“What the fuck!”
The second Reece heard Devon’s curse, he knew the jig was up.
“Devon, please. Reece and I—”
“You sonofabitch.” Hands knotted into fists, Devon approached on firm footsteps. “I’m going to tear your fucking head off your shoulders.”
Tabby darted in front of Reece. He attempted to shove her back, but she held her ground. “For God’s sake, Devon, lower your voice. Think about where we are.”
Devon’s eyes burned with anger. His shoulders heaved with each labored breath. The man shook with his fury. “Get out of my way, Tabby.”
“Dammit, Devon, listen to her. This isn’t the time or the place. Besides, I won’t fight you.”
“Then it will make it easier for me to beat the livin’ shit out of you.”
“It’s not what you think, Devon. Tabby and I are getting married.”
A burst of skeptical laughter met Reece’s declaration. “Married? You?”
“If that’s what it takes for you to accept this thing between us,” Reece said.
Tabby turned to face Reece, unable to believe what she just heard.
“If that’s what it takes?” she repeated his words slowly. Each one burned into her soul. Her chest squeezed, the pain sharp and deep. During their time together there had never been any mention of marriage or even love.
When anger crashed against the anguish, that the man she loved proposed marriage to satisfy her brother, she inhaled, spewing, “We are not getting married.”
“Tabs?” Devon growled behind her while Reece appeared stunned as if she had slapped him, and for life of her she didn’t know what kept her hand by her side.
“We have to marry,” Reece said.
Her brows shot upward as her eyes widened. “Have to? I don’t have to do anything,” she murmured through clenched teeth. “Especially since you’re asking me because you feel some twisted obligation to my brother.”
“But he’s right. You deserve a family, children.”
Face flushed with heat, she felt moisture fill her eyes. “You once said I was a romantic.” She nearly choked on the emotion catching in her throat. “In all these years I never once thought of marrying for a family and children, but for a man who loved me.”
“Love?” Reece pushed his fingers through his wet, sticky hair. “Hell. I don’t even know what love really is.”
“Then let me help you.” Her eyes seemed to dry instantly. “This isn’t it.”
She didn’t wait for a response. She spun around, dodging her brother’s outstretched hand, and ran for the door. Blindly, she pushed her way through the crowd, needing to find someplace to be alone, someplace to fall apart. Darting around the corner of the street, she disappeared behind a noisy generator. Her pulse raged, her chest heaving as she collapsed against the vibrating engine.
Yes. She wanted to marry Reece, but not to satisfy her brother and certainly not if Reece didn’t love her. A marriage without love was only a shell of a relationship. A humorless laugh slipped from her trembling lips. There was a time when Tabby felt her love was all they needed to make a go of it as a couple. That she could make him love her, given time. But a one-sided love and terrific sex wasn’t enough to sustain two people through bad times. She had witnessed that firsthand with a friend at college who had been in a similar position.
Reece would come to blame her, even hate her, if things didn’t work out. And she loved him too much to ever want to do that to him or to herself.
She was still licking her wounds as she stepped beyond the generator and into the street. Her boots clicked softly against the cobblestone with each step. It had to be nearing one and she had been scheduled to officiate at the tricycle races. As she neared the track designated by big orange cones, she ran into Josie and Vic. She tried giving them her best attempt at a smile, but it must have fallen short.
“Something wrong?” Josie asked, as Vic leveled a frown on her.
Since the cat was already out of the bag, she went for the truth. “Devon caught Reece and me kissing and all hell broke loose. Reece proposed because that’s what he thinks Devon wants. I think that sums up everything.”
“Oh.” Josie’s innocent eyes opened even wider as they started to walk toward the racetrack.
“But isn’t that what you wanted? To marry Reece?” Vic asked.
“At one time, but I want more. I want Reece to love me.” She inhaled a shaky breath and then released it.
“Well, hells bells,” Vic groaned.
“My sentiments exactly.” Tabby picked up the pace. “Where do you want me, Vic? And tell me again what I’m supposed to do?”
“The guys will follow this path. If they go outside the cones they are disqualified. First one over the finish line marked by that orange tape on the ground wins. You raise the winner’s hand, give him a little kiss, and present him with the certificate.”
“That sounds easy enough,” Tabby said.
“Uh. Tabby?” Josie cautiously drew her attention. “Did you know that Reece and Devon are in this race?”
“That is if the fools haven’t killed each other by now,” Vic added.
Discouragingly, Tabby shook her head. “Great. Just great.” It had sounded like fun when Vic had asked her the other day to officiate the race. Now she wasn’t so sure.
Several of the men began to arrive, including Adam and Trent from the fire department, Brody and Leo. Leonardo Caan was a young recruit from New Hampshire who had joined Whispering’s Cove police force last year. Tabby had met him a couple times, but the good-looking strawberry-blond seemed a little reserved for her taste.
When she spotted Devon and Reece walking side by side, Tabby figured they had made up or planned to beat the crap out of each other at a more appropriate time. She didn’t care either way.
