Heart of Clay

  Clay closed the door on his memories as he pulled into one of the last parking spaces at the mall. He hated shopping and especially disliked shopping during the busy Christmas season. Curious how there could be so many people at the mall this early in the day, he decided suffering through the crowds would be worth it if he could find a special gift for Callan.

  Although she used to love Christmas, the past few years had been different. She ran the holidays like another event instead of a personal celebration. Admittedly, it was a hard time of year for her.

  Three years ago, they had to have their dog put down just a few weeks before Christmas. On the heels of that, Callan’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. Margo barely lasted into January. Callan and her mom were never close, but he knew it was tough on her to lose her mother. He assumed that was what started Callan in her downward spiral. He hoped that she had reached the bottom and was ready to climb back up to a happier future.

  Clay strolled into the mall, shaking his head at the hordes of shoppers. He shed his coat and wandered into a gift shop called On a Lark, owned by Callan’s friend Laken. He didn’t know it the day he’d first seen Callan, but Laken had been the girl walking with her across the campus.

  Laken’s infectious laughter rang through the store from her spot behind the counter where she rang up customers. When she glanced up, she caught Clay’s eye and gave him a wide smile. With a raised index finger, she signaled that she’d be with him in a minute.

  He studied some holiday displays while waiting for Laken to finish the sale. Before the next customer stepped up to the counter, she called one of her staff away from stocking a shelf to take over the register. She hurried up to Clay and gave his arm a squeeze.

  “To what do I owe this pleasure, Clay?” Laken asked, smiling up at him. “You wouldn’t be shopping for Callan, would you?”

  “Possibly.” Clay knew Laken already had a few things in mind that he should buy.

  “You better put that coat behind the counter and prepare to whip out your hard-earned money.” Laken tugged the coat out of his hands, handing it to one of her sales girls to set behind the counter and headed toward the back of the store.

  A short while later, Clay left his coat and purchases with Laken. She offered to wrap Callan’s gifts while he finished his shopping.

  He entered one of the new clothing stores he’d heard advertised on the radio but wasn’t impressed. When a young sales girl leaned against him inappropriately not once but twice, he exited the store, disgusted. He could never understand why some women assumed all men were interested in short skirts and tops that were too tight. The only woman who held his interest also held his heart, just like she had for the last thirteen years.

  Clay made his way to Callan’s favorite clothing store and quickly surmised the courteous sales woman would be a great help in finding a gift for his wife. Callan had made off-handed comments about not being pleased with her appearance. He thought she looked as amazing now as she had the first day he’d seen her.

  She still had long legs that went on forever and a small waist. The only difference he could see from when they first married was that her curves were fuller. Maybe I need to tell her I think she is even more beautiful now than she was as my young bride. Clay tucked the notion away to explore later before continuing his shopping.

  With the help of the sales clerk, he chose a beautiful green silk blouse that would bring out the emerald sparkle in Callan’s eyes. He hoped she would like it. At least it would go with all the black she insisted on wearing. He didn’t know if she’d taken being professional to an unhealthy level or was just stuck in a rut. Either way, he wished she’d put some color back into her wardrobe and her life.

  As he sat in the food court, drinking a Dr. Pepper and ignoring a group of giggling high school girls desperate to get his attention, he came upon the idea for the perfect gift for Callan. Eager to get started on it, he dropped his cup into the trash, gathered his purchases, and returned to Laken’s store. He needed to make a few more stops before he enlisted his mom’s help with the project.

  “You look like the cat that ate the canary,” Laken said as he walked up to the counter. “What’s up?”

  “I just thought of the perfect gift for Callan and I need to get busy on it,” Clay said, in an obvious hurry to get out of the mall and onto his idea for Callan’s gift.

  Laken set the gifts he’d already purchased, all neatly wrapped and in a fancy bag, on the counter. “Well, are you going to share the details? Spill the beans, already!”

  Clay grinned at her as he shrugged into his coat. “Nope. You two are incapable of keeping secrets from each other.” He picked up his bags and started out of the store. “Thanks again, Laken. You were a big help. See you Christmas Day.”

  After quick stops at the craft store and the office supply store, Clay drove out to the ranch.

  He pulled into the drive, excited to tell his mom about his idea. A blast of warmth hit him in the face as he walked inside the house, carrying in all his purchases.

  “Mom? Are you home?”

  “In here, Clay,” Bobbi answered from the kitchen. “I need a taste-tester and your dad is down at the shop.”

