing, pacing and looking out the window. “Don’t break his heart. He’s good at everything. Really, it’s ridiculous. Except for relationships.”
Walking closer to Sophie, she stood at her side, the snow twinkling as the sun peeked out from the clouds. “I’ve gathered he doesn’t have a great track record. You’re getting at more than that, aren’t you?”
Freya nodded. “He’s had his heart broken more than his share, and I think it’s taken a toll. Catching Ryder with his girlfriend in law school was probably the worst of it, as they’d been close until then. Then it really didn’t help when he showed interest in Sophie.
Sophie groaned, her lip turned out in a guilty pout. “I’d actually wanted things to work out between Grady and me, so initially I didn’t exactly act not-interested, but I fell for Asher so quickly... Actually, Grady found out about us when he overheard, a, uh, a rather intimate moment in a dressing room.” Sophie blushed.
“Really?” Claire raised her eyebrows, intrigued.
In glorious green velvet, Freya joined them at the window. “Between the two of us, maybe we can get out of her the many interesting places they’ve impulsively done it.”
Full blush, Sophie had those nails in her mouth again. “Hey. You’re one to talk. Laundry room?” She pulled her nails out, clearly a habit she was fighting tooth and nail.
Ha, tooth and nail. Claire swallowed the bad joke, not quite ready to reveal the full Claire-quirkiness just yet.
“Anyway, back to Grady.” Sophie grinned. “It’s been, what, not even twenty-four hours, and you’ve already done it in the car and the shower? I’m impressed.”
Claire blushed and shook her head. “I guess I can’t remember the last time I’ve had girlfriends.”
Veering from the impulsive sex-capades topic, Sophie said, “Aside from relationships, Grady is good at everything, because he won’t allow himself to fail. As he was always under so much parental pressure to excel, he holds himself to inhumanly high standards.”
Freya nodded vigorously. “Enviably well rounded, yet he’s so afraid of failure, he’s... fragile.”
Blood rushing turbulently through her veins, Claire fisted her hands at her sides, feeling impotent in her ability to make Grady see how genuine and normal he was. That he didn’t have to try so hard. “I know we’re still so new, but trust me, there is nothing I want more than for Grady to be happy.”
Claire found herself enveloped in Freya and Sophie’s octopus arms. Lip quivering, Claire bit down, nearly drawing blood as she struggled to stop the tears that threatened. Lack of sleep and adrenaline and... dang emotions. The last week had been one of the best, but, well, also one of the worst.
Her new friends were as teary as she was. Freya looked deeply into her, the corners of her mouth turned up in a subtle smile. “I expect to pick out my own bridesmaid dress.”
Grady’s eyes fluttered open to find Claire draped over him, waking from the best dream only to find he had landed in a better one. As he stirred, she shifted her hair out of her face to reveal a sleepy smile. He slid a stubborn lock of hair off her forehead.
Fully awake in a heartbeat, Claire rose to her elbows and pinned him in her hold, so he could see nothing but her. Grady leaned up and indulged in a lingering kiss before rolling her under him to draw out the kiss. Her fingers teasing in his hair, Grady slipped deeper into the fantasy.
Until his phone buzzed. And buzzed again. And buzzed again.
“You should answer that,” she whispered against his mouth.
“They can wait,” he said.
And again.
“Fuck.” He reached over and checked his phone.
“What is it?”
“Patricia.” Sitting up, he tugged the blanket over his lap and glared out the window at the sparkly blanket of snow.
Claire wrapped her legs around him, encircling him from behind, trailing kisses along his shoulder. “Just get it over with. In a few days, we’ll be on our way to Phoenix and vacation. You can meet my family and they will adore you.”
Hand over hers, he relaxed into her. “If they’re anything like you, I think we’ll get along brilliantly.”
Clicking send, he held the phone to his ear. Claire nuzzled against him.
Patricia’s grating voice clanged against his eardrum. “Grady. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you’re okay. And Claire. She’s okay?”
“Yeah. We’re both fine.”
“Wonderful. Bill had a friend plow our driveway so the guests can get in, and Ryder’s off to the airport to pick up Haley. Did you know she was coming?” Patricia fired away with rapid speed. “I can’t believe she’s coming. Apparently, Nate couldn’t make this trip but she says she’s got great news to share.”
Grady cringed, trying to figure out exactly what Haley’s plan was. As far as he could tell, it was a disaster waiting to happen. Or, fuck, what if she was pregnant? Shitty timing.
Patricia powered on so he couldn’t get a word in anyway. “Won’t this be incredible? Ryder engaged to an intelligent woman, Haley and her surprise, and I’m sure you’ll figure out some way to shine.”
