Stirring Up Dirty

by Kacey Hammell

  Melissa bit at the edges of her fingernails.

  Candy pulled her hand away. “Listen, this is one of your best shots. You’re hot, young, and in this picture it looks like you’ve been doing this for years.” She gripped the young girl’s hand. “You can’t doubt yourself. Trust that what talent you have is all yours and it’s going to kick off a fantastic career. You’ll be on the tip of every fashion designer’s tongue within a year.”

  Melissa’s eyes widened, but she shook her head. Candy gave her a stern look which cut her off mid shake. “Trust me on this, Melissa. Your career has already started. You think you’re ready?”

  “I’ve wanted this for as long as I can remember. Yes, definitely. But—” Melissa turned and stared out the patio doors. Tears glistened in her eyes.

  “Hey, no tears. Honey.” Candy leaned over the table. “Your brothers will come around. We’ll convince them.”

  “It’s just I’m not sure I can go, Candy.” Melissa stood and paced. Candy had a feeling there was more going on than nerves and the thought of being away from home.

  “What is it? You can tell me anything, you know.”

  “I was going through Eric’s desk yesterday. I was looking for some papers and a phone number for a delivery we were expecting. Anyway, long story short, I came across some papers from the bank.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I shouldn’t be telling you this. I haven’t even talked to Eric. He’ll kill me if he ever found out I know. But I don’t know what to do. I tried reaching Drew but he’s in court all day.”

  Candy stood and crossed over to her. She guided her over to the sofa and they sat. Gripping Melissa’s hand, Candy patted it and nodded. “Go on. I’ll do whatever I can to help. Even if it’s just to listen.”

  “We’re behind on the payments for the bar. The bank sent a notice about two weeks ago that because we’re behind by about six months, we only have one more month to pay everything that is past due. I don’t know where we’ll get that money.”

  Jesus. And here she thought Eric would be a better businessman than that. But she refrained from saying it out loud. She was here for support, not to make judgments without all the facts. There must be an explanation.

  “Is there a reason the payments are so far behind?”

  “Eric took time off when our mom was sick. Drew and I did what we could, but I went to Europe last year at his and Mom’s insistence. I know Eric wasn’t thrilled I went but he relented. I think he was more scared Momma would pass away before I got back.” She sighed. “Sorry, I’m rambling.”

  “Honey, don’t worry about it. Talk it out. I’m here for you.”

  Melissa shrugged. “Eric’s always taken care of the bar the most since my dad died. He loved working behind the bar with him. When Momma died, Drew and I tried to sell all but a small percentage of our shares over to him. Neither of us wanted to be tied to it. And it was always Eric’s baby. He had a deeper connection to it because of my father. Anyway, losing Momma was harder for him, I think. He’d promised his dad—you know Momma had them from her first marriage—he would take care of her and I think in some ways he blames himself for her death.”

  Candy’s heart went out to him. As angry as she was with him, there was no reason for him to blame himself. She hoped someday he’d learn that. And he’d done such a great job with Melissa. “You can’t worry about how Eric feels right now. If you want the bar to survive you need to talk to him. And as soon as possible.”

  “I don’t know what to say to him. I don’t know a lot about this type of thing. I know the economy has been terrible. Maybe things got behind and he couldn’t catch up.”

  “And something you’ll need to learn as you make your own money, Melissa—you never let business fall to the wayside because of pride. If he was struggling with the finances, he should have come to you and Drew. You’re tied to it as well. If it fails, you all lose.”

  Melissa fell back on the sofa, then stared at Candy.

  “What are you thinking, young lady?”

  “Do you think…” Melissa sat, grabbed a throw pillow, and tucked it into her lap. “No, there’s no time.”

  “No time for what? Jesus, tell me.” Candy laughed, hoping to ease some of the girl’s tension. She was pleased to see her shoulders relax.

  “Do you think there’d be time to book me a job? Even something small that might pay well? Perhaps I could get enough money together to pay off the bank and tell Eric later?”

