Southern Exposure (Southern Desires Series Book 2)

by Jeannette Winters

  Southern Exposure

  Southern Desires Series

  Book Two

  by

  Jeannette Winters

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  JeannetteWinters.com

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  authorjeannettewinters@gmail.com

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  Mark Collins dedicates his life to serve and protect in the Navy. He excels at what he does but at the cost of being emotionally detached.

  Hannah Entwistle left her small hometown to follow her dreams. Just when they are within reach, she had to return to care for her father.

  Torn between honoring a promise to restore the family homestead and wanting to follow her heart, Hannah finds herself in a place she never wanted to be: lost and alone in Savannah.

  Mark wasn’t expecting complications when he chose this job on the side, but her southern charm storms his defenses. When her life is threatened, will duty trump love?

  Copyright

  Kindle Edition

  An original work of Jeannette Winters, 2016.

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, events, business establishments or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Design by Gin’s Book Designs (ginsbookdesigns.com)

  Stock Photo Attribution: Depositphotos.com (Jerzy Krol), (Jill Lang)

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to John Turchetta who is an inspiration and challenged me to write this series with the flavor of intrigue. Through your knowledge and insight, you brought Mark Collins to life. This book would not be the same without you.

  Also dedicated to Denise Bailey. Your messages and cards filled with wisdom will be treasured always as you encourage me to keep it real. Thank you!

  I am also supported by a team of beta readers who aren’t afraid to tell me the truth. Thank you for that!

  Karen Lawson, Janet Hitchcock, E.L. King and Marion Arche, my editors you are all amazing!

  To my readers who brings joy into my life with each and every message. Always make time for romance

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Other books by Jeannette Winters

  The Billionaire’s Secret

  One White Lie

  Southern Spice

  Books by Ruth Cardello

  Always Mine

  Books by Danielle Stewart

  Fierce Love

  Chapter One

  Too damn quiet Mark Collins thought, sitting in one of the many white rocking chairs on the porch. He’d always been more of a hammock-with-a-cold-beer kind of guy, but he’d take what he could get at the moment. Any time he had a break from his job or training for the Navy Special Forces, he tried to keep it low-key, but this was more than he could take. Sitting still was a requirement, not something he’d ever choose to do to pass the time.

  It was hot as hell, but Savannah, Georgia in mid-July gave hot a whole new definition. Mark didn’t need a thermometer to tell it was close to one hundred degrees, and the humidity was through the roof. I’d love a beer, but heck, I’d settle for lemonade right now.

  Savannah sounded like a great place to spend a month or two while between assignments, but if the owner didn’t arrive soon, she was going to find herself looking for another handyman. Mark was known for a lot of things, but patience wasn’t one of them.

  His phone rang. He wasn’t hoping there was an emergency, but if this wasn’t the owner saying she was five minutes away, then he’d just as soon be called away to a desert somewhere doing something . . . anything. Looking at the caller ID, he wasn’t sure if he was relieved or not. It was his sister, Casey, who he’d reluctantly left in the hands of her fiancé, Derrick Nash. He’d wanted to stay and watch over her, but she’d made it clear that he’d be intruding in their lives. But an intrusion is better than a funeral.

  Georgia wasn’t all that far from Texas, but until the men his sister had exposed for negligence were behind bars, he wasn’t going to let his guard down. Thankfully Derrick was of the same opinion.

  “Hi, Mark. I’m checking to see if you made it to Savannah.”

  You’re checking on me? Something’s not right. “Talk to me, Casey.” There was a brief pause, and he thought he was going to leap through the phone to get her to speak. If she was in trouble, he would’ve heard from his men long before Casey called him. “What’s wrong?”

  He knew her well. They stayed in contact as often as was humanly possible, given his job. But with their parents still overseas, Mark had more reason than ever to keep a constant, watchful eye on his baby sister. Not that she appreciates all the extra attention, but her irritation isn’t going to stop me from protecting her. If there was even the slightest hint of a single, negative repercussion heading her way, he and his men would be back on the ranch in a heartbeat.

  “Nothing is wrong,” she sighed heavily. “Derrick and I are getting married, and I want to talk to you about it.”

  He wanted to pound his head against the wooden rail in front of him. Your life could be at risk with a criminal investigation underway on your former boss, and you call to talk about a wedding? Damn, I’ll never understand women. Never. “Wouldn’t you rather call Mom or one of your friends back home? Or how about your new friend, Sissie? I know she’d love to hear all about it.” I’m not sure Sissie can listen when she talks so damn much. I’m still hoping her cousin Hannah isn’t as wild and loud as she is.

  “I’m not calling to discuss flowers and dresses. Do you think I’ve lost my mind? I mean, I do owe you payback from the last time I saw you, but torturing you with color choices and bridesmaid dresses might be too much.” Casey laughed.

