by Sharan Daire
I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to get a hold of myself. Trying to find firm ground again. I didn't know what the hell was wrong with me. I didn't even know how I'd gotten here. It was like a crazy dream. Maybe I was still back in my broke-down car on the road, hallucinating from the bitter cold. This was all just a bizarrely wonderful dream.
He opened the passenger door and offered me his hand.
Eyes narrowed, I glared at him suspiciously and didn't budge.
"Are you going to stay out here all night? In the cold? While your kids are inside having the time of their lives?"
My kids had already gone inside, so I was at least going to have to go after them. Then I could decide what to do. Though again, what options did I have? Sleep in a car with them in the middle of winter? When there was a beautiful, luxurious-looking lodge waiting with bright lights in the windows and the promise of dinner? My stomach growled loudly, making me blush. I'd had a Pop-Tart and a cup of gas station road-tar coffee this morning, but nothing else.
I scooted over to the door and grudgingly took his hand so he could help me out of the car. Then it dawned on me. I knew exactly what a man like him would be doing with a woman like me. "I'm not going to sleep with you just to get my car fixed."
Laughing softly, he tucked my arm around his massive biceps, closing his palm over my bare fingers so that I could feel his heat soaking into my hand. "Baby, when you sleep with me, it'll be because you're going crazy with want. Aching with desire to the point that you'd swear you'll die if you don't get me inside you."
I tripped at his words, falling over my own feet. It was like my brain forgot how to function. Somehow, I stumbled along beside him, even though my mind was stuck in neutral. I didn't really think I could ever want someone that much. Despite my logical reservations, I had to admit that I liked the idea of it. The possibility. And his sheer cockiness that he could actually make me want him enough to sleep with him after the hell I'd already been through with the last man I'd been stupid enough to marry.
Derek led me up the wide-planked steps of the wraparound porch. The railings were made of natural knotty pine, very rustic and uneven looking though extremely sturdy. The walls of the lodge—that weren't plate-glass floor-to-ceiling windows—were giant logs mixed with river rocks that must have weighed a ton. It was over-the-top crazy and out of scale, as if the whole place had been built by giants.
I couldn't even fathom the amount of money it'd taken to unearth and harvest such materials, let alone assemble them into a building of this beauty and magnificence. It was intimidating, for sure. I had nothing but the clothes on my back and a dead car. The miserably small apartment that I couldn't afford would have fit into a tiny corner closet of this fantastic place. I was so out of my element, both because of the grandeur of this place, and also the man who'd brought me here. I could still feel the phantom stroking of his tongue on mine. The heat of his mouth. The casual way he'd kissed me. As if he had every right to do so, even though he'd just met me.
I should have been furious a stranger kissed me. That he assumed I would inevitably sleep with him. I should be running down the road screaming for help and calling 911.
Right?
But I couldn't get over how utterly safe I felt. So warm. So alive.
That was what really got me. I'd been barely existing, struggling to just make ends meet, for so long. Even at the diner, I'd been too busy busting my ass for a fifty-cent tip to even think about flirting. I tolerated the casual touches men always snuck in, even if their wives were sitting right there across the table. I had to. It was part of my job, and if a customer wasn't pleased, I risked them complaining to my boss and getting me fired.
I certainly hadn't indulged in active flirting on my part. I hadn't been interested. Period.
Let alone had I ever indulged in the absolutely foreign and bizarre concept that someone, a man, no less, might actually help me. That he might want to take care of me. Even a little.
The way Derek looked at me and touched me, even keeping my fingers beneath his so I wouldn't be too cold without gloves... It was as luxurious as a five-star hotel.
I liked the way he touched me.
In fact, I loved it. I loved the sultry promise in his eyes when he looked at me. Though I really couldn't indulge, not with all my responsibilities. It was just nice to be wanted that way, and to still feel safe, rather than used and taken advantage of. I even felt safe enough to dare a slight teasing tone. "You think so?"
