Playing for Keeps (Honky Tonk Angels Book 5)

by Ciana Stone

  “As if.” Hannah tossed a throw pillow at her. “It’s not like I’m going to end up sleeping with him.”

  “Well, you never know and damn girl, he is fine.”

  “I can’t disagree with that, but this is kind of an important date.”

  “Okay, whatever, but still I think this is what we should do and I’d like to go ahead and get on the road.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I am. We’ll be in touch and set a time to meet in Rock Ridge tomorrow.”

  “Okay, but call me when you get back. And if you need, I’ll call my little sister KC and have her round up some boys from the high school to help you unload.”

  “I may take you up on that.” Pressley rose and went into the bedroom. Five minutes later, she returned with her over-night bag. “Okay, so you have fun tonight.”

  “I will. And don’t forget to call.”

  “I won’t.” Pressley hugged her. “This was fun. I think we make a good team.”

  “Me too. Drive safe.”

  “I will. See you tomorrow.”

  Once Pressley was gone, the suite seemed quiet and empty. Hannah supposed that was due to suddenly not being on the go. She thought about Pressley leaving, and her own reaction to the suggestion she might want the suite to herself. Her first reaction was to insist that she had no intention of being intimate with Cooper.

  Why was that? If she were honest, she’d say she had been thinking about it since the first time she’d seen him. Yet here she was, at twenty-eight years old, insistent that a first date had to be the same as it was when she was a teenager. Why was she thinking that way when what she really wanted was to bring him back to the hotel and have mind-blowing sex?

  There. She’d said it. Well, thought it. Even doing that made her nervous, as if someone would suddenly pop through the door and scold her for those lascivious thoughts. What the hell? Why couldn’t she be like Pressley? She’d be willing to bet that if Pressley went out with someone who turned her on, she’d have no problem bringing the guy home and into her bed.

  So what was wrong here? Hannah lay back on the couch and stared at the ceiling. Why was she so scared to act on what she wanted? Like renting this house. Even now she felt that at any moment someone would step in and tell her she couldn’t. Why was she so afraid to take charge of her own life?

  On impulse, she reached for her purse on the coffee table and pulled out her phone. Two rings later, Cody answered.

  “What’s up?”

  “Just thinking.”

  “Thinking? I thought you were shopping?”

  “I was. We’re done and Pressley decided to head back today.”

  “So why’d you stay?”

  “I have a date.”

  “A date? With who?”

  “Cooper. He’s in San Antonio on business.”

  “Cool.”

  Hannah didn’t detect anything in Cody’s voice to indicate she had a problem with the date. “The thing is…well, I wanted to ask—”

  “Yeah, I think it’s okay for you to sleep with him.”

  “What?”

  “That is what you were going to ask, isn’t it?’

  “Well…well, yes. But we haven’t dated that much and—and do you think he’ll think—”

  “No, I don’t. I think if you want it and he wants it, then go for it. And from the way he looks at you, he definitely wants it.”

  “You think?”

  “I do. So, what time’s the date?”

  “He’s picking me up at seven.”

  “Then go start getting ready. And if you don’t have sexy underwear then don’t wear any.”

  “Cody! I can’t go around without panties.”

  “Sure you can. And like I said, sexy or commando. No granny panties.”

  “Suddenly I’m not so sure about this.”

  “Yes you are. And it’ll be fine. It’s just like riding a bike.”

  “Says the woman who hasn’t been on a bike in about as long as me.”

  “Well, that doesn’t mean I won’t remember how when the time comes. And this is your time, Hannah Jean, so get fixed up and seduce that man.”

  “If I can remember how.”

  “Oh, you remember. Now go. And enjoy. And tell me all about it when you get home.”

  “I will. And you’ll come over and help me get my place set up?”

  “You know I will.”

  “Thanks. I love you.”

  “I love you.”

  The line went dead and Hannah put her phone on the coffee table. Maybe Cody was right. It was time for her to start living for herself.

