Sweet Southern Bad Boy

by Michele Summers

  She folded her arms across her middle as if to hug herself. “Vance, is this true?” Her voice quavered, and Vance jammed his fists in his pockets to keep from grabbing her up and running as far away as he could get.

  “Look, your dad decided he didn’t like this site for the show, but he didn’t want to hurt your feelings, so—”

  “So, he fired you and hired me to do the job right,” Tad interjected like an asshole, rocking back on his loafered heels.

  Katie’s look of shock sent a cramping pain to Vance’s stomach. “He fired me? My dad wouldn’t fire me. I mean…yeah, he’s moved me around some, but…”

  Vance reached for Katie, but she backed up even farther, shaking her head. The horror and dismay skating across her features put him in panic mode. Vance inhaled a huge breath. He needed to remain calm. But how? He pinched the bridge of his nose. This was turning into a real goat screw. “Katie, it’s not what you think. Please, come inside with me, and I’ll explain everything,” he practically begged.

  “Enough. Out with it. Both of you.” The finger she pointed at Tad Potatohead shook. “Finish what you started.” For the first time since turning their evening into a shitfest, Tad appeared uncertain. “Now!” Katie ordered.

  “Uh, I was just following orders, Katie. You know how your dad can get. He told me you were fired and sent me to Wilmington to secure the right location. I had nothing to do with the deal Kerner cooked up.” Tad shot Vance a look of utter disgust. As if his underhanded dealings were aboveboard and acceptable.

  “But you knew I was fired from this job, and you didn’t say anything,” Katie accused.

  “It wasn’t my place to tell you,” Tad said. “Besides, I didn’t want to hurt—”

  “Baloney! You could care less about hurting me. It’s never been about me. It’s always about you and sucking up to my dad.”

  “Katie, let me explain—” And the whining portion of the evening had begun.

  Katie stopped him with her raised hand. “No. You’ve said enough. We’re not dating anymore, and for that I’m eternally grateful. I never have to listen to anything you say ever again. What a relief.” Vance couldn’t help the small smile curling his lips.

  “You don’t mean that. What about all the times—”

  “Oh, but I do. Tad, we’re through. Over. Kaput. I’ll no longer settle for second best. I deserve better.”

  Yes. Fire sparked from the depths of Katie’s dark eyes. And Vance barely refrained from pumping the air with his fist. He didn’t think he could love her any more than in that moment. Vance suppressed the urge to pull her into his arms and hold her forever. But then Katie slowly turned her attention to him, and his little warrior’s shoulders slumped, and the bite she gave her lower lip had Vance checking for blood. His heart plummeted to the ground at the anguished look of disillusionment clouding her face.

  “You were never going to sign my contract.” The lack of emotion in her voice and the hurt brimming in her eyes punched him right in the throat. “I mean, I’m not an idiot. I knew you were stalling, but I had no idea you’d been scheming with my dad. I’ve already taken steps toward leaving McKnight Studios, but I wanted to finish this last assignment on my terms.” She stabbed her chest with her thumb. “Not be a pawn in a game of wills between you and my dad. Did you think I’d never find out? Were you ever going to tell me?” Anguish and disappointment fell across her face, draining it of all its vibrant life and color.

  Vance’s stomach plunged to the ground to join his already sputtering heart. “Kat, I know you’re upset, and it’s understandable, but if you’d give me a moment, I can explain.”

  “I understand everything,” she said in a harsh whisper.

  “Kathryn, honey, why don’t you let me take you home? Away from Kerner. It’s for the best,” Tad said in a placating voice. Vance balled his fists as a roar erupted from his chest. He’d see Tad facedown in the dirt before he’d let him take her away. Both Katie and Tad stared at him in alarm.

  “Why don’t you leave? Now. Before this gets any uglier.” Vance made a threatening move, and Tad jumped back.

  With palms pressed to her chest, Katie said, “Tad, you need to go. Please. This is between me and Vance. I’m fine.” Tears pooling in her eyes said otherwise. Shame overwhelmed Vance like a surging wave. He’d crawl on his hands and knees through fifty yards of sewage to erase the look of disbelief and distrust from her face.

