2

Claire opened the door of her condo, and went inside, then closed it behind her and leaned back against it. She let out a deep sigh. It was so good to be back in the States. She had wanted to come home earlier, but first, she’d had to undergo the State Department’s mandatory grief counseling. She had to admit, though, it had helped her get through the days before the families of her slain friends had arrived to pack up their belongings. She and the four women had all lived in the same apartment building.

Seeing Robyn Holly’s parents had been the hardest, mainly because she’d known Robyn the longest. They’d joined the State Department at the same time and on occasion, like this time, would end up working together in the same country. What could you say to the parents of a friend who was killed while out celebrating her birthday? Since they’d known what close friends she and Robyn had been, had they wondered why she’d been absent that night? She’d told them about the headache that had set in while on a conference call with her superiors in DC. She’d hoped that with a few aspirin and a little rest, she’d be able to catch up with the group later. But before she could do that, the bombing had taken place.

Wiping tears from her eyes, Claire moved away from the door, pulling her luggage in behind her. She had cried so much over the past two weeks, she didn’t think she had any tears left. At least she had some time to pull herself together before she had to return to Algiers. She couldn’t help but have a heavy heart whenever she thought about Robyn, Johnetta, Lauren and Cindy--not to mention the other fifty-six people who’d lost their lives that night. Of those killed, twelve had been Americans and there hadn’t been any survivors. ISIS was proudly claiming responsibility for the attack.

She had called her mom and Asia from the airport, to let them know she’d arrived back in DC. Claire had again stressed that she needed some time to herself for a while and wouldn’t appreciate anyone coddling her. This was something she had to get through on her own.

Her four friends were dead and she was alive. A part of her couldn’t help but feel guilty about that. The counselor had told her that her feelings were normal and would lessen in time, that she shouldn’t feel guilty because her life had been spared. But in a way, she did.

Glancing around her living room, she saw that it was exactly as she’d left it. She appreciated Iona, the woman she’d hired to look after her apartment, assuring that whenever she returned, her place looked good and made her feel welcome.

Her condo smelled clean and fresh, exactly the way Claire liked it. That’s one of the reasons she’d stopped renting out her home like other State Department employees did whenever they traveled abroad. Claire liked having her home there, just waiting for her whenever she returned. She’d tried renting, and it had been a disaster. Her last tenant, a single guy, had messed up with one of his girlfriends, and she’d trashed Claire’s place. Although he’d paid for the damages, some of her items had been irreplaceable.

Moving through the apartment, she entered her bedroom. As usual, her huge bed looked inviting and she couldn’t wait to get in and sleep off hours of jetlag. As requested, Iona had switched out the bedcovers to an autumn theme. She liked the rich browns, oranges and greens and the matching curtains really set things off.

Claire glanced out the window, loving the view of Sonny Bono Park. It was a beautiful day in late September. At some point this week, she’d have to go to the grocery store, which would get her out of the apartment. She loved DC; especially Dupont Circle, the section of town where she lived. She had missed the coffeehouses, cafes, restaurants, bars, and high-end retail stores that were within walking distance. That’s why she didn’t own a car. She honestly didn’t need one.

Claire began unpacking. Because she didn’t rent out her condo, she had everything she needed right here. That meant she didn’t have to travel with much.

An hour or so later, she felt hungry and went into the kitchen. Luckily, Iona had left some staples in the cupboard for her. She reached up to grab a can of soup, but as she brought it down, she noticed the ceramic candle holder Robyn had given to her as a birthday gift one year. Robyn knew how much she liked candlelight, and had purchased it as a souvenir from Cape Town. Seeing it, Claire got all teary-eyed again.

Then suddenly, her doorbell sounded. She figured it was probably Iona returning her key. Grabbing a napkin off the counter, she dabbed at her eyes before moving toward the door. “Iona?”

“No, it’s Logan.”

Claire lifted a brow. “Logan?” She opened the door, and there stood Asia’s brother-in-law, Logan Montgomery. She couldn’t help thinking that he was just as good-looking as he’d been the first time she’d laid eyes on him a few years ago. With his almond colored skin, fine facial features and a nice build--definitely a nice build—she’d noticed him right away. And the more she got to know him, the more she’d liked him. Then she noticed something different--he was sporting a neatly trimmed beard. It looked good on him.

“Logan? What on earth are you doing in DC?”

“I came to see you. May I come in?”

