Stirring Up Dirty

by Kacey Hammell

He never expected to stand in line near the door for nearly two hours greeting people he’d known all his life and meeting new faces. There’d been a lot of business discussions with some out-of-towners who wanted him to expand the bar and put in an arcade. Some wanted to see the bar renovated into a full-blown restaurant.

  There were times he thought his head was spinning so fast, it would fall off and roll around on the floor. His body sure wanted to drop. Christ, he was tired. Over four hours of excitement and loud voices. All items had been sold, some of the bids astounding him. Who would pay a grand for a year of free meals at Abe’s Diner? And five hundred bucks for an earring-and-necklace set? And two grand for dance lessons at the local studio?

  Having given up trying to keep the tallies straight in his head, he’d stopped counting about five items in and had no idea how well the night went. There was no need to speculate, either, since he’d meet with Candy and his siblings tomorrow to discuss the future.

  His backup plan was already set to come into play. There’d be a lot of discussion tomorrow, some his brother and sister might not like, but it made sense for all involved. And he had to do whatever was necessary to get them all back on track.

  “Hey, darling, how are you doing?”

  Diane sat beside him. Putting her arm around him, she hauled him against her for a tight hug. In moments like these, he missed his mom, but Diane was a close, and welcoming, second. She’d been friends with his mother since they started school together.

  “I’m fine. Tired as hell.”

  Releasing him, she slapped a hand on the table. “We need to talk, boy. Where’s that brother and sister of yours?”

  “They left about ten minutes ago. Why are you still out past midnight?”

  She laughed. “If you only knew how many times I’ve stayed up all night. But, I wanted to talk to all three of you about this idea I had. I talked to that sweet Candy earlier and she said to come by tomorrow. That okay with you?”

  He frowned. Since when did Candy run his life? “You’re welcome anytime, you know that. Is it serious?” A dark cloud washed over him. “You’re not sick, are you?” He couldn’t handle it if she was. He’d be there for her but it might send him over the edge.

  “Oh, Lord, boy.” Slapping his arm, she shook her head. “Nothing like that. It’s business.” Yawning, she patted his hand. “Best discussed after a full night’s sleep. You heading home?”

  “In a few minutes.” He scanned the room.

  “If you’re looking for that fine piece of Candy, boy, she’s long gone. Left about five minutes ago.”

  “Who said I’m looking for her? I was just—”

  “Don’t shoot the shit with me, Eric McKenna. I’ve known you your whole life. I know when you’re skirting the truth. You’ve got it bad for that gal. And it’s about damn time you settled down. Maybe you’ll give me the grandbabies your momma will miss out on.”

  Eric sputtered, his eyes wide. “You’re way off base. It’s not like that. Besides, she’ll be gone in a couple days.”

  She punched him in the arm, hard.

  Wincing, he rubbed the sore spot. “You best do right by her, boy. Now get out of here. Go think about how lonely you were before she arrived. I got things to clean up.”

  “Let me help you.” Eric started forward but she smacked a palm flat against his chest.

  “Hell, no. My agreement for tonight was to do the food, keep drinks flowing, and clean up afterward.” Pointing toward the door, she scowled. “Go.”

  Here he was, a grown ass man of nearly fifty, and he felt like he’d gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar and skulked away with his tail tucked between his legs.

  If he didn’t love Diane so much, he might be a bit miffed being ordered around like that. He couldn’t fault her for her love and guidance. It had been like that forever.

  And he was bone tired. A good night’s sleep was definitely in order after the long twenty minute drive home. His eyes burned from lack of sleep this last week. There’d been a lot of work involved in tonight, and as much as he wanted little to do with the organization, he had pitched in as much as possible. He’d learned that his little sister was very good at giving orders as well. She’d matured more in the last year than he’d realized.

  A lot of that he suspected was thanks to her relationship with Candy.

  Exhausted, he strode across the parking lot to his truck. He didn’t like to admit he’d missed her this past week. As much as the distance was a good idea, in the times when it was the darkest at night, the house was quiet and thoughts of her crept into his mind. The way her face lit up when she was having a good time. The charming twinkle in her eye when she was being saucy and flirty. So many facets to the woman who couldn’t be right for him. But he was enamored with her on many levels.