  Thinking about that had her heading for the bedroom. She had plenty of time, time to make sure she looked perfect to go on a date with the man who was the closest to perfect she’d ever met.

  She shucked her clothes and headed for the shower. Forty-five minutes later, she was clean, shaved, shampooed and conditioned. Hannah had just wrapped a towel around her body when there was a knock at the door. Hurrying, she pulled on her robe and ran to answer.

  “Yes?” She looked through the peephole and saw a bellboy with a large flat box in his hands.

  “A delivery for Miss Hannah Sweet.”

  Hannah opened the door and accepted the package. “Thank you. Oh, you want to wait and I’ll grab my purse for a tip?”

  “No need, ma’am. Have a good day.”

  She closed the door and took the package to the dining table. After she opened it and pulled back the tissue paper, her hands flew to her face. Hannah stood there and gaped for a few seconds before snatching up the envelope with her name on it.

  Inside was a handwritten note. The moment I saw this, all I could think was that it would look perfect on you. I hope you’ll wear it tonight. Always – Cooper

  Hannah put the note aside and lifted the black lace dress from the box. This was the dress she’d been admiring in the window of the boutique in Cotton Creek one morning when she ran into Cooper. She couldn’t believe that he remembered, or that he’d gone to the trouble to buy it.

  A small voice in the back of her mind asked if it was okay to accept the gift. Did a man you barely know buy something like this? It was an expensive dress. Yes, one she wished she could afford and was itching to try on, but still, what did it say that he’d bought it? And more importantly, what did it say if she wore it?

  She went in search of her phone and placed another call to Cody.

  “What’s up, little sister?” Cody answered.

  Hannah quickly spilled the story. There was silence on the line when she finished. “Cody? Are you there?”

  “Yeah.”

  “So?”

  “So, what?”

  “So, what should I do?”

  “Do you like the dress?”

  “God yes, I love it.”

  “So keep it. Wear it. It was obviously important to him that you have it, so no need to throw it back in his face.”

  “But if I keep it do you think that says…I don’t know…that, that I’m for sale?”

  Cody laughed. “Girl, it will take more than a dress to buy you, but no, I don’t think anyone—not even Cooper Quinlan looks at you like a woman for sale.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I am. Now will you please go get ready, stop obsessing and have a good time?”

  “I will. Thanks.”

  “You bet’cha. Love ya.”

  “Love you.”

  Hannah tossed her phone onto the bed and picked up the dress again. She was going to wear it and she was going to have a great night. It was time to stop worrying about every little thing and start enjoying life.

  *****

  Cooper stood inside the hotel lobby, watching the elevators. He’d just had a desk clerk call up to let Hannah know he was there. He’d first thought about going straight to her room, but changed his mind. As silly as it was, he wanted this date to be perfect and it might mean more if she stepped off the elevator and saw him waiting with a si
ngle long-stemmed rose in his hand.

  The limo was waiting outside at the curb, with chilled champagne for them to enjoy on the way to the restaurant. He wasn’t ashamed to admit that he’d planned the evening with the intention of impressing her.

  How much he could impress her fled his mind as the doors to one of the elevators opened and Hannah stepped out. The black lace dress fit her like a glove, molding to the curves of her body from breasts to hips, then flaring slightly to end just above the knees. Her hair was worn up tonight, giving her a look of grace and sophistication.

  She saw him and smiled, and that smile warmed him right down to the soles of her feet. She was stunning, a real traffic-stopping, heartbreaker and for tonight, she was his. Well, his date, anyway.

  As he watched her approach, his mind considered more than having her as company for dinner and a show.

  He extended the rose to her as she stopped before him. “You’re beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” She accepted the rose, lifted it to her face to smell and smiled. “So are you.”

  Cooper felt a warmth spread through him at her compliment and turned to offer her his arm. “My lady?”

  Hannah took his arm and he escorted her outside. He saw the way her eyes widened as the limo driver opened the rear door. She glanced at Cooper and he smiled.

