26
“I can’t believe our vacation is almost over,” Claire said as they entered their hotel suite that had a gorgeous view of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.
Logan couldn’t either, but he would have to say that the days he’d spent with her had been the best ones of his life. Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore had been just as magnificent as he’d imagined. And throughout their time together, he’d fallen deeper and deeper in love with Claire.
Now they were down to their last week together, which included spending time in Toronto. He’d been to the city once before while attending a medical convention, but it was Claire’s first time here. He was glad he could give her this experience.
He was well aware she still considered him a friend—one with obvious benefits—but hoped she would now, at least, consider continuing what they’d started. More than anything, he wanted her to see the advantages of opening her heart to love again. The love he would give her, if only she would accept it.
Like before, Claire had made the reservations for this hotel suite before they’d left DC, so it had two bedrooms. However, like in all the other places they’d stayed after New Mexico, they would be using only one. Sleeping together had become the norm after their time in Albuquerque, and he couldn’t imagine not waking up with her in his arms. Or making love to her before starting his day or ending his night.
When she pulled her luggage to the middle of the sitting area and hesitated a minute, his heart began pounding. Surely, she wasn’t wondering where she would be sleeping tonight. The last thing he needed was for her to have second thoughts.
She finally turned to him and smiled. “Which bedroom will we be sharing, Logan? There are two of them and both have incredible views. Do you have a preference?”
A silent sigh of relief eased from his lips. “Either will do, unless one has a bigger bed.”
She chuckled. “I’ll check, but I believe they’re both king-size. Nice size kitchen, although I doubt we’ll do as much cooking here as we did in Albuquerque.”
Since they’d spent nine days at the Balloon Festival, they’d decided not to dine out every day. Instead they’d gone grocery shopping, and shared their time in the kitchen. He’d enjoyed cooking with her and discovered they liked the same foods. “I’ll check out the rest of the place while you decide on the bedrooms.”
“Okay.”
He walked into the eat-in kitchen that was attached to a balcony. He could see them enjoying a glass of wine every evening on the patio, the way they’d done in Albuquerque. And one of the advantages of this hotel was that their suite was high enough that they could go outside and enjoy the view without even getting dressed.
“The beds are the same size, and each room has a private bath, so either will work.”
He turned around and not for the first time, his breath caught while looking at her. Thomasina Claire Fowler was a very beautiful woman. “Do you want to go out and explore, or would you like to take a nap first?” she asked.
That had become the norm for them when they arrived in a new place. Because he piloted their plane, she was thoughtful enough to add a couple of hours of rest time into their schedule. “I want to close my eyes for an hour or two,” he said. “Have you made dinner plans?”
She smiled. “Yes. We have a reservation at seven at a cute little place in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”
He nodded. “Will you take a nap with me?”
She laughed. “Are you sure a nap is what’s on your mind, Logan?”
“Of course. I can barely keep my eyes open,” he said, feigning exhaustion.
“Tell that to your crotch.”
Now he was the one who laughed. Claire was the only woman he knew who had the audacity to call out an erection. “I guess I need to do something about that.”
“No, I think I need to do something about that,” she said, walking toward him.
Just thinking about what she had in mind made heat course through him. When she stood in front of him, a teasing glint appeared in her gaze and then she said, “Umm, maybe not. I think I’ll go shopping instead.”
She turned as if to walk away and he quickly reached out and grabbed her arm. “No so fast.”
She lifted an amused brow. “What? Do you want something, Logan?”
“What do you think?”
She smiled. “I think I might have spoiled you.”
“There’s no doubt about it. But I spoiled you, too, didn’t I?” They had spoiled each other in ways he’d never forget. Even while piloting the plane here, his mind had been whirling with memories of their time together.
“Yes, and I don’t regret anything we’ve done, do you?”
He lifted his hand to push a wayward curl back from her face. “I doubt I could ever regret anything we do together, Claire.”
A smile on her lips, she wrapped her arms around him. “Come on, then. Let’s take that nap. After dinner, I want you to take me dancing.”