In a heartbeat, he had me up against one of the giant logs, his body hard and heavy against mine. His palm slid down my hip and lifted my leg just enough to bring my pelvis in full blissful contact with the most impressive erection I'd ever felt in my entire life. He rocked against me slightly, nudging deeper between my thighs, and my entire pussy turned into molten lava.
Heat bloomed through me. The heat of his hand soaked through the denim, and it was so easy to imagine those powerful palms gliding over my bare skin. The weight of his incredibly tall six-foot-plus frame crushing me into a mattress while he moved inside me.
"Yeah," he growled against my ear. "I do."
His hot, moist breath teased my ear. His teeth grazed my earlobe. His cheek rasped ever so slightly against mine. His scent filled my nose, just like his coat. Hot, brawny man and leather. So good.
I couldn't help but whimper when he stepped back, withdrawing all that heat and strength from me. Though he kept his arms around me, steadying me until I was sure I wouldn't melt into a puddle on the porch. "I want you to meet my friends first."
Blinking several times, I could only stare at him, trying to understand why he'd care whether I liked his friends or not. His eyes were still dark and hot with desire, but his dimple was gone. The reserved cop mask slid down over his handsome face.
"Why?" I finally managed to ask.
He stared at me, looking so deeply that I felt exposed and vulnerable again. Did all cops have the ability to look inside a suspect or witness like that? To see their heart and soul? Or was I just that transparent?
Letting out a deep breath, he pulled open the front door. "Because we're a package deal."
5
Shelby
"We're a package deal."
His words repeated on an endless loop in my head. Surely he didn't mean... and his brother...?
Scandalized and yet also intrigued more than I could admit, I opened my mouth to ask him what he meant, but the sight of the lodge's interior stole my breath. Exposed rafters soared overhead, massive long logs that must have come from trees at least a hundred years old. A giant stone fireplace took up one whole wall. Plush leather sofas and chairs were angled toward the crackling fire for a cozy seating area. To my right, a long wooden table that looked to be hand carved and large enough for at least thirty people dominated the room, with smaller tables scattered throughout the open living space.
The whole space was decorated with pine boughs and gleaming soft white fairy lights. Every table was lit with thick white pillar candles. Several of the smaller tables by the windows were occupied by people dressed up. They glanced our way as we entered but continued eating their meals. My nose caught the delicious scents of roasted meat, and my stomach growled even louder.
A man stood at the front desk, which looked more like a bar in an old-world pub. Dark, gleaming wood shone in the candlelight. Smiling, he came around the edge of the bar toward us.
From the clues the twins had dropped, I guessed this was the other friend, not Chris. Surely the grouchy former soldier wouldn’t be smiling so easily. The man was dressed more formally than either Derek or his brother in an expensive-looking suit and tie that gave him that slick lawyer look.
His hair was darker, but he actually looked very much like Derek with the same wide shoulders beneath the exquisitely tailored suit. Dark blue eyes flickered over my face and then took note of Derek's arm around me. His coat around my shoulders.
"Shelby, this is my best friend, Everett Harris," Der
ek said.
I glanced at his face, trying to decide if his words earlier about a package deal had been a joke. Maybe he'd been teasing me. This whole thing was just... weird. He had an expectant, slightly bemused look on his face. Even his lips were quirked in a sheepish grin, as if he was daring the other man to say something shocking or equally bizarre.
Everett took my free hand in his. For a moment, I even thought he was going to bow and kiss my knuckles like some kind of historical movie.
Instead, he shocked me by leaning down to kiss both of my cheeks. "Welcome to Little Cypress, Shelby. If there is anything I can do to make your stay more comfortable..." He grinned at the dumbfounded look on my face. "Anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask."
So confused and dazed that I actually felt a little lightheaded, I could only manage a slight nod. Maybe Everett was gay? And involved with Derek? Or his brother? Was that what he'd meant by a package deal? I was severely out of the dating and flirting game, but I didn't think the gleam in Everett's eyes would be there if he was only interested in men. He looked at me like I'd be a tasty snack that he'd demolish slowly, thoroughly, and at great length.
