This isn’t your town, you don’t have any history here. You don’t belong.” She folded her arms under her sizeable bosom. “My family has been here for generations. You won’t last. You should leave here while you still have some measure of dignity.”
Oh dear Christ in heaven, is this broad for real? Keko leveled a hard look at the Pepper person. “Are you still here? I see your lips moving, but all they seem to be spewing forth is meaningless bullshit. I don’t know why you decided to fuck up my day, but if you have a personal issue with Sheriff MacBride, I strongly suggest you take it up with him.”
“You shouldn’t use such bad language in public. It’s not polite. The use of profanity is nothing more than strong words delivered from a weak mind.”
Keko muttered as she turned away, walked toward the diner. “That’s good to know. I’ll try to remember not to spew profanity the next time I’m accosted on the street by a raving fucking lunatic.”
“But I’m not finished speaking—”
Keko continued to walk, spoke over her shoulder. “You may not be finished speaking, but I’m so finished listening.”
“Problem, ladies?”
Deputy Joe Collins, MacBride’s right hand man, casually placed himself between Keko and the source of her irritation. With his long, lean, lifeguard look, the blond-haired, blue-eyed Collins managed to look downright sexy in his tailored, khaki police uniform. Sexy enough to change the focus of the discussion.
Pepper-of- the- Hunsackers’ demeanor changed as quickly as a chameleon changes colors. She practically salivated as she slid her arm in his. “Deputy Joe, how nice to see you. No problem at all. Just a bit of silly girl talk, nothing that would interest you, a man of the law.”
More like trash talk, you evil conniving bitch. A brief glance from Joe told Keko he knew exactly what had been going on.
“Miss Hunsacker, my shift begins shortly, and I thought I’d hit up the ice cream parlor for a root beer float. Will you join me? No one in town makes them better than Shenanigan’s. Don’t you agree?” With a nod to Keko, he led the aged debutante across the street, toward the far side of the square.
Keko could no longer hear the conversation, but it appeared that Pepper Hunsacker’s chatter was incapable of slowing down. Joe, I owe you one, buddy. You prevented me from being arrested on a charge of justifiable homicide.
As she waited at the Hungry Bear’s take-out counter for Kamaka’s huge cheddar-bacon burger and fried mushrooms, Keko tried subtle deep-breathing exercises to pull herself under some sort of control. How dare that bitch waylay me on the street like that, right out in public?
Keko made it back to the Explorer with no further interruptions, cardboard box in hand. Still seething, but at a somewhat reduced level, she circled the town square. It being her first solo trip from Scotty’s to town to Sanctuary, she followed the arrows on the graphite-smudged map that Chandler had drawn for her.
Sheriff Mac and Pepper of the Hunsackers? No way in hell.
Chapter Ten
Wednesday early evening
With the setting of the deep orange sun, the shadows were growing long by the time she reached the now-familiar lodge driveway. She used her key card to get through the gate, then sat in the parking area for a few minutes as she took in the view.
Funny, it already feels like home. But I have a home—in Boston. And the high and mighty locals in Catafuckingmount Lake, Maine did not see fit to roll out the red carpet for me.
“Keek, you’re late.” Lorelei was in the great room, clad in a slinky knee-length emerald green sheath with a matching shorty jacket. She fussed with silver hoop earrings as she hopped on one foot, searching for her other shoe. “You barely have time to dress for dinner if we’re going to make our reservation.”
“You’ll never guess … .” Keko choked back the rest of the words before she blurted out what happened in town.
“I’ll never guess what?”
Keko laid her shoulder bag on a coffee table. Deep breath, try a more casual approach. ” Um, you’ll never guess how much I’m looking forward to dinner. Y’know, see more of the town. By the way, I think I recognized a woman from when we arrived at the airport. Platinum blonde hair, Junior League bullshit.”
Lucian responded without hesitation.
“Pepper Hunsacker. Of the Hunsackers. Named after some great-great-grand-someone, Penelope. Hates the name, insists on keeping her sorority moniker.” He grinned. “The Hunsackers are one of the founding families of Catamount Lake, as she’d be glad to tell you. She’s had a thing for Mac since he moved into town.”