  She made him burn in the best ways and his blood boiled when they argued. Whenever she was around, he was hyper aware of her presence and she drove him around the bend.

  He loved her hands on him. In those alone moments before sleep claimed him, he imagined her hands drifting over his body, tempting and teasing, and missing her crested to a whole new level.

  He tightened his fists around the steering wheel. He had to wonder if she’d already turned in for the night. If she was tucked into bed in her hotel room, maybe thinking about him as much as she was on his mind. The urge to head in that direction was strong. Starting the truck, he put it in drive and headed toward the exit. Turning right, he pulled onto the street and glanced back in his rearview mirror.

  Back at the direction where the woman plaguing his thoughts would be right now.

  As powerful as the pull toward her was, it was best for his heart to head in the opposite direction.

  Exhaustion and worry about tonight’s outcome was making him think too many irrational thoughts.

  Too many chaotic emotions filled his heart. And Christ if he wasn’t thinking things like forever.

  Chapter Eleven

  Eric strode into the kitchen. His brother sat at the table with his briefcase open and files spread out.

  More surprisingly was Drew in a pair of grey cargo shorts and a blue muscle shirt instead of his usual suit and tie garb that was normal for a Saturday afternoon. The man rarely took a full weekend off, meeting with clients regularly.

  “Hey.” He set his empty plate in the sink and refilled his water glass at the cooler. “Surprised to see you here.”

  Drew continued making notes on the pad in front of him. “Why would you be surprised? I wanted to be here when the ladies brought the info from last night.”

  “Oh. Of course.” After taking a drink, he leaned against the counter. “Last night was the shit. I was surprised.”

  Drew shrugged. “I wasn’t. I paid attention all week.” He continued jotting down notes. “Had a pretty good idea how many people would come out and give us their time.”

  “I lent a hand all week. I was still surprised.”

  He was taken aback when Drew laughed out loud.

  “You were there but not really. You only put in the time because you know Mel expected it.” Tossing his pen on the table, Drew glared at him. “You weren’t exactly Mr. Supportive Brother. More like, this is a waste of time, but I’ll humor all of you.”

  “You’re an ass. And that’s unfair. I was also working at the bar all week because those ladies had stolen just about all our staff.”

  “Poor you. You’re going to need to change your attitude, bud. And make sure you grovel at Mel’s feet when you find out how successful the auction turned out. Candy also deserves a lot of thanks.” Drew smirked. “Though after the other day when she spent the night, I’m sure you’ll be able to handle that with no problem.”

  Eric wasn’t surprised one of his siblings had heard them. Candy hadn’t exactly been the quietest person in the throes of passion. And he’d loved every moment of it.

  “But you better be careful, Eric. I’ve seen a change in you since she came to town. I think you
’re sunk, brother.”

  In the middle of taking a long gulp, Eric nearly choked on it at his brother’s words. He snorted. “Hardly, man. She’ll be gone tomorrow. A faded memory and everything will get back to normal.”

  Drew stretched his arms out over his head, smiling. Eric didn’t care for that know-it-all grin his brother often wore when he was certain he was right. Too bad he was way off base this time.

  “I’ve gone this long without a woman in my life permanently. You know better. And the last woman I’d want to spend forever with is her.”

  Drew scowled. “What the hell is wrong with Candy? She’s fantastic. From head to toe. Sexy as hell even on a rainy day. God was at his finest when he created that masterpiece of sin.”

  Clenching his jaw, Eric breathed deep. He wasn’t sure he liked how his brother saw the woman he’d been with. It shouldn’t affect him at all, but tension rolled through his body.

  “Plus she’s taught our sister a hell of a lot. Melissa has matured in the year since they met. I noticed it even more this past week. Mel thrives under her tutelage. Why can’t you see that?”

  Eric dragged his fingers through his hair. Frustration at the conversation churned inside him. Candy had definitely put a spell on everyone. But he refused to succumb to her.

