Lucky Break

CHAPTER SEVEN

BEFORE LAUREN HAD a chance to think about what she’d just agreed to, Jason sent her to the kitchen, and by the time she returned, he’d enlarged the hole. With the treat, they finally rescued the troublesome feline.

Jason had scratches and claw marks on his hands, but the smile on Lauren’s face made up for them.

“I’ll get the holes patched first thing in the morning,” he promised. There were too damn many to fix them all tonight. “I’ll seal this big one shut now, though. I wouldn’t want Trouble here to climb back in.”

The cat, grateful to have been rescued, curled up in Lauren’s lap on the couch in the family room and refused to budge. “Do you hear that? Jason’s worried about you,” Lauren said as she stroked the cat’s head in a calming, rhythmic motion. “His little heart is still beating so fast,” she murmured.

So was Jason’s.

He settled into the seat beside her, his eyes never leaving hers. Now that they’d agreed on what was to come, the energy around them kicked up a notch and anticipation filled the air.

“Don’t you think it’s time to name him?”

She grinned. “I think you just did, right, Trouble?” Lauren laughed.

Trouble suddenly sprang off her lap, apparently deciding he’d had enough affection for the night.

Jason was just beginning. He slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

“What are you doing?” she asked, a husky murmur in her voice.

“Picking up where we left off in the barn,” he said, sealing his lips hard on hers.

With a groan, she gave in to their mutual desire, threading her hands through his hair and kissing him back just as greedily. But kissing wasn’t enough and didn’t last long. She reached for the bottom of his shirt and pulled it off, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

She inhaled deeply and let out a low moan. “You smell good.”

Everything inside him reacted to her words, including the part of him that needed to join with Lauren now. He wasn’t surprised at the urgency between them. They’d been pushing this aside for too long. So although he’d like to take her into the bedroom and make love to her slowly on a comfortable mattress, he knew this wouldn’t be the time. At least the couch was better than a scratchy blanket on a hard barn floor.

She shed her shirt next, then removed her bra, baring her breasts for his hungry view. He dipped his head and covered one breast with his lips, pulling the rosy nipple into his mouth. She tasted so hot and sweet, he wanted more. He grazed the tight bud with his teeth, then soothed the gentle bite with long laps of his tongue.

She arched her back in response, thrusting her chest forward and her breast deeper into his mouth. Her wanton, eager response excited him, making him want her pleasure far more than his own.

With his free hand, he covered her other breast, treating her to a thorough massage before focusing his attention on the waiting nipple. Too soon, she was writhing beside him, squirming in need, her soft sighs causing his groin to tighten with building pressure he didn’t know how long he could control.

He didn’t need to worry.

Lauren’s urgency matched his. She stood and quickly unzipped her jeans. He did the same. He turned, naked, ready to reach for her, but she placed her hands on his shoulders and lowered him to a sitting position on the couch.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Taking control.” She swung her legs over his and lowered herself onto his lap, not yet joining their bodies but teasing him with the possibility.

He wrapped his arms around her and placed his hands over her soft buttocks, caressing both cheeks until she began to rock her body over his. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing,” she said, her voice low.

“What would that be?”

“You don’t like me being in charge, but tough.” She leaned forward and bit his earlobe, his most sensitive spot.

She’d remembered, he thought, shuddering as she continued to nibble on his ear. He laid his head back and groaned aloud. “I’m all yours.”

Her wicked laughter inflamed his senses as her tight nipples brushed against his chest, setting him on fire. She licked and kissed her way down his neck, his chest, his stomach, her tongue dancing over his skin, lower and lower until her lips settled there.

He groaned raggedly, but she didn’t hesitate as she pulled the entire length of him into her warm, wet mouth. He thought he’d died and gone to heaven. She made him her sole focus, drawing her lips up his shaft, then back down, creating intense friction that increased both sensation and pleasure. He threaded his hands through her hair, cradling her head, while she brought him closer and closer to climax. His body tightened and his hips bucked upward, but she didn’t seem to mind. She hit just the right spots, used exactly the right pressure, until finally his body exploded in the most intense, satisfying pleasure he’d ever had.

