Chapter 22
clem
I need to go. I need to get home to my kids, to tuck them into bed, to say goodnight.
Yet, I’m too comfortable to move. My body’s draped over Dax’s, and his fingers weave in my hair. The feeling is serene.
Ironically, I’ve let go of the guilt. Probably with the first orgasm Dax drew out of me. I felt lighter, sated, alive. More alive than I’ve felt in a long time.
Dare I say ever?
Or maybe it’s a different feeling of being alive. Because giving birth to both of my boys, watching them hit their first milestones, has made me feel alive. This is different.
I feel more me.
More Clementine Powell soon-to-be-back-to Gibson.
The ringing of my phone from the other room pulls me from my thoughts. I set a separate ringtone for Shania, and even though it’s not her, I should check to see who it is. I have to get up anyway.
“I should check that and be on my way,” I say, dread at the latter part heavy in my voice. I don’t want to leave this cocoon, wanting more time to be Clementine the woman before being Mama again.
“Do what you must.” His playful tone opposes his words.
I scamper from bed, wrapping myself up in a towel hanging on the back of his door, the first thing I notice. By the time I’m in the living room, the phone’s stopped ringing. Seeing Willa’s name, I figure I’ll call her back. But then she sends a text.
Where are you?
To get the outcome earlier, I return her call.
“Where are you?” she repeats her message.
“Out. Why?”
“Yes, Clementine. I know you’re out. I’m at your house, and you’re not.”
My feet are on the move at her statement, almost feeling like I’m in trouble even though she’s not my mother, nor am I a kid. Some habits are hard to break.
“Why are you at my house?”
I can’t recollect her telling me she’d be stopping by. Not that she can’t stop by uninvited at any point. It’s part of the reason I’m here in Winterberry Junction. Since she’s been in Vermont for the last four years, I’ve missed the way we’d get together any day, any time.
“Need your advice on something.”
“In person?”
“Yeah.” She seems a little shaken.
“Oh. Is everything okay?” My mind dredges up worst-case scenarios, but I don’t want to lose the glow I’ve got going on. Hopefully, her issue isn’t too horrible.
“Oh, yeah. It’s something for Evelyn. I got new artwork for the books, but a picture won’t do them justice.”
“I told her they’re amazing,” Shania calls out in the background, “but she doesn’t trust my opinion. I’m only her biggest fan.”
“Tell her to get in line,” I joke with a laugh. “I’ll be home shortly. Can’t wait to see them.”
“Okay, I’ll wait. Autumn’s here to pick up Shania. Should I send them home?”
“Sure. Tell her I’ll Venmo her.”
“Will do. When will you be home?”
“Just have to get dressed and I’m on my way.”
The moment the words “get dressed” exit my mouth, I cringe. No way she’s going to miss them, and she’s the one who can spin a tale at the drop of a hat. I suck at coming up with excuses to cover up my lies.
“Get dressed?” she squeals. “Where exactly did you say you were?”
“I, uh, didn’t.” So much guilt in my tone. Caught again, of my own doing.
“How about we talk about it when we’re both at your house and the boys are in bed?”
“Pfft. As if I’m going to tell you.” The more I keep talking, the more ammunition I give her.
“See you soon, Clem.” The line cuts off.
“Super. Now I’ve got to come up with a believable excuse for why I’m out, not dressed, and needed a babysitter.
” I look up to find Dax leaning against the doorjamb, a smirk playing on his lips.
He’s dressed in a T-shirt and gray sweatpants, as if I need more temptation. “Not what I’d consider funny.”
He motions me over with a crook of his finger. Because I’m in deep with this man, I go willingly. “You look edible in only my towel.”
I stop when I’m about a foot away from him. It’s too tempting to be very close to his personal space. “Not helping,” I grit out.
“Just stating a fact. But also, I can help you out of your predicament.”
My eyes narrow, zeroing in on his face. “How?” Can’t wait to hear his suggestion.
“Mention something about a dressing room. Like you were trying on clothes, hence the whole having to ‘get dressed.’” He puts my words in air quotes, but damn if his reason doesn’t make complete sense.
“That’s ingenious. You come up with that on the fly?”
His arms cross against his chest, drawing my attention to the way it highlights his biceps. “Not my first rodeo about having to think quickly to cover up for where I am or what I’m doing.”
“Ah. Yeah, I’d bet.”