  “Okay, then what’s going on? Getting cold feet?”

  “Cold feet, no. But panicking, yes. Derrick and I hadn’t set a date when you left. Now we have, and we’re getting married in two weeks.”

  “What’s the rush?”

  “We want something small here on the ranch. Waiting won’t change anything because getting you all home at the same time is nearly impossible. Besides, I want to get married while Dad is still able to walk me down the aisle.”

  He heard the sadness in Casey’s voice. Their father had ALS, and it was only a matter of time before he lost the ability to move around. The last time he’d spoken to his mother, she’d told him their father’s left leg was getting weak, and he’d fallen a few times. When Mark had tried to get them to come home, they’d refused.

  Dad, you’re one of the strongest, selfless, and most stubborn men I know. This world would be a better place if people could even be half the man you are.

  “Yo
ur mother and I will come home when we can no longer help here,” his father had said in his end-of-discussion voice. Damn proud man. Damn good man. Casey’s wedding was just the thing to bring them back to the States. If only he realized that his daughter needed him more than strangers halfway across the world. I could tell him she’s dealing with a federal investigation and shouldn’t face this alone. But he would only say what he said before, “That’s what she has brothers for.” I can protect her, but what she needs is you, Dad, to be home where you can get the medical attention you need. I respect your decisions as you have always respected mine, but it doesn’t mean I agree with you.

  “It makes sense to me.”

  “So I’ll send you all the information. I hope you’re still stateside then. It’ll mean the world to me to have you there. You can even bring a date.”

  Bring a date? Where the hell did that come from? I hope she’s not expecting me to follow in her footsteps. I’m happy for her and all, but there is no way I’m bringing a date. Never have before, and I’m not about to start now. Damn, she’ll be lucky if I make it there.

  Mark was thirty-eight, and he’d never brought anyone home to meet the family. It’d only open up questions he couldn’t nor wouldn’t answer. One would think his mother would be the one pressuring him about starting a family, but it blew his mind that it was his father playing the thousand-questions game. “When are you ever going to settle down and get married? The Navy won’t keep you warm at night.” Good ole Dad. I’m sure you’re going to be pushing even harder at Casey’s wedding. Just one more thing to look forward to.

  “You know I’ll be there if I can.” Mark never made promises. They’d only be broken. He’d do his best. If he wasn’t on assignment, then he’d be there.

  “Promise me, Mark.” Her tone was pleading, but he was immune to such tactics. “This is my wedding we’re talking about. Your only sister’s big day. I want you there. I need you there.”

  Nothing she could say would change anything. It wasn’t that he didn’t love his family, because he did. If they were in trouble, he would do everything in his power to protect them much like he had recently done for Casey.

  But he knew himself. His life was the Navy. He fought for his parents’ consent to join at age seventeen. The day after he graduated high school he was on the bus heading to basic training. That was why he chose to live an unattached lifestyle with no one waiting for him to come home. Mark had a team that counted on him. They never let him down, and he wasn’t about to do it to them. No matter how much I love you, sis, I can only promise to be there if I can. Any more than that would be a lie.

  She knew the choices he made were always centered on his call to duty. Normally Casey didn’t pressure him like this.

  “What’s really going on? Is everything okay with you and Derrick?” If he’s not treating you right, let me know. I’ll be there in three hours to correct it, end it, whatever needs to be done. Just say it and it will be done.

  “I love Derrick. He’s amazing. Of course, sometimes I think you overdid drilling into his head about protecting me. I know the investigation of JT and the death of Derrick’s wife and daughter is still open, but I’ve been taking care of myself for years. I don’t need a babysitter.”

  Excellent, Derrick. That’s what I like to hear. Keep my sister safe. “Do you want my men back at the ranch? Say the word and I’ll make a call.”

  “No!”

  Mark laughed. He knew it was an empty threat, but Casey didn’t, and that was all that mattered. He’d spoken to Derrick in depth, and together they’d agreed she was safe on the ranch. Casey was in good hands with his soon-to-be brother-in-law. Still, I can’t believe my baby sister is getting married. Better her than me.

  “So did you talk to Mom and Dad?”

  “Yes, and they’re flying back early next week so Mom can help me pull things together. It’s going to be small, but I want her here, want her involved.”

  Perfect. “Did you call your favorite brother and let him know?” Mark loved teasing Casey.

  “I love you both equally,” she stated seriously as she always did. “But yes, I called Kevin.”

  Even though she said she loved them equally, Mark had acted as the protector so often that they had butted heads growing up. Kevin never complained as he said it took the heat off him. Mark was close to his brother but knew Kevin could handle himself. It was Casey he worried about then, and still did now. Letting go of that isn’t going to be easy. I hope Derrick is up to the challenge, because I have no problem stepping in if I think I’m needed.

