by Julie Benson
Message sent and received. Zane smiled as he lifted the bottle to his lips. Looked like their service may not be great after all.
A minute later, folks started singing. McKenna rested her chin on her steepled hands, her eyes bright as she watched the performances. For a couple folks the best he could say was they stayed on key. A few others sounded fairly good. He leaned toward McKenna and whispered, “So far no one has a voice that compares with yours.”
She smiled but remained quiet. By the fifth performer, McKenna squirmed in her seat. By the seventh, she quietly sang along.
Zane nodded toward the stage. “You gonna get up there before you explode?”
“I’m considering it.”
“I’d love to sing, but I don’t want to go solo. What if we do a song together?” Cheyenne asked.
“Great idea,” McKenna said.
On the stage as McKenna and Cheyenne searched for a song they laughed and elbowed each other. Zane turned to Coop. “Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. They look like they’re plotting something.”
When McKenna started singing “Somethin’ Bad” by Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, conversation in the room stopped. McKenna’s presence and her honey gravel voice commanded everyone’s attention. Sultry and provocative, her strength shined through. “I hope they’re not trying to tell us something with their song choice.”
“That’s not why we should worry. We should do that simply because they’re two strong-willed women. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. If Cheyenne weren’t tough, I’d probably have lost her.”
“How did you do it? Go through Cheyenne’s surgery after what you went through with Olivia?” Zane asked, his gaze still locked on McKenna.
“It scared me worse than I’ve ever been but losing a moment I could have with Cheyenne scared me worse.” Coop nodded toward the stage. “Looks like you figured out a way to get along.”
“You could say that.”
“Not too long before you head back to California, huh?” Cooper said.
Instead of feeling relief, when Zane thought of leaving Texas and McKenna a heaviness settled on his chest.
What did he have in California? A whole lot of nothin’. Smog, traffic, anonymity, and casual acquaintances. Here he had friends he could count on no matter what life threw at him, Ginny, and McKenna. He picked at the label on his beer bottle. What did he feel for McKenna? He knew it wasn’t like anything he’d experienced before, but should he explore it more?
“At her appointment next week, Ginny expects she’ll be cleared to return to work.”
“Why don’t you sound more excited?”
I can’t bear the thought of leaving McKenna. Of not seeing her every day.
On stage, McKenna moved with a grace and sexiness that fueled his imagination. But there was so much more he admired about her. Like tonight. He’d thought her courage amazing when she sang at the wedding, but now after discovering what her father and sister told her all her life, the depth of her character and resiliency astounded him.
But what did he want to say to Coop? “I’ve done a lot of thinking lately.”
“About what?”
“You name it.” Zane tilted his head right, then left trying to stretch out his tight neck muscles. “One thing I’ve discovered is I hate owning a business.”
“It’s definitely different,” Coop replied.
“I’m selling my share of the company. I’m tired of owner responsibilities taking me away from what I love doing, designing games.”
“Hire a CFO.”
Zane took a long drink. “That would help, but Cody and I have different visions. He keeps talking about growing the company, but I was happier when it was him and me. I’ve already told him I want out.”
“You gonna find a new job in California?”
Zane shook his head. He explained about his zombie bride game concept. “If I can broaden the appeal to males, the idea could work. Though McKenna insists I don’t need to because as is it serves the highly overlooked female market. Other than that, I don’t have a plan.”
Cooper nodded toward the stage. “Speaking of McKenna, any of this have to do with her?”
Absolutely. “I’ve never met anyone like her. If I could take a chance, it would be with McKenna.”
Lately, he’d envied his friends having what he never would. Family, permanence, maybe kids. He admitted they looked happier than he’d seen them with the changes in their lives. They’d moved on to a new stage, while his life would stay pretty much as it was, and he’d settle for being Uncle Zane.
Since he’d emailed Cody the wildest idea kept floating through his head. What if he stayed in Wishing, sorted out his career, and saw how it went with McKenna? Maybe they could try living together. If that worked, maybe long-term wasn’t such a long shot.
But would she take a chance on him? When he’d given his standard don’t expect commitment speech, she said marriage wasn’t in her plans either. Then there was his father. He owed McKenna the truth, and once she discovered his old man kept a secret second family, why would she hitch her wagon to him? He sure as hell wouldn’t.
“Coop, the thing is, I’ve got two chances of a relationship working long-term, slim and none.”
“Looking like your dad doesn’t mean you’ll become him or repeat his mistakes. I’m proof of that,” Cooper said, not appearing surprised by his comments. “Mine’s a self-centered pompous ass and look what a great guy I am.”
“Nope, you didn’t get any of your old man’s arrogance,” Zane joked. But how much genetics could he overcome? What if he took a chance and screwed up? Ruining his life was one thing but destroying McKenna’s was unthinkable.
“You lived with your grandparents for years, too. What about what they taught you?”
He’d always focused on his parents’ mistakes, but had he learned anything positive about marriage from watching his grandparents? Unlike his parents, he never remembered his grandparents arguing. They talked a problem out to find a compromise. He envisioned them working together around the ranch, sitting in their rockers on the porch watching the sun set while talking about their plans for the future. They’d respected each other, and their love shined brightest in moments on the porch when they said nothing but sat holding hands.
