Southern Delight (Southern Desires Series Book 3)

by Jeannette Winters

  “What did you pick?”

  “You’ll see when they call your name.”

  “Me? I thought you were doing this with me. I mean this is a dream of mine, but I’ve never been up on stage. You’re the one who is used to being the center of attention, not me.”

  It was true. She loved the stage. There’d been nothing like the roar of the crowd as she delivered her punchline. My singing sounds like it should be in a comedy routine. Why am I doing this again? Oh yeah, because it’ll mean the world to Hannah, and I’ll do anything to see her smile.

  “What do you two want to sing?” Hannah asked as Sissie and Casey approached.

  “There are those who sing and those who sit and cheer you on. Besides, someone has to take pictures.”

  Both Hannah and Bailey answered together. “No.”

  Sissie laughed. “That was too easy. C’mon, Casey. Let’s go find a seat and enjoy the show.”

  “Sounds good, Sissie.”

  “Next up we have Hannah and Bailey,” the DJ announced.

  Hannah grabbed Bailey’s hand. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

  “This was your wish, remember?”

  “Yeah, that was when I was in college and not in my hometown. People here know me.”

  Good point. “Want to back out? It’s okay with me. We can sit with Sissie and Casey and just watch.”

  Hannah looked like she was debating taking her up on that offer. Then she shook her head and said, “No. I told myself I will do one thing every day that scares me. Right now I’m shaking in my boots. So this should cover me for a week.”

  Bailey laughed. “Who knows? Depending on how bad we suck, it might cover us for a month.”

  “Gee. Thanks for easing my nerves.”

  “What are friends for? Now get your butt moving, or I’m going to make you go all by yourself.”

  Hannah hustled her way up, grabbed one of the mics, and handed the other to Bailey. It wasn’t like the stages she’d been on before. Only about thirty people were in the room. When they’d first come in the parking lot seemed so much fuller. Then she remembered the venue said there were pool tables on the other side. Shooting pool sounded so much better than what she was about to do. Smile, Bailey. This is for Hannah. You’re having an awesome time.

  The music started, and she wasn’t sure who was more nervous, she or Hannah. This was the first time she’d had this many people looking at her in a long time. The discomfort level wasn’t something she was used to. She’d loved being the center of attention before. Her confidence filled the stage. Now even in a small group like this, her palms were sweating, and her legs trembled.

  Hannah started by singing the first part. It was shaky at first but the more she sang, the better she became. Bailey watched her friend blossom and come out of her shell right before her eyes. No longer soft and shy, but bold and confident. It only hit her then that their roles had flipped. Hannah had been shy and unsure of herself before, now it was Bailey who felt that way. I don’t like this new me.

  Bailey watched the words scroll down the screen, dreading her part. Half of her wanted to flee. The other half knew she should get right back on that horse and ride.

  Hannah must have sensed her turmoil and put her arm around her shoulder, probably not so much in support as to make sure she was not left singing the entire song by herself. Smiling at her friend she belted out the first line. The second came much easier, and before she knew it, she was swaying her hips to the music and tapping her hand on her thigh.

  The room, which had been talking while Hannah sang, now became hushed. All eyes were on her. Filled with adrenaline, she continued. Nothing could stop this feeling. It was the first time in months she’d felt like herself. It was amazing, and she never wanted it to end.

  Yet the joyous feeling that’d been flowing through her vanished as soon as the door to the adjoining room opened. The moment of accepting the new Bailey was gone and the reminder of who she really was seemed to enter and stomp on her foot. As soon as the music ended, so did the magic.

  “Excellent. Pool is exactly what we need,” Mark said as they climbed the stairs into the bar. “That and a cold beer.”

  “It’s probably been a long time since you’ve been in a pool hall, so I’ll cut you some slack and let you win the first game.” Kevin laughed as he followed his brother inside.

  “I’ve been to the Wild Sass Saloon a few times. I’m not so bad myself,” Derrick said.