When his head cleared, he pulled her toward him for a long kiss.

“I take it you liked it?” she asked, pleased with herself.

He grinned. “Honey, you can take charge like that anytime. As long as you know when to submit.”

Her eyes darkened and she immediately slid to the far end of the couch, stretching out her long, lean body.

“How’s this?” she asked, eyes gleaming as she extended her arm and crooked her finger toward him, beckoning him to come to her.

“Works for me,” he said, attempting not to show his surprise at the changes he was discovering in her.

She hadn’t been as bold when they were younger, and most things they’d done had been firsts for her. Now she seemed more at ease with herself and her sexuality. He hoped that time had brought the change and not experience. He didn’t want to think about Lauren and other men. On the heels of that thought came another. He needed to make certain he was the only man she remembered.

Starting now. He reached for his jeans and pulled out the condom he’d replaced after the festival.

All single Corwin men were taught by their fathers to use protection, to avoid being tied to any woman and risk falling in love and invoking the curse. He’d always thought the assumption that pregnancy would lead to marriage and then love was absurd. Either the feeling existed or it didn’t. Jason was pragmatic that way.

But he’d taken the lesson to heart for other obvious reasons, and he never went without a spare. With Lauren in town, he always intended to be prepared.

He slipped on the condom, then slid over her. Gazing into her eyes, he brushed his thumb across her damp lips, leaned forward and kissed her, sliding his tongue into her mouth.

She shuddered and wound her arms around his neck, pulling him close. His hips nestled into hers, and that quickly he was ready to go again.

“Jason?” she asked, her breath warm against his neck.

“Hmm?”

Her fingers tunneled through his hair. “I want you,” she murmured.

As if he needed more than her words to convince him, she rolled her hips against his. Warm, dewy moisture trickled between her thighs and he was lost.

He spread her legs, staring into her green eyes as he parted her with his aching member and thrust inside.

Lauren accepted him with a soft moan of pleasure. Nestled deep inside her body, knowing she’d already taken him in her mouth and given him that gift, Jason felt as if he’d come home.

The thought unnerved him before she rocked her hips and he couldn’t think at all. He started to shift and realized the couch wasn’t going to work well.

“We need to change positions,” he said.

She looked into his eyes and smiled. “Okay, let’s do it.”

He grabbed her hips and maneuvered them so he was sitting, and she sat on his lap, her thighs on either side of his, completely impaled on his throbbing erection.

Gripping his shoulders, she rocked back and forth, her body joined tightly with his, the movement sending shocks of sensation through his groin and spreading outward. Thoroughly in control, she rode him, gliding up and down, taking him into her body. All the while, he couldn’t tear his gaze from her face. She’d squeezed her eyes shut in the throes of passion, the most incredible sight he’d ever seen. And when her orgasm took hold, she pressed him tighter between her slick walls, bringing him up and over the edge along with her.

After a long, shared shower involving wet hands and soapy bodies and, on Lauren’s part, a distinct refusal to allow herself to delve too deeply into her feelings, her stomach grumbled. One hunger satisfied, another demanding attention.

“I’m starving,” Lauren said as she ran a brush through her hair.

“I worked up an appetite myself.” His eyes gleamed with a predatory satisfaction. “I think we’ve run through every place that delivers in both neighboring towns, so what did you have in mind?” He pulled his T-shirt back over his muscular chest.

“I don’t mind picking up burgers from The Diner. I’ll get a turkey burger. Cheeseburger and fries for you?” she asked, attempting to act as if her body still wasn’t quaking from his touch.

“Perfect. In the meantime, I’ll get started on that big hole in the wall.” He paused. “How about I call in the order ahead of time?”

“Thanks. That would be great.”

He reached for his phone and she noticed he was listening to voice mail first. He deleted the message, then turned to her. “What would you say to dinner with my father and uncle instead?”

She narrowed her eyes. “I’m pretty sure they invited you, not us.”

He shook his head. “The message was clear. They’re having a late dinner at Uncle Hank’s and would like us to join them. Gabrielle and Derek are going, too.”

Lauren raised an eyebrow, surprised. Wary. And a little nervous. “Why?”