His hands quickly grab my hips, heaving me closer to him, near enough to enjoy the cotton aroma overpowering the grease today. His jaw clenches. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Agreeing with you about it not being your first time. I don’t need to know or think about the reasons. I’m grateful you’re a quick thinker because I wouldn’t have come up with something so brilliant.” Like earlier with my sister, my words play right into his hands.
“Brilliant, huh?” His hands find my ass and squeeze. When I try to pull out of his grip—I don’t have time for this—he holds tighter.
“I said what I said,” I grumble. “Feel free to write it down to memorialize it. It might be a one-off.”
He processes my statement for a long minute and then boops my nose. “Challenge accepted, Clementine. I’ll show you how brilliant I can be.”
“Ah, great. Another time. I’ve got kids to get home to and a sister who’s probably foaming at the mouth to know where I’m at.”
“At the mall, trying on clothes.”
It’s my turn to take a minute to comprehend his words. When the meaning fully sinks in, I laugh. “Right. Old Navy’s a specific place she’d believe I’d shop. They got that at the mall?”
“Yep, but I was thinking you were at, say, Victoria’s Secret.”
My gasp nearly chokes me. “Dax Nicholas. Get your head out of the gutter."
His scrutiny zips up and down me. “Get my head out of the gutter?” he sputters. “You’re the one standing here naked in my towel.”
“Not for long. Must get dressed and be on my way home.” I try to sidestep him, but his arms wrap around me, pulling me into him and lifting me. “Dax. I don’t have time for this.” I peer at him from my vantage point in the air.
He leans in, his breath hot by my ear. “Text me a time we can do this again. And don’t make me wait too long.” His request issued, he steadies me on the floor, facing into the room. “Don’t leave without a kiss goodbye.”
I turn in time to see him adjust himself as he exits.
What in the heck is going on here?
Dax gives me cash to cover Shania’s fee, informing me it’s his treat and I’m not to pay him back. The “kiss” goodbye is a long, drawn-out affair, and Dax only has himself to blame for being so turned on when I have to leave.
“Text me later.”
“For what?” I question with a brow quirk.
“So I know you’re home safe, even if it’s way after you get home. And to say goodnight.”
He’s not even bashful about what he wants. Why do I adore it so much? It should be stifling, overbearing, a definite annoyance, yet I can’t find it in me to be irritated. It’s quite the opposite. Beguiling, even.
“Okay. Thanks for tonight. It’s been fun.”
“Super fun for me, too,” he echoes. “Until next time.” He creates a heart with his fingers like the teenagers do, further endearing me to him. Because who does this?
Dax Nicholas.
“Bye.” I climb into my car and wave before I pull away.
It’s a short drive to my house, and I can’t fit my car in the driveway because Autumn’s and Willa’s cars are taking both spots. I’ll have to unload the stuff after they leave or in the morning. I’m sure it will be fine until then.
Once inside, I’m greeted by Jace’s, “Mama, you’re home!
” He’s off the couch and in my arms in a matter of seconds, and I hug him to me as if it’s been weeks we went without seeing each other instead of a couple of hours.
Hyped up on emotions, it’s sweeter than usual, but I can’t let it show outwardly.
I have to be cool and collected, especially if I’m going to pull off the lie of where I’ve been.
Though Willa might give me a pass until Autumn and Shania leave.
“Hey, baby. Missed you too.”
“We played card games and watched a movie. Aunt Willa came and Autumn, too. Is it a party?” he muses quizzically.
I chuckle. “Definitely not a party. It’s a school night and about time for a bath before bed.”
“Okay. I’m kinda sleepy.”
With Jace still in my arms, I address Shania. “Thanks again. I appreciate it. Hope they behaved.” My gaze travels to Atlas, enthralled by his video game.
“They’re no trouble. Anytime. I love spending time with them.”
It warms my heart to hear others compliment my boys. They’re not perfect, but they’re kind and respectful to others, which reminds me no matter what else is going on in my life, raising good humans is something I’m good at.
“Great to hear. Oh, let me send you the money.”
Shania smiles. “Yay, more book money.”
“Half for you, half for savings,” Autumn imparts.
“Smart mama you’ve got there,” I claim. Wish I had been half as smart to save some of my odd jobs money when I was Shania’s age. “Thanks for picking her up, Autumn.”