  Clay entered the kitchen to find every counter surface covered in cookies, cookie dough, and cookie sheets. After placing his packages on the floor by the table, he removed his coat, washed his hands, and snatched a gingerbread cookie off a cookie sheet just out of the oven. Juggling the hot cookie from one hand to the other and blowing on it, he took a huge bite. The entire cookie was gone with the next bite.

  He poured a glass full of cold milk, sat at the counter, and ate another cookie. Bobbi plopped dough onto a cookie sheet.

  “The cookies pass muster,” Clay said, taking a sugar cookie and smiling sweetly at his mom.

  “Good to know.” Bobbi shook her head at her son and his antics. For being such a big man, he often acted like an ornery little boy. She glanced at him as she dropped cookies on the sheet and noticed he looked rather pleased with himself. “What are you up to today?”

  Clay laughed and told Bobbi about forgetting he didn’t have to work and going shopping instead. “I’ve got an idea for a great present for Callan, but I need some help with it. Would you be willing?”

  Bobbi smiled at him then turned to take a sheet of cookies from the oven. “Sure, honey. Can you come over tomorrow or do you want me to come to your house?”

  “No, I’ll come here. That way I know Callan will be surprised.” He shared his ideas for the gift and Bobbi gave him some good input.

  “Can I leave the rest of Callan’s presents here? I don’t want her to accidentally find them.”

  Bobbi nodded as she frosted sugar cookies shaped like trees and topped them with green and red sprinkles. “Put them in your old bedroom. You can pick them up when you come for Christmas Eve dinner.”

  Clay set the gifts in the bedroom then returned to the kitchen. He emptied his glass of milk, set it in the sink, and pulled on his coat then kissed Bobbi’s cheek. “See you tomorrow. Thanks, Mom.”

  “Anytime, Clay.” Bobbi set another sheet of cookies in the oven. “Love you.”

  “Love you, too, Mom.” Clay grabbed a handful of cookies to go. “Bye.”

  On the way out to his pickup, as he munched on cookies, Clay wondered if his parents ever hit any rough patches in their marriage. They always seemed happy. He supposed to the casual observer, he and Callan seemed happy as well. He was determined for them both to get back to being happy.

  He barely made it in the door at home when his cell phone rang. The ringtone announced it was Callan. Since she rarely called him, he immediately worried something was wrong. In an attempt to hide his concern, he dropped his voice to a seductive growl as he answered her call. “Hi, beautiful.”

  “Hi, yourself.”

  The smile in her voice carried through her words. She seemed to be in a good mood. After the past months of enduring her frosty distance, he was
n’t sure what to think.

  “What’s up?” Clay asked as he shrugged out of his coat and tossed it across the couch, followed by his hat. He’d pick them up before Callan got home. It always annoyed her to find his stuff sprawled all over the house.

  “Thank you so much for this morning. I really appreciated you leaving everything out for breakfast and for cleaning off my car, and for shoveling and sanding the walk, and for last night and for…”

  Her rambling meant she wasn’t focused on work. She hadn’t done that in a very long time. Pleased, he interrupted her. “Callan, it was my pleasure. Are you sore today? You’re doing okay?”

  “Oh, I’m fine. Just clumsy.”

  Clay wasn’t convinced she was fine, but Callan continued with the point of her call. “I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated everything. Also, I couldn’t remember if I told you I have an event tonight, so I’ll be home late. This is the last evening event until New Year’s Eve.”

  “No, you hadn’t mentioned it. I know you’re really busy this week, though.” Although he was thoroughly disappointed she wouldn’t be home for dinner, at least she’d called to thank him for the effort he put forth that morning. If he wasn’t mistaken, a warm front seemed to be moving in where she was concerned and he planned to have her all to himself as soon as she left work. “Where is the event?”

  “It’s here at the center, which makes it easier on me. I only have to stay until things get rolling, so I should be out of here by seven or so.” Callan cleared her throat, sounding a little nervous. “Would you like me to bring something home for dinner?”

  “No, don’t worry about dinner. I’ll take care of it,” Clay said, as he began planning a surprise.

  “Are you sure?” Callan sounded wary.

  Clay grinned. She probably envisioned the newly scrubbed kitchen turning into the disaster area it did anytime he cooked. She was in for a surprise, though. A big surprise.

  “Yep, I’ve got it under control.” Clay rapidly sketched out details for the evening in his mind.

  “Oh, no. Arty’s wandering toward one of the conference groups. I need to run interference.” Callan’s words spilled out in a rush. Clipped, hurried footsteps on the tile floor of the center echoed in the background. “Thanks again, Clay. See you tonight.”