“They didn’t say, but I can promise you they won’t treat you badly.”

“Gabrielle was nice the one and only time we met, but that was before…” She trailed off. Why go into the details of her family’s actions. “Do you want to go?”

He studied her then nodded. “I do. You?”

“I just don’t want to give your family the wrong idea about us, that’s all.”

“What wrong idea would that be?” he asked, sounding more curious than upset.

Lauren turned to face him. “We’re working together.”

“And sleeping together,” he said with a grin.

“They don’t need to know the details. I just don’t want them thinking we’re seriously involved.” She sat stiffly on the edge of the bed.

“You mean you don’t want me to think that.”

“I’m just being honest, up-front.”

“Point made. I’ll call my father and let them know we’ll be there.” That muscle jerked in his jaw, but otherwise she couldn’t read his expression.

Which she figured was just as well. She couldn’t bear to know she’d hurt him as much as his words had hurt her. But her designs were debuting in Paris and she had a plan for her future. She’d been hurt badly once before. She couldn’t handle it again. Keeping an emotional distance this time around was the safest route for them both.

AMBER SAT in the parking lot of Petco in Salem, holding her cell phone closer to her ear. “Are you sure Jason and Lauren are going to Hank’s for dinner?” she asked Gabrielle.

“I’m sure. Thomas asked Jason and Lauren, and Hank invited Derek and me. So nobody will be in Lauren’s house at eight. Did you pick up the mice?”

“I just left Petco. They’re disgusting,” Amber said, shuddering as she glanced at the three baby mice sitting in the cage on the passenger seat.

“Oh come on, don’t be a wuss.”

“Easy for you to say. You’re not the one sitting with Algernon times three staring at you,” Amber hissed. “I can’t believe people keep these things as pets. Are you sure this is going to work?”

Amber and Gabrielle had come up with their first idea to keep Jason at Lauren’s side, but now that Amber had the animals in her possession, she was getting cold feet.

“If you saw a tiny mouse in your house, would you let Mike leave?” Gabrielle asked.

“Good point. Still, this is crazy, you know that, right? Crazy as in ‘Mike and Derek will kill us if they find out we’ve been meddling in Jason’s life’ crazy.”

“It’s only meddling if something bad happens as a result. The doorbell’s ringing. They’re here and I’ve got to go. So you do your thing.” Gabrielle disconnected the phone, leaving Amber to let herself into Lauren’s house and leave the furry creatures behind.

JASON LIKED having his family gathered around Hank and Thomas’s rectangular dining room table with Lauren by his side. The brothers weren’t any better cooks than Jason, so the meal of choice was from The Diner, the same as he and Lauren would have eaten anyway. He wasn’t sure what the men’s agenda was in having this dinner, but if it meant making Lauren comfortable with the Corwins, he was all for it.

Even if she wasn’t.

I just don’t want them thinking we’re seriously involved. Her words sliced through him, but what had he expected? He’d known she wasn’t interested in anything long-term or permanent. And if he was honest with himself, neither was he.

He just didn’t like her dismissing their relationship as if it meant nothing.

“We’re so glad you could make it,” Thomas said, interrupting his thoughts.

Jason held Lauren’s chair as she settled into her seat before he sat down beside her.

“I appreciate the invitation,” Lauren said, her voice neutral.

Careful.

She obviously didn’t trust the reason for this meal, but Jason wasn’t worried. Inviting someone over then insulting them wasn’t the Corwin way.

Which led to his own curiosity. “So to what do we owe the pleasure?” Jason asked.

Derek, seated next to Gabrielle, stretched his arm over the back of her chair. “Good question. I was wondering the same thing myself.”

“Thomas has an announcement.” Hank’s eyes gleamed at the prospect of his brother’s news.

“Uh-oh,” Gabrielle said, placing her napkin in her lap.

Though everyone already had food on their plates, no one was interested in their meal.

All eyes were on Thomas.

“I have a plan to get Clara and Edward together for good,” Jason’s father said, explaining the reason for this gathering.

“They’re already living in the same house,” Derek said. “I’m not sure we’re ever going to see much more than that. I think we should be grateful Uncle Edward’s made such big strides in such a short time and not mess with his head.”