His eyes rolled back in his head and he leaned into Claire. Nope. This was going to go exactly how he’d feared.
“Please say your friends aren’t afraid of a little snow and will make it?”
“They’re planning on it. Are you sure you don’t want to put it off, with the power still out? I’m sure most of the out-of-town folks won’t be able to make it.”
He could picture her huffing and stiffening. “We have already heard several regrets passed along, but many are still looking forward to coming. It may not be as grand as usual, but I think it will be even more magical with an intimate group and low lighting. And most importantly, all three of my children together. I can’t remember the last time you’ve all been in the same place at the same time. I hope the photographer can make it. But the champagne truck turned over on the highway.”
“What? I hope the driver’s okay.”
“I’m sure he’s fine. But, well, we’re making adjustments. Do you have any extra stock? Of that beer that won the award? I mean, we always share a toast to the year ahead. And wouldn’t that be a great way to celebrate your new business endeavor, with toasting your award-winning brew instead?”
Grady tensed. Her angle was clear, but unexpected. If he had no fiancée and no other accolades, perhaps his “little hobby” would make an acceptable brag after all.
Claire traced her fingertips along the curve of his arms. He clutched his free hand over hers and finally responded. “Zane just left to check on things, and I was going to head up in a few. I’m sure we can make it work.”
“Wonderful. That’s great.”
Grady held the phone from his ear and groaned. He finally answered, “Of course.”
Clicking off, he tossed the phone across the bed and turned to haul Claire onto his lap. “Let’s book an early flight and get the hell out of here first thing tomorrow morning.”
“It’s a date.” She grinned and tugged him back to bed.
After a brief delay, they were dressed in borrowed clothes and at the door. Chuckling, Grady pulled Asher’s sweatshirt over his head before slipping his feet into borrowed boots. Boldly imprinted across the shirt, the word SEAL commanded attention. He shook his head at Asher.
Snuggled up with Sophie in front of the fire, Asher grinned. “I’m sure Patricia’s patriotic, or thinks she might be. But I know how she feels about me. Just wanted to rub it in.”
“Can’t say I object.”
Grady and Claire trudged through the knee-deep snow to the car. Stopping in front, Claire grabbed Grady by the arm and pulled him back. “Wait.”
“What is it?” he asked, his brow dropping low with worry.
She pulled out her phone. “Just...” She dragged him against her and said, “Bear with me. Smile.” She snapped the image and winked. “Okay, let’s go.”
Astonished by her sudden photo op, he grinned and hopped into the SUV. After letting the windshield defrost, they were on the road within minutes, the snow scraping along the bottom of the car, despite trying to make use of their old tracks and Zane’s. He cringed, picturing the damage to the chassis.
As they reached the end of the driveway, Claire’s phone chirped with an incoming text. She grinned and handed the phone over. A stream of teary, happy, hearty, smiley emojis took up the first line. You both look so happy. When can we meet him?!?!?!
A lightness washing over him, Grady handed her the phone back. “Let’s definitely book that early flight out. I like your mother already.”
The drive into town was a fucking mess. Zane had the generators already running at Black Op, tossing out the few things that couldn’t be salvaged. Not wasting time, Grady rolled his sleeves up and joined him. He fired off a text to the crew that they were closing down, at least through the rest of the day and tonight, and would touch base again in the morning.
When he came up for air, he searched for Claire. Bundled to the teeth, snow past her knees, she was out on the front patio, clearing snow from the sidewalk while Zane was on a ladder checking the integrity of the patio roof.
“Hey.” She grinned and leaned on her shovel as he came outside. “All set?”
“Yeah. Too short of notice to move over anymore kegs than the ones we already brought last week. We’ve got plenty of bottles for that toast.”
Zane climbed down the ladder and tilted his head to the side like a confused puppy. “She’s still having the party?”
“Gala. And yes, nothing would stop Patricia from flaunting her own successes. Not even a natural disaster.”
They loaded up the SUV, securing the boxes in the back. While Zane hopped in his truck to go back home, Grady waved and climbed into the SUV. Reaching over the center console, Grady brushed a light kiss over Claire’s cheek, but couldn’t seem to move away, cradling his hand around her jaw. “You are incredible,” he whispered.
“Well thank you,” she said with a playful grin. “What for?”
“This has been a... let’s go with an altering week for me. And I haven’t gone through even half of what you have. How are you so calm? You roll your sleeves up and dive in.”
“I’m not known for spontaneity. I rather bumble things when I don’t have a plan and end up saying stupid things and feeling awkward. So, when in doubt, I duck my head and work.”
“Do you feel awkward now?” He pulled away and studied her expression.
“Not at all, actually.”
