Losing to Win (Clearwater) by Marissa Dobson Page B

dolls.
    “Soon, sweetie.” She was
thankful that in the last week JC had been able to work from home part of the
day, giving him time with Kelly, as well as finding a rental home. Today he had
to meet with the principal of the local school about doing a self-defense
class, once school resumed.
    As if summoned from the little
girl’s inquiry, JC opened the door. His dress pants and shirt were such a
dramatic change from his normal T-shirt and jeans Rebecca wouldn’t have
recognized him if she hadn’t seen him leave this morning. Damn he looked good.
    “JC!” Kelly ran to him.
    He bent down and picked her up
before winking at Rebecca. “Is Kelly the only one that missed me?”
    She rose from the sofa and
kissed him. “You
know I missed you. How did your meeting go at the school?”
    He put Kelly down, who
returned to her toys on the floor, and slid his arm around Rebecca’s waist.
“Better than expected. I got a lead on a rental house.”
    “Really? From who?”
    “Ms. Marcie Lewis, she’s the
principal. Her mother decided to stay in Florida after her recent vacation. Ms.
Lewis hasn’t had time to put her mother’s house on the market yet. She offered
it to me until the construction is complete. We can see it this evening after
dinner.”
    “Wonderful. I have dinner in
the oven now, but it’s not ready yet.” She was hopeful this rental would be the
one, because right now they were at a loss as to where his family would stay
when they arrived the following week. There were very few rental properties in
Clearwater, and most of them were apartments above shops, or seasonal rentals
for winter. The one place they did find, the landlord refused to rent to such a
large family, which put their search back to square one.
    “Good, then I have time to
shower and change.” He leaned close to her ear. “Care to join me? You did
promise once we got back home.” He kissed the nape of her neck.
    She nudged his arm. “Not with
Kelly right there,” she whispered.
    He glanced at Kelly playing on
the carpet. “I love her as if she was my own child, but I can’t wait until we
are alone. I have plans to make you scream my name in every room of this
apartment, especially the shower.” He tapped her butt and strolled down the
hall, leaving her with the urge to follow him.
    Rebecca looked forward to
Jackie’s arrival, but also dreaded it because it meant Kelly would be leaving.
JC might also leave too. He wouldn’t have to stay here once Kelly was gone. He
could return to the apartment over Clearwater Combat and Guns.
    A chill of loneliness ran down
her spine. She tossed her law book on the sofa and joined Kelly on the floor.
    * * *
    “It’s a beautiful home, and
even better since it’s furnished. I did mention there will be eight children,
as well as my mother. Are you sure you’re okay with that?” JC wanted to make
sure Ms. Lewis was aware of all the children before he signed a lease and
committed to payments for the next six months or longer if the construction
became delayed.
    Marcie Lewis laughed. Her
skirt and white blouse were unwrinkled from the long day, and her red hair was
still neatly pulled back in a stylish twist. She appeared no older than
thirty-five—if that, yet she gazed at Kelly with such longing, as if she wanted
children of her own. “This house has been full of children for years. I’m the
youngest of seven siblings myself. We’re all grown up now, and my mother is in
Florida. The house is so quiet. Your family will bring laughter and joy back.”
    “JC, I love it. Is this going
to be my new home?” Kelly tugged his hand, wanting to be picked up. “I don’t
want to go back. I want to stay with you!”
    “Kelly, remember your manners.
This is Ms. Lewis. She is the principal at the school you will be attending in
the fall.”
    “She’s fine. She’s just
excited.” Ms. Lewis squatted in front of Kelly. “Why don’t we let your brother
and Rebecca talk for a few minutes, and I’ll