  “It might be difficult. I won’t lie to you. I have Sammy sending out your photos to lots of agencies and magazines, as well as designers. So we’ll need to get your papers signed ASAP.

  “I know you’ll soon be booked to the limit with little time to breathe. But you need the money in a month. Runway shows and editorial shoots take time. Magazines usually have the sessions so far in advance for specific themes and months. There’s really no time. I will try, though. I’ll make some calls to editors and photographers this afternoon.”

  “That’s all I can do. Wait. And hope. I can’t think of anything more torturous than talking to Eric about this. He wouldn’t want my involvement. Not when he still sees me as a little kid.”

  If Candy were on better terms with him, she’d talk to Eric herself. Try to make him see that Melissa was twenty years old and deserved more respect than he was giving her. But she understood the need to prove oneself to another. She’d faced it a lot in her career over the years. Especially to her parents.

  It frustrated her to see Melissa so despondent. Candy walked to the window in the sitting room. Eric would hate the thoughts running through her head but she wanted to help Melissa. Her gift wouldn’t be for him at all. But for his sister who had come to mean a lot to her in the last year. They’d spent a lot of time on Skype and e-mailing. Candy had come to think of her as her own little sister. She’d do whatever she could to help her.

  “Why don’t I loan you the money?”

  Melissa lifted her head, eyes wide. Hope filled her gaze for a second before it dissipated. “No. I can’t let you do that. Eric would kill me. Kill you. He’d be mortified.”

  “We won’t tell him.” Candy didn’t want to keep secrets from him again, especially since he was already on her about why she’d come to town. But to save the bar and in the end help Melissa, she had to try.

  “How would we explain where the money came from, Candy? The bank would let him know.”

  She stared out the window and pondered the best route to take. “Maybe I can talk to someone at the bank and keep things anonymous. I don’t know. I’ll think of something, okay?”

  A timer alarm filled the room.

  Melissa grabbed her cell phone off the table and cursed. “Shoot, I have to get to work. I have to go home first and change. It’s another night of ball players and rowdiness.”

  Candy walked with her to the door, then hugged her. “Thank you so much for listening. And trying to help. Together we can think of something.”

  Stepping back, Candy nodded. “Of course we will. Now off you go. And no worrying. I’ll think of something.”

  Melissa waved and shut the door behind her.

  Candy sighed and ran her hands through her hair. She needed a hot shower, a massage and a swim in the pool. Any or all of the three would clear her head. Sleep hadn’t come easily last night after she’d left the bar. Anger had kept her mind flowing with dire thoughts of harm to Eric. She probably would have filled a full page of lined paper if she’d written them all down. The man took being a bastard to a whole new level.

  Even as pissed off as she was, she hadn’t exactly walked away from him. She hadn’t protested when his hands did laps over her, while his touch worked her clit or when he’d brought her to release. No, she hadn’t done any of that. So the blame didn’t fall completely at his feet. As much as she hated to admit it, she’d soaked up everything last night.

  A knock sounded on her hotel door.

  She groaned, not wanting to be interrupted. She needed to
clear her head before making calls to see if she could get Melissa a job within the next month. It would be a long afternoon.

  Pulling open the door, she froze. Eric was the last person she expected to find on her doorstep.

  And while she disliked giving in to him last night, she hated herself even more knowing she’d go back for more of him if given the chance.

  ****

  Eric bit back a groan.

  Candy leaned against the doorway in a halter top that barely covered her navel, and the long skirt she wore sat low on her delectable hips. Her lean figure and gorgeous face should be outlawed. He came here with one focus in mind and she was blowing that good intention all to hell.

  She was criminal to his morals.

  Last night had been the closest to heaven he’d ever been, and he would probably never get that close again. Having her in his arms was more than he’d bargained for. Though he’d gone to bed and tried to remind himself it was a one-time thing, seeing her this morning only proved to him how much he still wanted her.