  “Yes, I’ve noticed how grown up Mel is, but that doesn’t mean she’s headed off to Europe. No way. She’s not ready for all of that. And once Candy is gone, she’ll accept that her life is here. She sure as hell doesn’t need to be anything like Candy, either. The last thing I want is that.”

  Drew stood, his chair banging against the fridge. “What are you talking about? Mom would be proud as hell of Mel. And Candy’s been nothing but kind and wonderful to all of us. Mel is going to do so great with her guidance. I say Mel goes back with her and finds out what she’s really made of.”

  Eric rushed across the kitchen until he stood toe to toe with his little brother. Nostrils flaring, he ground out, “No. No way in hell. We don’t need to see our sister spread out in some magazine, barely a stitch of anything on for all the men to get shitty ideas in their greasy heads. Our sister will not live like that all her life, craving men’s attentions and not caring who sees her body as an object.” He drew in a long, harsh breath. “I might be fucking Candy, but I don’t want my sister to be anything like her.”

  A large bang filled the kitchen, and Melissa’s cry reached his ears. “Eric!” Son of a bitch. Hanging his head, he closed his eyes, heart thumping before he lifted his head again.

  Diane, Melissa and Candy stood in the doorway. From Candy’s stricken and red face, she’d heard more than he ever expected her to. Diane’s glare proved she was ready to murder him, and the tears in Melissa’s eyes shamed him. Goddamn it. Whatever happened to privacy in his own friggin’ house?

  “Mel,” Drew began, but she cut him off.

  “You asshole, Eric! How can you be such a dick and my brother at the same time?” She turned to Candy. “I’m sorry.”

  Stiffening her shoulders, Candy continued staring at him, then smiled sadly at his sister. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve known Eric wasn’t my biggest fan since I arrived.”

  He swallowed hard. The pain in her eyes made his knees weak. Anger had forced the words out of his mouth. He didn’t mean for any of it to sound like it did.

  “Boy, you and I have to talk,” Diane ordered.

  Nodding, he held up his hands. “My apologies. You walked in on a private conversation that wasn’t meant for your ears.”

  “Smooth, bro,” Drew muttered and turned away from him.

  “Look, I’m sorry.” He caught Candy’s gaze, and the dead look cut him to the core. He was a fuck up. She’d never forgive him.

  Heart tearing in two at the thought, he took a step toward her, but she backed away.

  She grabbed her briefcase where it had fallen at her feet. Shame filled him further, knowing his words had devastated her. She extracted a yellow envelope and handed it to Melissa. “Here are the final numbers from last night. Plus a list of everyone you’ll need to send thank-you cards to.” Her voice trembled. He wanted to hold her. Take away her pain with honest words of explanation. He respected her very much. But she wanted to take his sister away. The fear of that caused him to say things he didn’t truly mean—at least not the way they sounded.

  “I have to pack and get ready to leave tomorrow. Melissa, I’ll call you once I land.” She hugged her, then Diane.

  “Drew, Eric.” Her gaze on him, she whispered, “Goodbye.”

  He started toward her, unsure of what to do, when she turned and booted out the door. Surprise filled him when he heard an engine start and the rough sound of gravel spinning.

  “I hope you’re happy now.” Melissa sat at the table, sobs rushing from her.

  “Mel, listen—”

  “Enough, boy.” Diane cut him off as she rubbed Melissa’s shoulders. “You have a lot of apologies to make. But that gal,” she pointed in the direction Candy had fled, “she’s done more for you than most people would. How could you be so cruel to her? Especially since you’re involved with her!”

  Melissa’s head shot up, her eyes wide and angry. “You’re what?”

  Eric’s heart sank. The mess he made, and he had no idea where to begin.

  “Mel, before you kill him,” Drew sat beside her at the table and curled an arm around her shoulders, “you have to know that he’s agreed to you signing on with Candy and going to Europe. I’m so proud of you, honey.”