“Baby, I’ll do whatever you want.”
Claire slowly opened her eyes in a room filled with the aroma of sex. The last thing she remembered was returning to the suite after their night on the town. She loved to dance and hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed it until the moment Logan had taken her into his arms. Then, once they got back to their room, he had taken her in another way.
She drew in a deep breath, feeling both exhilarated and exhausted. There was just something so…incredible about making love with Logan. Especially since he always gave as much pleasure as he received. There was definitely nothing selfish about her ‘friend’.
Switching to her side, she glanced over at Logan. He was sound asleep, and she wasn’t surprised. The man had more stamina than the law should allow. It took every ounce of strength she possessed to keep up with him. Yet, she would still want more. He had the ability to make her hunger for things she never wanted before. Things she’d thought she could do without. Had done without.
Now, she wondered if she would ever be able to do without them again. It was a good thing she was soon returning to Algiers—Logan’s magnetism could keep her grounded for good.
Even when he’d been piloting the plane, she’d had a hard time keeping her eyes off him. In those snug jeans and shirt rolled up to his elbows, he was gorgeous. Naked or dressed, he exuded hot sexuality. How would she handle it when they parted ways?
She drew in a deep breath, knowing she had to handle it. Thinking of her sister’s warning, Claire realized she’d missed Asia’s call and hadn’t taken the time to read her text. Both had come through after dinner, but they’d been out dancing. It was after midnight, too late to call for some people, but Claire knew her sister often kept late nights. Easing out of bed, she grabbed her cell phone and left the bedroom, closing the door behind her.
By the time she reached the sitting area, she saw Asia had sent her a second text, an hour ago.
This one said, Call me. No matter how late it is.
As Claire pulled up her sister’s number, she hoped nothing was wrong. Asia was not one to press the panic button unless there was a reason. Had something happened to their mother? Leland?
“Hello?”
“Asia? What is it? What’s happened?”
“I don’t know. You tell me, sister-dear. I haven’t heard from you since you got to New Mexico. That was a long time ago.”
Claire took a relieved breath, then frowned. “Hey, communicating works both ways. You could have checked in with me.”
“Oh, no. Don’t try pulling that one, Claire. You made it clear you would reach out to me next, which meant you didn’t want to be bothered.”
Asia was right. “And you know why I did that, Asia.”
“Because I was the voice of reason that you didn’t want to listen to at the time.”
Claire had to admit that her sister was right about that, too. Still, she was glad she hadn’t listened to Asia’s advice. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know what it felt like to be made love to by Logan Montgomery. She wouldn’t know how it felt to be treated like royalty—to be treated like she mattered. Not just as a sexual object. There had been sex, yes, and plenty of it. But she’d also enjoyed the quality time they’d spent together. Like their talks. Preparing and sharing meals. He’d even sung to her in the shower one morning. Tomorrow, they’d spend a full day at Niagara Falls and then on Wednesday, they would drive to Toronto and stay there for a couple of days.
“Any regrets?”
Asia’s question pulled her back from her thoughts. “No regrets about anything, Asia. No matter what happens next, I’m glad Logan and I spent so much time together.”
“I’m happy for you. But how are you going to feel when your affair ends? You know what Logan wants out of life. How are you going to feel when he finds someone who’ll give it to him?”
Claire didn’t say anything. It shouldn’t matter what Logan did and with whom after their affair ended, but she couldn’t help wondering if Asia was still intending to shove this Susan woman down his throat. Her sister’s next words gave her the answer.
“Logan will be visiting Paradise for a few days before he heads to Tampa so don’t wear him out too much, Claire, or he won’t be any good for Susan. I invited her to visit us at the same time he’s here.”
She heard the amusement in Asia’s voice and but honestly, she couldn’t find anything funny about the situation. “For all you know he might not be interested in her.”
“You’re right. He might not. Then again, he might. It’s his business, Claire.”
“I didn’t say it wasn’t. I just don’t get why you feel the need to fix him up with anyone? With her?”
