Southern Delight (Southern Desires Series Book 3)

by Jeannette Winters

  Bailey remembered using such a line in one of her comedy routines a year ago. Not that male bashing was all she did, but it had the audience laughing their asses off. It was nice to be around someone who didn’t take everything about her so damn seriously.

  God, I miss that. Standing up in front of a crowd and making people laugh. But now they’ll see right through my act, and what they see won’t be funny.

  “Well then, I better take advantage of the rare moment before it is gone again for another month.”

  “Did he force you? ’Cause seriously, I will go and kick his ass if he did.”

  “God, no. Don wouldn’t ever hurt me. That much I know.”

  “Then why the tears?”

  If I don’t want to admit it to myself, then what makes you think I’m going to admit it to you? “Hormones.”

  “Dangerous things,” Kevin said, teasing her. “Hey, I’m just going to put this out there, and you do what you want with it.”

  She turned to meet his gaze. His normally joking demeanor vanished.

  “Whatever is between you and Don is not over. I’ve known him since I was a kid because he’s friends with Mark. You’re not the first woman I’ve seen him with, but I’ll tell you I’ve never seen him like this. I can’t tell you what he’s feeling, but I know he’s feeling something. And if I’m reading this right, you have some serious feelings for him as well.”

  Maybe I would’ve been better off with Hannah and Casey. At least, they would’ve just let me cry it out. You need to talk it out. I’m not sure which is worse.

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Always is. And pretending to be my girlfriend for a week isn’t going to make it any less complicated.”

  “Are you going to tell him the truth?” Bailey was filled with panic. She already felt stupid. She didn’t need Don to know what level she’d stoop to so she could hide her feelings.

  “Not my place to. I’m here to protect you in any way needed. And if that is from Don, then so be it. But just say the word and I’ll back off. If you want, I’ll even act like you broke my heart.”

  “Please, no. There is enough of that already. I don’t need you crying over me too.” She laughed, but it was not sincere.

  He put his hand over his heart, pretending she broke it. Then he brought it back a bit more serious. “Until then, you know you can run into my arms anytime.”

  “I might just take you up on that, Kevin. It’s not going to be an easy week for me.”

  “Mark told me what you’ve been through. No matter what’s going on, you need to think of yourself first. Everyone here will understand.”

  “That’s the problem, Kevin. I don’t want this week to be about me at all. This is supposed to be about Hannah and Mark and their happiness.”

  “Okay. Then you have an ally in me. But I’m no mind reader, so if you need something, you’re going to have to tell me.”

  “Is it too late for you to find Don a date for the wedding?”

  As she spoke a car was pulling up the driveway.

  Kevin burst out laughing and pointed in the direction of the car that’d stopped in front of the house. “See. I told you. All you need to do is ask.”

  Bailey looked at the woman getting out of the vehicle. Sissie.

  Chapter Eight

  “Bailey, y’all should let me help you with this. I own a saloon, and I’m used to having bachelorette parties all the time,” Sissie said with a wicked grin on her face.

  “Sissie, I can’t ask you to do this. It’s my job as the maid of honor.”

  “My little Hannah is so lucky to have a friend like you. But I am going to go bat shit crazy if you don’t let me at least help.”

  If this is you calm and composed, Sissie, I’m afraid of what you would be like if you lost it. Raising her hands in defeat she said, “Okay, you win. What’s your suggestion?”

  “Bless your heart.”

  Sissie picked up her large purse and put it on the kitchen table. She pulled out so much stuff that Bailey couldn’t imagine what she was looking for. It looked as though she had everything in there except the kitchen sink.

  “Here it is.” She pulled out a notepad and laid it on the table between them. “So here’s what I’m thinking.”

  When she opened it up Bailey almost spat out the iced tea she’d been sipping on. The page was filled with dates, times, food, and location. She even had cut-out photos glued to the page.