  Don saw the expression change on Mark’s face at the mention of the Wild Sass. Mark wasn’t the type of guy to kiss and tell, but he and Bailey had been there that night. Mark might not have said what happened, but rumors were flying.

  “I’m not throwing in the towel. I feel confident I can take all three of you on,” Kevin added.

  It reminded Don of the old days when Kevin tried to show them up, and he always got shut down. This time wasn’t going to be any different.

  “Mark knows his way around a pool table more than he probably will admit, Kevin, but I’m not sure the game will ever be the same for him. At least not after Honeywell.” Don couldn’t hold back his laughter.

  When Bailey asked him to help her and Sissie get Mark and Hannah together, he never saw any of this coming. He actually only went along with the plan so he could spend time with Bailey. He was happy for Mark, because Hannah was a wonderful woman. She had to be to put up with his friend. Yet Don couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.

  “Laugh, Don. It’ll be your turn when you least expect it,” Mark said as he grabbed a pool stick from the rack and headed for an open table.

  “I hear Sissie is available,” Kevin teased.

  Don shot him a warning look, and Mark laughed.

  “Before you guys start throwing punches, would either of you like to get me a beer? This is my party, remember.”

  “I’ll grab the first round while Mark kicks Don’s ass in the first game.”

  “And the second game, and the third. Hell, I plan on winning all night,” Mark replied as he took his first shot and sunk four solids. “Might as well pull up a chair and get comfortable with Derrick. I’ve learned a few things since the last time we played.”

  I guess so. Don watched Mark clear the table without missing one shot. He handed his pool stick to Kevin. “I think it’s your turn to stand and watch your brother play.”

  Derrick said, “Maybe we should try darts.”

  “Or just stick to drinking,” Kevin added.

  Don grabbed the darts and said, “I’ll go first so at least, I get a turn.” He hit a bullseye first try. “Now we’re talking.” His next few throws were as good as the first.

  “Seriously, drinking doesn’t sound bad at all,” Kevin said grimly.

  “Is there something else you’d like to do instead?” Mark asked.

  “I hear music coming from the other side of the building. Let’s check it out.”

  “Why not?” Mark replied as he put his empty beer bottle on the table. “If it’ll stop your whining, I’m up for anything.”

  “Anything? Hmm. Can I get that in writing?” Kevin laughed as he opened the door between the bars. He stepped out of the way so Don could go first.

  Don stopped and looked at Kevin for a minute. He had a grin on his face that reminded him of the old days, right before he pulled a prank. Better not be strippers in here or Hannah’s going to have my head. Mark pushed past Don and went inside first, stopping abruptly. Shit, there are, aren’t there?

  As Don entered, he saw most people sitting down at tables quietly facing the stage. He looked up at the same time with Mark, and both their mouths dropped wide open. Bailey was singing a country love song he’d never heard before. I didn’t even know she could sing. Damn, she’s good. And, she looks amazing tonight. The smile on her face, the joy in her eyes, it’s like looking at the Bailey I know her to be. The one I want her to be again.

  “What the hell are they doing out tonight?” Mark barked at Kevin. “Does Johns
on know they left?”

  Kevin nodded. “They are here for the same reason we are.”

  Don had been so entranced with Bailey’s singing that he hadn’t given any thought to her safety. It wasn’t a natural instinct to look for trouble around every corner. He knew he should be thankful that Mark and Kevin did, but instead it only angered him. Mark was a badass in the military, but Don had chosen a different path, kickass in business. He could crush his competition, but that didn’t give him the training he needed to ensure Bailey’s safety. Bailey’s so damn important to me, but maybe Mark is right, I’m not the best person to protect her.

  Don glared at Kevin. “How do you know this? Did Bailey tell you?”

  Kevin shook his head. “Sissie. I guess she figured that neither Mark nor Hannah really wanted to celebrate separately, so here we are. Don’t worry, they’ve been closely watched the entire time.”

  “Damn it. You should’ve told me,” Mark said.

