Southern Delight (Southern Desires Series Book 3)

by Jeannette Winters

  Mark shook his head. “Small wedding, not much different than Casey and Derrick’s. Her parents are both gone, and my dad is starting to have a few more issues. The ALS is progressing, and he had no choice but to start walking with a cane last week. With everything else going on, that gave us another reason not to wait too long.”

  Don hated to think of Mark’s father as anything but the strong firefighter from next door. When he’d seen him at Casey’s wedding six months ago, there was only a slight hint of anything being wrong. Mark had a lot of people in his life right now to worry about. Don refused to be another name on that list.

  “Sounds good. I’ll see you a week before the wedding. But please, don’t make me sleep on that ancient foldout cot this time.”

  Mark laughed as he started the Jeep and pulled back into the line of traffic on the road. “You show up any earlier than five days before and you’ll wish you had the cot.”

  I won’t care if you make me sleep in this old Jeep. As completely crazy as it seems, all I want to do is see Bailey. Never happened before. Why can’t I get her out of my mind? What’s with that?

  Chapter Two

  Bailey sat in the rocking chair on the porch, listening to birds sing their early morning songs. She’d never been a morning person and found herself napping off and on during the day to make up for what she’d lost during the night.

  She picked up the guest list Hannah had left on the kitchen table yesterday and only recognized a few names. No matter how down she felt, she knew Sissie was going to come in like a ball of fire. Loud and joyful. Oh, lucky me. But I know she doesn’t mean any harm. She just loves people. Strong hot men mostly.

  She remembered watching Sissie grab hold of Don’s biceps as soon as he entered her saloon. The look on his face was priceless. A smile filled her heart and then quickly left. Her heavy sigh echoed through the cool morning air. I wish things were different. I wish I could have what Mark and Hannah have. I hate this. I’m happy for them, so why am I so darn jealous?

  “You seem like you have a lot on your mind. Want to talk about it?”

  Bailey had gotten used to Mark appearing out of nowhere. The first few times her heart practically stopped, but now she was more shocked if she actually heard him approaching.

  “I’m just enjoying the morning.”

  Mark sat in the rocker next to her. “Hannah’s fast asleep. It’s just us. So why don’t you tell me what’s really bothering you?”

  Darn it. Can’t he get the hint? I don’t want to say it.

  “And what makes you think I’d talk to you instead of my best friend?” Bailey stared straight ahead instead of meeting his gaze. She wasn’t sure that was going to be enough to deter his keen eye and interrogation tactics.

  “Because you don’t want to hurt her, and there are things eating you up inside that need to be said. Say them. I won’t tell her unless you want me to.”

  She turned to him and expected to see his normal I’m in control look on his face. Instead, she saw true concern and compassion. Did he really want to hear it? It wasn’t something she really wanted to say. It was weighing heavy on her heart, but voicing it was going to be an entirely different story. Once the words slipped past her lips, there’d be no taking them back. But it’s killing me on the inside. What’s the difference telling Mark how I feel? He’s a man. It’s not like he’s going to understand anyway. He’ll just assume I’m an emotional female and forget everything I say in about five minutes. Unlike Hannah, who would remember for eternity.

  Bailey handed the wedding guest list to Mark. “There’s someone I’m not ready to see on that list.”

  Mark nodded as he took the paper from her. “What can I do to make it easier for you?”

  Tell me he’s not coming. “There is nothing, Mark. He’s your best man, and I’m Hannah’s maid of honor. Unless you have another single man hanging around who can play interference between Don and me, then I guess I’m stuck.”

  Mark said, “I happen to know someone who is attending by himself.”

  She snapped him a sharp look. “I was only joking. If I can’t face Don, then how do you think I’d be able to face some guy I don’t even know?”

