Chapter 13

Iwasn't expecting to kiss her. She was cold, and without much conscious thought, I took off my sweatshirt and pulled it over her head. It made me feel all sorts of things I'd worked hard to push down over the last few weeks: tenderness, protectiveness, and pure lust.

Before I could stop myself, I'd cupped her cheek, and she drew me in with her scent, her warmth, the expectation in her eyes. I couldn't say no, not when everything inside of me was screaming yes.

It felt like I was part of their tiny family. Like I could do this every night.

I didn't have any illusions about things being perfect. Because Owen was twelve, there'd be drama and probably a lot of complaining, but the illusion of coming home to them was nice.

The kiss was unlike anything I'd ever felt before. It was explosive. As if we'd only touched the tip of the iceberg of our potential.

Everything was brighter and more in focus. I was clear because I knew without a doubt that Claire liked me too. This wasn't a one-sided thing, a younger guy lusting after an older woman. When we kissed, the three years between us disappeared.

I sent her a text when I got home.

I want to do that again.

Me too.

Then she sent an image of her in bed, her body covered in my sweatshirt. Yet all I could see were her bare legs. Was she wearing anything underneath? Fuck. Now I was hard and aching for her.

Sorry. I won't be giving this back. Hope you don't need it.

You look better in it anyway. Just tell me something.

What's that?

Tell me you aren't wearing anything underneath—

I'm not wearing anything underneath.

Fuck. That's hot.

I'm feeling a little hot and bothered though.

Is Owen asleep?

It was late. Well after he should be in bed, but I didn't know much about twelve-year-old boys' sleeping habits.

He's dead to the world at this hour

Are your nipples hard under the fabric?

The material is a little abrasive.

I imagined her biting her lip as she typed that admission as I squeezed my cock through my gym shorts. It wasn't the time or the place, but my mind was running rampant with sexy images: spreading her legs and licking her while she wore my sweatshirt. I felt possessive of her, like an oversexed teenager needing to claim my girl.

Are you touching yourself?

Do you want me to?

This time she sent another image, of the sweatshirt hiked up a bit so I could see more of her legs, one was bent and the other straight. But I couldn't see what I wanted. She was such a tease, and I loved it.

Yes, naughty girl.

I couldn't believe I was sexting with the object of my every fantasy. A vision of her bent over her desk in one of those tight skirts she liked to wear sent me into a tailspin. There was something about not being able to go to her whenever I wanted. We had to control ourselves because of Owen, and it only made me want her more.

I'm so achy for you.

How had we gone from a first kiss to this? It was like we'd held back, and now that we were sure of each other's feelings, it had unleashed a deluge of emotions, needs, and urges.

If I was there, I'd take care of you. I'd spread those legs nice and wide and suck your clit. I'd use my fingers to make you feel so good.

I want that.

Slide two fingers between your folds, circle your clit, then go lower, easing one finger inside.

My phone fell silent.

Are you doing what I asked?

It took a few seconds, but finally she responded.

Yes.

I pulled my cock out and squeezed the base. There was a bead of precum on the top, and I imagined Claire touching herself as she licked it off. She'd be on all fours, her hand buried between her legs, while she sucked me like I was her favorite lollipop.

I felt so worked up, I almost shot my load before I had the wherewithal to check in on her.

Are you still with me?

It feels so good. I'm imagining it's your hands touching me.

Good girl. Now imagine I'm sucking hard on your clit.

I fumbled with the phone, calling her.

She answered, sounding out of breath. "Jameson."

"What are you doing?"

"I'm so close."

"I'll help you, baby."

I swear she whimpered.

"I'll make you feel so good."

"Yes," she hissed.

"Use two fingers, thrust harder."

She moaned, and I knew she was lost in the sensation of her touch and my voice. "Use your thumb to circle your clit."

"Jameson, I can't—"

"Let go. I'm right there with you."

Her breathing got heavier.

"If I were there, I'd cup your ass and bring that sweet pussy to my mouth. I'd eat you like you were my favorite meal—"

She cried out my name as she went over, and I jerked myself harder so that I could be right there with her.

With a groan, I let go, spilling over my hands and onto the comforter. I hadn't felt like this since I was a teenager. Even as I relaxed onto the bed, wiping my hand on the sheet, I still wanted her.