He shifted into gear and kept his eyes on the road, mostly. He couldn’t help but keep checking back, watching her expression light up at the blanket of snow that illuminated the scenery. With a shake of his head, he realized his cheeks had been pulled into a dopey grin. Best damn week of his life.
When they finally pulled up to the house, Hattie came flying out and threw her arms around Grady. Satisfied he was alive and well, she didn’t release him, but grabbed blindly until she found Claire and pulled her in for a cozy group hug.
Haley stood behind, her wavy hair well past her shoulders, and, as usual, she was dressed utterly flawlessly in a funnel-neck sweater, skinny jeans, and wool socks pulled up past her ankles. A quiet held behind her smile, she waited until Hattie released him, then took her turn and said softly, “You look happy.”
Before releasing her, he whispered, “And you look... ready for a break.”
She gave him a brave smile as she pulled back. The weary look faded as she looked to Claire and smiled in earnest. “You must be Claire. I’m so glad to finally meet you.”
Claire sighed and nodded. “Likewise. Your flight was okay?”
“Interesting, anyway. I think I was the last flight in before they canceled the rest for the night.”
Ryder stood back and watched. Grady looked over at him and tried to read his expression. Raising an eyebrow, he silently asked what he was thinking. With a mysterious smile, he shook his head and mouthed, Later.
Cheeks flushed with a brilliant gleam, Hattie seemed completely content as she said, “Come on in. Claire, Grady, you two go upstairs and freshen up. I’ll bring up some coffee. It’s nearly ten, have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
“Well. I’ll bring something to your rooms...?” She grinned expectantly.
“To the blue room,” he answered.
Beaming, she disappeared inside. Haley followed behind, flashing him one final look. “I expect a full report.”
He winked. “Ditto.”
In the foyer, Claire paused next to Ryder. She opened her mouth to speak, then shook her head again, finally saying, “Let’s chat later.”
He nodded, looked back and forth between Grady and Claire, and turned to follow Hattie into the kitchen.
Grady paused at the green room door, and Claire continued toward the blue room. She turned and smiled softly. “Meet you in a few?”
“As you wish,” he whispered.
She chuckled softly, resting her hand on the doorjamb as if she needed to steady herself. “That one I know.”
In the heart of his bedroom, he turned and shook his head at the lack of his stuff in here. What little could be salvaged from the fire was in storage. Packing his gear took a grand total of eight minutes. And that was because he stopped to brush his teeth.
He heard the shower running when he got into the blue room. Hands on his hips, he looked around the suite in disgust. Despite Ryder’s tidy habits, he was everywhere in here. Grady picked up the odds-and-ends that marked his brother’s territory, grabbed the suits and other fancy-pants nonsense from the closet, plus the garment bag and overpriced backpack, and dragged all evidence of Ryder’s presence to the green room.
Within a few minutes, he had their stuff completely swapped. He’d always liked the blue room better anyway.
Shit. A simple swap, no big deal.
Sure.
Huge deal. He didn’t take relationships lightly. Which, in part, might be why he was always too late in snatching up the good ones.
This time... this time, the best of the best chose him. Deep in every aching muscle in his body, warmth and relief soothed away tension and fear, knowing that she’d fallen as hard and fast as he had. Not that she’d said it, but he knew. As they say, when you know, you know.
By the time he finished, he heard Claire shutting off the shower. Moments later, she came out fresh as a wildflower on a spring afternoon, sleek brown hair dripping wet and brushed neatly down her back. Not a trace of makeup, she looked like a forest nymph that had miraculously chosen him, a mere mortal, as her lover.
She looked at him with a question in her eye at his breathless look. “Nothing,” he muttered on a small exhale. If she knew half of the corny shit floating around in his brain, she’d... no, she would think it was sweet.
Claire sunk into the leather chair across from him and nearly cried when she saw the huge cup of coffee and mountain of food from Hattie on the tree stump table between them. That moan of pleasure passed her lips when she took the first bite of grilled cheese. Still wiped out from the snowstorm, he devoured his sandwich in four bites.
As soon as she’d finished eating, Claire leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. Within seconds, she was sound asleep. Not exactly drooling, but... no, she was definitely drooling. Mouth gaping open.
He scooped her up and laid her in the bed, sliding off the bathrobe that she’d tossed on for their late breakfast. Before crawling in next to her, he stripped off his clean clothes and eased into the bed. The gala wasn’t for another few hours, and he was toast. The hypothermia hadn’t helped, nor the last two nights caught up in Claire, but he hadn’t slept a wink since that first day on the ice.
It was just past three when the creak of the bedroom door opening woke him. Groaning, he sat up enough to see who had dared interrupt the most satisfying nap he’d ever taken. Vision blurred, he rubbed away the thick haze of sleep.
