Southern Delight (Southern Desires Series Book 3)

by Jeannette Winters

  “Mark is amazing. He is the rock in our relationship but will take the backseat and let me be me when I need it. I wish the circumstances had been different when we met, but I can’t picture my life without him.”

  “I know he feels the same way.”

  “Have I told you that Mark is going to talk to Don tomorrow about converting it back to a one-family homestead just like it was when I was growing up?”

  Bailey wanted to be happy and excited about that news but couldn’t get past the announcement that Don was coming here tomorrow. Tomorrow. Why so early? The wedding is in seven days. I’m not prepared for him to be here. Kevin isn’t even here yet. That is going to ruin everything.

  “What’s wrong, Bailey?”

  “I didn’t know he was going to be the first to arrive. I thought it’d be Mark’s family.” Specifically his brother Kevin.

  “Actually we have the first guest coming tonight: Mark’s younger brother, Kevin. Don tomorrow. And Derrick and Casey a day after that. Mark’s parents will arrive on Thursday with Sissie.”

  Tonight? I’m not ready to meet my pretend love interest any more than I am to see my real one. This is Hannah’s wedding, and I’m the one stressing out.

  “You know what? I’ve been so scatterbrained lately. We went over this yesterday, and you helped me make the calls already. Thanks, Bailey. You’ve been a lot of help.” Hannah reached out and took the notebook back.

  Bailey wanted to protest and demand there had to be something on the list she could do to help, but at the moment all she wanted to do was go and hide in her room. That and wash my wig. I can’t have people seeing me like this.

  “Glad I could be of help. But if you don’t mind, I think I’m going to go take a nap.” And by that I mean lie in the bed and worry about how the heck I’m going to be able to pull all this off this week.

  “Good. Do that, because Mark told me Kevin is looking forward to seeing you tonight. Something about that seems odd to me. I didn’t even know you two knew each other.”

  Bailey forced a smile. “I have my secrets.”

  Hannah arched her brow. “Apparently. But I want you to know you can talk to me, Bailey. I might be getting married but you should know I’m here for you always and forever. There are things I might not understand, but that doesn’t mean I won’t listen. And I won’t judge.”

  Might as well let her in on the plan because she’ll see right through it anyway. And then I’ll have to hear how stupid I was to think it’d work.

  “So you know Mark’s brother, Kevin?” Hannah nodded. “Well, he has a special assignment this week.”

  “Go on.”

  I hate this. Why couldn’t Mark tell her, so I don’t have to? “He’s going to be my protector this week.”

  “Is there a danger I’m not aware of?”

  Just my heart being ripped in two. “Can’t be too safe I guess. So Kevin is going to be acting as my boyfriend for a week.”

  “Boyfriend? Seems a bit extreme if you ask me.”

  Not if you knew what I needed protection from. “It’s the perfect cover. But we don’t want anyone to know it’s an act. Not anyone, okay?”

  “All right. I won’t tell anyone. Well, maybe just one person. Don.”

  Bailey’s head snapped up to look Hannah square in the eyes. There she saw the familiar mischievous smile dancing in them. Oh, you’re horrible. I can’t believe you did that to me. I love you, Hannah.

  She took the linen napkin that was still sitting by her glass of iced tea and tossed it at her friend. “I’ll get you for that one day.”

  “And I’ll be waiting.” Hannah laughed. “But until then, you can count on me to keep your secret. Actually, I’m looking forward to it. We haven’t pulled off anything this fun in years.”

  Oh yeah. This should be a ball. At least, one of us will enjoy herself. I just want to make it through the week in one piece.

  “Knew I could count on you.”

  “Always. What are best friends for?” Hannah replied.

  Getting you into and out of trouble, it seems.

  Chapter Five

  Don had knocked on the door several times, but no one answered. He’d seen Mark’s Jeep in front as well as Kevin’s truck, so he knew they were home. Although they hadn’t spoken in a week, Mark knew Don was arriving this morning. I’ve probably been watched since the moment my tires hit the property. Hell, probably since I left Buffalo.

