The Summer He Came Home (Bad Boys of Crystal Lake 1)

“How’s Raine?” When in doubt, divert attention.

Lauren shook her head. “Not good.” Jake was at Raine’s side, his hand on her shoulder, his eyes intense as he leaned in close to listen to whatever she was saying. “They loved each other so much. She didn’t deserve this.” Lauren paused. “I thought they’d live the dream, you know. I really did.”

“Dreams sometimes turn into nightmares.”

Cain and his mother turned back to Maggie. She looked pensive, surprised maybe that she’d spoken out loud.

“I, uh…” Her small tongue darted out and moistened her lips. They were full, kissable, free of gloss, and sexy as hell. She had the kind of mouth men fantasized about, lips meant for sinning, for gliding and nibbling. Cain’s chest tightened as he stared down at her, an unfamiliar feeling warming his body.

She was really…kind of perfect.

“I didn’t mean anything.” She paused and nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I just…when you love like that, you take a chance.”

“On what?” Cain was curious. He’d never been hooked. Hell, the Natasha fiasco had been a whirlwind of hot sex and fantasy. In the end it had been nothing more than a train wreck, and when it finally derailed, he’d been left wondering what the hell he’d ever seen in his ex. There’d been nothing of substance, no glue to hold them together.

“On losing yourself.” Maggie glanced at her watch. “I have to call a cab and get Michael home. He fell asleep over an hour ago.”

His mother’s grip tightened and she yanked on his arm. “Don’t be silly. We’ll give you a ride.” She glanced up at her son. “Cain will drive you.”

“No.” Her answer was abrupt. “He’s been drinking.”

She was right. Cain couldn’t drive.

“You have your driver’s license?” Lauren asked.

At Maggie’s nod, she continued. “Perfect. You take Cain’s rental and drop him off at my house on the way.”

His mother planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “I’m going to grab my purse and say good-bye to Steven and Marnie. Don’t wait up. I have a prior engagement I can’t get out of.” She paused. “You do know where the house is, right?”

Her sarcasm was noted and he shrugged sheepishly.

His mother had married a wealthy financier from Chicago a few years after he left town. Cain had met the man a few times—they’d jelled over football and not much else. He’d been a proper sort of man and had doted on Lauren. Sadly, he’d died nearly five years ago, leaving the bulk of his wealth to his wife.

Her eyes narrowed onto his. She’d bought a new place a fe

w years back and knew damn well he had no clue where it was located on the lake.

“No matter,” she continued, “Maggie knows.” She turned to the young woman. “If you could help us out, that would be great.”

“Of course.” Maggie turned abruptly. “I’ll get Michael.”

Cain’s eyes followed her slight form as she disappeared down the hall, his eyes resting on the curve of her ass.

“Forget it, Cain. She’s not for you.” His mother pursed her mouth, and a frown creased her forehead. At his look of surprise, she did everything except shake her finger at him. “I mean it. She’s not some groupie or model or anything like the women you’ve been with. The last thing she needs is someone like you filling her head with nonsense.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean? Someone like me?”

His mother’s frown softened, and she pinched his cheeks just as she had when he was younger. He’d hated it then, and that was something that hadn’t changed.

“Sweetie, you know I love you, I do. And God knows I’m ecstatic you came to your senses and kicked that Hollywood harlot to the curb, but seriously, you’re not meant for someone like Maggie.”

What the hell?

Cain gazed at his mother, a surly look in place that forced his eyebrows together. He’d moved from plain annoyance to a truly insulted state. “Not that I’m interested in”—he gestured toward the hall—“your friend Maggie, but would you care to explain what you mean?”

“Don’t take it personally, honey.” Her lips graced his cheek, and then she moved away. “But Maggie needs someone…solid, stable. A man who’ll be there for her and be a father to her son.”

Cain couldn’t help but feel pissed. This was personal. “Okay, I get that for whatever reason, you’re protective of this woman. And let me reiterate, I’m not interested. The last thing I need is a complication. I just got rid of one. But I sure as hell would like to know why you think I’m not good enough for her.”