Lookin' for Trouble (Honky Tonk Angels Book 6)

by Ciana Stone

  Riggs grinned. “Let’s just say we thought Deke might want to reconsider his petition for custody, so we’re going to court with you.”

  “All of you?”

  “Yes ma’am. Unless he changes his mind beforehand. Now, take a look because I believe the man coming out of the crowd with the suit and the blonde might just be Ramsey.”

  Callie turned to look and sure enough, it was Deke. He stopped at the foot of the steps and glared at her. His attorney leaned over and said something to Deke and Deke shoved him away.

  The crowd pulled back a little, people murmuring and filming with their cell phones. Deke mounted the steps, coming to stop a step beneath where Callie stood with Jayce and Riggs.

  “You think you can scare me with this pussy club, bitch? I know who they are and trust me, they might bark, but they got no fucking teeth.”

  “Is that so?” Riggs asked and smiled. Callie was quite sure she’d never seen a scarier smile in her life.

  Damn, just who the heck was Jaxon Riggs?

  “You can take it to the fucking bank, pussy.”

  “And you can take this to the bank,” Jayce said. “It’s in your best interest to walk away from this custody thing. Even if by some miracle you could find a judge foolish enough to grant you visitation, you won’t live to see that child.”

  “Motherfucker I’ll—”

  Callie could feel the atmosphere charge all around her as Deke shouted. A uniformed police officer interrupted by stepping up beside Deke. “Sir, I’m going to have to—“

  What happened next was a disjointed mix of slow motion and time suddenly jerking into hyper speed in jolts and pauses. Deke grabbed the officer’s weapon and, as screams broke out from the crowd, stuck the weapon against the officer’s chest and fired.

  Not even the protective vest could stop a bullet from that distance. Blood splattered Deke, Callie, Jayce and Riggs. Riggs grabbed Callie as Deke turned the gun toward her. He wrapped his arms around her and turned his back to the gun.

  At that same moment Riggs grabbed her, she saw Jayce leaping toward Deke. She screamed, fighting at Riggs to get away, aware that the men of his club were closing in around them. People were screaming and shouting and she was clawing to get free and get to Jayce.

  Finally, Riggs released her. Relief made her weak when she saw Jayce standing there, holding the gun and Deke being restrained by two burly bikers. Sounds of sirens competed with the screams and shouts of the crowd as Jayce turned to look at her.

  It all slammed into her in that moment. The shock and fear crashed over her like a wave that drives you to the ocean floor. She opened her mouth to say Jayce’s name but didn’t get the word out before her eyes rolled back and for the first time in her life, she fainted.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Callie was nearly knocked off her feet the moment she walked into the bar. Cody grabbed her in a tight hug. “God, girl, when I heard what happened…”

  “I’m okay,” Callie wheezed. “You’re choking me.”

  “Oh shit. Sorry.” Cody released her. “Jayce told us what happened. God almighty.”

  “I was so lucky he and the motorcycle club was there. They saved us – me and Lily. Now Deke can never hurt us. He shot a police officer. He’ll never get out of prison.”

  “I hope the fucker dies there.”

  “Me too.”

  “And did you get a message from the music producer? He called and asked for your number. I hope you don’t mind that I gave it to him.”

  “No, I don’t mind and yes, I did hear from him.”

  “And?”

  Callie had not told a soul about the phone call. She was still trying to digest the news. “He offered me a recording contract.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “I am.”

  “So tell me. Tell me.”

  “Well, it’s a lot of money to sign and the royalty rate is really good. But…”

  “That doesn’t sound like a good but.”

  “It’s not. I’d have to move back to Nashville to cut a record and the label wants me to go on tour as an opening act.”

  “For who?”

  When Callie told her, Cody’s mouth fell open. “Holy shit. So what did you say?”

  “Nothing. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the idea that it’s real.”

  A serious expression captured Cody’s face. “So, are you thinking of saying yes?”

  “I don’t know. I – I don’t know what to do, Cody. I mean, it’s a dream come true, that’s for sure, but – but there’s Jayce and…”

  “And you don’t know which one you want more? Cal, if you don’t know the answer, then you already do know. If you really loved him, there wouldn’t be any indecision, you know?”

  Cody’s words hit Callie like the proverbial ton of bricks. Cody was right, but before she could say as much, Hannah was there, wrapping her in a hug.

  “I’ll talk to you later,” Cody said and headed back to the bar.

  “Are you okay?” Hannah asked when she released Callie.

  “I am.”

  “It was all over the news and videos people filmed of it went viral. Oh, as did a performance here you and Riley did. Ya’ll have over two million views.”

  “That’s crazy.”

  “But true. So where’s Jayce?”

  “Parking. The place is packed so he let me off at the door and went back to park and meet a friend who’s joining us.”