“Lucian, that’s enough. Keko doesn’t need the gossip. Keek, you won’t see much of anything if you don’t get your butt in gear.”
Damn. I wish Lorelei hadn’t interrupted him. I do so need the gossip! So, the evil Pepper person has a thing for MacBride? “Trust me, I won’t take long.”
Keko practically leapt up the stairs to her gallery bedroom.
After a lightning quick shower, she pulled from her closet a short leather skirt that she knew made her look totally hot, then also chose a pair of skinny leather pants with leather lacing up the sides. Posing in front of the mirror in her red satin boy-cut panties and red sequined, sleeveless tank top, she alternated holding the garments in front of her.
“Skirt. Pants. Skirt. Pants. Skirt might look too flirty, which is like totally inappropriate in front of Lucian and Adam. As well as inconsiderate to Lorelei. I guess it’s pants for the evening. Plus, no pantyhose to worry about.” Try as she might, Keko usually managed to ruin at least one pair of hose every time she dressed to go out. Her best all-time record was four pairs in as many minutes.
She shimmied into the low-riding leather, which barely covered her hipbones, added her thin silver chain belt. She loosed her long hair from the shower cap, brushed it, twisted it on top of her head, then pinned the coil with the dolphin barrette. She selected tendrils to drape artistically over her shoulders and back. Then she posed while standing on her toes.
“Okay, people, that’s as good as it gets.” She made a few quick swipes with eyeliner and makeup brushes, added an application of her favorite ruby red lipstick.
She grabbed her choice of footwear, then flew down the stairs in bare feet.
The wall clock showed a scant nineteen minutes had passed when Keko descended into the great room.
Lucian whistled. “A woman who’s actually on time. Imagine the concept. And wow, that’s some transformation!”
Even Adam stared for a long moment, then nodded, just once.
Keko had topped off the black leather pants and sparkly red top with a vintage, leather bomber jacket—she’d learned that, although the days at September’s end could still reach the upper 60s, even the low 70s, the nights could be surprisingly chilly in Sanctuary’s neck of the woods. Her favorite stiletto-heeled, black suede half boots finished the ensemble, which perfectly set off the wide, flat, red-enameled necklace and matching earrings.
Lorelei finally found her high heel under the bottom edge of a chair, straightened, slipped on the shoe, then straightened up. She gave Keko a serious once-over. “Keek, next to that outfit, I look like a sack of wet laundry. Just think. I’ve been outdone by a demolitions expert. Good job!”
Keko felt heat reach her cheeks. “Then I pass muster?”
Lucian grabbed her around the waist, lifted her without effort, swung her in a circle. “Oh yeah, you definitely pass muster.”
Lorelei sent an indulgent smile Lucian’s way.
Adam walked up, wrapped his arm around Lorelei shoulders, then just shook his head. “Damn kids.”
Lorelei clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Come on, children, time’s a-wasting, and this mother-to-be is starved. I’m sure I can eat half a steer, grilled to medium rare perfection.”
Lucian planted a kiss on her cheek in passing. ” Aww, how sweet. Our own little carnivore.”
Adam led Lorelei to the exit next to the foyer that op
ened into the garage, then held the door for the ladies.
Keko totally enjoyed the drive back to town. Lucian regaled her with tales of their recent visit with his madcap family, amid her howls of laughter.
Her face hurt from grinning when she finally caught her breath. “You’re making up fairy tales—that can’t all be true.”
From behind the steering wheel, Adam grunted. “Believe him. It is true. Every blasted word.”
Although The Woodlands’ exterior oozed rustic north country charm, in tune with the town, the interior dazzled. The crystal and silver, the crisp powder-blue linens, the well-chosen Art Deco accoutrements gave the establishment definite upscale appeal.
None of the well-tailored wait staff could be mistaken for the servers at Hooter’s.
Keko looked around, nodded. “Totally awesome. Is the food as good as this place looks?”