  He tried the door, and it was locked. That’s a change, but it’s a good thing they never took back my key from when I stayed here.

  He opened the main door and headed toward Hannah’s apartment. He hadn’t been there since the shooting. There were many times he’d meant to stop by and check on how she was doing, but somehow one week became two and then before he knew it, it’d been six months.

  As he went to her apartment door, he heard laughter. One voice stood out above the others. Bailey.

  No one seemed to hear anything over the fun they were having inside. He tried the door, and this one was unlocked. Opening it, he entered and followed the voices.

  “You know I love it when you burn my toast, baby,” Kevin’s voice boomed.

  But it was the response that filled him with something he’d never felt before: an urge to pound someone’s face. Pure raw jealousy.

  “Anything for you, my love,” Bailey said before the room burst out into laughter again.

  Don stood at the doorway to the kitchen to see the four of them sitting around the table, enjoying their breakfast. He’d heard her voice but didn’t see her at the table, so he turned all his attention to Kevin. Their eyes met, and Kevin’s grin only angered Don even more.

  “Hey, Don. We weren’t expecting you till later.”

  Oh, I can see that, Kevin. “Some people have to be up early, working.”

  Kevin reached over and took the hand of the blonde whose back was turned to Don. He lifted it to his lips, placing a light kiss on her fingers. “I’ve found something I enjoy so much more than work.”

  “That’s sweet, Kev.” Bailey’s voice, sweet as it was, tore through him like a knife as she said Kevin’s name.

  Don glared at Kevin, giving him a warning look, which was ignored completely. Keep it up, Kevin, and I might just forget you’re Mark’s brother.

  They’d known each other long enough that Don knew Kevin was purposely trying to push his buttons. That was a dumb game to play with him. It wasn’t because he was in love with Bailey, but he knew her fragile state and didn’t need Kevin taking advantage of that. Who am I kidding? He’s the one she had there for her through the tough times. She made her choice. I’m just here to celebrate the wedding of my best friend. That’s all. Marine or not, hurt her too much and not even Mark will be able to save your ass.

  He gave Mark and Hannah a quick nod but then turned all his attention to Bailey.

  “Good morning, Bailey.”

  When he spoke her name she turned in her chair and looked up at him. Don had prepared himself to see the same sparkle that she’d had the last time they were together. But it was not there. If anything, her beautiful, full-of-life greens eyes were filled with pain. What did I do to you that makes seeing me so damn hard? I thought we had a connection. I was so wrong.

  “Hello, Don. Do you want to join us?” Bailey’s voice was sweet and enticing, but her bottom lip trembled as she spoke, hinting, almost begging him to decline her offer. Are you afraid Kevin will pick up on what we once shared? Don’t worry, sweetheart; I won’t say a thing.

  “Do you want coffee, Don?” Hannah asked.

  Without breaking contact with Bailey, he nodded. “Strong and black.” Normally he didn’t like it strong, but his gut told him he was going to need it. Maybe more than one cup.

  There was an open seat next to Bailey, but Don decided to take the one next to Kevin so he could keep his eye on Bailey without Kevin noticing. Not that I give a shit what he does or doesn’t know. Why torture myself? She’s made her choice.
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  Hannah brought his coffee then went back to sit by Mark. They were chatting about the wedding. Mark warned him the topic would be girly and emotional, and he was right. Hannah was speaking a mile a minute about some poem she’d read online that made her cry for almost an hour. When she grabbed her phone, Don worried she was about to pull it up and start reading it to them. I’m going to need something a lot stronger than coffee.

  Thankfully Mark and Kevin seemed to feel the same way. “Why don’t I show you to the room you’ll be using while you’re here?” Mark asked.

  “Let me help you with your bags,” Kevin offered.

  Although Don didn’t want to hear the poem, he also wasn’t ready to leave Bailey yet. So he reached into his pocket, pulled out his keys, and tossed them to Kevin. “I appreciate that. Why don’t you bring them in for me? I’ll find my room on my own later.”