  “You mean us, right? I mean my wife is out there too,” Derrick said in a tone saying he refused to be left out of the equation.

  “Oh, you’ve been quiet all night, and now you decide to join us? Did you miss Casey that much?” Kevin asked, laughing.

  As they argued back and forth, Don stood, unable to take his eyes off Bailey. Her body was swaying with the music, and he had to resist grabbing her off the stage and carrying her away. Never before had he wanted a woman as he wanted her. He knew it was wrong for several reasons. Cool, your jets, Don. Not the time or the place. Just enjoy the view while you can. Sunday you’ll be back on The Mountain, and she’ll be . . . safe.

  “I don’t know why none of us saw this coming. Anytime Sissie’s around things seem to just happen by coincidence,” Derrick said. He pointed to the table up in the front where Sissie and Casey were sitting. “Looks like someone even saved us a table to enjoy the show.”

  “I don’t believe in coincidences or lucky timing. I think Sissie maybe had some inside help on this one.” Mark turned to Kevin who shrugged.

  “Trust me, it’s easier to have her on your side than not.” Kevin walked through the others and headed to the empty table in front. “Why fight the current when it’s easier to go with the flow?”

  Bailey must’ve seen him because her eyes widened and looked as though she was searching the crowd. Her voice wasn’t as strong as it had been, and Don noticed her miss a few beats. Is she that upset I’m here? When their eyes met, he had his answer. She almost froze on the stage and struggled, but recovered. She never broke eye contact with him, not even when Kevin sat at the table directly in front of her. Tell me, Bailey, why such a strong reaction to my presence if you don’t want me?

  Their song ended, and he watched Mark walk over to the stage and kiss Hannah, congratulating her on her stellar performance. Kevin got up following suit but only gave Bailey a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Although they were affectionate, Don sensed something was different with them tonight. Had Kevin caught Bailey looking at Don earlier and was now feeling jealous? He should be. No matter what he thinks he has, Bailey is mine. It’s only circumstances that have it any other way.

  Don was concentrating so deeply on Bailey that he hadn’t heard Sissie creep up beside him.

  “Aren’t you going to go and say hi to her?”

  He hated how she pushed his buttons even more than Kevin did. What’s your game, Sissie? I know you have one.

  “I think maybe I’ll get a beer instead.”

  “Oh no, you don’t. We’ve determined you are the designated driver tonight,” Sissie said with her hands on her hips.

  “We?”

  “Yes. We. Do you think I make all the decision around here?”

  Don wanted to say yes but decided to ignore her comment. One thing Kevin was right about tonight, having Sissie on your side was a hell of a lot easier than butting heads with her.

  “Okay. Water it is,” Don said and headed toward the table.

  They spent the next three hours watching the ladies take turns singing. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t convince the guys to go up with them. They announced last call for drinks, and the DJ said there’d be only one more song, and they were giving it to Hannah who was getting married on Saturday.

  Hannah went and sat on Mark’s lap. “Please come up just this once and sing with me.”

  Mark shook his head. “I don’t sing in private, never mind in public.”

  She kissed his lips sweetly and asked again. “I’ll love you always and forever if you do.”

  Don’t you dare do it, Mark. I do not want to pay up on my bet with Sissie.

  Mark smiled at Hannah. “With a promise like that, I’d do just about anything.”

  Don watched his best friend get out of his seat and grab a mic from the DJ. He couldn’t believe his eyes. And when Mark started singing, he wished the mic would mysteriously break. God, Mark. He’s horrible. No wonder he doesn’t sing.

  Sissie reached over and whispered in Don’s ear, “Who knows, maybe I’ll save two dances for you, Don.”

  Kevin must have heard as he practically spat his beer out. Don gave him a look to shut his mouth or he’d shut it for him. This night would’ve been so much easier with alcohol.

  Chapter Ten

  “I don’t know why I can’t go with the others,” Bailey said as she grabbed her purse and followed Don outside.