  “Okay, so I’ll turn in some chairs on a table to save it for you and bring a pitcher of beer.”

  “That’d be great. Thank you, Hannah.”

  As Hannah hurried off, Callie looked toward the door. She waited for a moment, then hurried outside. It took her a minute to find Jayce. He was parked way in the back of the parking lot.

  “Hey. Just talked to Riggs. He’s on his way with Wes.”

  “Okay, that’s gives us a chance to talk.”

  “About what?”

  “That music producer called and offered me a contract.”

  “To sing?”

  “Yes, and tour.”

  “Tour?” His smile faded.

  “Yes, I’d have to move back to Nashville and I’d be on the road for the better part of a year.”

  “Oh. So are you going to take it?”

  “That depends.”

  “On what?”

  “You.”

  Jayce was quiet for a moment, then took both her hands in his. “Callie, I don’t want to be the one to deprive you of your dreams. I love you and I won’t be the one who takes that dream from you.”

  “What if I have another dream? One I want more?”

  “And what would that be?”

  “That you’d ask me to stay.”

  Jayce looked into her eyes for a long time, then kissed her softly. “Are you sure about that?”

  “I am.”

  At that moment, Jayce’s phone rang. “It’s Riggs.” He answered. “Hey. We’re parked around back and there are a couple of free spots.”

  Callie sensed that their conversation had come to an end and couldn’t help feeling disappointed. She’d really hoped Jayce would ask her to stay, but maybe he saw this opportunity as a way out.

  It hurt to think that might be true. She told herself not to jump to conclusions, to wait until they had a chance to finish the conversation, but still she felt the sting of it.

  Wes parked beside Jayce. He and Riggs climbed out of his truck and walked with Callie and Jayce into the bar.

  As they entered, Cody yelled a greeting from the bar. Everyone looked in her direction.

  Hannah yelled from a table that she had them all set up so their group made their way toward tit. Callie noticed Riggs still looking toward the bar and she looked that way as well.

  Well now. There stood Cody, her gaze locked on Riggs.

  Callie nudged Jayce. “Look.”

  His gaze moved to the bar, to Riggs and then to Callie. “Interesting.”

  “
And getting more interesting by the moment,” she replied.

  Cody came from around the back of the bar, still focused on Riggs. She walked up to him and stuck out her hand. “Cody Sweet. Co-owner of the Honky Tonk Angels.”

  “Jaxon Riggs.” He took her hand and gave her a sexy smile.

  “Renegade Riggs?”

  “Been called that a time or two.”

  “The man who can’t stay in one place?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “That’s about the change, Riggs.”

  “Is it now?”

  Even Callie felt the power of the smile he gave Cody.

  “That it is.” Cody returned a sexy smile with just as much punch before she turned her attention to Callie. “You get everything squared away?”

  Callie almost skirted the issue, but on impulse looked at Jayce. “Did we?”

  Jayce looked at Cody. “I’m kind of hoping she’s going to stay.”

  “Oh really?” Cody looked at Callie. “And?”

  Callie looked at Jayce. “Are you sure?”

  “Are you? It’s no small thing to turn your back on an offer like the one you received. You dreamed of that since you were a child. You told me that.”

  “Just like I dreamed of being happy and having a family. Besides, I have plenty of places to sing. Here, in the shower, on the porch swing, riding in my car—”

  “It’s not the same.”

  “The joy is in the doing, not the money or the fame. I want happiness, Jayce. A home and a family.”

  “Then stay with me, Callie. Be my wife, my family.”

  “Are you one hundred percent sure?”

  “I am. I love you Callie. Please stay with me and be my one and only.”

  Callie grinned. “Well, damn, Jayce, how can a girl say no to that?”

  “I’m hoping you can’t.”

  “You know I can’t. I love you.”

  “So are you going to marry me, Callie?”

  “Oh, yes I am. I most definitely am.”

  “Then this calls for a celebration,” Cody said.

  “Indeed it does,” Callie agreed and smiled at Jayce.

  She’d come to Cotton Creek running from her past, searching for somewhere to feel safe. Somewhere to call home.

  She’d found that and more. She’d found friends and people to call family and the love of her life.

  Who could ask for anything more?

  Ciana Stone

  Playing for Keeps

  Book Five in the Honky Tonk Angels Series

  Copyright 2016, Ciana Stone

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, businesses, places, events, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2016 Ciana Stone

  Cover by Syneca Featherstone

  All rights reserved.

  Playing for Keeps

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Playing for Keeps

  Copyright © 2016 Ciana Stone

  Cover art by Syneca

  Edited by Holly Atkinson

  Electronic book publication September 2016

  Print book publication September 2016

  This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Syneca Featherstone

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

  Dedication:

  For my honeyman – you are still the one.

