Deadly Rivalry (Hardy Brothers Security Book 17)

by Lily Harper Hart

  James led Mandy over the hill and toward the festival, casting the occasional look in her direction to see if she wanted to talk about what she’d said. That looked to be the last thing on her mind, so he indulged his gut and let it go, directing her toward the art fair instead.

  “You know, one of our first dates was at an art fair,” James said. “I have fond memories of that day.”

  “If I remember correctly, you tried to convince me to skip it and stay in bed with you all day,” Mandy teased, her eyes twinkling. “That was the first of many days that happened.”

  “I’m a creature of habit, baby,” James said, happily following Mandy as she stopped at a table featuring hand-blown glass items. “I’m kind of like a dog. As long as you feed me, rub me, and let me hump your leg, I’m perfectly happy.”

  The girl behind the table widened her eyes and giggled. “Oh, wow.”

  “He doesn’t think before he speaks,” Mandy explained, although the fond expression she shot her husband melted his heart. “He’s cute despite that tiny flaw.”

  “He’s smoking hot,” the girl enthused.

  James grinned, arching a challenging eyebrow as he practically dared Mandy to argue with the girl. “Did you hear that? I’m hot, wife. You should bow down and worship me.”

  “I will in the hot tub later tonight,” Mandy replied, lifting a beautiful gourd to study it. “These are neat. Do you work at that place on Main Street?”

  “I do,” the girl said. “We have some other stuff you might be interested in. Do you like chickens?”

  The corners of Mandy’s mouth tipped up. “My husband often refers to me as a hen.”

  “Well, these are roosters, but they’re very popular,” the girl said, handing Mandy a heavy object.

  The rooster was delightful. It was purple and white with a red gobbler. She was instantly in love with it. Mandy laughed as she looked it over. “I’m surprised how heavy it is.”

  “They’re designed that way,” the girl explained. “The gourds are popular, too, but the roosters are everyone’s favorite.”

  Mandy tipped it over and glanced at the price tag. “It’s expensive.”

  “We’ll take it,” James said, grabbing the rooster from Mandy’s hand and handing it back to the sales clerk. “Wrap it well. We’re going to be at the festival all day and I don’t want it to break.”

  “You’ve got it.”

  Mandy shifted her eyes to James. “You don’t need to buy that for me,” she said. “It’s kind of expensive.”

  “Something tells me you’re worth it, baby,” James said. “Besides, if we’re going to mark our art fair anniversary, you need a gift.”

  “This isn’t the same art fair.”

  “It’s close enough,” James said. “I’m buying it for you so … let it go.”

  Mandy pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. “You know it’s a rooster and not a hen, right? I’m going to name it James and put it on my desk.”

  “You have to name it Adonis if you’re naming it after me,” James said. “You have to be fair.”

  “Adonis?”

  “I don’t make the rules,” James said. “I just have to abide by them.”

  “You’re definitely cute,” Mandy said, instinctively hugging him and kissing his neck. “You’re smoking hot, too.”

  “Just wait until I get you in that hot tub,” James said. “I’m going to show you how smoking hot I am tonight.”

  After purchasing her rooster, James followed Mandy down the long aisle of craft tents. Two years ago he would’ve hated an event like this. Now he relished watching Mandy because her joy was palpable. She saw beauty in everything, and he saw beauty in everything she did. An art fair was a perfect outing for them.

  Mandy was intently going through a series of prints in a bin when James shifted his gaze to the outside street, frowning when he caught sight of Madeline. She was at the booth across the way, her eyes seemingly fixed on a ceramic bowl. James knew she’d been watching them moments before. He had no idea how he knew it, but he did.

  As if sensing his gaze, Madeline lifted her head and feigned surprise. She waved instead of crossing the street, and James was thankful she insisted on playing her game instead of infringing on his day with his wife. There was no way Madeline was interested in an art fair. She either took a chance they would be there – or followed them. James didn’t like either scenario.