“Why not her? Susan is a nice person. As soon as I met her, I thought she’d be perfect for Logan. Like I told you, they have a lot in common, including the desire to settle down. That’s more I can say for you, right.”
Claire didn’t know how to respond. Finally, she said, “Fine, do what you want. If Logan and this woman want each other, more power to them.”
“There’s no need to take this personally, Claire. I just want him to be happy.”
“I’m not taking anything personally.”
“Aren’t you?”
Claire frowned. Was she? “How’s Mom?” she asked, desperate to change the subject. “Have you talked to her?”
“Yes. She and Timothy were getting ready to go on another cruise.”
“And how’s my nephew?”
“Leland is wonderful. I hope you get a chance to see him before you return to Algiers.”
“Of course, I’m going to see him. I’ll be back in DC next Sunday. Maybe I can repack quickly and -”
“You can’t visit Paradise right after you get back, Claire.”
“Why not?”
“Because Logan will be coming straight here to stay a few days.”
“So?” Claire asked.
“I told you--that’s when I invited Susan. Considering everything, it will be uncomfortable for you and Susan to be here at the same time. It could get messy and I don’t like messy.”
Anger began stirring within Claire. “Fine. I’ll go visit Mom and Timothy if they’re back from their cruise. Then maybe, I’ll visit you guys afterwards.”
“Great!”
Claire frowned. “Does Logan know you’re fixing him up with this Susan?”
“No, it’s a surprise. I can’t wait for them to meet. It’s going to be wonderful, I just know it. I have a feeling they will hit it off immediately.”
Claire felt her patience with Asia dwindling. A part of her understood her sister wanting Logan to be happy—even with another woman, one who wanted the same things out of life that he did. Yes, she understood. Almost. She wasn’t totally there yet and honestly, she wasn’t sure she’d ever get there.
“So, what do you guys plan to do tomorrow?” Asia asked.
“Tour Niagara Falls. We can see it from our suite and it’s beautiful at night with all the colors. You and Lance should put it on your bucket list.”
“We will.”
“And we’re driving to Toronto on Wednesday. There are several places I want to visit there before leaving,” Claire added.
“Sounds like fun. Give Logan my love and -”
“Wait! I forget to mention something. I saw Sean.”
“You did? Where?”
“At the airport in Arizona. He looked good and told me to tell you hello. He seems to have gotten over you, although I don’t think he’s married or anything. At least, he wasn’t wearing a band on his finger.”
“Sean is a nice guy and I only want the best for him. Like Logan, Sean wanted marriage and a family.”
It was on the tip of Claire’s tongue to suggest that Asia fix Sean up with Susan, but then figured Asia and Sean probably no longer stayed in contact. That was probably for the best, given David’s behavior. Besides, she doubted Lance would have liked knowing his wife had contact with her former fiancé.
“Where’s Logan, Claire?”
“He’s asleep.”
“Wore him out, did you?”
Claire couldn’t help but smile. “That’s none of your business. I’ll call you when I return to DC.”
“Okay. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Asia.”
Claire pushed hair out of her face after clicking off her phone. She crossed the floor and returned to the bedroom. Logan was still sleeping. Putting her phone back on the nightstand, she removed her robe before sliding beneath the covers beside him. The dipping of the bed woke him and he glanced over at her with drowsy eyes.
“Sorry for waking you.”
“No problem. I didn’t know you’d left, but I’m glad you’re back,” he said, shifting positions to pull her into his arms.
“I’m glad I’m back, too.” And then she leaned in and kissed him. Tonight, at least, he was hers. She’d do her best to forget that next week, he might be pulling another woman into his arms…and his bed.
Why was that thought bothering her so much? Why was she just now realizing that ending her affair with Logan wouldn’t be as easy as she’d initially thought? She pulled back from the kiss. “Logan?”
“Hmm?” he asked, planting butterfly kisses around her mouth.
There was nothing she could say. He wanted marriage and family. She wasn’t ready for any of those things. “Nothing.”
She snuggled in closer to him, soaking in his warmth. No matter who came after her, she was the woman in his bed now. And she intended to make the most of it.
