The soft patter of summer rain tapped against the window like handfuls of tiny pebbles. In the distance, a rumble of thunder. Normally those were soothing sounds to Jackson, easing him to sleep like a lullaby to a child. But not tonight. His mind was too busy for rest, distraction endlessly churning like clothes in a wash machine. And the distraction’s name was Carla Saunders.
He lay in bed, on his back, arms folded beneath his head as he stared into the darkness. Hard to believe he wasn’t sound asleep after the way she’d exhausted him. Just the thought of her grinding on top of him, hips swaying, pinching her nipples as she pounded his cock… Holy fuck. A rush of blood beat a path straight to his groin.
Sex sure wasn’t his problem. Not with her. After two long years of abstinence he was back in the saddle big time. He had half a mind right now to walk over to her room and join her in bed. His lips curved up in a half smile. They still slept in their separate rooms when they finally actually wanted to sleep. It was at Carla’s insistence, for “appearance’s sake,” even though he didn’t give two hot damns what anyone thought. And if he were to stroll on over there now she’d welcome him, he was sure of it. Even after their marathon session tonight she’d be up for another go-round. She was so sexy, so uninhibited, the most trusting, generous lover he’d ever had. Probably would ever have again.
Merde. He swore softly and swung his legs over the side of the bed. No way would he be sleeping any time soon. He got out of bed and walked over to the window. The rain continued to fall and the breeze had kicked up. Droplets of water filtered through the window screen, sprinkling his torso and legs. He didn’t mind. With where his thoughts had just been, a cold shower wasn’t a bad thing.
But it wasn’t the sex thoughts keeping him awake. It was the silence after Carla went back to her room for the night that made sleep so elusive. He knew that Amy— Well. His sister had thoughts better left unsaid, except it had never been her way to stay silent. Not around him. People made the mistake of thinking she was a quiet, introverted woman who kept to herself and made no waves. But they didn’t know his sister like he did. With her, still waters ran deep.
Amy thought Carla would be good for him. Long term. As in the future. Despite his restlessness, Jackson chuckled. If anyone had told him a month ago that he’d be losing sleep over a city-slicker corporate girl who could talk endlessly about strategic business plans and low hanging fruit he probably would have decked the person. But that was before he met Carla.
Amy had immediately seen the real person beneath the corporate façade. She’d been insistent since day one that Carla’s soul didn’t rest with the kind of work she was doing, and Jackson was inclined to agree. Didn’t matter, though. After Carla’s time here she’d get a huge promotion and then would finally go to Paris, something she said she’d dreamed about since childhood. Good for her. So why did he care if she left?
He blew out a frustrated breath and ran a hand through his hair. The answer was easy. Admitting it? Not so much. But here alone, in the dark, with nothing but raindrops for company, he acknowledged the truth.
For the first time in two years, he finally felt alive. And it was all because of Carla.
For a long time even just the thought of another relationship froze his blood cold. After what he went through with Katherine and then the death of his parents… It was a hell he’d barely survived. The only way he’d done so was by plunging head-first into work, pushing a relentless, all-consuming pace so anything and everything around him would be forgotten. He would drive himself to the grave if that’s what it took. It didn’t matter. Or so he thought.
Carla made him see his world differently. She infused him with…admit it, dickwad. You’re by yourself. Fine. She infused him with joy. He felt happy around her. She made him laugh and enjoy life, which in turn made him a better scientist. After only a few short weeks, he saw his life differently and understood things he hadn’t before—like the pointlessness of blaming himself for his parents’ death. It was all Carla’s doing. She was good for him, no doubt. But could he be good for her?
He sank into a nearby chair. His hair ruffled in the breeze streaming through the window, and the cool air prickled his naked skin with goosebumps. Jackson barely noticed. His mind drifted to the evening’s unexpected arrival, that drip of a guy, Bryce. What a jerk, just showing up where he hadn’t been invited. At least he didn’t mean anything to Carla. Oddly enough, though, the jealousy Jackson felt toward Bryce wasn’t a bad thing. It told him a lot about himself, and about his feelings for her.
The rain had stopped, at least for the moment. A shaft of moonlight broke through the thinning clouds and seeped into his room. Carla would be gone soon, away to Paris for a year. He let out a slow breath. He had a decision to make.
****
Carla rolled over and pulled her pillow over her ears as the loudly soughing wind tried its best to wake her. She should be up and dressed by now, but it was tough going when she’d only been asleep for three hours. When she remembered the reason why, she groaned and buried her head beneath the covers.
A sharp rap against the door ten minutes later startled her out of sleep. What the hell? More knocking, louder this time. Then she heard it. A soft but distinct slurping. She bounced out of bed and grabbed her robe, cinching it tightly before opening the door.
Just as she’d known, Bryce stood out in the hallway, diet soda in hand. He was dressed in the usual country club look he favored, although his herringbone twill trousers were decidedly rumpled, testament to yesterday’s lengthy journey.
“Morning.” He took in her robe and slippers and raised a surprised brow. “You’re not dressed yet?”
“Shh!” She put two fingers to her lips and looked down the hallway. Luckily, Bryce appeared not to have woken anyone. Not yet, anyway. But she didn’t want to risk it.
“Come in for a minute,” she said, stepping aside to let him through. Bryce accepted the invitation and she shut the door behind him.
Once inside, he took a look around the room and gave a sniff of disapproval. “Awfully small in here.” He pressed the soda can to his lips and took a long swill.
“Although a little bigger than the closet you stuffed me into last night.”
“This isn’t a beach resort, Bryce. It’s a scientific research facility.”
“Doesn’t mean you actually have to live here. You could stay in a hotel for the month.”
“There’s nothing close by. Besides, I like it here.”
“Whatever.” He shrugged. “I just hope you’re not going all native on us.”
“What exactly does that mean?”
He didn’t answer at first, instead strolling about the room like an investor assessing the space before purchase. He glanced out the window, thumbed through the books atop Carla’s desk, and poked his head inside the bathroom. She was just about to tell him to get out of there when he turned to face her once more.
“It’s a reminder your life isn’t here, Carla, it’s back home in New York with us. You’ve been distant since you got here and frankly, we’re all a little concerned. That’s one of the reasons why I decided to come down. That, and the fact that of course I missed you.”
She was unable to prevent her eyes from rolling at that last statement. Bryce was so full of it. He missed her like a tax dodger misses the IRS.
Although she hadn’t invited him, he went ahead and plopped himself down in the chair at her desk. With a sigh, she sat down as well on the edge of her bed.
“If my parents were concerned they would have called.”
“They didn’t want to disturb you on your fear assignment. You have to succeed in this, after all. But your behavior has been somewhat out of character, and we’ve all noticed.”
She kept silent, because there was every possibility it was true. She hadn’t called as much, even though her mother had specifically requested it. Somehow, out here in the remote and beautiful Louisiana bayou country, with its swamps and snakes, its miles of empty space, its stunning natural beauty, she’d found herself feeling like she didn’t need to call home. Here she’d found fascinating people doing fascinating things, and the opportunity to actually do good in the world. She’d also found Jackson.
“Look, I appreciate you troubling yourself to come all the way down here and check on me, but it really wasn’t necessary. Or, frankly, wanted.”
She felt a surge of satisfaction when his jaw dropped open.
“I’m going to need you to leave,” she continued. “Today.”
The crash of a heavy object just outside interrupted further conversation.