  Mandy was so focused on her art hunt she didn’t notice Madeline, and when they moved farther up the street Madeline headed in the opposite direction. James exhaled heavily and laughed when Mandy picked out a metal rooster for the back garden before moving back toward the carnival.

  They purchased iced teas at a stand and then directed themselves toward the games, James prodding Mandy to pick a stuffed animal so he could win it for her. In truth, James’ competitive nature would force him to play games simply because he liked to win. Since Mandy enjoyed picking out a stuffed animal at every festival – and then sitting back and watching him win it for her – it became something they could do together.

  “Look,” Mandy said, pointing high on a shelf at the balloon dart exhibit.

  James followed her finger, smirking when he saw the stuffed shark. It was actually cute, although not as ornate as the other animals. “Is that the one you want?”

  “I don’t know. Do you think you can win it for me?”

  It was a challenge, and James always rose to a challenge. “Baby, take a step back,” James said, handing her his drink. “You’re going to be amazed at how fast I win that shark for you.”

  “Don’t go broke trying to win it,” Mandy cautioned. “We can probably buy one online for twenty bucks.”

  “Are you insinuating I can’t win?”

  “I’m insinuating these games are rigged and you’re a poor loser,” Mandy clarified. “Don’t go nuts.”

  “You make me nuts, wife,” James said, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. “When I win this for you in less than five minutes, though, you need to bow down and tell everyone here who your master is.”

  “Sure,” Mandy said, smirking. “You’re on.”

  AN HOUR later James handed Mandy the shark and tapped his cheek.

  “Thank me, wife.”

  Mandy rolled up to the balls of her feet and did as instructed, pressing a loud kiss to his skin and giggling. “That was a lot longer than five minutes.”

  “Yes, well, I’m a perfectionist,” James said, puffing out his chest as he grabbed one of the bags so Mandy wouldn’t be overloaded. “I wanted to make sure I did it exactly right. I didn’t want the shark to be tainted.”

  “Good to know,” Mandy said, grinning. “I’m hungry.”

  The words were music to James’ ears. “What do you want? They have kebabs from that place you like over there.”

  “That sounds good.”

  Mandy settled at the table with her loot while James ordered their food. When he returned to the picnic table he found Madeline sitting across from Mandy. The brunette happily chatted away while Mandy forced a smile.

  James internally groaned as he moved around the table and delivered Mandy’s lunch, opting to sit sideways on the picnic table so he could keep Mandy close and deliver an obvious message to Madeline.

  “Hi, James,” Madeline greeted him brightly. “I thought I saw you over at the art fair. I was sure I was imagining things because you don’t seem like an art fair sort of guy, but then I remembered you said Mandy was an artist. Does she make you go to art fairs?”

  James handed Mandy a stack of napkins. “No. She doesn’t make me do anything. I like going to art fairs with her.”

  “That’s not the same James Hardy I used to know and … like,” Madeline said, her smug smile wide enough to split her face.

  “Well, I guess you didn’t know me then,” James shot back, his tone blasé. “What are you doing here? I wouldn’t think this is your scene.”

  “Well, I’m doing a giveaway for the spa a
nd I thought I should probably be here to hand out business cards,” Madeline answered. “Networking is a learning process, but I’m doing my best.”

  James faltered. That was actually a legitimate reason for being at the fair. Still, James wasn’t convinced that was Madeline’s reason for attending. “Well, that sounds fun.”

  “I also thought we could talk about the security system,” Madeline added. “You’ve been busy this week. Whenever I stop in at the security building Grady informs me you’ve just left … or you’re working from home … or you’re out on another job.”

  “I’m a busy man,” James said. “You’re not my only client. I put Jake in charge of your job. I’m sure he’s doing everything correctly. He’s very reliable.”

  “I’m sure he is, too,” Madeline said. “I thought we could talk about a few more enhancements today. I’m sure Mandy doesn’t mind. This is business, after all.”

  Mandy’s cheeks colored. “I can go back to the blanket and see what everyone else is doing,” she offered lamely.