Logan watched Claire shrug out of her coat the moment they entered the trendy restaurant in downtown Toronto. She’d been excited about coming here. She’d heard from friends that if she ever visited Toronto, she had to dine at the 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower. After dinner, they would once again go dancing.
While waiting for their table, he crossed the revolving floor to take a look out the huge windows. It was either that or be caught openly ogling his date. There hadn’t been an outfit she’d worn on this trip that hadn’t caught his eye, whether it was dressy or casual. But what she was wearing tonight--a red-laced mini cocktail dress—had every eye in the place turning in her direction. He’d known he was in trouble the moment she’d removed her coat.
She’d taken extra care while getting dressed tonight, and when he’d gotten an emergency call from one of the doctors looking after his patients, he’d stepped out of the room to let her finish. When he’d returned, she’d been all ready to go, with her coat already on. If he’d known what she was wearing underneath it, it was likely he wouldn’t have ever left the hotel, and probably would have done his damnedest to talk her into spending the evening in bed with him. Just seeing her in that dress gave him an automatic boner.
She looked incredibly feminine. And with her long legs, hot-as-sin curves and smooth, luscious thighs, the short dress took his breath away. He couldn’t help territorially growling at other men who glanced their way the moment she removed her coat.
The view out the window was gorgeous, too. He could see for miles, and as night fell, Toronto’s skyline glistened. He could understand why this particular place was a favorite with tourists and regulars. On the drive over, Claire had told him what to expect, but words hadn’t been able to convey just how incredible the place was.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
He glanced at her when she came to stand beside him, automatically sliding her hand into his. He let his gaze roam appreciatively over her. “It definitely is.”
He knew she was referring to what was outside the window, but he was referring to her. Claire was one of those rare women who was beautiful, inside and out. During the time they’d spent together, he’d yet to see her as anything less than the woman he wanted to be with forever.
They would spend two more nights in Toronto, then fly back to DC. He was trying not to think about the fact that their vacation adventure was coming to an end, but hoped that instead of going their separate ways, they would agree to take things to the next level.
“Your table is ready,” the maître d’ announced.
She eased her hand from his, but still wanting a connection, he placed his hand at the base of Claire’s spine as they followed the man. Since this was a revolving restaurant, every view would eventually be seen from every table. “Thanks for bringing me here, Logan,” she said when they were seated beside a window.
He wanted to confess that he’d take her anywhere she wanted to go, at any time. More than once, while they’d been making love, he’d barely caught himself from whispering how much he loved her. “You’re welcome. I’m glad it’s turning out to be such a unique experience.”
“I’ve enjoyed every experience with you.”
He hoped she truly meant that. “So, are you ready to go back to Algiers?” he asked, hoping that she wasn’t. He was glad she hadn’t had any more nightmares, but there was no guarantee they wouldn’t return.
“No. Things will be very different. But it won’t be for long.”
“When can you leave?”
“In six weeks. I’m going to put in my notice when I get back. That will give me time to wrap up a few things before I go.”
The waiter returned and placed a bottle of wine in the middle of their tables along with glasses. “Any idea what area of education you want to try out?” he asked. “With your PhD and vast level of experience in the State Department, I’m sure any university would hire you.”
She nodded. “I don’t think I’ll have a problem finding something. The first place I plan to apply is at Howard, since it’s in DC. I understand it has a very good International Studies program.”
The waiter returned with their menus, but Logan barely noticed him. He was finding it hard to keep his eyes off Claire tonight. Just knowing their time was limited now was getting to him. What if she didn’t want to continue things between them? What if spending all this time together meant more to him than it did to her? What if…?
“Logan?”
He blinked. “Yes?”
She held up her wine glass. “I know this isn’t champagne, but I’d like to propose a toast, as well as to say thank-you, for giving me the best vacation ever. It was as if you knew every leg of this trip was just what I needed. Thank you.”
He held up his glass to clink it against hers. “You’re very welcome. We’ll have to do it again, sometime.” He only hoped he’d get the chance.