"We're starving, so I'm going to get us some dinner," Derek said. "Where would you like her to stay?"
His words seemed to hang in the air, latent with hidden meaning. He'd kissed me. He'd flattened me up against the wall and ground his dick against me. But he'd said I would want to sleep with him if it happened at all. And while it'd been very nice to be kissed like that...
I wasn't ready to hop into bed with him. With anyone. Especially until I figured out what the fuck was going on here.
"I think they'll be the most comfortable in Sugarfoot," Everett replied. "I'll send Tim out to prep the cabin."
"Perfect," Derek said in a low purr that tightened muscles deep inside me. He gave me a slow, knowing smile that damned near curled my toes. "You'll love it."
I dug in, refusing to take another step until I had some answers. Maybe Sugarfoot was some shady code word for "take her to my cabin." It sure sounded suspicious. "What's going on here?"
Everett rolled his eyes. "He didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?" My pitch went up and a lady at the nearest table turned to look at me. My cheeks heated and it was all I could do not to turn around and slink out the front door. The woman wore an expensive-looking black dress that probably cost more than even all the repairs on Bessie were going to be.
That made me feel even worse. I didn't belong here. I would never belong here. Not in this mansion with rich people and nice things. That wasn't my life and never would be.
"Sugarfoot is one of our guest cabins," Everett replied smoothly. "Some of our guests prefer to stay here in the main building, but we also have cabins throughout the property. It's up to you, of course, but the rooms here generally only have one bed, and our suites are booked. I thought you'd be more comfortable if your children had room to spread out a little."
"Oh," I replied faintly. Maybe I was overreacting. I just felt so out of my element, exhausted, strung out with nerves, and starving.
"It's really nice and private," Derek added. "There's a loft for the kids and a huge television, plus a private bedroom for you to enjoy. There's even a small kitchen if you don't want to walk up here to eat."
"Just drop a list off at the front desk or call us, and we'll have whatever groceries you need delivered," Everett said.
I blinked. That didn't sound like normal hotel service. But I hadn't stayed in a hotel in so long...
Derek gave a gentle tug on my arm. "Let's get you something to eat. I'll answer any questions you have."
Maybe I was going into a kind of emotional shock, because I couldn't seem to think. Or I was just overwhelmed. Did they treat all their guests so well? Offering to have groceries delivered to the cabin? It just seemed... impossible. But even more impossible was the idea that these strangers were actually trying to help me. That they genuinely cared about our wellbeing.
He walked me through the dining room and a set of swinging doors into the kitchen. Several people hurried back and forth along stainless-steel counters laden with food. So much bounty everywhere I looked. Thick steaks sizzled on the grill. Fresh vegetables chopped and prepped. Hot piping bread in the ovens. Giant pots of soup. A case of pies and cakes.
"Hey, Sally," Derek said to one of the white-aproned staff.
Wiping her hands on a towel, the pretty blonde smiled at him and then me. "What can I get you?"
A strange mind-numbing panic swept through me. What would be cheap? Easy? Not too much trouble to ask for? Without a menu, I had no idea how much things would cost.
Luckily, he didn't wait for me to come up with a request. "Two cups of soup to warm us up, and two of your specials."
"You got it."
"Did Kaleb order something for the kids?"
"One of everything on the kid's menu." She laughed, but I still cringed, trying to add up in my head how much that must have cost. "Plus ice cream. I hope you don't mind that we already sent the shakes out to them, ma'am. They were so excited, I just couldn't resist."
"Not at all." I smiled weakly and barely bit back a question about how much all this was going to cost. One meal surely wouldn't bankrupt the sheriff and his brother, even if the kids ate like pigs. They hadn't had much other than snacks all day. Of course they'd be starving.
My stomach churned and my head swam. I was in so much trouble. I didn't have a clue how I was going to feed them again. Even if I made it to Granny's...
Derek tightened his fingers on my arm and pulled me along with him. "Thank you, Sally."