  Blast Arty. Clay had no doubt he’d have Callan wound up and back into all business mode in a matter of minutes.

  He left his phone on his coat and went to sit in his recliner. There was time for a nap before he needed to put his plan into action. If things went like he wanted, he needed to be rested up for an evening with his wife.

  An hour later, Clay awoke. He polished his best pair of boots, brushed off his black sports coat, and dug a royal blue shirt out of his closest. Callan once said the shirt made his eyes look like liquid pools of blue. He was sure that meant she liked it…a lot. Since he needed all the help he could get, he’d use any ploy or trick at his disposal.

  Clay took a quick shower and shaved. In his preoccupied state, he nicked his chin. After dabbing it with a tissue, he slathered on some aftershave Callan purchased for him. She always seemed to appreciate it when he wore it. He had no idea what type of fragrance it was because it smelled like everything else to him – nothing.

  Carefully dressing, he combed his hair, grabbed his coat, stuffed his phone in his pocket and headed out the door. He had just enough time to run a few errands before surprising Callan.

  Clay pulled into the convention center’s parking lot at a quarter to seven. He parked on the back of the building close to Callan’s car and walked around front. As he entered the facility through the big double doors, the sounds of a party spilling out of one of the big ballrooms filled the foyer.

  Not wanting to intrude, he casually strolled to the ballroom door. Inside the room, it didn’t take him long to find Callan. At her height, she was easy to spot in the crowd.

  He leaned against the wall and watched her graceful movements. Callan looked amazing in a simple yet elegant black cocktail dress and heels. He knew she sometimes attended the events she planned and dressed up, but he was most often in bed when she got home, so he rarely saw her in anything but her business attire. She still had her hair up, but a few curls fell down her neck, softening her appearance.

  She chatted with two women who looked important and official. Callan shook their hands, nodded her head, and turned toward the door. When she noticed him leaning against the wall, her eyes widened in surprise but she sent him an appreciative smile.

  Although she kept a cool, professional demeanor in place, she hastened her pace as she headed his direction. As she stepped in front of him, a look of genuine pleasure lit her features and her emerald eyes twinkled.

  “Clay, what a surprise! What are you doing here?” She looked him over from head to toe, clearly pleased with what she saw. He knew he looked his best. His black boots, jeans and sports coat along with his royal blue shirt had him feeling punchy. The way Callan gazed at him made him think his idea to surprise her was on the verge of brilliant.

  “I wanted to take my best girl out to dinner tonight. Will you come with me, please?” Clay gave her one of the dimpled grins that used to make her agree to anything he wanted. He felt downright smug as he watched her eyes sparkle with excitement.

  “I’d love to.” Callan slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze. She’d forgotten how seeing Clay across a room could make her stomach flutter anxiously. He looked so handsome and enticing leaning against the wall with his blue eyes glowing from an inner light. When she took a deep breath, his aftershave teased her senses, making her legs feel languid. “Let me get my coat.”

  Clay led her to her office and helped Callan into her coat before they walked across the street to Giovanni’s, her favorite Italian restaurant. He’d stopped in earlier and made a reservation for a private corner booth. As the host showed them to the table, he slid in next to his wife instead of letting her sit across from him. Despite her noticeable surprise, she didn’t move away.

  They chatted about holiday plans, about Clay forgetting he didn’t have to go to work that morning, and recalled fun memories from past Christmas celebrations. After an amazingly pleasant dinner, Clay walked Callan back to the convention center. They sauntered through the building with their fingers entwined, enjoying the beautiful decorations, towering trees, and twinkling lights.

  When they exited through the back door close to the gardens, Clay saw all the landscape lights creating a warm glow through the snow. It looked like a lacy wonderland.

  “Would you like to go for a walk?” he asked Callan, hoping she would say yes. She nodded her head in agreement and he put one arm around her waist, holding her hand in his free hand as they walked along the newly shoveled pathway. He didn’t want her to slip and fall, or so he offered as an excuse to hold her close.

  Although neither one of them said anything, they strolled along in a companionable silence, taking in the beauty and wonder of the chilly night. The moon peeped out from behind the clouds and washed the gardens in a cloak of silvery light.

  The picturesque scene could have been right out of a fairytale. It brought back memories to them both of a similar night they enjoyed not long after they wed.

  Swept up in the moment, Clay turned Callan to face him and gave her a slow, tender kiss.