  And for Dino Hillas, the incredibly handsome man who honored me by allowing

  me to use his photograph on the cover of this book. Dino, your drop-dead-sexy

  good looks are matched by a heart as vast as the ocean. You grace my life

  with your presence and I am so grateful to you.

  Also, to a very special friend, Lisa. Thanks for being here for

  me soul-sister. My life is blessed by your friendship.

  Readers!

  Interested in a free book?

  Sign up for my newsletter and get a copy of a Honky Tonk Angels Novella

  “Sexy as Sin”. This novella has not yet been published, but can be

  yours just for signing up so head on over and get your copy!

  Sign up for Ciana’s Newsletter

  Chapter One

  Cade stood at the window, staring out. This was his last night in Atlantic City, the last time he’d stand and look over the place he’d called home for nearly twenty years. The last night he’d spend in the penthouse of the hotel and casino he’d worked to build into one of the finest in the city.

  He turned and let his gaze travel over the interior of the penthouse. He knew every inch of the place, could and had walked through it with his eyes closed. Yet, even with that level of familiarity, he’d never called it home. At least not in a way that was meaningful. It was simply where he lived and worked.

  Home? He hadn’t had a home since he’d left for college at age eighteen. Cade had not gone home for the summers like most students. He’d stayed on campus, taking extra classes and working with the student aid department to help pay his tuition.

  Home had become a dream, that golden fruit that life dangled as a temptation. Work hard, be honest, save your money, be smart, do what’s right and happiness will come to you. It’ll take you to that place and that person that you will call home and you’ll be happy.

  Yeah, that was the dream. The one that had not come true.

  Not that he could complain. He’d done okay for an average guy from Austin, Texas who grew up in a working class home. Today, his parents’ house was paid for and their retirement secure. Cade had seen to that.

  Hell, his own retirement was secured as of now. Today, he’d sold the hotel and casino he’d put his blood, sweat and tears in to. He could invest his money and never work another day in his life if he wanted.

  The problem was, Cade wasn’t sure what he wanted. He just knew he’d grown bored of the casino business, which meant it was time to get out.

  His cell phone rang and he picked it up from the polished surface of the bar. “Hi Mom,” he answered.

  “So it’s done?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “What now, honey?”

  “I don’t know yet.”

  “Well…”

  Cade smiled. “I know that tone. What do you want?”

  “Nothing. At least not for myself. But I was talking with my sister, Stella, this morning, and her girls could really use some help, Cade.”

  “Stella’s girls?” Cade searched his memory and all he could come up with was a fuzzy recollection of two young girls, ten or so years old, one blonde and one brunette.

  “Yes, you remember I told you. Your Uncle Billy gave them each a third interest in the bar.”

  “Oh, that’s right.” He remembered. The bar that had to be rebuilt because it had been hit by a tornado.

  “Well, you know, since that big oil strike, Cotton Creek is splitting at the seams with new people and the bar is packed to bursting every night. The girls, Cody and Hannah, are running themselves ragged. You know Hannah still helps Stella at the bakery three half-days a w
eek and Cody is running the ranch. Well, Billy helps, but mostly it’s up to her. They’re—”

  “What kind of help do they need, Mama?” Cade hated to interrupt but knew that once his mother got started on what everyone was doing, the conversation could stretch on.

  “They need someone to run that bar for them. Manage it and hire them some help so they can get some rest, bless their hearts.”

  “And you think I’m the man for the job?”

  “Well, it’s not like you have anything else to do, son. And they are family and you know what I always say about family.”

  “Yes ma’am. Family helps family.”

  “That we do.”

  Cade considered it. He hadn’t been to Cotton Creek since he was about seventeen. He remembered his Aunt Stella as being a beautiful blonde woman with a smile that could light the world, and a laugh that could lift the lowest spirit. Her husband Billy was a stocky man, strong as an ox and the most affable person Cade had ever met, always with a ready smile.

  What the hell. “Okay, Mom. Tell Aunt Stella to call me and I’ll talk to her about it.”

  “You’re a good man, Cade.”

  “A product of my upbringing.”

  His mother laughed and he turned the conversation to what she and his dad had been doing the last few days. As he listened, he walked back over to the window. His eyes focused on his reflection and Cade stood there, watching himself.

  He’d gotten his height from his father and his slim build from his mother. Eyes that were what had been called a disconcertingly light blue sat beneath dark brows. His hair, once nearly midnight black, was now nearly all silver.

  Cade knew he was an attractive man, but looks had obviously not been enough to bring him the kind of happiness his parents or his Aunt Stella and Uncle Billy enjoyed. Women had passed in and out of his life with as much regularity as the tourists that frequented his hotel.

  His gaze traveled to meet the eyes of the reflection. What he saw was a lonely man, one who was in his mid-forties and had never known love or the comfort of his own home. A real home.