"That was so good, and you weren't even here."

It made me wonder what kind of a lover her ex was if she was this enamored with phone sex. "I was with you the whole time."

"I like that," she said softly.

"Now tug that sweatshirt down and get some water."

"I'll do that." I could hear the smile in her voice.

I cleared my throat, then said, "I like you sleeping in my hoodie."

"I like it too."

I wanted to say something possessive like hell, like, You're mine. That's what happens when you wear my hoodie, and you come to the sound of my voice.

Instead, I said, "Dream of me."

"I intend to."

I hung up the call, wondering what the hell I'd gotten myself into. I was more randy than a teenager, strung tighter than I'd ever been. I was in deep, and we'd only just begun whatever this was.

Then there was the thing that had been bugging me since she said it. Claire wanted something light and easy, no strings attached.

I think I might have agreed to that. But that wasn't what I wanted. I was all in. I had a feeling I was going to get crushed.

* * *

We'd spent the weekend prepping the farm for opening day on Wednesday. Then we'd close for Thanksgiving. The rush for a tree would begin again on Friday.

When we walked inside for the meeting with Charlotte on Sunday, Dad called out, "Take off your boots. Wash your hands."

"We're not ten, old man," Teddy grumbled.

Dad popped his head into the mudroom. "We have company."

"Charlotte's here?" Teddy asked.

"I don't want her to think we're Neanderthals. She won't want to work with us."

I slapped Teddy's stomach. "This is the only caveman here. We'll just tie him up outside so she doesn't have to talk to him."

Teddy grabbed my wrist and twisted it behind my back. I remembered the release move, so we grappled for a few seconds before Dad yelled, "Enough. I don't know why I bother with you."

We laughed as we tumbled out of the mudroom and into the kitchen where Charlotte stood in a dress and heels, her brow raised and a hand on her hip. "It's so lovely to meet you."

I chuckled into my hand as Teddy's grin slipped off his face.

"Charlotte, these are my boys: Teddy, Weston, and Jameson."

"It's nice to meet you officially. Although I think I remember Teddy from the bachelorette auction. You bid on Hanna?"

Teddy shifted on his feet. "That was a long time ago."

I gave him a shocked look. "I didn't know you bid on someone. I thought you were there to make sure Fiona didn't."

"That's why I was there. I don't know why—"

Charlotte laughed, and the sound was so unexpected we were all momentarily stunned. "Don't worry about it. I was just giving you a hard time."

I was enjoying the interaction a little bit too much. I shook her hand, covering hers with both of mine. "It's so nice to meet you."

Teddy bristled behind me.

I respected her despite her short stature and sweet manner.

"Give her some space. We're here to discuss business." Dad sat at the head of the table.

We'd have dinner after she left so we all sat around the table with her at the other end. She'd brought a computer and a notebook. "You sent over the spreadsheets, and I had a chance to go over them.

"You sent her the records?" Teddy asked Dad.

Dad shrugged. "How else do you expect her to help us?"

"I thought this was an informational meeting where we could decide if Charlotte was a good fit for us."

Charlotte smiled sweetly. "This is for me to know if you're a good fit for me too. I've found that I can only help people who want it."

I gave her my panty dropping smile. It didn't feel as good as it usually did, but I knew it would annoy Teddy. "Oh, we want your help."

Charlotte gave me a confused look before she turned back to her computer screen.

I wondered if she was immune to my charms because she liked Teddy? No. That couldn't be. He was an asshole on a good day.

I exchanged a look with Wes. He was thinking the same thing I was.

"I want to start off by saying that this meeting is confidential. I'll never share anything we talk about with the Monroes. They're my family, but I'm not involved in the business. I help at the shop, but mostly I work at the Matthews Inn."

"I've heard that the guests love you," I gushed, catching a glare from Teddy. He really did get irked when I turned up the charm on her.

Charlotte flushed. "I'm good with people."

I winked at her, but Wes kicked me. "I bet you are."

I was probably coming on too thick, or it was being with Claire that was throwing me off my game. I never had a problem throwing out a smile or a wink because it didn't mean anything to me. But somehow the time I'd spent with Claire had fucked me for all other women.

