The Long Road Home by H. D. Thomson

Author:H. D. Thomson [Thomson, H. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: romantic comedy, road trip, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781478211853
Google: gbiQMAEACAAJ
Amazon: 1478211857
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2012-07-12T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

The Grand Canyon turned out more beautiful than Clarisse envisioned. Neither photographs nor movies prepared her for the sheer size of it. The sun burnished the rock into a kaleidoscope of color. Layers of pink, mauve, blue and gray lined the rock walls. She peered over the side of the metal railing and drew away at the dizzying drop.

By her feet, Toto sniffed and neared the edge. Even knowing the dog wasn’t about to leap over the side, she still found his proximity nerve-wracking. Heights had never been her forte. She urged him back with a tug of the leash.

A hint of awe in his voice, John said from beside her, “It’s beautiful. I can see why it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World.” He inhaled deeply. “And the air. Can you smell it? Crisp and clean. I almost forgot what fresh air smelled like.”

Her lips twitched. “That’s what you get for living in the heart of New York City.”

“If I remember,” he mused fondly. “You used to love the city.”

“True. But I’m three years older. I want different things.”

“Like what?”

A husband, kids—a family. “The simple life. I’m a homebody now. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got plenty of opportunities to go out.” She didn’t want him thinking she was pining for him or any man. She enjoyed her company. “It’s just that I like the quiet life.”

“That doesn’t sound like the Clarisse I remember.”

She met his dubious yet teasing eyes and smiled. “It’s the truth.” The crash had forced her to take a hard look at her life. And now, because of it, she no longer needed or craved the spotlight. “What about you? Are you still out there rubbing shoulders with the elite?”

He shrugged, humor lighting his eyes to silver. “I go out. I don’t make a point of brown nosing. I have enough clients to keep the food on the table, and I’ve got a few friends I see on a regular basis. But it’s strange. In New York with people everywhere, a person can feel—”

“Lonely?”

His face hardened. “I didn’t say that.”

“You have Vivian.”

His brow arched skyward, yet nothing in his face revealed his thoughts. “Yes.”

“She seems very taken with you,” she ventured. Then some imp made her add, “And what you can offer her.”

Mockery glittered in his eyes. “What would that be? My expertise in the bed—”

“No,” Clarisse quickly cut in. “I think she hopes you’ll shoot some photos for her portfolio.” When he appeared indifferent at the news, she asked in puzzlement, “Doesn’t that bother you?”

“Why would it? I’ve always known where I’ve stood with her. Granted, sometimes she can be a little self-centered, but at the same time, Vivian can be a lot of fun.” He laughed. “Don’t look so shocked. You’ve seen Vivian at her worse. Get her with a crowd, and she shines.”

Her mood plummeted. She could well imagine how well Vivian shone for John—particularly in bed. Hadn’t he already told her how the redhead rated in that area? And of course, he liked those beautiful, long legs.

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