  “So, I’m last on your list?” He could picture her face turning red. Pushing her buttons was easy. He never teased anyone else, but his kid sister was fair game.

  “Mark Collins, you drive me crazy,” Casey said right before laughing. “I tell you what, you can call me last when you invite me to your wedding one day.”

  You’re going to be waiting a long time for a call I’m never going to make. “Okay, Casey, you have a deal.”

  Mark laughed because he knew it was a deal he would never need to worry about. There was no room in his life for that type of connection. He had his family to think about: his parents, Casey, Kevin, and the men on his team who were as much family as his siblings were. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy the company of a woman, but he didn’t need the complication of commitment that came along with them. Sorry, Mom, but I’ll leave it to Casey and Kevin to provide the grandkids you have been waiting for.

  Casey’s voice became serious. “I want you there, Mark. You never know when this could be the last time we’re all together. If I learned anything from Derrick, it’s to not waste precious time. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, and you and Kevin should know that. You both put yourselves in the line of fire and we never know when . . .”

  Death was something he faced but refused to think about. It would only make him less effective, and he couldn’t afford that. That kind of distraction would not only risk his life, but the men he led as well.

  “I’ll be there if I can.” I hear her loud and clear, and she’s right. We need to be there as a family. If not for her, then for Mom and Dad.

  “Good. I’ll see you in a couple weeks, Mark,” Casey stated before she disconnected the call.

  Sure. Now let’s hope nothing goes wrong, and I don’t get pulled overseas. I’m never worried about making a decision, but who to let down is one I’d rather not make. Love you, sis, but you know which one I’d have to choose. Duty first. Most people would cave to the pressure, but not him. Maybe he should’ve let her believe he would be there no matter what, but he couldn’t bring himself to mislead her. His duty to his country and his men always came first. She knows that, even if it’s hard to accept.

  The last thing he wanted to think about was breaking his kid sister’s heart. Keeping busy was a great way to avoid that, however, his project in Savannah wasn’t moving very fast. Or at all for that matter.

  He looked at his watch. Thirteen hundred hours. Hannah was already an hour late. If she didn’t arrive soon, he was going to get right back into his Jeep Cherokee and find himself another short-term project. People in need are easy to come by, unfortunately.

  Mark hadn’t actually spoken to Hannah, the owner. All communication had been through text messages. Both she and her cousin, Sissie, had made it clear she was in desperate need of the help. He was here, ready and able.

  Okay. Enough of this shit. Getting off the chair, Mark stood and stretched. He walked up and down the length of the porch. He could see why she requested his help. The fresh flower baskets hanging all around and colorful cushions on the chairs made the place look nice, but they were a poor cover-up for the chipping paint on the rails. And the planks on the deck had protruding nails. It has a woman’s touch, but damn this place needs a man’s hand, or it’s going to fall apart around her.

  Mark didn’t need her permission to bang in nails; they were raised so high they would be considered a trip hazard. I’ll
fix these then I’m out.

  Leaving the shade of the porch, he walked to his Jeep, pulled off his already drenched T-shirt and threw it inside on the driver’s seat. I’ve been in worse situations. Much worse. There were places he’d seen that’d make hell seem like a walk in the park. Despite the oppressive heat, Savannah was a beautiful city. He could understand why people would want to live there and raise a family.

  Mark walked to the back of his beat-up Jeep, lifted the hatch, opened the cooler, and pulled out a cold bottle of water. Drinking half, he poured the remainder over his head. When he wasn’t on duty, he let his hair and beard grow civilian to look less obvious and avoid questions he wasn’t going to answer. At least, not honestly. Lying was a job requirement. No one truly knew where he was or what he did. Not even those closest to him, a fact he was simply used to after years in the Navy Special Forces.

  As he faced the house, he could picture what it must’ve looked like when it was well maintained. The massive white Georgian Colonial must have been a single family home. It was two-stories tall, each level with a huge porch held up by tall wooden columns, and made for entertaining. Now you’d build a deck instead. Back home they had nothing compared to this fine piece of architecture. Of course in Buffalo, the Snowbelt from hell, there’s a good part of the year no one in his right mind stands outside on a porch. The snow back home appealed to him less the more time he spent in hot deserts overseas. It wasn’t that his body had adapted to the heat; he just hated the cold more.

  Hannah had said the house had been converted to four apartments, one of them hers. Whoever had taken on that renovation must’ve invested a lot of time and money. Renovating old homes sometimes had a domino effect. Fix one thing and watch the rest fall apart. It had lost its luster and looked neglected. Give me a few months and I could work some magic here. Home remolding wasn’t his job; it was a hobby, a distraction. There were times he needed the work more than the homeowner needed him. Thankfully this wasn’t one of those times.