  Tad straightened his shoulders and gave a curt nod. “I’m staying at the Lazy Oak Inn, if you need me. I’m only a phone call away—”

  “Leave! Please,” Katie begged.

  Moments that felt like years ticked by as Tad finally made his way to his car. Vance could only stand by helplessly and watch Katie as she lifted her chin along with her resolve, blinking back tears. He felt lower than the ten-year grime ground into the floorboards of his truck. Whatever she threw at him he deserved and worse. He’d known this debacle would blow up like a grenade in his face. Damn Walter McKnight. And damn his stupid, idiotic self for getting sucked in. Vance spread his arms, palms open. “Go ahead. Let me have it. I deserve your anger and anything else you want to hit me with.”

  Katie exhaled a shaky breath. “It’s not that simple. If I could smack you and make it all disappear, I would. I’m having a hard time picturing you in complicity with my dad. I thought you were tougher than that.” She rubbed her temples. “But he’s a hard man to say no to. I should know.”

  “Kat, I’m so sorry. I’m not proud of what I did, and believe me, if I could go back in time, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” Vance took a tentative step toward her. “But I can make it right. Please, don’t allow this to ruin what we have. I love you, and I never wanted to hurt you. You have to believe that. Let me fix this.” It would take one phone call to terminate the whole thing. Making movies be damned. Mike could earn his fifteen percent and work damage control. Vance didn’t care. She meant everything to him. He knew she had issues standing up to her dad, but he sure as hell didn’t. He’d fight her battle and never let Walter hurt her again. Setting this right with Katie and gaining back her trust was the only thing that mattered.

  She shook her head. Vance couldn’t tell from the faraway look in her eyes if she’d even heard him. “This is my moment of truth. I can continue to let other people rule my life, pushing me around, making decisions for me. Treating me like dirt.” Vance cringed, hating himself even more. “Or I can take charge of my own life.”

  “Babe, that’s what I want for you too—”

  “This is something I have to do for myself. I can’t allow you to take over where my father left off.”

  The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. “What are you saying?”

  Katie stepped forward and cupped him around the neck. Pulling his head down, she gave him a fleeting but sad kiss. “I have some things to settle that are long overdue. I can’t say I’m not hurt by what you did, but I kinda understand. My dad has a way of grabbing people by the jugular. Where they’re the most vulnerable.” She shrugged her shoulders. “It’s complicated, and by getting involved, we’ve complicated it even further.”

  Vance gripped her wrist, not allowing her to pull away. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. This will never happen again…I swear.” He didn’t care that he sounded desperate or afraid. He didn’t like the resigned look she wore.

  “Nevertheless…I have to do what I have to do.”

  “Are you going to share it with me?”

  “No. Not now. Finish writing your book. Don’t miss your deadline. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to your career because of me. And don’t worry about my dad. I’ll take care of him,” she said as if something bitter lingered in her mouth. Slipping her wrists from his grasp, she straightened her spine. “I’m staying in the main house tonight. Um…I’ll see you in the morning.” She ducked her head and started fo
r the house.

  “Katie, don’t go!” He grabbed her by the elbow, wheeling her around. A thousand needles pierced his chest, making breathing difficult. “Babe, listen…I can’t…don’t leave…I’m begging you. Don’t leave me like this.” Vance had never begged for anything in his life. Never exposed his vulnerability, even at the lowest points with his dad. But Katie had changed everything. He’d beg, borrow, and steal if it meant he got to keep her.

  Katie shrugged out of his grip. “I need to be alone. Please don’t make this harder than it already is.”

  “Can you ever forgive me? Please tell me you forgive me.” His voice shook with the fear of losing her.

  “I can’t. Not now. I will one day, but not today.” Katie lowered her head and moved toward the house.

  “Katie, I love you.” Turn around. Please don’t leave me.

  “I know. Good night,” she called over her shoulder.

  Vance stood alone in his backyard while the sounds of his world came crashing down around his ears.