  Mark didn’t react to her emotional rant. “The same way you face the people here in Savannah. You put on your wig and your pretty smile and no one will notice anything else. We both know Don will want to be by your side, but my brother Kevin would be the perfect barrier. And I can tell Kevin he is your bodyguard for the entire time he is here; that will cover you for the days leading up to the wedding.”

  Oh God. I wasn’t even thinking about that. I’m so worried about one day, but the truth is we’re talking almost a week. I can’t do this. No way can I avoid him that long. Unless . . .

  “How good of an actor is your brother?” Bailey asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Mark laughed. “You’re a beautiful woman, Bailey, so I’m not sure he’ll need to pretend too hard. He’s a good guy. He needs the distraction probably as much as you do. With Dad’s ALS progressing, we all need something else to focus on. So what do you say? Want to date my brother for a week?”

  Not really, but it’s just what I need to keep Don at a distance. If he thinks I’m with Kevin, then maybe I won’t have to explain why I’m not paying attention to him. Damn, Mark, this might actually work.

  “And Kevin is going to do this for me, why?” That was the only kink in the plan from what she could see.

  “He knows everything that’s going on with what I’m working on. All I need to do is tell him I need him to pretend to be your boyfriend for a week, he’ll do it without question. Besides, I think it’d be best to have someone like him close by you at all times. It’ll mean one less person I need to watch over.”

  “You don’t really think they’ll do anything at your wedding, do you?”

  Mark’s expression was unreadable, but his silence, even for a moment, spoke volumes. She saw how he was always watching and listening as though ready for action. Bailey had told herself it was only her imagination that the threat was so close by, but she knew otherwise now.

  “No unwelcome guest will get anywhere close to this place. I guarantee you.” His face was stone cold with a deadly look in his eyes. If she hadn’t seen his softer side, she’d be scared of him right now. But the man who held Hannah while she cried from nightmares and flashbacks wasn’t a man she could ever think of in any way other than gentle.

  Bailey looked out over the front yard and driveway. There was so much ground to cover on this homestead. She couldn’t imagine how he could make such a promise. His life was a mystery to her, but some of his so-called friends had stopped by and they had Mark’s same fierce look. If they were assisting in security detail, then only a fool would try anything. And if Kevin looked anything like his brother, then he probably wasn’t one to mess with either.

  “Okay. Tell Kevin it’s a date.”

  Bailey felt her stomach do flips at the word date even though she knew it wasn’t real. It wasn’t Kevin she was picturing as she said it. Don’s face flashed before her as though she’d seen him only yesterday, not more than six months ago. No matter who I’m near, I’m yearning for Don. How am I going to get through this? Even if Kevin is drop-dead gorgeous, it’s Don who haunts my every thought. And I only have two weeks to pull myself together. I’m not sure if I could do it if I were given one hundred years.

  “Bailey, in my line of work I see a lot of people who learn to come to terms with scars. Give it time. You will too.” His voice was soft and sincere.

  She couldn’t bring herself to look at Mark. How could he understand what she was feeling? A man who has a battle wound can brag about it. Show it off and impress other men. Lifting her shirt and showing off hers wasn’t going to get that reaction. People told her it’d be different once she had reconstructive surgery, but that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon She didn’t have any health insurance and bills had already piled up. She wasn’t about to take on anymore
. It could happen sooner if I’d let Mark and Hannah pay for it, but they’ve already done so much. I cannot and will not take anything more from them. As it is, I already feel in the way. After this wedding, I’m going to go back to Providence, pack up my things, and start fresh somewhere new.

  “What are you saying? Take it one day at a time?” She forced a smile, but Mark didn’t buy it.

  “I prefer saying that nothing is impossible.”

  I like that; right now so much in my life feels impossible. Maybe if I tell myself nothing is impossible every day, I might begin to believe it. But she wasn’t sure it was that easy.

  She got up from the rocker and said, “I’m going back to bed for a little while.” As she opened the door, she turned back to Mark who was staring at the open field in front of him.

  “Thank you for understanding. I mean about Don and me.”