  Once inside the limo, Cooper gestured toward the champagne. “Shall we?”

  “Most definitely.”

  He poured two glasses, handed her one and then raised his in a toast. “To a wonderful night. Every man we meet will be envious of me tonight.”

  “My, you’re quite the flatterer.” Hannah touched her glass to his and then sipped. “Oh my, that’s good. So, where are we headed?”

  “It’s a surprise, but I think you’ll like it.”

  “I’m sure. Have you been busy since you’ve been here?”

  “Quite. It’s been productive. And you? Did you find everything you wanted?”

  “And then some.” She took another sip. “Pressley left just a few hours ago, with a truck laden to the brim. She wanted to get everything unloaded and into the house and meet me in Rock Ridge tomorrow.”

  “Why Rock Ridge?”

  “They have a drop off place there for rentals.”

  “So, you’re alone tonight?”

  “No. I’m with you.”

  Cooper smiled, letting all sorts of delicious fantasies dance through his mind. It wasn’t that he didn’t have a place he could take her if she should surprise him and agree to spend the night, but chances were, she’d want to be in her own suite, with her own things.

  And the chances of him seducing her into spending the night might be slim. So far, he’d only received a kiss on the cheek from her. It was a big leap from that to making love.

  Making love? Why had his mind even conjured up that phrase? It was sex. He wanted to have sex with her. It wasn’t like he was falling in love.

  “Have you been to San Antonio before now?” she asked.

  “Oh, yes. Quinlan Oil has offices here. My father started his business in Texas.”

  “That’s what Liz told me. She also said that you’ve done extensive traveling. Where have you been?”

  “It’s more like where have I not.”

  “Oh, I envy you. I’ve always wanted to travel and see the world.”

  “Really?” He refilled both of their glasses. “Where would you like to go?”

  “Hmmm, well, naturally Paris, and Valencia, Dubai, Scotland, Barcelona, Rio—well, everywhere I suppose.”

  “But Paris first?”

  “Oh yes.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s Paris. Fashion and food, romance and art.”

  “Ah so you want to go to Paris, meet an artist and fall madly in love.”

  “Not necessarily. Maybe I just want to go, meet an artist, have a mad affair and come home with memories.”

  “Oh?” Cooper reached over to run one finger along the bare skin of her shoulder. “And could you do that, Hannah? Have a wild affair and then just walk away?”

  She shrugged. “I guess I’ll never know unless I make it to Paris one day.”

  “Or Paris comes to you.”

  “Pardon?”

  Cooper smiled and looked out of the window. “Here we are.”

  Her gaze followed the direction of his and she gasped. “Oh my god, we’re eating here? But this place is booked for months in advance. Oh, Cooper, this is…” She turned and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “This is wonderful.”

  He smiled and set his glass aside as the driver stopped. He exited first, then gave her his hand to assist her from the car. He noticed she didn’t release it as they made their way to the entrance of the restaurant. Cooper took that as a sign that she was either nervous, or she was as attracted to him as he was to her.

  He hoped it was the latter.

  *****

  “Thanks again for filling in,” Cody said as Callie returned with a loaded tray of glasses.

  “You know I’m always happy to help.” Callie started unloading the glasses into the bin for dirty glassware.

  “And I love you for it, girl, but I know you’d rather be at home with Jayce and Lily.”

  “Just like you’d rather be—”

  “Don’t go there.” Cody stopped her.

  Callie shrugged. “Whatever you say.” She looked over the occupied tables. “Be back.”

  Cody watched Callie hurry to a newly occupied table and start taking orders. She really was grateful to Callie. It was Cade’s night off and he’d given Roxie the night off as well. Normally Cody and Hannah could have handled it themselves, so long as they had a wait staff of at least four.

  With Hannah taking off to go to San Antonio with Pressley, Cody was short two staff members. Callie’s offer to fill in had been a godsend. Cotton Creek was experiencing exponential growth thanks to the oil boom and with that growth came increased business for the bar.