  How much there was to still learn about her. He wanted to explore every inch of her and get some insight into that beautiful mind. He had no doubt of just how smart she was, or that her business savvy was a force to be reckoned with.

  But that didn’t mean he had to put his sister in her hands and never look back. No, he would always protect his sister.

  Even from the one woman who could knock him on his ass with feisty words and a body made for sinning. And he was tempted to dive right in.

  “What are you doing here, Eric?” Arms folded under her lovely breasts, she stood, chin raised as she blocked the door. Her eyes burned with irritation.

  He deserved her scorn after the way they’d left things last night. “I just wanted to apologize for last night. I acted like an ass.”

  “Tell me something I don’t already know.”

  Swallowing hard, he clenched his fists. “Look, I am sorry. I shouldn’t have let things get so out of hand. But once I got started, and you were so hot in my—” He glanced around him. “Can we take this inside?”

  Candy glared at him for a few seconds, then sighed and took a step back. He entered and she closed the door firmly behind him.

  “You have ten minutes. I have things to do. Have a seat.”

  He sat in the chair by the small desk in the sitting area. “As I was saying, I am sorry.”

  “Yes.” She sat at the end of the sofa across from him. “You said that. There’s nothing to apologize for. We were both there.” The ire in her eyes pinned him in place. “But that doesn’t excuse your callous words. You were a shit.”

  The woman didn’t mince words. He liked that about her.

  “I know. I shouldn’t have said those things. But you have to give me a bit of leniency. What am I to think? I know you want to take Melissa all over the world and I have a feeling you’ll do anything to make that happen.”

  Candy threw up her arms, obviously frustrated. He was sure he heard an animalistic sound come from her as she stood and began pacing.

  “Of course I would. I believe in everything your sister is, and all that she can accomplish. You should, too. But I would never use myself in such a fashion to do it. I am a professional and have too much integrity to do that. And you know dick about me if you really think I’d use you like that, or embarrass myself. Hell, it would be offending Melissa, too. God, your ego is out of control.” Her cheeks were flushed, he’d guess in frustration. He found it endearing.

  The long skirt fluttered the more she paced back and forth. Her ass and flat belly looked incredibly hot. And the way the halter top hugged her firm breasts… His mouth watered. Images of her coming last night filled his head. His dick hardened remembering her wild cries of pleasure.

  Shaking his head, he adjusted in his seat and tried to focus on the task at hand. “You’re right.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Eric sighed. She was quick with her comebacks. He’d probably never win against her. At least not this morning.

  “I mean, you’re right. I don’t know dick about you. And there’s probably going to be little time to make that happen. We both lead hectic lives, it seems. Plus you’ll be gone and back to your world soon. But you won’t take Melissa with you.”

  Candy snorted and stormed toward him. “You need to get it in your thick skull that she’s an adult, Eric.” She rubbed her palms together. “She’s serious about this. Sticking her in a courtroom is not going to make her happy. And she already has me putting out feelers for work this month. She probably already has her bags packed.”

  Christ. He thought Melissa wanted to discuss things first, not come home just to leave again. Probably for good. He clenched his teeth, anger rising. He needed to keep her close.

  She is an adult, old man.

  He shook off the little voice in his head. It didn’t matter. He had to convince his little sister that following the lawyer path was the right one.

  Standing, he crossed to the door and gripped the knob. “I will do whatever it takes to keep her here and in school. Don’t get in my way. Don’t expect me to relent or give my okay.”

  “I’ve already had the paperwork done and am just waiting on her signature. She doesn’t want to go without your blessings. I won’t stop her from signing if she wants to, but I will convince her to talk to you more before she does. Please don’t make this too hard on her, Eric. She has dreams. Big dreams. Don’t crush them. Or her. She loves you too much to go without you supporting her decision.”

  He opened the door, only to stop when she called his name. Glancing over his shoulder, he met her gaze. Her eyes were full of sadness. He was certain his heart just cracked inside his chest. But he’d be damned if he let her know it.