As the large, awkward men climbed upon the small red-and-white tricycles, she could hear chuckles from the onlookers. The prize was a fifty-dollar gift certificate donated by the Seafarer. Katie was in the audience along with Andie to cheer their husbands on. Tabby stood before the line of men, all eyes pinned on her, but Devon and Reece’s gazes held something a little different from the others that she chose not to think about. She just wanted to get through this day.
Raising her arms, she yelled, “On your mark. Get set. Go.” Her hand whipped downward, starting the race.
Devon twisted the handles as he started to peddle, tipping over, and the crowd roared with laughter. Scrambling to his feet, he climbed aboard his trike and was off in a flash of long, bending legs pumping up and down so fast Tabby thought his knees might knock him in the chin.
The devilish Adam Collins grinned as he bumped Trent into a cone, pushing him out of bounds and disqualifying him. Even in Katie’s pregnant state, she made it through the crowd quickly and was by her husband’s side.
Reece and Brody were neck and neck, sharing victory smiles as one would inch forward and then the other would take the lead. Adam and Leo were closing in on them as they played their sibling rivalry game, while Devon was at the back of the pack, trying to remain seated.
The sight was hilarious.
Even after all that had happened today, Tabby couldn’t help it, she guffawed so hard tears rolled down her cheeks. That is until one of Brody’s feet skidded off a pedal, almost forcing him head over heels as the back wheels rose dangerously off the street.
The throng gasped.
Reece edged forward but looked back as if checking on his brother. When Brody regained his balance, the masses clapped, and Reece peddled faster, crossing the finish line. That’s when Tabby realized her next official duty wouldn’t be easy—presenting Reece with a kiss and his prize.
She had just stepped before him when he pulled her into a tight embrace. Before she could squirm out of his arms, he planted a wet one on her lips that shook her to the very roots of her hair.
The crowd went wild, laughing and cheering. Loud, raucous cries joined a series of wolf whistles
as Reece’s caress went on and on, destroying her a little bit at a time as he devoured her. By the time he finally released her, she stumbled backward, but he caught her, bringing her to arm’s length.
“Hear me out. Devon said some things that opened my eyes.”
“No. I—”
Reece pressed a finger against her lips. “Please. Let me get this out before I lose my nerve.” He swallowed hard. “After that day at the high school, I found myself at a loss. I couldn’t eat, sleep or think of anything but you. I missed you, Tabby.”
The herd of people started to close in on them, but Devon and Harold seemed to know that Reece and Tabby needed a moment and they held back the mob as Reece rambled on.
“I was willing to let you go because I knew I couldn’t give you what you deserved. A family. A man who would always be by your side. My company has me coming and going. But that night I knew I couldn’t bear the thought of you in another man’s arms.” Broken laughter bubbled up from him that lacked humor. “Brat, you’ve messed with my life so thoroughly I doubt I can go back to the way it was. I don’t care if I have to rearrange my entire life as long as you’re there, beside me.” He inhaled sharply. “So if that is love, then, darlin’, I do love you.”
For the second time that day Tabby couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“So?” he asked.
“So?” she repeated.
“Will you marry me?”
She nodded her head as happy tears began to well and fall down her cheeks. “Yes. Yes.”
Reece swept her off her feet, twirling her around. Her head fell back as she laughed. When he stopped and placed her on her feet, her mind was still spinning.
“We’re getting married,” he yelled over his shoulder.
Again, the crowd exploded with applause.
With a boyish grin plastered across his face, he said, “Let’s get out of here.”
She was all for that, but they seemed to be the only two in that state of mind, because the townsfolk folded in on them. Hugs and congratulations followed. It was another hour before they freed themselves, hopped in Reece’s truck, and headed for his house.
As Reece triggered the garage and pulled into the enclosed area, Tabby turned to him. “So what did Devon say?” She didn’t need to say more, he knew she was quizzing him on how he knew he loved her.
“The other day Devon mentioned that something or someone had been screwing with my head. He contributed my uncharacteristic behavior as being in love…with Lauren.” Her gaze hardened, so he quickly added, “The second he expressed his observation, it was you who came to mind, not Lauren. In fact, Harold thought of you too.”
He paused a moment. No, it was impossible that he and Tabby had fallen victims to Whispering Cove’s gruesome threesome. He put the thought aside for a later date, focusing back on Tabby. “No woman has ever derailed me from my path, but you. I refuse to live without you.”
“What about your company?” Reaching for the door handle, she opened the door, and stepped out.
Hurrying to catch up with her, he got out and came around the vehicle before he spoke again. “I thought maybe we could collaborate. With your design talents, we could offer additional services.”
“Really?” She beamed.
Reece shoved the key in the door, twisting, and opened it to allow her entrance. “Really.”
She bubbled with excitement and spun to face him. “I have so many ideas.”
“I have a couple too. Race you to the bedroom.”
Giggling, she burst into a run, Reece hot on her trail.
Catching her at the edge of the bed, he pulled her into his arms. While his randy cock begged him to lay her down and take what was his, his mind stopped him. “We probably should talk about where we go from here.”
She frowned, glancing up to him. “What do you mean?”