  Eric’s blood boiled as he met Drew’s angry gaze across the room. The motherfucker was jacking him, setting him up as an even bigger piece of shit if he vetoed the idea. Drew knew exactly how to stick the knife in and twist it relentlessly. Since he was already on Melissa’s prick list at the moment, to refuse her one wish might never bring them back together again.

  Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open. He might have found it funny if he didn’t want to kill his brother at this moment. “Oh my God. Eric, really? You don’t mind that I go?”

  Jaw tight, he nodded and tried to attempt a smile. He’d deal with Drew later. “Sure, honey. Of course.” His heart sank. How was he to let her go off into a strange country with no one to watch over her?

  “I’m glad. But, Eric, oh my God. What you said about Candy… I’m so ashamed. How could you?”

  Sighing, he took a seat at the table, on her other side, and tried to quell the disappointment and shame coursing through him. He needed to talk to Candy. There was no way he could let her go without clarifying a few things.

  Diane dropped papers on the table and pointed at him. “Those are what I wanted to talk to you about. Not now, though. I’m too angry with you to help save your ass. Call me later, Drew, and we’ll go over the information. I’d rather deal with you right now.” She kissed Melissa and Drew’s cheeks, glared at Eric, then left them alone. After the front door slammed, he latched on to Melissa’s hand.

  “I didn’t mean what I said, how I said it.”

  “You’re not making sense. You said nasty things that you obviously meant. Don’t cop out.”

  “No. It all came out harsher than I thought. I want so much for you, Mel! You’re my sister. Hell, you’re better than Drew and I put together.”

  “That’s not a real far stretch at the moment, asshole,” Drew cut in. “Considering you’re the louse who insulted and disrespected a lady who helped us a lot without asking for anything in return. And you’re also sleeping with her. You’re batting a big fat zero here, bro.”

  “Stay out of this, Drew. You love this too much.”

  “Stop avoiding the subject.” Melissa smacked the table with the flat of her hand. “The two of you are really seeing each other?” Her eyes pleaded with him to deny it.

  “We’ve gotten closer, yes. But, Mel—” How could he ever explain anything to his sister when he didn’t know what to think or feel? Candy had gotten to him. Turned him inside and out and spun his world around.


  “Big bro doesn’t know that he’s in love with her yet, Mel. You’ll have to forgive him for being so stupid.” Drew chuckled.

  Melissa gasped. “You are?”

  Eric shook his head. “Don’t put false shit into her head. No, I’m not. I mean, yeah I like her and all. She drives me crazy, completely around the bend every time she gets that sass and fire going. And I like being with her, but that L word is stretching it way too far. I’m almost fifty, for cripes sake.”

  “Oh, so you’re dead? Obviously your dick isn’t, so what’s age have to do with anything?” Melissa demanded.

  Shocked, Eric sputtered while Drew continued to laugh.

  Hearing his baby sister talk like that was surprising. It was new. And solidified just how mature she was.

  “Age shouldn’t matter if you love someone. And I agree with Drew. I think you are in love with her and you don’t even know it.”

  His siblings sat back, both with their arms crossed over their chests, looking smug.

  “You’re both delusional.” Eric snatched the yellow envelope Candy left behind off the table and opened it. Extracting a large pile of paperwork, his gaze dropped to the check paper clipped to the top sheet.

  The amount, which far exceeded what they needed to make to the bank by almost eighty thousand dollars, nearly stopped his heart. Good God, they were in the clear. And damn if the church wouldn’t get a hell of an amount to help others.

  “What is it, Eric? Did we make it?” Drew questioned.

  Handing the papers to his brother, Eric’s gaze met Melissa’s again. Tears spilled from her eyes and her smile lit up the room. Without her and Candy it wouldn’t have been possible. His little sister had pushed up her sleeves and helped make his world right. Nothing would ever compare to this moment or the love that filled his heart for her. She was the shining star of this family, the beacon who lit his way home, and all that was good in his life.

  He lifted his hands and cupped her face. Kissing each cheek, he heard Drew’s whispered, “Holy shit,” and wrapped her in his arms.

  “Thank you, baby sister. I can’t believe it.”