  “If you fight her like this, you will lose her. She may never forgive you if you do.”

  Saying nothing, he slammed the door behind him.

  No. There was no way.

  He couldn’t lose anyone else.

  There was no way he’d survive losing another person he loved.

  Chapter Five

  Eric entered the bar through the back door, unhappy after his visit to Candy’s hotel room.

  He loved his sister, Candy needed to understand that, but it was too difficult to let her go out into a foreign country, travel the world, when her life experience was grouped into St. Albert save for the short trip to Europe. She didn’t have that much experience too far from home. His biggest fear was the danger she’d put herself in and the possibility of losing herself in the modeling world. The way models were these days—so diet conscious and way too tiny, in his opinion, to be considered healthy. Or partying regularly with booze and drugs, the horror stories from that world were too scary to think of his little sister within ten yards of any of it.

  He laid his laptop on the bar and pulled up a browser. After typing in Candy’s name, he clicked on her website, then gallery. Hundreds of thumbnails loaded on the screen. Clicking the formal wear heading, his eyes widened at the sights before him.

  In every color dress possible, her beauty breathtaking, was Candy. He was fascinated by everything about each photo. Long dresses, short skirts, strapless or not, she was simply stunning. Browsing from page to page, he admired her career of longevity. Over twenty years in front of a camera. And from these images, she took her job very seriously.

  Grabbing a water bottle from under the bar, he glanced at the time in the right corner of the screen. An hour before he needed to open. He clicked through more photos, coming to a stop on the lingerie spread from a magazine done years ago.

  Wow. He’d held her body in his hands last night, admired her curves, and his fingers itched to handle that ass again, but seeing her laid out on a bed wearing little to nothing… He hadn’t fully captured what she might look like in his bed. Not really.

  A see-through thong covered her pussy, and he could clearly see that she kept herself perfectly trimmed in that area, even years ago. Darker colored lace cove
red her tits and left little to the imagination. The straps fell off her shoulders and her arms covered her nipples, teasing her audience. Kneeling on the bed as she was, head tilted back, hair hanging down her back, her coy grin pulled him in. Seducing him right from the screen.

  His dick hardened behind his jeans. Drawing in a deep breath, he imagined her in his bed¸ spread out, waiting for him. Calling to him with eyes like a predator eager to claim her prey. And damn if he didn’t want to be what she sought.

  Gulping water from the bottle, he let the liquid cool his temperature. He was a fool. As much as he disliked it, she was getting to him. Nothing like this had ever happened to him. Yeah, he’d had women in his life before. Cripes, he was almost fifty and hadn’t been a monk, but no woman had ever gotten to him like this.

  Closing his laptop, he cursed. He needed to push any thoughts of her behind him and get to work. There would never be anything more between them than the few heated moments from last night. He’d make sure of it.

  Light encased the room, illuminating from the back door. Moving around the bar to see who it was, he was surprised to see Drew and Melissa, knowing Drew should be at work and she had classes.

  “Hey, you two. What’s up?”

  “We need to talk.” Drew leaned his hip against the bar, arms folded over his chest.

  Eric glanced at Melissa, his heart dropping when he noticed the tears on her cheeks. “What’s wrong? Mel, are you all right?” He pulled her into his arms, but she shoved him away.

  “You’ve been keeping secrets, big brother,” Drew intruded between clenched teeth. “And we’re sick of it. Fuck, you’ve pissed me off big time.”

  “Whoa, settle down. What the hell is going on?”

  Drew opened his mouth but Melissa stepped in front of him, her hand raised. “Stop it. I don’t want a fight. I’m sorry, Eric, but I was searching for some paper and stuff last night and I found the letters from the bank.”

  Eric’s heart sank. Guilt crowded his heart and thoughts. The day was going to come when he either told them about the money they owed the bank or that the bar was gone for good. He’d wanted to prepare for it, tell them on his own terms and not like this.