Maybe it made me see that my interactions had been superficial, and what I had with her was real. That made me feel a little unsettled as Charlotte ran through her observations regarding the business on paper. When I tuned in, it was nothing different than the conclusion we'd all come to. We needed to make some drastic changes.

"What would you suggest?" Dad asked.

"If you're willing, I have some ideas. You have that treehouse on the property."

Teddy's jaw tightened. "The treehouse?"

"Al sent me pictures, and it's adorable."

"I don't understand. What does the treehouse have to do with the tree farm?" I asked her.

"It's the thing that sets you apart from everyone else. Yeah, your farm is closer to town. But you need something else to make your place special. Both your farm and the Monroes' are family owned. Both properties are scenic. The treehouse sets you apart. Obviously, I haven't seen the rest of the grounds yet."

"What's the point of the treehouse? People want to take pictures or something?" Teddy asked, his tone hard.

"If it's stable, kids could play in it."

Teddy shook his head. "No one's been up there in years. We haven't even let Izzy near it. I don't think it's safe."

"You can make it safe. I heard you were good with your hands," Charlotte said with a smile.

Teddy's cheeks reddened. "I don't like it."

"It's an interesting idea, but we'd have to take a look at it. See if it's feasible to fix it. Then look into the insurance aspect." Dad stood to grab water bottles from the fridge and handed them out.

Charlotte accepted one with a smile. "I'd love to see it and the rest of the farm."

Dad waved a hand at Teddy. "Take her out. Show her around."

"You mentioned something about horses too. You could offer pony rides."

"What you're suggesting is adding on to our current offerings. It's a bigger operation than we currently have. We'll need more employees."

Charlotte nodded. "I promise you my suggestions will pay for themselves."

"We need more than breaking even. We need to increase our profits," Teddy continued.

"You don't have to take all my ideas. There are a few things we can do to spruce up the place that won't require hiring anyone."

Teddy nodded tightly.

"Why don't you show her around, and then we can meet again after you've had a chance to see and evaluate everything?"

"And you don't have to do everything at once. We can do the improvements, then add one new thing at a time. This is a marathon not a race," Charlotte said.

"I like the idea of taking things slow," Wes said.

"Cole mentioned that you might have a place for me to stay if I take the position."

"It's only temporary to start, but Teddy can show it to you," Dad said.

Charlotte beamed. "Thank you so much for meeting with me. Projects like this are so exciting."

I had a feeling she thrived on projects. That she enjoyed making the changes and seeing the outcome. I just wasn't sure Teddy was going to be okay with this little ray of sunshine living on the property.

"Let's go," Teddy said as he stood abruptly. "I have things to do."

Charlotte didn't let his attitude get to her. She took her time gathering her things while Teddy stood tense off to the side. When she was ready, she said, "Nice to meet you all."

We all nodded and said the same.

Dad walked out with her and Teddy.

"Is it a good idea to send Teddy with her? Should one of us do it?" Wes asked.

"You think he's going to scare her away?" I asked lightly.

"Yes. Yes. I do."

"Teddy's going to have to figure this out. The farm doesn't stand a chance if we don't make some changes. The least we can do is hear her out. Do we know her background?"

"Dad showed me her résumé." Wes slid it across the table.

She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in marketing and business. Then worked in Baltimore City for a marketing firm I wasn't familiar with, but then again, I didn't know anything about that world. "You research this place?"

"It's large and well respected."

"We know why she left when she did? I don't see any other experience on here. Just the inn where she's essentially a receptionist."

"She's more than that, and you know it. She acts as the manager when Aiden isn't there, she's implemented changes, and the guests love her. She worked at a highly competitive marketing firm where she focused on branding and logos. Maybe she shines in smaller businesses where she can implement changes and see the outcome."

"I hope you're right, and we're not wasting our time. Teddy will never let us hear the end of it if she's a fraud."

"I think she's the real deal," Wes said.

"You know there's a reason she left the firm," I said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if it was burnout. Everything I saw was that the employees were expected to work long hours for not much pay. Maybe she was ready for something new," Wes said.

"You might be right."

"We'll have to wait to see what Teddy thinks," Dad added.

If Teddy didn't like her, which was a real possibility, he would be impossible to reason with. I just hoped Charlotte was able to work her magic.