  * * *

  Katie sat cross-legged in the middle of the king-size bed, with her head resting in her palm. The only light in the room sifted through the French doors from the starry sky. She’d been sitting for the past two hours, plotting the remainder of her life. She knew if Tad hadn’t come waltzing over tonight she’d be making love with Vance right now, blithely ignorant of all the shady deals taking place behind her back. Damn Tad and his sneaky, conniving, ratty self. She’d gotten only one full night with the man she loved, and she wanted more…like a lifetime more. But more than Tad, who was no more than a slimy worm to be smashed beneath her shoe, Katie couldn’t stop picturing her dad controlling all his minions from behind his executive desk, barking orders and signing deals, not caring whom he trampled in the process. Including his own daughter. And yeah, Vance, the big dope, shouldn’t have agreed to anything with her dad, but he was only looking out for himself and his career. And her dad had ways of convincing people. He dangled just enough reward to get exactly what he wanted. Katie had witnessed the routine a thousand times.

  “Not this time. You will no longer be my lord and master, Daddy dear.” Katie swiped at the hot tears on her cheeks. This day had been long overdue. She knew confronting her dad wouldn’t be easy. She felt as stable as a jellyfish. But if she ever wanted to hold her head high and become the woman she was meant to be, she needed to reclaim her life on her terms.

  “Katie?” Lifting her head, she stopped at the sound of Vance’s voice. “Are you okay?” She scrambled off the bed and hurried to the closed bedroom door, pressing her hand to the cold doorknob, making sure it was locked. “Can you hear me?”

  “Y-yes,” she croaked. “I’m okay.” Katie closed her eyes and pressed her ear to the solid wood door. Her heart splintered into a million pieces at Vance’s labored breathing on the other side. She wished she could fling the door wide and throw herself in his arms. But it would only muddy up what was already a volatile situation.

  “That’s good. Um…okay. You don’t have to open the door or anything, just listen.” Katie nodded, even though Vance couldn’t see her. “I know I hurt you, and I’ll never forgive myself for the pain I’ve caused you. Please believe me, I’d rather cut off my right arm than ever hurt you again.”

  “Don’t say that,” she whispered.

  “Look, I don’t want to overwhelm you. I never meant to steal your freedom, and I certainly don’t want to ruin your life. I just…I just want to be with you.” Katie placed her palm against the door as if she could touch him. She could hear him shifting his weight on the other side. “I don’t know how to make you love me. All I know is I want to be with you. You have the power to knock me off my feet, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Katie stifled a sob with her fist pressed to her mouth. “This is the reality…at the end of the day, when all this other bullshit fades away…I’ll still be loving only you.”

  “I love you too,” she mouthed. But the cold hard truth: Katie had to fix herself before she could be free to be with Vance. She had to regain her self-respect. Without relying on Vance as her crutch. She loved him, and he loved her, but they were both going to have to hang tight and not give up. Katie drew in a deep breath, hoping and praying her stance wouldn’t derail their love. She had to believe in their strength and love combined to ride out the storm.

  Vance tapped the door lightly with his knuckles. “Anyway…I wanted you to know that. I won’t bother you anymore. Um, if you need anything…anything at all…I’m here.” He paused, and her breath caught. “G-good night.”

  “Good night.” She listened to his footsteps as they faded away. She plunked her forehead against the door, and her rib cage crushed her heart. Katie pushed away and straightened her shoulders, and drew several shallow breaths. No more doubting. Time to put her plan in action and make darn sure nothing went wrong. Not on her watch.

  Chapter 23

  The next morning, Katie stumbled to the empty kitchen, half-asleep, to find coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice already made, her favorite yogurt waiting in a bowl, and a beautiful yellow rose next to her place. But the gorgeous man responsible for all this loveliness was conspicuously absent. Even as Katie’s heart skipped a beat, she knew this was for the best. After talking with Inslee for over an hour the night before, she’d put her plan in motion and didn’t want the sight of Vance to cause her to lose focus, or worse, crawl back into his welcoming arms and never leave. Once she let him take charge, she’d never learn to stand up for herself. Operation Grow a Backbone had commenced, and Katie needed to stay the course.