If he focused on following their example rather than on avoiding his parents’ mistakes could there be hope for him?
“Zane, there you are.”
When he turned, McKenna’s sister stood behind him. She’d changed from her lounge pants into skin-tight jeans with enough rhinestones and miscellaneous bling to rival a disco ball and a tight pink T-shirt with the saying Bad Choices Make Great Stories. She’d knotted the shirt in front to reveal her midriff. Now here was a woman looking for a good time.
Again, he stared at McKenna’s beautiful, obviously rarin’-to-go sister and felt nothing.
“There wasn’t anything for dinner in the house. I figured rather than go to the grocery store, I’d join you.” Erin flashed him and Cooper a big, vibrant smile, batted her eyelashes, and plopped down beside Zane in McKenna’s chair.
Great. This would toss a wet horse blanket on McKenna’s night, but what could he do? Tell Erin to get lost, and if she refused, bodily remove her? Come on. As Zane tried to figure out a strategy, Erin turned to Coop and introduced herself. “Do you enjoy singing?”
His friend shook his head. “My fiancée, Cheyenne does. She’s on the stage now with McKenna.”
The announcement deflated Erin’s interest and her attention returned to Zane. She licked her lips and leaned toward him. “What’s the deal with you and my sister? Are you a thing or not?”
No way would he become the latest event in her sibling rivalry competition. Not when he’d looked forward to tonight all week. All he wanted was to lean back with a beer and listen to McKenna sing.
“Yes, we’re involved.”
To what extent and for how long, I don’t have a clue, but we’re definitely togeth
er.
“You and McKenna. Who’d have guessed? How serious are you?” She placed her hand on his forearm and squeezed.
In other words, are you exclusive? Great character. Making a play for her sister’s man.
Before he could set Erin straight, Cheyenne and McKenna finished singing and applause erupted from the crowd. When the noise died down, he said, “What’s between me and McKenna is none of your business, but so we’re clear, I’m not interested in you.”
When they returned to the table, McKenna introduced Cheyenne to Erin. Cooper kissed his fiancée on the cheek and held chair for her. “You two were amazing.”
Cheyenne laughed. “McKenna made me look good. Her voice is way better than mine. In fact, I think we should ask her to sing at our wedding.”
“No, no.” McKenna waved her arms back and forth and collapsed onto the chair Zane swiped from a nearby table. “I already have enough responsibilities at weddings. Singing is out. I’m limiting my appearances to karaoke night and the shower.”
“Unfortunately, my sister suffers from stage fright,” Erin said.
McKenna lifted her chin. “My recent performance on the stage says otherwise.”
That’s telling her, Mac. Zane resisted the urge to let out an Aggie whoop over her comeback. Instead, he slid his hand onto McKenna’s knee and squeezed. When she turned in his direction, he winked. “Were you having as much fun as you looked like you were?”
“I had more.”
“Then I’m glad I came. I’d hate to miss the fun,” Erin said.
“How long are you staying?” Cheyenne asked.
“Only long enough to make enough to get my car fixed. I’ve got a job waiting for me in Las Vegas. I’m moving there to get away from an ex. I had a protective order, but he still showed up at my work.”
“That’s awful. You shouldn’t be forced to leave your job and your home because of this guy,” Cheyenne said.
“I was ready for a change, anyway.” Erin flagged down their waitress, who this time not only stood nowhere near Zane, she failed to glance in his direction. After taking Erin’s order, she skittered away. “My boss was a giant pain in the ass. Wasn’t she, McKenna?”
“I wouldn’t say that. She’s a driven, assertive woman who expects the best out of her employees.”
Zane turned to McKenna. “You two had the same boss?”
“We sure did,” Erin said, drawing everyone’s attention back to her. “McKenna was a wedding planner, then. I was the owner’s assistant, just like she is now.”
Zing. Wow, with a sister like this, McKenna didn’t need enemies. She needed a bulletproof vest.
“That must’ve been so fun, working with your sister,” Cheyenne said as she glanced between the other women.
“It was definitely something else,” McKenna replied.
Zane leaned closer to McKenna, his lips near her ear. “Don’t let Erin get to you and spoil your night.”
“No chance of that. Now that I know her game, I don’t intend to play anymore.” Her face glowing with confidence, McKenna glanced at Cheyenne. “Are you up for another song?”
*
The next morning Zane sat at his grandmother’s desk knowing he wanted, no needed, to explore what he felt for McKenna to see if he could have what his friends had. A supportive, healthy, long-term relationship.
The realization hit him between the eyes last night when Erin had asked what was between him and McKenna. He hadn’t felt anything for Erin. Instead, he’d been concerned about how McKenna would react. If she’d be upset her sister was there, and how she’d feel devastated and betrayed if she’d learned she hit on him.
Erin was clueless. She might be prettier, but she wasn’t half as attractive as McKenna.