  Kevin caught the keys mid-air and looked like he was about to throw them right back, but Mark got up out of his chair and said, “We’ll put you in the same room you stayed in the last time.”

  Kevin glared at Don but got up and was about to follow Mark, then abruptly turned back and kissed Bailey on the top of her head before leaving the room.

  Although he was glad Kevin was no longer in the room, part of him wished Hannah would follow suit. He wanted to speak to Bailey alone, yet he remembered the signs of someone recovering from chemo. His mother had the same pale look. Bailey had only the slightest hint of color, which probably wasn’t any more natural than the blonde wig she was wearing. Seeing her like this made his stomach turn. Not from her appearance, but from knowing what she’d been through.

  Sweet Bailey. I know you’ve been through hell and back. There are things I want to ask, need to know, yet you’re trying to avoid looking at me, so I know it’s too soon. You’re not ready. I’m here for the week. The conversation will happen, but when we’re alone.

  “I think I’ll leave you ladies alone to talk wedding plans.” Don grabbed his cup of coffee and headed out of the kitchen. Neither of them tried to stop him. They were probably just as happy for him to be leaving the room.

  Before he was out of earshot, he heard Bailey speaking to Hannah. He wasn’t one to eavesdrop, yet her voice stopped him dead in his tracks.

  “Hannah, I’m not sure I can go through with this.”

  “Bailey, it’s day one. You can’t determine what you can and can’t do from a five-minute encounter.”

  “Sure, Hannah. Five minutes for you, but think about how this affects Kevin and me having Don around us all week.”

  Don didn’t need to hear anything more. If he had any doubt Bailey wasn’t serious about Kevin, it ended once he heard those words. Don’t worry, Bailey, I’ll give you lovebirds your privacy. For now.

  When he got outside, he found Kevin and Mark sitting on the rockers on the porch. “Did you guys take in my luggage already?”

  “You’re joking, right? Did you really think I was going to carry your bags for you?” Kevin laughed. “Oh, I’m looking forward to this week. Just like old times.”

  “I hope not,” Mark responded. “I believe I had to prevent Don from stuffing you in a locker and leaving you there several times in the past. I’m worried what he’d do to you now.”

  Don met Kevin’s eyes. Kevin was too relaxed. There was no way he knew Bailey and he had been lovers. If you did, you wouldn’t be acting so damn cocky. Then again, you’ve always been cocky, and I’ve always enjoyed putting you in your place. It might just come to that again if you push too far.

  “Since you two don’t seem to be doing anything important, want to bring me up to date on any new findings?”

  Mark said, “Not here. These ladies don’t miss a thing. Hannah comes off as quiet and shy, but don’t let her fool you. She takes in everything.”

  “Let’s take a ride into town for a beer.”

  “It’s not even noon,” Mark answered.

  “It’s five o’clock somewhere. And after talking business we can talk bachelor party,” Don joked. It wasn’t the drink he needed as much as a bit of distance between himself and Bailey. He knew how attracted he’d been to her before, yet what surprised him was how much he was still drawn to her. There’s something special about her. I don’t know what it is, but I plan on finding out before this week is over. We have unfinished business as far as I’m concerned, and Kevin isn’t going to stop me from getting the answers I want.

  “Now we’re talking, Don. We’ll even let you buy,” Kevin added.

  Mark got up and pulled his keys out of his pocket. Both Don and Kevin said in unison, “I’ll drive.”

  “Trust me, Bessy will get us there in one piece.”

  “With absolutely no comfort at all,” Kevin replied.

  Don hated agreeing with Kevin for one second, but there was no way he was getting in Mark’s Jeep if it could be avoided. “Since I’m planning on having a few beers, I say Kevin can be the designated driver.”

  He headed off the porch to the F-250 and climbed in the back. Kevin didn’t hesitate and followed him into the truck. Mark disappeared into the house for a moment then joined them.

  “Thought you were going to bail on us.”

  “I needed to let Hannah know we were leaving,” Mark answered Kevin.