He’d come to see her? Why? The she realized there was only one plausible reason for this unexpected visit. She’d asked Asia not to come. Knowing her sister, and realizing she wouldn’t be satisfied until she knew for certain Claire was okay, it was obvious that Asia had sent someone else to check on her.

“Sure, come in,” she said, stepping aside. “I got in a couple of hours ago. But I’m fine, Logan.”

She closed the door behind him and when she turned around, he studied her features. “You’ve been crying,” he said.

There was no way she could deny such a thing with reddened, swollen eyes. “Yes. I have my moments, but I’m okay. According to the grief counselor I saw before leaving Algiers, it’s a common reaction.”

He nodded and moved toward her. Reaching out, he pulled her into his arms. “Come here and let me give you a hug.”

Claire definitely needed one and went to his arms willingly, appreciating the broad shoulder he was giving her to cry on. Between her and Asia, she’d always considered herself the stronger of the two, mainly because she was the oldest, even if it was only by two years.

“It’s hard, Logan,” she said, between sniffles, regretting that her tears were wetting his shirt.

“Of course, it is. It was such a senseless tragedy.”

“It’s just so unfair. They are dead and I’m alive. I was supposed to be with them that night, Logan. It was Robyn’s birthday. She died on her birthday. And Lauren was getting married this coming June. She’d already begun planning for her wedding.”

Logan held Claire in his arms, letting her talk. But the words he latched onto, were… “It’s so unfair. They are dead and I’m alive. I was supposed to be with them that night.”

Asia had warned him that Claire had been overcome with survivor’s guilt. Her words confirmed she still felt that way.

She pulled out of his arms and swiped her eyes. “I’m messing up your shirt. I need to grab some tissues. I’ll be back.”

He watched her quickly head for her kitchen. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he shifted uncomfortably on his feet, trying to retain his balance. Holding her in his arms had felt so damn right. Other than an occasional friendly hug, this was the closest and the longest he’d ever held her. For a brief moment, he wanted to believe she had needed him, only him. His thoughts drifted to his sister Carrie and the nights bad dreams had awakened her. He’d been there and had given her his shoulder to cry on plenty of times. But this thing with Claire was different, and he could feel his love and tenderness deepen.

She could use his shirt and shoulder to cry on any time. At least she’d undergone some sort of grief counseling before leaving Algiers. But the primary question was, had it done any good? A combination of grief and guilt could wreak havoc on a person’s mind.

So far, he’d been blessed not to have lost anyone close to him. His father was still alive and would be celebrating his sixty-fifth birthday at the end of the year. And all of Logan’s siblings were in good health. Then there was his mother, who was out there somewhere. There was a chance she was possibly doing jail time, considering her penchant for engaging in criminal activities. Even when she’d run off with another man, he hadn’t felt any sense of loss, but a feeling of relief…and anger for the way she’d treated his father, not only hurting him, but betraying him. Jeremiah Montgomery had deserved better.

“When you go back and report to Asia, don’t you dare tell her you found me a blubbering mess,” Claire said, returning to the room

He glanced up and thought Claire looked anything but a mess. In fact, she was absolutely gorgeous, red eyes and all. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a blouse which looked good on her. Her hair, which she usually wore down and around her shoulders, was now pulled back in a ponytail.

He’d figured she’d assume Asia had sent him here, and for now, he would let her think that. In time, she would find out his real reason for showing up at her door uninvited. Before coming here, he had made a stopover at Paradise, and while there, he’d had a frank and open conversation with Lance and Asia. His reason for coming to DC was simple--he intended to win Claire’s heart. It was important for them, especially Asia, to know his intentions were honorable. He already had Lance in his corner and wanted Asia there as well. After all, Claire was her sister.

Lucky for him, Asia had no problem with his plan. She’d admitted that she’d picked up on something stirring between Logan and Claire, even if Claire hadn’t yet. But then, Asia had explained Claire’s reasons for keeping men at a distance. She’d fallen in love once with a guy in the military. She’d been in college and she and her boyfriend had planned to marry when she graduated. But then he’d been gotten killed in Afghanistan. Since then, Claire hadn’t let anyone get too close.

Asia honestly wasn’t sure Claire was ready for a serious involvement again, not even with thirty-three staring her in the face. Not because she didn’t deserve to have love in her life but because Claire had sworn that she would never fall in love again. She’d created a stable of friends—both male and female, but when it came to the opposite sex, she wasn’t looking for anything other than friendship. Claire’s love affair was with her job and being free to travel whenever she wanted. She couldn’t see herself settling down anytime soon.