  Callan started to step back, struggling to keep her emotions in check with Clay acting so attentive and looking so devastatingly attractive. Before she could back away, he pulled her close and her body melted against him. With a sigh, she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss, reveling in the feel of his lips moving on hers.

  Afraid to break the spell she seemed to be under, Clay rubbed her back and held her close, never wanting the moment to end.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” Callan whispered as she rested her forehead against his jaw. Her grip on her emotions slipped and another affectionate move on Clay’s part would push her
over the edge. One lone tear rolled down her cheek.

  Leaning back, Clay wiped the tear before he nudged her chin up with his finger and kissed her again. “I’ve missed you too, Laney. It’s okay. Let’s head back to the car.”

  When they returned to the parking lot, he opened the passenger door of his pickup for her. “Let me drive you home, girl. I’ll bring you to work in the morning.” She nodded her head and climbed in with his assistance.

  Clay got in and started the pickup before handing her a single pink rose. Pink was her favorite. He gave her a shy smile when she buried her nose in the bloom. On the ride home, they didn’t say anything, just held hands and listened to the Christmas station on the radio. It was a comfortable silence, so unlike the cold quietness they had become accustomed to enduring.

  After parking in the driveway, Clay hurried out of the pickup to open Callan’s door. He noticed the sidewalk looked icy again. He silently wished he’d taken time to put out more de-icer.

  He offered to carry Callan and earned a disbelieving stare. She accepted his outstretched hand and slid out of the truck. He settled his arm around her waist and pointed out that with her heels on she needed to be cautious about not falling again. So busy reminding Callan to be careful, Clay lost his footing and took them both down into the snow piled next to the sidewalk.

  Afraid that he had hurt her or, even more unforgivable, completely ruined the mood of the evening, he glanced over as Callan laughed.

  Hastily jumping up, he clasped both her hands and pulled her to her feet, then gently brushed the snow off her coat.

  “If this is going to be a nightly event, I’m going to have to get a padded coat,” she said with a smile, cautiously taking the few steps to the door and unlocking it while Clay tried to dislodge the snow that clung to his sports coat.

  Once inside, she walked into the kitchen, flipped on the light and laid their coats over chairs to dry. Before she could turn around, Clay stepped behind her and slipped his arms around her, kissing the back of her neck.

  Mindful that she should pull away and put distance between the two of them, Callan couldn’t muster the will to do it. It felt too good to have Clay’s arms around her, to sink into his strength and breathe in the wonderful scent of him. Unable to fathom what had gotten into him, she wondered if he realized when he kissed her like that, it turned her knees to a gelatinous mass and made her as giddy as a schoolgirl.

  If he didn’t behave himself, she’d have a hard time keeping the lid on her box of churning emotions.

  Clay had no intention of behaving himself.

  After taking Callan’s shoulders in his hands, he turned her around and gave her a deep, passionate kiss that left them both breathless and undone. With determination set in his jaw, he reached over and tugged the clip out of her hair, tossing it onto the nearby table. Gently, he ran his hands through her hair, letting it fall down her back and over his arms.

  He stepped back and drank in the sight of her. “I haven’t seen your hair down for a while. It’s beautiful and so are you.”

  Callan looked into his eyes and watched the blue depths grow darker, stormy with longing. Didn’t he realize how good that color looked on him? What was he thinking, showing up looking and smelling so irresistible?

  When she saw him leaning against the wall at the party, she couldn’t help thinking some woman was very blessed. Then she realized it was her Clay. It still amazed her that he had chosen her to marry, especially with all the girls who would have jumped at the opportunity.

  With his hot blue gaze locked intently on her sparkling green eyes, he stirred sensations in her that made her feel like this could have been their first date, not a lovely evening enjoyed by a couple long married. In actuality, it had been a while since they’d been this close and interested in each other.

  As she continued to drink in the sight of him, she noticed the nick on his chin that hadn’t been there last night. Without thinking, she took a step forward and put her fingertip on the spot before pressing a light kiss to his chin.

  Clay closed his eyes and savored the feather-light kiss on his skin for the second it lasted. He was afraid to hope but couldn’t wait any longer to know if Callan would return his amorous feelings. With a deep groan, he pulled her close and buried his face and hands into her hair. Tremors of desire race through his entire body and raised his temperature to the boiling point. His plans to take things slow rapidly dissipated.

  “Callan…” His voice in her ear was husky, deep, and full of longing. “Let me love you tonight.”

  She nodded and wrapped her hands around his neck, turning her face against his solid chest.

  He swept her into his arms, obliterating the need for more words.