  Don watched Kevin put the truck in reverse and never blink an eye about Bailey. No concern for Bailey? Kevin, you should be treating her like . . . like how I’d treat her if she was with me. What the hell?

  “Bailey, I saw the way Don looked at you. Are you sure you want to continue this charade?”

  Want to? No. Need too? Yes. “Hannah, you don’t understand—”

  “You’re right, I don’t. But I am willing to listen. Right now all I’m doing is guessing why you don’t want to see him. You never spoke about what happened between the two of you. Do you want to talk about it? I mean when you were here visiting me in Savannah or our little trip Honeywell before the—”

  “You can say it, Hannah . . . before I had cancer.” Bailey hadn’t meant for her voice to sound so sharp and bitter when she spoke. She knew it was the tension of seeing Don just moments before, but that didn’t justify hurting another person.

  Hannah’s voice softened, and she reached out and touched Bailey’s arm. “I never seem to say the right thing, do I?”

  It’s not you, Hannah, it’s me. I’m not the same person. Not sure if I ever will be. Bailey’s eyes welled up with tears. Over the past six months, she felt like all she did was cry. This is not the time for another pity party. This week I have to pull myself together, even if it’s just for show. Hannah needs and deserves to have the spotlight.

  “Don’t you ever say that again, Hannah. You’re perfect. Everything about you is, and you’re going to have the perfect marriage.”

  Hannah arched a brow. “And you think this, why?”

  Bailey had been with them for months. She knew what her eyes told her to be true: no one could pretend that well. Not even me, and I’ve gotten very good at hiding what I don’t want people to see.

  “Please. That man adores you.”

  “I adore him as well. But that doesn’t mean it was always easy or that it always will be. You have no idea the heartache I went through in the beginning. Do you remember sending me back here to talk things out with Mark?”

  Bailey nodded. “Yes. You never really told me what happened. Things kind of went haywire with my procedures, and we never got to talk. Did you tell him you loved him like we had talked about?”

  Hannah laughed softly. “Oh, I did. In front of his men too. Poured my heart out. I was willing to give up everything for him. But he didn’t say it back. He wanted to take care of me, protect me, but love? Well, I don’t think he was ready for that.”

  “What do you mean ready? Either you love someone, or you don’t. It’s simple.”

  “Mark was so independent and set in his own routine. There is nothing simple about changing that.”

  “Well, you did somethin
g to change that man’s mind. The way he looks at you when you aren’t looking is so sweet.”

  Hannah smiled. “He thinks I don’t see, but I do. Trust me, Bailey, I spent many nights crying over him. I’d already told myself that I needed to accept the fact I was in love with a man who only looked at me like a friend, nothing more.”

  “How did you convince him otherwise?”

  “I didn’t. Mark said he realized one day he couldn’t let me go. I was the one thing he couldn’t live tomorrow without, and that’s when he knew he loved me.”

  “God, that’s sweet.”

  “So don’t give up on what you and Don share. Trust me. You might not know what is running through that man’s head. We rarely do. Yet if you love him, you owe it to the both of you to explore it.”

  Oh, Hannah. It is not that simple for us. Don and Mark are similar in many ways, but there is a major difference. I’m not you. Hell, I’m barely even me anymore. I’m not even sure what I saw in Don’s eyes when he looked at me. Was it affection, annoyance, or indifference? Is this act between me and Kevin not even necessary? Has Don moved on? “I can count on both hands why it won’t work for us.”

  “I’m sure you can. But I hope you also count all the reasons it would work. That has to be part of the equation. If Mark and I didn’t think positively about the future, we wouldn’t be together now. Because there are a million reasons why we shouldn’t be together, but there are a million and one reasons why we should.”

  The last thing Bailey wanted was to feel any type of hope. She’d already put her heart back in the box and locked it away. There was no room in her life for love right now. She wasn’t ready for what would come with it. Admitting her feelings would open up to kissing, then touching, and then . . . he’d see she wasn’t the woman she was before.