  She pressed the velvety rose to her nose and inhaled its sweet scent, when she noticed the notecard next to her place. Vance had scrawled in his barely discernable handwriting: I’m sorry. Whatever I can do, just tell me. Love you. Vance. Katie held her breath. He wasn’t making this easy. Pulling her phone from her pants pocket, she texted: Thanks 4 breakfast. Running errands today. Will talk 2 u later. She hated not telling him about her plans, but she knew he’d try everything in his power to stop her. And his arsenal of tricks could make a woman made of steel collapse like a house of cards. Katie wouldn’t stand a chance. She had to believe that as long as Vance had patience, they would be just fine.

  She hoped…and prayed.

  The night before, she had spoken with Inslee and her brothers, informing them of her plan to quit McKnight Studios and start her own business right here in Harmony. It would be called Imagination Station—she and Inslee had brainstormed over the name—and she’d be teaching kids again. Buoyed by her brothers’ encouragement, Sam had told her it was about time she stopped being a doormat—but in a nice, big brother way—and Doug had started crunching numbers before Katie had given him all the facts and figures. With their help, she’d have enough information to make an informed decision. Her next call was to Bertie and Lucy, giving them a rundown of her plan. Of course, they peppered her with all kinds of nosy questions about Vance. Katie and Vance. Friday night after the cookout…with Vance. Saturday. Saturday night…with Vance. Katie managed to cut them off without spilling too many juicy details and got them to focus on what she really needed: help procuring the location on the town commons and garnering local support. Both were eager and willing to assist in any way possible. Team Katie was in place and hard at work.

  Katie paced the length of the master bedroom, tapping her hands against her thighs. Yeah, now for the hard part. She’d love the luxury of a month to rehearse exactly what she planned to say to her parents. She knew from experience they would not listen rationally and allow her to make her own decision. Being supreme control freaks, they’d hit her with everything they had. Something resembling heartburn seared her breastbone. She stopped and pressed a fist to her chest, trying to alleviate the burning sensation. Then she felt the twitching of her spasmodic eyebrow. Holy Lady Gaga. The anxiety alone might kill her. With her dismal record of caving in, she pr
ayed for the strength of all the feisty, confident Harmony women she’d met and for that elusive backbone she’d lacked since birth.

  Katie got busy and put in another call to the Ardbuckle twins. Reinforcements were in place for the kids so Vance could concentrate on finishing his novel. A text from Dottie Duncan said they were only an hour from home. Katie would miss welcoming them, but she couldn’t afford a messy exit. Things could get loud and ugly…with her uncontrollable crying. She hoped the kids had had a great time with their mom and granddad. Any amount of time Chuck spent with his grandkids was a positive sign. Now to get him to spend time with his son…

  Katie exited the house from the front, carrying her packed bags. Since it was Sunday morning, the church-going Harmony residents hadn’t swarmed the yard for tryouts, making her escape that much easier. She shoved her bags in the trunk of her old Mercedes and wound her way down Vance’s driveway, refusing to glance in the rearview mirror. She didn’t trust herself not to turn the car around and abort her mission.

  * * *

  Around noon, Vance stopped typing. He’d received a text from Dottie, saying they were almost home. He heard the loud blare of a horn, and a car rolling down the driveway. Closing his laptop, he rolled his stiff shoulders. He’d manage to write nothing but dreck all morning. And he blamed it all on Katie…who still refused to speak with him. A few lame texts did not constitute speaking and confronting their issues. Vance was in hell. He couldn’t stand not being with her. Wondering what was going through her head created a firestorm in his belly. Respecting her wishes was the hardest thing he’d ever done. She’d asked for time to sort things out, and he’d give it to her. But if she didn’t come around soon, he’d storm her space any way he knew how and get her back.

  Vance came down in time to see Donald and Dover tumbling from the car, followed by Danny clutching Lollipop to her chest in a death grip.