  He turned to her and said, “If you change your mind at any time, all you need to do is open up and tell him what you’ve been through.”

  “That’s not going to happen, Mark. I don’t want him knowing anything. The person he knew no longer exists.” She is gone—right along with the breast.

  “You’re wrong. It’s only made you stronger than you were before.”

  I guess he can’t read me as well as he thinks. I’m far from strong. If anything, I’m a marshmallow just waiting to get squashed. And I don’t need a mirror to tell me I’ve changed.

  With a nod, she walked back into the house and headed for her bedroom. It was quiet in her little apartment. She didn’t do anything in there but sleep and shower, however right now all she wanted was to be alone. Mark was kind and supportive, but no matter how hard he tried, this was something she was going through alone. Probably forever. No man wants damaged goods.

  As she lay on her bed, she pulled off the bandanna that covered her bald scalp and placed it on the nightstand. Then she pulled the sheet up over her head to block out the approaching daylight.

  If nothing is impossible then is it too much to ask to sleep just once without dreaming of Don?

  Even as she closed her eyes, she knew the answer as his dark eyes stared at her. His strong arms wrapped around her. If only he were really here holding me.

  A tear rolled down her cheek. She hated how she used the word if. It was such an empty word. A word that meant she wasn’t facing the facts. He wasn’t there and never would be. It had been her choice months ago, and she knew she would be wise to stand by that decision. Someone like him could have anyone he wants in this world. There is no reason why he’d want someone like me.

  More tears streamed down until her pillow became wet. You’re wrong, Mark. Some things are impossible. What we had was so good. So incredible. I’ll never be her again . . .

  Wiping her face with the sheet, she sat up on the bed and reached for her cell phone and found Don’s first message. Playing it was sweet torture, but it brought her comfort to hear his voice. She lay down and closed her eyes. All she’d need to do was hit call and she’d be connected to him. But would he take her call after all this time? And did she want him to? He’s probably forgotten about me anyway. Moved on. He could have any woman he wants; I’m nothing special.

  She shook her head and put the phone back on the nightstand. What would I say? Probably the same thing I’ll say when I see him for the wedding. Something simple and polite, and hope he doesn’t respond with “How have you been?” It’s the one question I avoid at all cost. I hate lying, and no one wants to hear the truth. Not even you, Don. Especially not you.

  “You detected an intruder. That’s what you’re paid for. Call the police and have them arrested,” Don said from across the desk, not even turning to face Daniel.

  In all the years Daniel had worked as Don’s head of security he’d never come to the office to update him. Normally Daniel handled whatever issue there was without question. If it wasn’t for the fact that Don was in the middle of reviewing the photos from his current project, The Mountain, he might want to listen to what Daniel was saying, but this contract was more delicate because of the confidential information. It was clear what he was documenting was not for public distribution. Hell, with the level of security clearance I needed to get into this facility, no one needs to tell me it’s not just a warehouse. He looked at the next photo with steel and lead reinforced doors. Whatever you are building there, your secret is safe with me. Don’t need to know. Don’t want to know.

  “Don, it wasn’t a physical intruder this time. We’re talking cyber.”

  Don closed his laptop and turned his full attention to Daniel. He wasn’t positive he’d heard correctly, but if he had, then this intruder was top priority.

  “Talk, Daniel. What exactly do you mean by cyber?” Don asked, leaning forward with his elbows on the desk, fully attentive to what he was saying. He had full confidence in Daniel’s ability to handle security. However, this was not the norm.

  “They tried to hack into the computer system. They didn’t get far before we detected them.”

  It made no sense. No one had ever tried entering his computer system before. He knew times had changed, but job site theft was usually the issue. Someone was always trying to get their hands on some valuable equipment. Daniel was damn good at his job, but Don had numerous sites all going at once, and things seemed to grow legs and walk off the job site. Who’d want anything on my computer system? All I store are copies of contracts and photos. And financial information. Shit. Is this what Mark was warning about? They’re going after me financially?