  “Oh Sissie, I forgot who I was dealing with for a minute. I should’ve remembered how you worked your magic to get Mark and Hannah together at the Wild Sass Saloon. My gut says don’t do this, but since you pulled off getting them together in the first place, I’ll trust you again.” But Hannah is going to kill me when she finds out about this. Oh hell. What am I worried about? She’s too worried about taking care of me to ever try to gain revenge. “Looks like you thought of everything.”

  Sissie shrugged. “I’ve been thinking about this since they came to Honeywell.”

  “And you knew they were going to get married how?”

  “Girl, you’d never believe me if I told you.”

  I got nothing better to do since you hijacked the bachelorette party, so I might as well ask. “Why don’t you tell me and I’ll be the judge?”

  “You might find this hard to believe, but when I was younger I was shy.”

  Yup. Don’t believe it.

  “I was working as a barmaid and when couples would come in I just knew who would get married and who wouldn’t.”

  “I get it. You watched how they interacted. Saw the signs.”

  “No. Sometimes they would come in with someone else, you know, a different date. But I knew that they would someday find each other and live happily ever after. All they needed was a little help from me.”

  I’ve seen your help. It’s not a little nudge. More like a push. “You were right on the money with Hannah and Mark.”

  “And Derrick and Casey.”

  “You had your hand in that one too?”

  “Oh Lawwwd, yes. Derrick was as stubborn as a mule on a rainy day. But in the end, ole Sissie here attended their wedding just like I thought I would.”

  Bailey wasn’t sure if she should run and avoid Sissie right along with Don at that point. The last thing she wanted was Sissie playing matchmaker with her. I can’t think past tomorrow, never mind a future for myself.

  Kevin entered the room and poured himself more coffee.

  “Now here is a fine young man. Hmm. I wonder.”

  “No,” Bailey said quickly, not wanting Sissie to even suggest she and Kevin hook up. There was nothing there, and she didn’t need Sissie meddling in that.

  Sissie leaned back in her chair smiling. “I was just wondering if he liked karaoke. What did you think I was going to say?”

  “I don’t mind it. Why?” Kevin asked.

  “No reason,” Sissie said, grinning from ear to ear.

  “Mark warned me about you. What are you up to?” Kevin asked teasingly.

  Sissie brought both hands up to cover her heart. “Why, sir, I believe you misunderstand my intentions. I’m innocent, I declare.”

  Bailey exchanged looks with Kevin before they both burst out laughing. Innocent was not a word anyone would associate with Sissie. When Kevin sat at the table, Sissie closed the notebook and turned to Bailey. “So it’s settled. I’ll let everyone know we are on for Thursday night.”

  “But that’s in two days.”

  “Yes, and the wedding is on Saturday. We can’t be going out late the night before. No one looks good in pictures with bags under their eyes.”

  Thanks for reminding me. Me with my bags and pasty skin. Darn. Why does Hannah have to have me in the wedding? I don’t want to be in pictures that will capture this moment forever.

  Kevin must have picked up on her concerns. “Good thing Mark hates his photo being taken or I’d have to start planning my excuse for not being in them.”

  “Are you telling me t
hey are not having a professional photographer?”

  “That’s right, Sissie. Looks like we can have an all-nighter and it won’t matter.”

  At least if you do, then I won’t be the only one looking worn and tired.

  Kevin sat down and took Bailey’s hand in his. Sissie looked at him and then at Bailey.

  “What is that about?” she asked as she pointed to Kevin’s hand.

  Kevin turned toward Bailey and said, “Bailey and I are dating.”

  Sissie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “And what about Don?”

  Bailey couldn’t believe Sissie was bold enough to ask such a question in front of Kevin. What if they weren’t pretending to be lovers and in fact really were? It could’ve ruined a relationship. All hypothetical, but still.

  “Sissie. I don’t want to talk about him.”

  “Sorry. I should’ve waited until we were alone. But you know you belo—”

  “No, I don’t.” Bailey didn’t want Sissie saying anything about how good they were together in Honeywell. That was a different time. The person she was then had packed her bags and left. Maybe I’ll meet up with her after the wedding and pull myself back together again, body and spirit. Don had been in Savannah for days now, and she still hadn’t been able to let him see her without her wig.