Logan had appreciated Asia’s take on things, but the way he figured it, if a man like his brother, Lance, could change his mind about love and marriage, then anyone could. Lance had been married twice and had sworn he’d never fall again. That had worked, until he’d met Asia.

He looked back at Claire. “I promise I won’t go back and tell Asia anything,” he finally said.

A smile touched Claire’s face. “You’re going to have to tell her something, otherwise, she’ll show up on my doorstep next. Just tell her I’m doing okay, that I’m holding my own. After all, I am the oldest and not for one minute do I want Asia to start thinking she has to baby me. As part of the “oldest sibling” club, I’m sure you understand my position, Logan.”

He liked how she said his name. She was a southern girl, born and raised in South Carolina. But she was also well-traveled. Yet, a part of that southern accent had remained and he loved it. “Yes, I totally understand. But hopefully you’ll understand that when Asia married Lance, the Montgomerys and the Fowlers became family. Although we both hold membership in the “oldest sibling” club, I’m a lot older than you and I’m pulling rank,” he said.

“Whatever.” She shrugged. “Forgive my manners. Can I get you something to drink?”

“No, I’m fine,” he said, taking her hand and leading her to the sofa to sit down with him. “You don’t have a problem with me pulling rank, do you?”

“Honestly, I do,” she said, leaning back on the sofa. “What if I told you I just need some time to myself for a while. Would you respect my wishes?”

He gave a negative shake of his head. “No. Because I don’t think that will help you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Older siblings usually think they know everything.”

“And usually, we’re right. Look how you figured out what was best for Asia. You were right in knowing it was Lance and not that Sean guy.”

He knew he had her thinking. For the moment, it didn’t bother him that she thought he was stepping into a “big brother” role. She would find out his real agenda, in due time. “So, it’s either me or Asia. At least I won’t hover over you like a mother hen.”

“Hover over me? Just how long do you intend to stay?”

Forever if you let me, he wanted to answer. Instead he said, “A few days. I checked into the Ambrosia Hotel this morning.”

“That’s walking distance from here,” she said, as if thinking out loud.

“Yes, but my job is not to cheer you up, Claire. I’m here to offer you support for what you’re going through. Trust me, I have years of experience at that sort of thing.”

She shook her head. “If I recall, you do have a medical practice back in Tampa. A very lucrative one, that I’m sure needs your attention.”

“That’s another reason I’m here,” he said, hoping to make her believe that this wasn’t all about her. “I’ve been dealing with a bad case of burnout. I needed a break, so I’m free for the next six weeks.”

“Six weeks?”

“Yes. I haven’t taken a real vacation in years. I guess you could say that’s one of the pitfalls of having a lucrative business. There’s always something else to do. You work hard to get it to the top, but once you’re there, you don’t have time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.” That much was true. Usually, when he took time off, it was to go home to Indiana to see his dad and Carrie, go to Texas to visit Lyle or to fly to Paradise to see Lance and Asia. Paradise was the most idyllic island, yet when he went there, he never considered himself to be on vacation. And he always had plenty of work with him.

“Who’s running your practice in your absence?”

“Other doctors. Luckily, I didn’t have any surgeries planned.”

She nodded. “So, what do you plan to do for six weeks?”

Spend them with you, he wanted to say, but didn’t. “Not sure. Definitely not travel to Indiana, Texas or Paradise. I haven’t been to DC in a while and there’s a lot to see that wasn’t here the last time I visited. I figured starting here wasn’t bad. Then I plan to check out places like the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, the Wave, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, and Niagara Falls—just some of the places I’ve always wanted to visit but have never had the time.” He’d intentionally named places that, he knew from Asia, were on Claire’s bucket list.

“Wow, I envy you. I’ve always wanted to see those places, as well.”

“Then come with me. I figured I’d rent a Cessna and travel all over. Right now, it’s just me. But I’d love your company.”

“I forgot you had your pilot’s license. That’s cool. And thanks for the invite but I can’t.”

“Why? You have something to do here?”

She shook her head. “Not really, but--”

“Then you should consider joining me. I’ve never sky-hopped before. It will be fun.”

“I’m sure it will. But what I was going to say is that I don’t know what kind of company I will be.”

“You’ll be fine. Besides, if you stay here, I bet Asia is going to show up at some point. And that means Lance and the baby as well. Then I can see your Mom flying in to see you, too. In the meantime, I bet your phone will start blowing up, regardless of what you’ve told them about needing time to yourself. Do yourself a favor and escape from it all. Come with me.”