  When Mark warned him about being a target, he instantly thought someone was out to kill him. He’d given Daniel the heads-up to watch for suspicious people and vehicles. He didn’t think they’d mess with his business. What gain is in that for them? Steal from me and I’ll just make it back.

  “Do you know what they were looking for?”

  Daniel shook his head. “We blocked them early on. I would like to think this was a one-time incident, but my gut is telling me otherwise.”

  Don arched a brow. “Why?”

  “These weren’t your average hackers. They were looking for something specific. And these guys are good. If you hadn’t given me the heads-up to keep my eyes open for anything suspicious, they might have slipped in unnoticed. You haven’t given me any details, but my job would be easier if I had a clue to what I’m protecting you from. It obviously isn’t a broken-hearted beauty.”

  He wanted to divulge what Mark had shared with him, but he couldn’t without obtaining the okay first. If it were just his life and business at risk, then he wouldn’t have an issue providing the information to Daniel. Although Mark didn’t say anyone else was in danger, he could tell by how close he was staying to Hannah that a threat still lingered. And Bailey’s staying with them. That means she’s at risk too. Damn. If they’re after me, I can’t let them even suspect I care about her at all. If I do, will they use her to get to me?

  “Can you continue to hold them off without letting them know we’re monitoring them?” Don needed to buy himself some time to bring Mark up-to-date with his latest re-evaluation.

  “They will become suspicious if we block them totally. I can grant them access to a few files. Maybe make up a dummy database housing documents that are either false or expired?”

  I just need a day to meet with Mark. Then I’ll know what actions to take. “I’ll move some financial files, contracts, and photos within the hour. Create the database to hold the false documents and slowly give them access.”

  “One hour? You think this is plausible is such a short time? An entire database?”

  “I set the bar high. Not up to it?” Don watched for his reaction. He needed to know right now if Daniel was the man for the job, because things were only going to get worse from here on. If he couldn’t pull it off, Don would have no choice but to ask someone from Mark’s team to do it. But I prefer keeping people out of my business as much as possible.

  Daniel didn’t flinch one bit. �
��It’s not a question if I can do it, but I think we should notify the authorities.”

  “No. I don’t want anyone to know what we just discussed. Not anyone on your team. Not even your best friend. Understood?”

  Don shot him a warning look from across the desk. Even though Daniel didn’t know details, he still knew more than he should. Thanks, Mark. Now you have me paranoid about my own staff. Looks like I’ll need to be handling things myself. Espionage training wasn’t something I ever thought I’d require in my field. Should’ve seen it coming with you as my friend.

  As soon as Daniel left his office Don grabbed his cell phone and called Mark.

  “What’s up?”

  “Need to have lunch, now.”

  There was a short pause before Mark answered. “Can’t do it today. I’m having lunch with friends already.”

  Don knew that meant Mark was dealing with something critical already. But Mark needed to know the latest development.

  “This is a lunch you don’t want to miss.”

  “My brother said he is hungry and available. I’ll let him know to join you.”

  Great, send your kid brother, Kevin. At least, it’s not someone from your team. Don knew and trusted Kevin but only because he was Mark’s brother. He was still trying to get used to the fact Kevin was no longer the runny-nosed little brat who tried following them everywhere when they were kids. Now he was the top F-35B Lightning II fighter pilot for the Marine Corps. Not too bad for someone who couldn’t make it on the weightlifting team with Mark and me. Not bad at all.

  “What are your thoughts about Daniel joining your brother and me for lunch?” He’d realized history existed between Mark and Daniel the day he did introductions a few years back. Neither ever said what, but their body language had spoken volumes. If Daniel was someone Don shouldn’t trust, he was positive Mark would’ve said so right then.

  “If you think this is Daniel’s type of place, then bring him.”

  “We’ll be there.”