  Don knew she’d been sick. The last time they were together, he had run his hands through her dark curls and kissed her till her legs became weak. But he’s made no mention of her straight blonde wig. Because she was so pale, she didn’t want to get a dark wig. Now she was regretting it. She saw it in him. He knew, but didn’t want to know. I’m okay with that. Or at least I want to be. But he kissed me . . . Sometimes I wish he would grab me and tell me . . . tell me what I dream of hearing. That’s all it is, though, a dream. What was once but is no more.

  Bailey looked Sissie square in the eyes and said firmly, “Kevin and I are together. We are happy, and that is the end of the subject.”

  Kevin gave Bailey’s hand a supportive squeeze. She was glad they had spoken yesterday to clear the air. When she’d first met him he gave her the impression he was nothing but a smart-ass. It didn’t take her long to realize that only happened when Don was around. He seemed to enjoy pushing Don’s buttons. She had to admit, she enjoyed watching it as well. Right now she was just glad he was on her side. Things were already difficult enough with Don. Now Sissie thinking she was seeing God knows what was only going to add another level of discomfort. Kevin was a desperately needed buffer.

  “Oh how soon she forgot what I just told her.” Sissie shook her head.

  Bailey heard the sarcasm in Sissie’s voice, but she wasn’t about to feed into it. Please, Sissie, don’t interfere. This is what I want.

  “Sweetheart, how about you and I go for a nice walk?” Kevin offered, smiling at her so sweetly that she had to force herself not to laugh.

  “Sounds perfect.”

  As Bailey got up to leave, Don was entering. Perfect timing. Hope you’re prepared for Sissie. I know I wasn’t.

  “Looks like you have someone to keep you company, Sissie,” Bailey said, smiling at Don.

  He peered at her as though he knew she was throwing him to the wolves.

  Sissie beamed with joy and patted the seat next to her. “Come on over here, handsome. It’s been a while. Sit. Let’s catch up.”

  Bailey winked at Don as she and Kevin left him alone with Sissie in the kitchen. The look in his eye said he’d get even with her for that. But knowing what he was in for made it all worth it.

  The last thing Don wanted was to be alone with Sissie. He had spent enough time with her at Casey and Derrick’s wedding where she insisted on dragging him to the dance floor. If he thought he would be able to come up with an excuse and leave her sitting alone, he would have. Instead of taking the seat next to her as offered, Don sat across from her.

  “How is the bachelor party planning going?”

  Shit! It’s not. Don had been concentrating on everything going on at The Mountain and what was going on with Kevin and Bailey that the party had slipped his mind totally.

  “Going to take care of that today.”

  “Well then, I’m just in time. You know I run a saloon, and men have me do all the planning for these types of parties all the time. I plan and they just show up and have fun. Why don’t you let me help?”

  Don raised a brow. Giving Sissie power over anything scared the shit out of him. She was as unpredictable as they came. But what was the worst thing she would do, hire strippers? It was already Tuesday and he had nothing planned. Unless he was going to settle for ordering pizza and beer and spend the night talking, he needed some help.

  “What do you have in mind?”

  Sissie picked up her purse again, pulled out a notebook, and placed it between them. When she opened it he saw dates, times, location, and even pictures of what she had thought of. Why do I have a feeling you just played me like a fiddle?

  “Sissie, am I reading this right? This is a karaoke bar?”

  She nodded. “Yes, but they also have darts and pool tables. It kind of reminds me of my place back in Honeywell. I know you could take that man anywhere in the world, but I know one thing, he doesn’t want to be far from Hannah.”

  You got that right. “From what it looks like, you already have it booked.”

  “I like to be prepared.”

  You like to be manipulative and in control. But right now, if I don’t have to worry about the details on the party, I’m okay with whatever you want to do.

  “Then you better be prepared for Mark to flip his lid when he hears singing. The man is tough as nails, but you will never get him up there with a mic in his hand.”