  “Simple. They left.”

  Once outside he watched as she looked around for the other vehicles until she was positive they were gone. “I can’t believe Hann . . . I mean Kevin left me here with you. It’s not like him.”

  “From what I see, it’s exactly like him.” Don opened her door for her, and she slid inside. When he got into the driver’s seat he continued, “Did you two have a fight?”

  Bailey shot him a sharp look. “I don’t believe that is any of your business.”

  “You’re right. But I care what happens to you, Bailey. If he isn’t treating you correctly then—”

  “He is treating me fine. You’re the only one who asks things they shouldn’t or kisses me when they’ve no right to.”

  Don pulled the truck over to the side of the road and threw it in park. He turned to face her. “Let’s get one thing straight. I didn’t take anything you weren’t offering. I’m not that kind of man.”

  “And you think I’m what? The kind of woman who’d cheat—”

  “No. I think you’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. And whatever it was we shared months ago hasn’t faded. Hell, to be honest, I’d say it’s stronger.” His voice was louder and harsher than he wanted. It was as though all his frustration with seeing her with Kevin was pouring out of him uncontrollably.

  I’m such an asshole. I know what she’s been through, and here I am pulling over on the side of the road and yelling at her. If I were her, I’d get out of the truck and walk home. But of course, she knows I won’t let that happen so now all she can do is sit here and hate me.

  Bailey’s eyes went from shocked to heartbroken. Hurting her was never his intention. Everything he was doing was so she could be happy, safe. This was not what he wanted for them, not how he pictured being with her. If there was any other way, he’d have gone to her the moment Mark told him she was ill. If I’d done that, who knows what they’d have done to her, or will do to her going forward? These men are ruthless. No matter how much this hurts, she can recover from a broken heart, but she can’t recover from a gunshot through it. And it’ll be worth it if she’s alive.

  “I’m sorry, Bailey. I crossed the line for the second time. It’s not your integrity in question, it’s mine. I promise I won’t interfere with you and Kevin again.”

  These were words he thought she wanted to hear, yet tears started to stream down her cheeks.

  Don felt sick. He’d been around a woman’s tears before. What man hadn’t? It was par for the course. He was bound to hurt someone if they got close. But tears had never affected him in this manner. Seeing her hurting
was actually causing him physical pain. He hadn’t realized the extent of his feelings for her until that moment. It, unfortunately, doesn’t change anything. Even being alone with her here is a risk.

  “Bailey, if it’s what you want, I’ll take you back to the house and pack my stuff. I can stay at a hotel in town. Just don’t cry. I can’t stand knowing I’m hurting you like this.”

  He tried fighting it, but it was as though his body was acting on a deeper desire to comfort her. Don lifted the center console that was between them, slid a hand behind her back, and scooted her over to him. When she was close enough, he lifted her gently so she sat on his lap facing the passenger window. It was the second time he’d held her in his arms, and this time it hit him even harder. She’d lost so much weight from her treatments. She felt so tiny and frail he needed to take extra care not to hurt her. There was no resistance from her, and she buried her face into his chest and sobbed.

  Don gently stroked her back not saying a word. There was nothing to say, not now, not yet. He knew she needed to get this out. He felt her trembling, sobbing uncontrollably, yet somehow, her tears didn’t seem related to his harsh words. Although he’d never had cancer, he remembered the emotional and physical toll it took on his mother until the day she died. Is she crying for the crushing loss of self that she’s experienced in the last six months? She’d seemed like the old Bailey on stage, but had since retreated back into her shell. I want her to love herself again.

  He closed his eyes. Don didn’t want to think of Bailey in any other way than a cancer survivor, with emphasis strongly on survivor. Please talk to me, Bailey. Tell me what you’re feeling. Let me help you through this.

  Without thinking, Don raised his hand and ran it down over her hair. With everything going on he’d forgotten it was a wig until she pulled away from him.

  “Please don’t,” Bailey whispered through her sobs.