  “No,” James said, shaking his head. “I’m not working today. I’m sorry, Madeline. If you have updates you want to talk about, Jake will be available Monday. This is a family day. I’m spending it with my wife.”

  Madeline clearly wasn’t used to being put off. “But … it will only take five minutes.”

  “Well, then it can take five minutes on Monday,” James said. “There’s absolutely nothing you can say to drag me away from my wife.”

  “What? More stuffed sharks to win?” For a second Madeline’s forced smile slipped.

  “If she wants one,” James replied, unruffled. “We’re going to play more games. We’re going to eat some elephant ears. Then we’re going to watch the fireworks and go home so we can play a new game.”

  “How nice for you,” Madeline deadpanned.

  “It’s the perfect day,” James said, reaching for his kebab. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m on a date with my wife. I’m sure you understand.”

  Madeline’s expression was murderous. “Oh, I understand.”

  8

  Eight

  “Good morning, baby,” James said the next morning, tightening his arms around Mandy’s waist and snuggling her close. “Did you sleep okay?”

  “I slept like a rock,” Mandy murmured, rubbing her nose against James’ neck. “I don’t even remember dreaming.”

  James glanced down to the spot where her head rested against his chest – her ear pressed to his heart – and pushed her hair away so he could enjoy the angular planes of her face. For a moment he was overwhelmed by love. Then reality set in.

  “I would like to spend the entire day naked.”

  Mandy barked out a laugh as she rubbed her cheek against his chest. “Isn’t that a given on a Sunday?”

  “You didn’t let me finish, wife,” James chided. “I would like to spend the entire day naked, but I really have to go to the bathroom and we need breakfast. Therefore, I would like to get dressed in the barest minimum of clothing for those two tasks and then immediately strip again.”

  Mandy raised her head so her chin rested on his firm muscles and met his gaze. “That seems fair to me.”

  “Good,” James said, leaning over so he could kiss her forehead. He usually preferred a lazier morning and would’ve happily spent an hour relaxing with her before greeting the day if it wasn’t for the other pressing issue. “Now get up, because your elbow is poking into my bladder.”

  “Oh! I’m sorry.” Mandy rolled off of her husband so quickly she lost her balance and slipped over the edge of the mattress, falling onto the carpet and bursting into hysterical giggles. The sound was raucous and happy, and James knew he would never get enough of it.

  “I would pick you up and kiss your bruised bottom, but I really need to go to the bathroom,” James said, hurrying past her. “Don’t put a lot of clothes on. I’m not kidding.”

  “Yes, sir!”

  “I’m going to ‘yes sir’ your ass off as soon as I’m done,” James warned. “You’d better get a running start.”

  JAMES found Mandy in the kitchen ten minutes later. Her honey blond hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail, and while it looked like she’d splashed water on her face, it was devoid of makeup and bare – just the way he liked it. She was dressed in short cotton sleep shorts and a tiny tank top that clung to her skin and left very little to the imagination. James sauntered over to Mandy and kissed her neck, pressing his palm against her flat abdomen and hugging her from behind.

  “I’m sorry I had to cut our morning routine short,” James whispered, causing her to involuntarily shudder as he nipped at her ear. “I really had to go, though.”

  “That’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me,” Mandy said, sighing dramatically and causing James to grin.

  “I’ll romance you later,” James said, pressing one more kiss to her soft skin before separating. “I want pancakes, by the way. I’m willing to cook them if you handle the coffee and juice.”

  “Sold,” Mandy said, turning so she could kiss his chin. “I want mine in the shape of a rooster.”

  “Cute, wife,” James said, tapping Mandy’s nose. “If I could figure out a way to make a rooster I would cook one just for you.”

  “I bought rooster and hen griddle shape molds,” Mandy said, brightening. “They were going to be a surprise one weekend. Crap. Where did I put them?” Mandy knit her eyebrows together as she tried to remember. She had a habit of hiding things from her curious husband and then forgetting where she hid them.

  “Why did you buy rooster and hen griddle shapes?” James asked, genuinely curious.