Jason shot his cousin a grateful glance. “I agree.”

“Nonsense,” Hank said, running a hand through his wiry, unkempt hair. “Tell ’em your plan. I bet they’ll change their minds.”

“I doubt it,” Jason muttered.

“Don’t be such a naysayer, son. I’m going to remind my brother what it’s like to feel jealous by showing an interest in Clara. He’ll be so determined not to let me near his woman, he’ll naturally step up and admit his feelings.” Thomas spoke with pride in his voice. “Clara will surely say she never had any interest in me and then I will gallantly step aside, leaving Edward and Clara to live happily ever after.”

“Assuming the curse doesn’t bite ’em in the ass,” Hank said. “But you two seem to be doing all right.” He gestured toward Derek and Gabrielle. “And Amber and Mike seem to be holding their own, so I think it’s worth a shot for my brother, too.” He nodded, then picked up his knife and fork and dug into his food, as if the matter were settled.

Far from it, Jason thought, but before he could say so, he realized Lauren had stiffened at the mention of the curse.

Jason placed a reassuring hand on her thigh beneath the table. Stupid move, he realized, when her body heat shot directly into his palm and through him, settling like a heavy missile in his lap.

He ignored the physical reaction, concentrating instead on his father, uncle and their harebrained scheme. “Has it dawned on either of you that Edward may not be able to handle that kind of pushing?”

“I was going to call it meddling,” Derek muttered.

“Of course he can handle it, that’s what his medication’s for,” Hank said, waving his fork as he spoke.

Jason wasn’t ready to touch his food. Not until they’d settled this discussion. “I take it no one’s told either of you what happened at Lauren’s house a few days ago?”

Thomas and Hank looked at each other, clearly confused.

Lauren glanced at her plate, steeling herself. She knew Jason’s explanation would only lead to another awkward discussion of the curse and she gripped her napkin in her lap, waiting for this conversation to end.

“Uncle Edward found out I was working for Lauren, fixing up the old Perkins mansion, and he flipped out.” As Jason spoke, he reached out once more. This time he grasped Lauren’s hand, obviously realizing how uncomfortable she was.

She appreciated the gesture, but it didn’t change the fact that she was an intruder here and this discussion only served to remind her of that fact.

“I’m not surprised your choice of jobs is a shock for him.” Thomas looked at Lauren. “My brother doesn’t deal well with the curse,” he explained, suddenly focused on her.

Lauren raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Do you?” she asked Jason’s father, curious as to how the rest of the family felt.

He straightened his tie. “I’ve accepted the curse and its repercussions. I don’t let it rule my life, nor do I worry about it much.” He let his gaze slide from hers.

Liar, she thought, though she felt no anger at Jason’s father. She’d always known about the wedge between the two families. As a teenager, she’d been content to push boundaries and disobey family rules and expectations. As an adult, she saw clearly how other people could be affected by her actions. Corwins and Perkinses were not meant to be together. Another reason to keep her emotions in check with Jason this time around.

“My take is a little different,” Gabrielle chimed in. “I think anyone born in the twentieth century has to realize that free choice plays a role in everyone’s lives.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she spoke. “There’s no doubt this family’s had its share of tragedy, but much of it can be traced to poor judgment and the expectation of problems.”

Hank let out a groan. “My daughter-in-law likes to think there’s no such thing as a curse, just like your grandma used to think the town of Perkins could be ruled by it.” He pointed to Lauren with his fork, then continued to eat.

He seemed to be the only one with an appetite. At his words, Lauren lost hers completely.

“Uncle Hank!”

“Dad!”

Jason and Derek yelled at the older man at the same time.

“Relax!” Hank continued to wield his fork as a tool for discussion. “I just want to know what the young lady thinks, that’s all.” Once again he ran a hand through his already messy hair.

“It’s rude,” Jason said, his hand squeezing tighter around Lauren’s.

Hank frowned. “She asked what we thought. I’m just returning the favor. And considering she’s a Perkins, I think it’s a legitimate question.” He eased back in his seat, annoyed at being reprimanded.

Lauren had rarely experienced family dinners as a child, so this entire situation seemed surreal. Adding the curse to the conversation merely increased her discomfort.