He’d expected to be bored by now, but instead, McKenna continually challenged him. He swore every day he discovered another fascinating aspect to her. He saw her standing, her hands on her hips, head tilted as she told him she wasn’t buying what he was selling when he tried to pull something on her. And never once had she asked about the future or what would happen when he left.
He’d been clear about his expectations, as had McKenna. How did he ask her to break their agreement because he wanted to explore having a future together? The thought of that conversation left him shaking in his boots. He’d never asked a woman to make a commitment, not even going steady in high school.
He wished his grandad was here to talk to. His advice and wisdom would calm Zane’s fears. Turning in the chair, he sought the shadow box containing his grandfather’s picture, the diamond star pin he’d given Ginny on their wedding day, and the aerial ranch photo. The memento had hung behind Ginny’s desk since she started Lucky Stars Weddings, but instead of finding the box, Zane discovered a blank wall.
Where the hell was it? His hands shook. A weight settled heavy on his chest as he yanked the bookcase aside to check behind it. Nothing. He continued searching. Under Ginny’s desk. Behind every piece of furniture. In drawers and cabinets. As he failed to find the box, his pulsed hammered in his head. The pain in his chest intensified. When the hunt in Ginny’s office proved unsuccessful, he tore apart the outer office.
When his search there turned up empty, too, he seized an empty waste basket and hurled it across the room. It bounced off the armchair, hit the floor, and rolled a few feet before stopping.
Every morning, his grandma traced a finger over his grandfather’s image. Then she whispered how much she missed and loved him. How would he tell his Grandma Ginny the box, her connection to her deceased husband, was gone?
If the shadow box hadn’t fallen or been knocked down, someone must have stolen it.
Zane ran to the front door and examined the lock but found no obvious evidence of tampering. After checking Ginny’s door, he came to the same conclusion. Maybe a picked lock? He thought back to his arrival this morning. He unlocked the doors. For the thief to lock up he’d need keys.
Three people possessed those. Him. His Grandma Ginny. And McKenna.
His heart hammered painfully against his ribs. His throat tightened.
Since her surgery, Ginny hadn’t left the house except for doctor appointments.
That left McKenna.
Chapter Sixteen
Damn. McKenna couldn’t have stolen the shadow box. How could she betray him like this when he’d trusted her? He’d told her secrets he’d never shared. How could he have been so wrong about her?
Your father had been great at hiding who he was and what he was doing.
What did he really know about McKenna’s past? Before Ginny hired her, McKenna worked for a wedding planner in Houston. She graduated from the University of Texas. She’d heard about this job from a friend of a friend. Not much.
And all of it he’d heard from her.
How did he know anything she’d told him was true? Look at his father. He’d lied to him and his mother for years to cover his life with another family. They’d never suspected. Why couldn’t McKenna have created a sad tale about her childhood to get him to lower his guard?
While Ginny said she checked McKenna’s references and past employer, had she run a background check? Doubtful. And there were other odd remarks. When Ginny said she needed him in the office. Not wanted, needed. Had she meant something by the remark? The night they’d been locked in AJ’s office, McKenna said, “With the way things are going with us working together so far, I’ll be lucky if I still have a job when Ginny returns, and I won’t go through that again.”
Was there something in her past she didn’t want him and Ginny knowing?
Definitely time for him to check into McKenna’s background. Deciding to start with his grandma to determine for sure what she’d done, he went to see her, but found her in physical therapy.
He could contact the company Big Stake Games used for background checks, but that would take time. Zane smiled. What good was having the chief of police for a good friend if he couldn’t get a background check in a pinch?
>
Fifteen minutes later when Zane walked into the police department’s front office. He smiled at the older woman behind the desk, the town’s dispatcher-office manager. “Good morning, Marjorie. Aren’t you a fine sight who’d brighten anyone’s morning?”
“You think you can waltz in here and disrupt our day?” Though AJ was the chief, word around town was Marjorie really ran the department. People complained about her gruff and tough attitude, but his handful of interactions with her had been pleasant enough. That didn’t mean she was a complete pushover.
He shook his head and plastered a serious look on his face. “I wouldn’t dream of bothering y’all if it weren’t important. Since you know AJ’s schedule better than he does, can he spare a few minutes for me?”
“It’s about official business?”
I fear the woman I’m involved with took me for a fool and about six grand. “Yes, ma’am. I wouldn’t lie about that.”
The older woman eyed him up and down, before telling him to head into AJ’s office. “You can have five minutes. Not a second more.”
“Thanks, Marjorie. What would AJ do without you?”
She grinned. “You remind him about that. Annual review time’s coming up.”
Once inside his friend’s office, Zane sank into the chair in front of the desk. He nodded toward the closed door. “The boss gave me five minutes.”
“I should knock you upside the head after the little surprises you left here,” AJ said.
“You deserved that and more for your stunt.” Zane’s insides twisted at the reminder of that night. Of McKenna and what a fool he’d been. “I need your help. What do you know about McKenna?”
AJ’s right eyebrow crooked upward. “You’d know more than me.”
“I’m asking in an official capacity.”
AJ straightened and shifted into chief mode. “What happened?”
“Nothing for sure.”