“Keek, do you really think the boys would bring us here to dine if they could do better back at the lodge?”
“Okay, good point.”
The restaurant was still relatively empty, and the maître d’hôtel approached them without delay. “Ladies, gentlemen, your guest is already seated. If you will please follow me.”
“Guest?” Keko looked around, but no one offered an explanation.
As they approached a round table set in a corner between two blue and white, stained glass windows, Sheriff MacBride rose from his seat. He stood, momentarily looking as spellbound as a teenage boy seeing his prom date all dressed up for the first time. Stared at Keko like she’d blown in from outer space.
Lucian grinned. “Sure cleans up great, doesn’t she?”
“Oh, yeah. Yes, she certainly does.” MacBride shook himself free of the spell he seemed to be under, pulled out a chair for her.
She didn’t want to be rude and stand there like an idiot and stare at him, so she allowed him to seat her.
Lucian seated Lorelei. Adam shook his head at the other two men, and seated himself.
Keko arrowed a sharp look at Lorelei. “I guess he just happened to be in the neighborhood?”
Lorelei feigned innocence. “Did I neglect to mention inviting Mac? With so much happening these days, I’ve become absolutely absentminded. So sorry. Must be all the hormones.”
“I’m sure, ” Keko said. “That must be it. Hormones.”
As annoyed as she was with the too-obvious efforts at matchmaking, she had to admit that MacBride looked luscious. A snug, black Henley with the long sleeves pushed up made the most of his wide chest and shoulders, his long, lean torso. Tailored gray slacks and black shoes finished the picture. He wore a simple gold watch, and a large gold ring with some sort of insignia that she couldn’t quite make out. It could have been a trident.
Keko played the game. “Wow, great look!” And he honestly did look great.
Totally awesome, actually. He’d been in jeans, polo shirt, and sports coat at the lounge in L.A., which had suited him well enough. Otherwise, she’d seen him only in uniform—or out of it. The Henley did nothing to hide his muscular upper body and taut abs. The slacks looked custom fitted.
Her nipples perked in response to his proximity; her intimate parts became all tingly. She shifted in her seat, attempted to cover her body’s reactions. “And you know how to dress yourself. Impressive.”
Before MacBride could reply, a neatly appointed blonde girl presented herself.
“Good evening, I’m Ashley. I’ll be your server. May I start you out with drinks?”
MacBride glanced at Keko, one eyebrow raised in question. “Long Island Iced Tea?”
She couldn’t tell if he was serious, or retaliating for her smartass comments about dressing himself. “Not ever again, not in this lifetime.”
She made eye contact with the waitress, smiled. “A Shirley Temple, please.”
Lucian sat back, grinned widely, arched an eyebrow. “I’d love to hear the rest of that story.”
Keko directed a smile back at him. “No.”
“Not a problem. I bet Kamaka will tell me.” He reached for his satphone, but Lorelei was faster. She snatched it out of his hands.
“You can have it back after we get home. I intend to enjoy our evening out.”
Lucian played at being crestfallen, but Keko knew it was an act. He sighed, dramatically. “You’re no fun.”
Lorelei arched an eyebrow. “Watch it, buster, or I really won’t be.”
Lucian blew her a kiss. ” Aww, Lorelei, baby, you love me.”
Keko glanced at Adam, who sat, stoically observing his partners.
“Are they always like this?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
MacBride reached for Keko’s hand. “If these yay-hoos get to be too much, remember that my house is always at your disposal.”
All movement ceased as the group awaited Keko’s response.
She suddenly felt like she was on trial, or waiting outside the principal’s office.
“I beg your pardon?”
He shrugged, rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb. “I’m just saying, I have a perfectly good guest room at my place, which is well-situated in town and convenient to just about everywhere.”
Yeah, with the chairwoman of your friendly neighborhood welcoming committee ready to scoop out my beating heart with a dull spoon at the first opportunity.
Mac appeared relaxed and casual, but his posture was watchful, almost possessive. His repeated offer hit her in the gut. Why is he pushing me—again?