Numbly, I followed him through the massive kitchen to another set of double doors, down a dark hallway, to a door marked, "Private." I was too tired and overwhelmed to even be worried for my safety as he opened the door and ushered me through. However, I heard the kids before I saw them. The room was darker and more intimate than the other dining area. A long table filled the room, big enough for ten or fifteen people to sit comfortably.
Kaleb was on his knees before another fireplace, while Bubby stacked small sticks over some crumpled paper. Allie sat on the floor watching avidly while inhaling a chocolate shake in an old-fashioned soda glass. The dog sat beside her, his head on her lap while she petted him with her free hand. The scene held my attention, even as Derek guided me to the opposite corner to a smaller table in front of a large window. It seemed so momentous. As if time had stopped and everything I'd ever known to be true had suddenly dissolved into mist.
I couldn't look away. Kaleb, smiling and laughing. Bubby involved and engaged, not silent and grimly reserved, worried about taking care of Allie. Allie, contently petting a dog. Her dream come true.
Then it struck me.
It was all a dream come true. For them. For me. It was like I'd driven off the road into Lala Land. Somewhere over the rainbow, munchkins were singing about lollipops. I almost looked down at my shoes to see if they'd turned into ruby slippers.
A kind, generous, patient man was showing my son how to do something. Without yelling or cursing or drinking. My kids were happy. Fed.
Well fed, I corrected myself as the door opened and people entered with hot plates loaded with all the foods that kids love. Chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, hotdogs, plus a few healthy alternatives like carrots and apple slices. Bubby abandoned his fire-making lesson and grabbed the hotdog. Though he did pause and look to see if Allie wanted it first.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried not to cry. "Thank you," I whispered.
Derek pulled a chair out for me. "It's our pleasure, truly. I haven't seen Kaleb or Wally so happy in ages. They love kids."
I sat down, awkwardly shifting forward as he scooted the chair back closer to the table. I couldn't recall the last time someone had helped me sit down. Just another bizarre dream-like moment where I didn't have to be scared or fighting to protect myself or my kids. He sat across from me, his back to the kids.
Had he deliberately put me here so I could see my kids and be comforted that they were alright? Or was I reading too much into his actions?
I searched his face, trying to read his eyes for hidden agendas and secret motivations. He'd kissed me. He'd shown me exactly what he was interested in. But then he'd backed off and gone back to being the helpful sheriff. I wasn't sure which one to trust.
I wanted to trust him. I wanted this all to be real. But it was impossible. I'd wake up any moment, and I'd be back in my broke down car trying to figure out how to keep my kids from freezing or starving to death.
One of the young men who'd brought in the tray of food came to our table with water glasses. "Can I get you anything else to drink? Some wine, perhaps?"
I shook my head wordlessly. I didn't dare drink a glass of wine on a completely empty stomach.
"I'll take a coffee," Derek replied. "My usual."
The young man nodded and quickly left the room. Another waitstaff dropped off a basket of bread and a slab of butter. My mouth watered so much that I reached out and took a drink of water to hide my need to swallow. Before I knew it, I'd drained the whole glass. Slightly embarrassed, I set it down on the table and clutched my hands together in my lap before I grabbed the loaf of bread and buried my face in it. "Sorry. Guess I was thirsty."
"No need to be sorry. I bet you're hungry too. I sure am." With slow, deliberate movements, he tore off a hunk of bread from the partially sliced loaf and slathered butter on it. Generously. The smell of warm, yeasty bread and rich butter damned near made me whimper. He held it out to me and yeah. I grabbed it and wolfed it down in record time.
So. Fucking. Good. Damned near orgasmic. If all the rest of the food was this good...
Lips quirked, he offered me another heavily buttered slice. And yeah, I took it. "Sally's famous around here. Everything is made fresh here in her kitchens down to the orange marmalade for breakfast and the ice cream in Allie's shake. We source everything locally as much as possible. Even the coffee beans are roasted by a Missouri company to our specifications, though of course they import the beans themselves."