  On the one hand, Cody was thrilled that the bar was doing so well. On the other, even with a full time manager and more staff than they’d ever employed, it was starting to be a challenge. Being filled to capacity six nights a week was a bit more business than she’d ever dreamed of. And maybe more than she wanted on a steady basis.

  “Hey Cody.”

  Cody looked up at the sound of the voice to see Dini standing on the other side of the bar, smiling at her. “Girl, we may have to hire you a bodyguard,” Cody said as she looked at Dini.

  Cutoff jeans, cowboy boots and a Honky Tonk Angels top had never looked so sexy. Dini made the outfit look like it belonged in a high-class men’s magazine.

  Dini passed the comment off with a wave. “This is plumb covered compared to some of the costumes I’ve worn. Now, point me to what you want me to do and I’m on it.”

  Cody grinned, fished out an order pad and pen and slid it across the bar. “Take the left side from here to mid-way. Sheila—that redhead over there near the stage—she has it from mid-way to stage.”

  “Gotcha.”

  “Any questions just yell.”

  “You know I will.”

  “Then have at it, hot stuff.”

  Dini grinned and hurried off to a table of four that had just sat in her section. Cody watched and wondered what Jasper would think if he showed up and saw Dini in those tight cut-offs and T-shirt.

  “Excuse me.”

  Embarrassed to have been caught lost in her own thoughts, Cody turned toward the female voice. A beautiful blonde woman stood at the bar.

  “What can I get’cha?” Cody asked.

  “A cosmopolitan?”

  “Coming up.” If the woman’s appearance didn’t shout outsider, her choice of drink sure did. Cody fixed the drink and set it in front of the woman.

  “Here ya go, hon.”

  “Thank you.” The woman sipped at it, then looked around. “Is it always this busy?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Well, the man at th
e hotel did say this was the place to go in Cotton Creek.”

  “Oh? So you’re staying at the hotel out on the highway?”

  “Yes.”

  “Here for business or pleasure?”

  “Hmmm, let’s call it personal.”

  “Okay.” Cody took that as a signal that the woman didn’t welcome questions, so she moved down the bar, taking care of the people ready for refills or new customers who’d come in.

  She’d pretty much forgotten about the woman aside from freshening her drink a couple of times. Then, during a lull, Callie leaned on the bar next to her. “So have you talked to the blonde at the other end of the bar?”

  Cody cut her eyes in the direction of the blonde. “Not much.”

  “She asks a lot of questions.”

  “About?”

  “About the oil company and your sister and Liz and mostly Cooper Quinlan.”

  That piqued Cody’s curiosity. “Interesting. Maybe I should see if she’s ready for another drink.”

  Two hours and several drinks later, Cody was tired of dodging questions from the woman, whose name she found out was Devina Moritz.

  “So, Devina, you haven’t really said what brings you to Cotton Creek?”

  “But you’ve figured it out, right?”

  Cody shrugged. “I’m guessing it has something to do with Cooper Quinlan.”

  “Well, not much gets past you, does it, country girl?”

  Cody felt a niggle of annoyance at the derision in Devina’s voice. “So, Cooper Quinlan. What’s he to you?”

  “Just my fiancé.”

  “Fiancé?”

  “Oh I’m sorry, don’t you people know that word here? My intended. We’re engaged.”

  “Engaged?”

  Devina frowned. “I’m sorry, are you hard of hearing?”

  “No, I heard you just fine, just never heard anything about a fiancée before.”

  “And you think you should have?”

  Cody shrugged. “Maybe. Coop’s a friend.”

  “Oh, Coop’s a friend, is he? Such a good friend that he didn’t tell you he’s engaged? Or expecting a child?”

  That statement had something scald through Cody. Cooper was engaged and expecting a child? That couldn’t be.

  “You’re pregnant?” She looked at the drink glass on the bar.