Keko retrieved her hand, took a deep swallow of her iced water, waited a moment to get her feelings under control. She battled silently between fear and anger.
Fear that he was trying to rope her in, anger that he cornered her in public. He probably banked on the fact that she wouldn’t create a scene. Keep it up, buddy, and see how poorly that logic works for you.
The longer she considered his behavior, the more MacBride’s possessive alpha attitude annoyed her. She perceived his posturing as a threat to her personal space—
and she didn’t handle threats very well. Threats, real or perceived, immediately brought out her strongest defense mechanisms.
“Thank you, that’s very kind. I couldn’t think of putting you out.” The sarcasm slid out before she could stop it. She could feel her teeth grate at the effort to smile, to be pleasant. Damn, my jaw is gonna be killin’ me later.
He pressed on, now getting questioning glances from Lucian, as well as Lorelei.
“You wouldn’t be putting me out—I’m not at the house all that often. Someone should take advantage of it.”
Yeah, and that’s the problem. I’d like to take advantage of you, for hours and hours at a time, days, even. But not as your live-in girlfriend. A scene from the movie Pretty Woman popped into her head: Julia Roberts’ character cooing to Richard Gere, ” I’d love to be your beck-and-call-girl, but … .”
Keko shook herself loose from those thoughts as her nipples perked up again, oddly in step with her anger. Okay, girls, on some level, you’re beginning to worry me.
It appeared that Lucian was about to speak, but Keko saw Lorelei shoot him a look. He apparently decided to quit while he was ahead.
Conversation remained on hold as young Ashley arrived in the nick of time with their drinks.
After Ashley took their orders, then scurried away like one of Cinderella’s mice, Keko stood, looked around to get her bearings. “If you’ll excuse me.”
MacBride immediately rose as she did.
Oh dear God, what the bloody hell does this man want from me? Is he being polite like his mama taught him, or pushing more of my buttons?
Lorelei motioned. “Go behind that wall, down the hall toward the kitchen. The rest rooms are on the right. Can’t see from here. Very posh.”
“Thanks.” Keko turned to leave. Please God, don’t let me trip.
The ladies’ room was indeed well appointed, and thankfully empty of customers.
Keko splashed water on her face, patt
ed it dry. She reached for her make-up case and realized her purse hung from her chair at the table. Shit. MacBride’s presence screwed her up more than she’d realized. Shit-shit-shit.
A pair of plush blue velvet benches was placed artistically along the wall, opposite the long white- and silver-flecked granite vanity. Keko sat and fumed. How dare he put me in such a position? In front of everyone, for chrissakes. Her new acquaintances had indeed become friends, and were therefore important to her.
She returned to the mirrored vanity, finger-combed her mane, rearranged the hair clip, then smudged her eye makeup with a fingertip until it was even again.
“Sonofabitch, he can’t do this to me.” She growled at her reflection in the mirror.
“I won’t be pushed, or shoved, or molded like warm putty.”
Keko jumped when she realized a large woman in a floral pantsuit had come into the room.
“That’s right, girlfriend, you tell him. Do it, go for it, give him hell. You go, girl.”
The woman used the facilities, then returned to the sink to wash her hands. She fluffed her already fluffed, bright orangey-red hairdo. “Although, if your man is one of those fine-lookin’ gents seated at the corner table, you might consider giving him the opportunity to apologize. Then, hold out for make-up sex.”
The woman reapplied her lipstick, bright orangey-red to match her hair.
“Oh, yeah, that’s what I’d do. Hold out for make-up sex with one of those fine men. Mmm mmm. Those boys are tasty morsels.” After offering that pearl of wisdom, the woman departed in a cloud of Avon’s best floral perfume.
Keko knew she couldn’t hide in the loo forever, but MacBride really had her off-center. When he was near, she wanted to tear their clothes off, fuck like minks until there were no orgasms left in their bodies, then swoon from exhaustion. In relatively polite social situations, she couldn’t seem to deal with him. What the hell is wrong with me? I know how to act civilized in public.
Bombshell - Men of Sanctuary Series, Book Three Page 12