“Not a problem. She was so excited when she got your text yesterday, I couldn’t say no. Soon enough, she’ll be driving on her own. I’m dreading the day and relishing it at the same time.”
“Which reminds me. I have to ask Uncle Dax if he’s found a car for me.”
At the mention of his name, my entire body lights up inside. I’m surprised Jace can’t feel the heat.
Autumn raises a brow at her daughter. “Perhaps instead of buying books, you should save for a car and gas money.”
“He’s going to make me pay for the car?” She seems utterly shocked, and Willa and I hide our amusement.
“You thought he was going to give you a car for free? Oh, child. Where did I go wrong?” Autumn’s head shakes from side to side. “We should go. You’ve got homework to finish.”
I put Jace down and walk them to the door. Shania spins on her heels. “Anytime you need an escape, let me know. Apparently, I’m going to need lots of money if I want to drive myself anywhere.”
Again, I stifle my laugh. Oh to be fifteen again.
“I’ll keep it in mind.” My mind drifts to Dax, imagining what his thoughts would be if he heard her. Left to his own devices, he’d probably buy her the car as payment for free babysitting. “See you soon.”
Closing the door behind them, I turn and find my sister’s blue eyes behind her glasses scrutinizing me. “The boys need a quick bath. There’s beer in the fridge. Help yourself and make yourself comfortable. How long are you staying?”
“Until I get out of you where you’ve been this evening.”
“I thought you had something you needed me to look at. Wasn’t that your original reason for stopping by?”
“Yes, and girl talk. I haven’t seen you in a few days.”
I put my hand over my heart. “Willafred, did you miss me?”
“Always, Clementine.”
My full name sounds so much better leaving Dax’s mouth.
Fifteen minutes later, the boys are bathed and in bed. I settle onto the couch. Willa’s got her feet tucked under her and a bottle of beer in her hand. I shudder about drinking from the bottle. Gross.
“What’s this you need my opinion on?”
“New artwork for my next book. Have you had a chance to read it?”
“Yep, finished it this weekend. The Clockwork Caper is still my favorite, but I enjoyed this one. The twist at the end was clever.”
“It was. Wish I could take credit for it.” Her lips turn into a frown, giving me a clue why.
“Beckett?” I guess. Since she’s been with him, he’s been a great sounding board.
“Yes. I should be more appreciative, but I’m envious he had the good idea. Off the cuff, too. Like no time spent on it. Infuriating.” She’s smiling now, the love for her husband exuding off.
I hide my envy of her relationship with him. She deserves him, the life they’re building, all the good things coming her way personally and professionally. She deserves the world.
I nod to the beer. “So guessing you’re not pregnant?”
“Nope. Not for lack of trying.” She waggles her brows. I deserve it. I stepped in it by asking the question. As much as they want a baby, it’ll happen when it’s supposed to happen. “So, want to tell me where you were tonight?”
“Out shopping. The craft store in Dunford is pretty cool. I wanted to buy one of everything.” I laugh, hoping to hide the nerves leaking through.
She leans closer and quirks a brow. “And the whole ‘get dressed’ part?”
I’m thankful it’s quiet so the boys won’t hear our conversation. “Trying on clothes at Old Navy. Nothing fit the way I wanted,” I tack on, preventing her from asking to see what I bought.
“Have you been to the boutique on Main Street? Frannie is a miracle worker. She’ll have something for you.”
I roll my eyes. “This coming from the woman who lives in leggings and sweatshirts.”
“She dresses Evelyn. Better?”
“Fair. I’ll add it to my stops this week.”
“What else is on your agenda this week? Work busy? Want to get lunch one day?”
“I’m finishing up a few projects so that I can take the week of Christmas off. Lunch sounds excellent. Oh, I tried Cobble Glen tonight. You weren’t kidding about the deliciousness.”
Only when her eyes narrow do I realize I’ve given up my spot. A flurry of nerves floods my system as I work on a way to get out of this one. “When did you have time to get dinner there?”
Do not mention anything about Dax, my brain warns. She’ll be worse than when she searches for the perfect synonym.
“Stopped there on my way out of town,” I lie, hoping she can’t detect the dishonesty in the statement.
“Was it on the way to the mall? You know my sense of direction sucks.”
“The way I went, it was.” As much as I enjoy spending time with her, the longer we spend together, the more likely I’ll be to spill things she doesn’t get to be privy to. “Show me the art, kid.”