“I made a couple of commitments before we got together that I have to see through. Devon and I leave next week for Denver on a job. We’ll probably be gone for a couple of weeks. Devon can stay behind and I’ll return to Whispering Cove. But I’ll need to go back to Denver within a week.”
“Reece, I don’t want you to change what you do. It’s who you are. You love it. I just want to be a part of your life.”
“Does that mean you’ll go with me?”
“I’d follow you to the ends of the world, if you asked me to.”
“Damn. How did I get so lucky?”
“You think that’s lucky?” Tabby pushed him onto his back and fell atop the bed. She moved to join him, throwing a leg over to straddle him. “I’ll show you lucky.” She angled her hips and took his cock deep inside her. “Just lie there and I’ll show you how this Easterner can ride.”
“God, woman. I love you.”
“I love you too.” She beamed above him, and then her smile grew sultry. “Now shut up and kiss me.” Her body moved in sensual waves as she rode him.
“I’m all yours.” Reece hissed as the head of his cock skimmed the back of her pussy. “Forever.” Then he closed his eyes and let her take the lead.
Epilogue
“Well, you barnacle-pluckin’ ol’ goat, you did it.” Byron raised his glass, toasting Harold. “To you.” As Errol joined their friend, Harold proudly preened.
Sitting backward on the bench, he leaned against the picnic table located on a large patch of grass in the Town Square while he watched the activity flow around them. The sweet scent of cotton candy touched his nose as a small child ran past holding a big blue glob of spun sugar on a white paper cone. Not only had he brought Reece and Tabatha together, but the youngsters were hearing wedding bells.
He’d outdone himself.
“I hope he doesn’t break his arm, patting himself on the back,” Errol growled.
Bringing his glass up to eye level, Harold swirled the golden liquor around just short of spilling over the top. “Errol, it looks like you’ll be buying the rum.”
“Now don’t you go spinning a yarn.” Errol pounded the tip of his cane against the ground. “Ye’ve yet to have me over a barrel, so why should I be jumping in the water before the ship sinks? Remember I have till the end of the festival. Besides, by the time I’m through with Josie and Adam, your two couples will be chasing them down the aisle.”
Byron and Harold began to hee-haw.
“Pipe down, you two blustery ol’ gales. Here comes the lad now.”
Adam Collins strolled past, offering them a causal nod, looking about as unaware of what was to come as a boat beneath clear skies heading directly into the path of a storm.
Harold raised his glass. “To you, my friend. May the wind be at your back.”
“Hear. Hear,” Bryon added and took a sip of his drink.
Errol used the table and his cane to rise. “If you will excuse me, I best be taking care of business.”
Harold watched his friend join Adam and he laughed. If he knew Errol, the firefighter would never know what hit him until it was too late.
About the Author
A taste of the erotic, a measure of daring and a hint of laughter describe Mackenzie McKade’s novels. She sizzles the pages with scorching sex, fantasy and deep emotion that will touch you and keep you immersed until the end. Whether her stories are contemporaries, futuristics or fantasies, this Arizona native thrives on giving you the ultimate erotic adventure.
When not traveling through her vivid imagination, she’s spending time with three beautiful daughters, three devilishly handsome grandsons and the man of her dreams. She loves to write, enjoys reading and can’t wait ’til summer. Boating and jet skiing are top on her list of activities. Add to that laughter and if mischief is in order—Mackenzie’s your gal!
To learn more about Mackenzie, please visit www.mackenziemckade.com. Send an email to Mackenzie at [email protected] or catch her on her Facebook (www.facebook.com/MackenzieMcKade) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/MackenzieMcKade) sites. You might want to stop by the Wicked Writers’ Faceb
ook site (www.facebook.com/TheWickedWriters) and join in the fun with other readers and authors as well as Mackenzie.
Look for these titles by Mackenzie McKade
Now Available:
Six Feet Under
Fallon’s Revenge
A Warrior’s Witch
Lisa’s Gift
Lost but not Forgotten
Second Chance Christmas
Black Widow
Merry Christmas, Paige
Blue Moon
Irresistible
Ties That Bind
Bound for the Holidays
Bound by the Past
Bound by Desire
Wild Oats
Take Me
Take Me Again
Whispering Cove
Wild
Coming Soon:
Sand Angel
Memories made her run. Family forced her home. Only love can make her stay.
Wild
© 2012 Mackenzie McKade
Whispering Cove, Book 1
Ten years ago, a tragic accident drove Andie Adair away from her family, friends and fiancé in Whispering Cove. A dark secret has kept her away from the sleepy seaport village, until she receives an ambiguous telephone call from her grandfather. He’s in the hospital. Desperate to cling to her only living relative, she races home—and straight into the arms of the one man she can’t bear to face.
Sheriff Brody McGrath built a life without the woman of his dreams, but when the prowler he catches turns out to be Andie, he isn’t prepared for the onslaught of emotions—grief, regret, heartache, and love. There is no denying the old spark between them still burns brightly, but love may not be enough to defeat Andie’s demons and allow her to live again.
Warning: Add one part high-school reunion, one part poker bet, mix with three meddling, matchmaking grandfathers. Result, one long-overdue romance with enough heat and sparks to burn up the pages.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Wild:
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