Claire was so tempted to run away for a while but wasn’t sure she could just fly away like that with Logan. Instead of wasting his time with her, he should be inviting a woman he could be getting serious about. He was a very handsome man and she’d seen the way single women reacted to him.

Most recently, she couldn’t help noticing the attention he’d attracted at his brother Lyle’s wedding. It had been a grand affair and Lyle and Monique had looked beautiful. Claire had watched as a number of the bride’s friends had checked out Logan. A few had even openly flirted with him, but he hadn’t returned their interest.

At some point during the wedding reception, she’d asked Asia why Logan wasn’t seriously involved with anyone. Her sister’s answer had made sense, and it was what Claire had pretty much figured. For most of his life, Logan had taken his big brother role seriously…and he still was. However, now that Carrie, Lance and Lyle had found love, Asia thought they’d soon see Logan start dating. Evidently, he hadn’t found any of the women at the wedding interesting enough.

That conversation with Asia had taken place nearly six months ago. Logan still had to be playing his “big brother” mode; otherwise, he wouldn’t be here. Umm, maybe she needed to consider the possibility that she could help Logan a lot more than he could her. What she was going through would take time. However, his problem would only require him to meet the right woman. And she had a number of girlfriends in DC who would jump at the chance to meet a man of his caliber. Logan was good looking, a doctor with a well-established medical practice, intelligent, and kind. Although she’d never visited his place in Tampa, she’d heard from Asia that Logan had a gorgeous home on the bay.

But who would be right for him? The first woman who came to mind was Mindy Highgrove. Mindy also worked for the State Department but as a foreign diplomat. Like Claire, Mindy lived abroad most of the time and never stayed in the same country more than two years. Last time Claire had spoken to Mindy, though, she had broken up with a guy she’d dated for a while because he was thoroughly against marriage. At thirty-three, Mindy was ready to settle down and start a family.

“How do you feel about long-distance relationships, Logan?”

Was she imagining it, or was he staring at her oddly before asking, “Why do you want to know?”

“Just curious.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not sure how I would feel since I’ve never given something like that much thought. I guess if I were to meet the right woman and she didn’t live in Tampa, I’d have to give it some serious consideration. But then, there’s something she would need to think about as well.”

“What’s that?”

“That I intend to marry one day, and I’d want any woman I’m involved with to have marriage on her mind as well. In other words, we wouldn’t be involved in a long-distance relationship just for fun. The relationship would have to be moving toward something. For me, it would be the altar.”

She nodded. She could think of a lot of women who would want to become involved with someone who thought that way. Most guys she knew were commitment-phobes.

An idea popped into Claire’s head and she smiled. Mindy was back in the States. She’d been one of the first people to call Claire to make sure she was safe after hearing about the bombing. Claire had promised to give her friend a call so the two of them could hook up once she returned to DC. There was no doubt in her mind that Mindy would appreciate a man like Logan.

“Are you sure you’re just asking out of curiosity?”

She gave him an innocent smile. “Yes. What other reason would I have?” Obviously, he was suspicious of her motives, so maybe this wasn’t a good time to tell him of her plans to set him up on a blind-date with Mindy. Of course, she would need to talk to her friend first, to see if she was even interested. Still, Mindy had mentioned, more than once, that she was looking for Mr. Right. Claire couldn’t think of anyone more right than Logan Montgomery.

“So, Claire, what do you say? Want to go explore the country with me?”

Chances were, he wouldn’t want her company after he met Mindy. Her friend was gorgeous but unfortunately, she attracted men who weren’t interested in anything long-term. Logan would be different.

“Can I think about it?” she asked, stalling for time.

“Sure. I plan to stay in this area for a few days, before deciding where to go next.” He checked his watch. “I’m starving. Have you eaten yet?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Aren’t you hungry?”

Yes, she was. “Yes. I was about to warm up a can of soup when you rang the doorbell.”

“Forget about the soup. Let’s go out and grab something to eat. I noticed a number of nice places to eat in the area.”

The thought of going to a restaurant caused jitters to flow through her. She was back in the United States, she understood that. However, all she could think about was that her four friends had lost their lives while out enjoying a meal.

“Logan?”

“Yes?”

“Would it bother you if we did take-out instead? I’m not ready to go to a restaurant yet. I’m sure the anxiety I feel about it will pass, but I’m just not comfortable with the idea yet.”

He nodded, then reached out and took her hand in his. “I understand, Claire.”

She released a deep sigh. A part of her truly believed that he did.