Her own family could define the word dysfunction, so she didn’t want to judge the Corwins. But that didn’t mean she needed to sit here and feel isolated and attacked.

She slowly placed her napkin on the table and looked at Hank Corwin head-on. “I’m not sure why I was included in this family gathering and I’m definitely not comfortable,” she said, opting for honesty. “But since you asked, I’ll tell you what I think.”

Jason pushed his chair back and stood. “No you won’t. This isn’t an inquisition. You’re a guest. We came to hear my father’s so-called plan for his brother. We heard it. Now we can leave if this line of conversation is going to continue.” He glared at his uncle.

Lauren shook her head, tugging his hand, urging him to sit. “It’s fine. I want to clear the air.”

If the Corwins couldn’t accept her, so be it. It wasn’t as though she was staying in this town for long anyway.

Gabrielle pushed her plate forward. “Jason’s right. This is ridiculous. You were invited because you’re a friend of Jason’s and you’re new in town. Derek and I thought we’d be welcoming you. Not interrogating you,” she said pointedly.

Gabrielle was genuine and warm and Lauren relaxed, realizing this generation of Corwins at least didn’t hold a grudge. She couldn’t say as much for the older one, and though she knew she shouldn’t care, she did. Because one of the men still watching her uneasily was Jason’s father.

Lauren met Gabrielle’s warm gaze, finding it easier to focus on the welcoming members of this family. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do. And I understand the curse is something that exists-in theory for some, in reality for others. But as for me, I don’t believe in it.”

“Well, I suppose everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” Hank muttered.

“That’s very generous of you, Dad,” Derek said, scowling. “I’m also glad you’re here, Lauren. And I wouldn’t worry about Uncle Edward’s reaction. If he has a setback, then he hasn’t come as far as we’d hoped. But no one is to blame.”

“And no one’s harebrained scheme is going to push him into Clara’s open arms,” Jason said.

Thomas stared at his plate, then mumbled something Lauren couldn’t hear.

“Excuse me?” Jason asked. Obviously he couldn’t understand his father, either.

“I said I’ll take Edward’s reaction into consideration before I decide what to do.”

He’d probably said something more colorful than that, Lauren thought.

“Good. Now can we put these subjects to rest and enjoy our meal?” Jason asked.

“As long as you know I’m going to do everything I can do for my brother,” Thomas said, stubborn as ever.

“Does that include picking up the pieces for Clara after Edward retreats so far into himself no one can get him back?” Jason’s voice was brittle and angry.

“Low blow, son. That’s not at all what I had in mind. I’ll do what I need to do.” With that pronouncement, Thomas picked up his knife and fork and dug into his food with gusto.

Hank joined him.

Lauren had a hunch neither she nor Jason, Derek or Gabrielle tasted their food. The prospect of how Thomas’s actions would affect Edward lay on everyone’s mind.

JASON WALKED Lauren to her front door, frustrated and angry at his father and uncle. The evening hadn’t gone well and Jason blamed himself. He’d thought that to keep Lauren comfortable, no one would broach the subject of the curse. He’d miscalculated and she’d paid the price.

He leaned his shoulder against the door and looked at her. “I’m sorry about tonight. If I’d known they couldn’t behave, I never would have suggested we go there for dinner.”

Lauren’s cheeks flushed pink. From the cold or embarrassment? She shrugged, her shoulders as stiff as they’d been for most of the meal.

“It’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have agreed to go. Your father and your uncle are too much a part of my grandmother’s generation to accept me with open arms. I really like Derek and Gabrielle though.”

He relaxed a little, realizing she was more rational about things than he’d been. “I’m glad. Derek’s been through a lot and even he believed in the stupid curse for a while, but he has Gabrielle to set him straight now. He’s happy and I’m glad.”

She pulled the key from her jacket pocket.

Taking the hint, he stepped away from the door and she inserted the key in the lock. “Well, thank you for a nice evening,” she said, her voice neutral.

Her emotional walls were up.

He didn’t blame her, but he wasn’t about to allow her to keep those barriers high.