  “I was going to cook them and put them in suggestive poses for your breakfast one weekend,” Mandy admitted, tapping her chin. “It’s going to bug me if I don’t remember where I put those stupid things.”

  “I’m sure they’re around,” James said. “I need you to go back to the suggestive poses. Were these poses of a sexual nature?”

  Mandy made a “well, duh” face. “What do you think?”

  “I think you have a filthy mind and it’s only one of the reasons I love you,” James answered. “Try to remember where they are. Now I kind of want to make dirty chickens.”

  Mandy snorted. “You’re the one who has a filthy mind. I … oh, I remember where they are.” Mandy turned to look out the back window, her gaze landing on the guesthouse.

  James followed her eyes and smiled. “Are they in your studio? I can get them.”

  “I bought them the same day I bought a new set of paints,” Mandy said, her voice taking on a far-off quality. “I … I’ll get them.”

  James studied his wife, excitement temporarily flaring before he forced himself to douse it. He didn’t want to get his hopes up in case she changed her mind. “Are you sure? I can get them.”

  “I’ll get them,” Mandy repeated, stiffening her shoulders as she walked toward the sliding glass doors.

  James watched her yank the door open and kept his on eyes on his wife as she padded barefoot between the main house and the guesthouse. He wanted to remind her about running around barefoot in the backyard when they had ongoing construction – he was building an arboretum for her off the back of the garage – but he knew now wasn’t the time to dampen her enthusiasm.

  He leaned forward when she got to the guesthouse door, fighting the impulse to help her take the last step. She needed to do it alone, no matter how much he wanted to do it for her. He sucked in a breath when she reached out and grabbed the handle. His heart rolled when she pushed it open, and then he hurried toward the sliding glass door when he saw her step inside.

  He raced out of the house, making sure to shut the sliding glass door behind him before jogging to the guesthouse. He pulled up short when he entered, his chocolate eyes landing on Mandy as she shifted and took in the new entertainment area.

  James reached out to touch her arm, unsure if she liked the changes or not. When she met his gaze, her face w
as unreadable.

  “I … do you like it?”

  “You turned it into a Jaws area,” Mandy said, her voice cracking.

  “I thought we needed a change,” James said, choosing his words carefully. “It has personality. At least, I think it does.”

  Mandy moved into the room, her eyes busily bouncing from one thing to the next. The area where the previous bar stood was gone and it had been replaced with a built-in booth with leather seats and a round table at the center. A new bar area had been erected on the right, constructed out of weathered wood and featuring a porthole window in the middle of the shelves. A new leather couch and matching chairs sat on an ocean blue rug in the center of the room.

  The pool and gaming table were gone, replaced with a vintage skee ball game and a Jaws pinball machine. The hardwood floors had been sanded down and repainted, and the walls were covered with various nautical elements – including a fake shark head. Mandy moved toward that, her fingers outstretched as she touched the replica scuba diving tank in the shark’s mouth.

  “Where did you get this?” Mandy was almost breathless. “It’s supposed to be the actual Jaws shark with the air tank.”

  “I can’t take credit for the bulk of this,” James said. “Grady did it. We spent a week in the hotel while things were being fixed around here, and he did ninety percent of it while we were out of the house.”

  Mandy whipped around, her eyes widening. “He did all of this in a week?”

  “He wanted to make it a place you would be happy,” James replied.

  “But … why didn’t you tell me before?” Mandy asked. “You wanted me to come out here, but you never once hinted at changing things around like this. If you had told me … .”

  “That’s why I didn’t tell you,” James said. “You needed to come out here on your own. You didn’t need me to make you come out here. You didn’t need me to beg you to come out here. You needed to make that decision for yourself … and you just did.”

  “It’s beautiful,” Mandy said, tracing her fingers over the top of the bar. “I absolutely love it. Why is that wall empty, though?”

  James smiled at the blank wall in question. It was close to the front door and completely bare. “That’s so you can paint a Jaws mural when you’re ready.”