  “Is that a challenge, Don? Because I so love proving people wrong.” Sissie laughed as she put her notebook back in her purse.

  “If you can pull that off, I’ll save a dance for you at their wedding.” Don wasn’t worried about it. He knew his friend and nothing was going to get him up there.

  “I can’t wait. Still haven’t forgotten the last one we shared.”

  Don wanted to change the subject because that twinkle in Sissie’s eye worried him. “Is there anything else you need from me before I head out?”

  “Just one more thing. What do you think of Kevin and Bailey?”

  He wasn’t prepared for that question. His answer wasn’t one that should be voiced either.

  “She’s a grown woman and makes her own choices.” Not that I understand them or like them, but they are hers to make.

  “Do you really think he is the one for her?”

  Don got up from his seat. He didn’t want to discuss Bailey with Sissie or anyone else. And the last thing he wanted to talk about was taking their relationship any deeper. Having her in his arms and kissing her had been incredible. She was so beautiful. He knew she probably felt differently, but cancer hadn’t taken that beauty away. She’d been so pliant in his arms until she pulled away. But he didn’t understand why. Kissing her had instantly brought him the same response as six months before: hunger, desire, passion. Nothing had changed between them—if anything it was stronger, yet she’d torn herself from his arms so quickly. What had happened? Why had she retreated? They were so good together, before and now. No, he didn’t think Kevin was the one for her. Kevin was a good guy but not for her. She needs someone more like . . . me.

  There was one problem. The timing couldn’t be any worse. Making her see that they were better together than she and Kevin would only bring her into harm’s way. Kevin was working closely on tracking the terrorist, but as far as Don knew, Kevin didn’t have a target on his back. That meant Bailey was safer with Kevin than she would be with him, and her safety was all that mattered. If anything happened to her because of him, he’d never forgive himself.

  “I think Kevin is a good choice for her,” Don said as he walked out of the room. As he passed the front screen door, he saw Kevin and Bailey walking back up the driveway toward the house. She was
smiling. Something he wished he could bring to her face again.

  At least she’s happy. That’s the most important thing.

  Chapter Nine

  “We’re going to a bar? Bailey, you know I don’t drink,” Hannah said as she climbed the stairs reluctantly, Sissie and Casey following close behind them.

  “You’ll like this one. I know it. You hounded me every Friday night while we were in college to do this. So here we are.” Bailey opened the door and gave Sissie a smile, letting her know this was a good idea.

  When they entered the music was already playing, and she watched Hannah’s face light up. “Karaoke?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Sissie grinned, pleased with herself.

  Hannah gave them both a quick hug and then wiggled her way through the crowd toward the booth to sign up to sing. At least, one of us is going to enjoy herself tonight.

  Bailey turned to Sissie. “Thanks for finding this place. This is exactly what she would’ve wanted. How come I didn’t think of it?”

  Sissie touched Bailey’s shoulder gently. “Darlin’, you have so much on your mind right now. All Hannah wanted was for you to be here. It doesn’t really matter if it’s at a bar on River Street or on the beach in Fiji, as long as you two are doing it together. Now go and get up there and sing your heart out. Make it fun and sassy just like the girl who helped me get my cousin together with the man of her dreams.”

  Bailey was touched by Sissie’s words. She’d been so worried about making everything perfect when in fact it already was. At least, in Hannah’s eyes and that’s all that matters.

  She headed in the same direction as Hannah had, leaving Casey standing with Sissie. It didn’t matter if they joined in or not. Tonight she was going to do something she’d been afraid to do when they were back in Rhode Island. She was going to get up and sing like she was a superstar. Or until they throw me out.

  “Look at the list of songs. How can I pick one?”

  Bailey reached out and found one that worked for the two of them: a duet that encompassed their friendship. Then she found a second one that’d be perfect for Hannah and Mark to sing together. Bailey put a checkmark near that one too and handed it back in with Hannah’s name on it.