“Which part was nice exactly? The part where my uncle grilled you?” he asked, unable to control his sarcasm as he positioned himself in front of her, preventing her from pushing the door open and slipping inside. “Or was it the part when we made love earlier? Was that just nice?”

He reached out and grabbed her forearm, intentionally baiting her, wanting to see some reaction beyond that cool facade she’d erected. She obviously intended to leave him at the front door, but he wasn’t going without a fight.

From the moment he’d extended an invitation to his father’s, she’d drawn a not-so-invisible line meant to remind him they weren’t seriously involved.

“I don’t know what you want to hear.”

He pulled her close and covered her lips with his, kissing her hard until her mouth softened and she willingly let him in. Winding her hands around his neck, she urged him close, telling him with her body everything she’d been unable or unwilling to admit. His pulse pounded and adrenaline surged through his veins, desire and the urge to conquer stronger than anything he’d experienced before, including the rush before or right after a race.

He wanted her to know they weren’t through. To remind her she didn’t want them to be over just yet. Even if he did intend to respect her need for time alone.

Having made his point, he gently lowered her arms until she faced him, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps.

“Why did you stop?” There was a yearning in her eyes he found difficult to deny.

Reaching out, he traced his finger over her damp lips. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he said gruffly, surprised he could formulate a coherent thought, given the way his body protested their separation.

He pushed the door open and pressed his hand to her back, guiding her inside. The cat sprang out the door, bolting past them for freedom.

Jason waited until she shut the door behind him and turned the lock before heading to his car, where Trouble perched on the hood. The cat’s attention was small consolation to Jason, who had a long sleepless night ahead of him.

THE DOCTORS AND NURSES thought Beth was unresponsive. Near catatonic. And she had been for almost a year. She had selective recall of those months. She’d heard her sister talking to her on sporadic visits in a childlike singsong voice.

Awareness had come to her slowly, over a period of time. Slowly enough that she’d been able to think and plan. Thanks to Lauren, who liked to reassure Beth that everything was going to be okay and why, Beth had been able to plan accordingly. She wouldn’t reveal her recovery until the time was right for her, leaving her able to observe everything around her closely and use things to her advantage.

Like Nurse Stupid, as Beth liked to call the woman. She was an easy target. She’d gotten lazy and kept her cell phone in the front pocket of the white labcoat she always wore. Beth knew this and filed the information away, just as she knew the woman called her boyfriend during her half-hour breaks twice a day. Beth knew this because she would sneak out of her bed and watch the staff’s routine. It was the only fun she had in this godforsaken joint.

That and seeing her lover.

Another human being without many brains, but at least as a construction worker he had the muscles to compensate. It was Beth who had to figure out that on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the nurses had meetings, the guards were occupied playing poker outside her wing. The construction crew had been working here for the past six months and were allowed in and out during daylight hours. Nobody paid them the least bit of attention anymore.

Picking her lover had been easy. Seducing him easier. And convincing him she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him easier still. The dumb sap. But he was able to come and go from this place at will.

He did her bidding. Like searching her grandmother’s house for the hidden diamonds that her ancestors used when they invoked the infamous Corwin Curse.

When Lauren told Beth about her plan to sell the house, Beth had nearly burst a blood vessel in her brain. Playing comatose wasn’t as difficult as it was boring. But as long as it kept her in minimum security with a chance of getting out one day, it was worth it. Thanks to her grandmother’s trust in her, Beth knew about the diamonds stashed somewhere inside the house.

The Perkins family had founded the town, building their fortune in shipping. The diamonds had come from overseas, adding to their wealth. The jewels could be anywhere. Inside the walls, under floorboards, behind paintings. No one knew where. Because, according to Beth’s beloved grandmother, an old diary entry foretold that removing the hidden diamonds would lift the ancient curse. And no Perkins wanted to lose the power that came with it.

But now, with her do-gooder sister selling the house, Beth had no choice but to get her hands on those diamonds before they were gone forever. Her lover had already broken into the house before Lauren had moved in but hadn’t found anything. Not that he could check everywhere but he’d done some strategic hacking into the plasterboard with no luck.

He needed prolonged access to the house before Beth’s nest egg was gone forever.