Losing to Win (Clearwater) Read Online Free Page A

the
kitchen, his arms crossed over his chest, and smiling at JC.
    “Anything for you, buddy. I’m
here to give you more time with your family and that’s exactly what I’m going
to do.” JC sat the boxes on the counter and grabbed the tea Tessa made him and
a sandwich.
    “One day I’ll repay you.”
Cameron reached for his black coffee before handing Tessa her cappuccino.
    “Not for a very long
time, my friend.” Caring for his siblings had taught JC the qualities needed in
a good father. His mother had said he’d be a perfect dad someday, but he didn’t
want to rush it. Actually helping his mother raise his brothers and sisters had
acted as its own form of birth control. He was almost afraid to touch a woman
for fear he’d end up with nine children he couldn’t afford. Twins ran in his
family for generations, and in his family there were three sets of twins,
leaving only JC and the youngest two as single births.
    “We’ll see,” Tessa mumbled
before settling onto the chair next to him.
    * * *
    With Express-Ohh’s lunch rush
dying down, Rebecca’s peace returned as well as the memory of the hunk of man
that stood before her only a short time ago. Picturing his solid body in her
mind, she wondered what injury cut his career short. He seemed in perfect
physical and mental health. Maybe he had an underlying mental issue that left
him unfit for duty. Regardless of his injury, he was one hunk of man she’d like
to dig her nails into.
    Her cell phone’s vibration on
the counter pulled her from her fantasy. She leaned forward and read the
screen. Dad. Hitting the Talk button, she brought the phone to her ear.
“Hi, Dad.”
    “Becca, how are you, sweetie?”
His raspy tone came through the line, reminding her of a strong espresso. Maybe
it was the strong, rich, flavor of the coffee that made her compare her
father’s strength, to her love of espresso. Her father was still full of life,
as long as he was away from her mother.
    “I’m good, Dad. What’s going
on? You never call in the middle of a work day.” Her suspicion rose.
    “Can’t a father call his only
child because he misses her?”
    “Dad…” Rebecca frowned.
Something was up.
    “I miss you, and I have a few
days off. Why don’t I come for a visit?” There was a hint of hesitation in his
voice.
    Her father never took time off
work. He only travelled to get away from his wife. It was his escape and
Rebecca couldn’t fault him for it. After he retired from the Navy he tried to
settle down, to be the man her mother wanted, but all the years of him being
away had left a wedge between them. Rebecca’s mother was unwilling, or unable,
to give up the bottle for her husband, and he couldn’t stand to be around her
in a drunken state. Dad had said divorce wasn’t an option because he loved her.
    “Are you visiting alone or
with Mom? Because you know how I feel about that.”
    “Alone. I need to see you
Becca. What do you say?”
    She nodded as if he could see
her. “Okay. When?”
    “I’ll be there tomorrow.”
    “Tomorrow?” She abruptly stood
from the chair, nearly knocking it over.
    “Yeah, if that’s okay. I’m in
Denver for a job so I’ll drive up and get a room at Winterbloom Bed and
Breakfast. Are you working tomorrow?”
    Her mind raced with everything
she’d need to do before her father’s arrival. “No…no, I’m not working. I’m off
the next two days. There’s no reason to stay at Winterbloom, I’ve got a guest
room. You’ll stay with me. You have my address. What time should I expect you?”
She tried to hide the panic from her voice, but her gut was telling her
something was amiss. Her father didn’t just drop by for a casual visit,
especially not in the middle of a work week, no matter how close he was to
Clearwater.
    “I’ll leave first thing in the
morning and I should be there around two. We can have a late lunch in Jackson
Hole and catch up. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you.”
    She caught the