by Jamie Begley
Sutton thought for a second he was joking then realized he was serious.
“It’s the truth. I’m never sick.”
“I bet the others around you can’t say the same.”
“Nah, they’re sick all the time.”
“I wonder why,” Sutton said sarcastically. She had a feeling Greer was a reincarnation of Typhoid Mary.
“Because I have my own elixir I drink every day. It keeps me strong and healthy as a horse.”
“What’s in it?”
“A cup of moonshine, a shake of red pepper flakes, half a lemon, and a clove of garlic. I haven’t been sick in ten years.”
“You eat a clove of garlic every day?” Sutton made a mental note not to stand too close to him.
“Yep. The moonshine kills the smell of the garlic.”
“That’s not all it kills. How long has it been since you had a date?”
Greer leaned back contentedly in his chair, patting his stomach. “Been too busy trying to find Lyle’s murderer to go out lately.”
“When you find him, give him that concoction of yours, and he’ll beg to go to prison.”
“Ha, ha. Very funny. That’s the last time I share any of my recipes with you.”
“You have others?” Sutton tried to hold back her laughter.
“Don’t ask,” Tate groaned. “Believe me, you don’t want to know.”
She couldn’t help herself. “Come on. Share.”
“I can get rid of a skin tag in a second.”
“How?”
Greer reached into his pocket and pulled out a lighter, flicking it until a flame came up. “I burn the son of a bitch off.”
Sutton cringed. “I don’t have any.”
“When you do, I’ll take of it for you,” he offered.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She gazed at Tate to see if Greer was trying to pull her leg.
He shrugged. “I warned you.”
“Yes, you did.”
She decided she would take his advice. After all, Greer’s approach to holistic medicine was frightening.
“I better go. I don’t want to leave Logan and Holly alone for too long.”
“Where’s Dustin?” Tate asked sharply.
“He’s keeping an ear out for gossip at Rosie’s.”
“Good idea.”
Sutton watched as Greer took another piece of cornbread before climbing out the window again.
“Your brother needs help.”
“He was just putting on a show for you.”
“Why?”
“Because you were staring at him like a side of beef.”
“I was not,” she denied.
“You were.”
Sutton remembered what Cheryl had told her about the brothers. “He was acting like a hillbilly because he thought I was attracted to him?” she asked in disbelief.
“Yep.”
Sutton laughed so hard she had to hold her stomach. “I couldn’t … ever … even if the world came to an end and he was the last man … be attracted to Greer.”
“Why?”
“He’s a mean jackass. He’s obnoxiously rude, and—”
“He’s a hillbilly?”
Sutton didn’t miss the anger brewing in his eyes, and her laughter died. “I was going to say he probably sleeps with his gun in the bed. I’m a hillbilly, too, so why would you think I would say that?”
Tate snorted. “Technically, you’re not a hillbilly. You lived in the fanciest house in town.”
“I stayed every summer with Pap. I’m just as much a hillbilly as you and any other family living in these mountains.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes!” Sutton snapped. Standing up, she angrily gathered the dishes, carrying them to the sink.
“Why are you getting so mad?” Tate came up behind her, putting his arms around her waist, his hands flattening against her stomach.
She stood rigidly against him. “Because these mountains are my heritage as much as they’re yours. Pap and Granny lived on this mountain their whole lives, and their parents before them, for generations. My great, great, great-grandfather stole a chicken in Ireland so he would be shipped out with the other prisoners to come to America. He settled on this land, and every generation since then has lived and died on it. My father moved into town to live with my mother because Pap was still living, and he wanted his own home, but he would’ve moved back here after Pap died if he had left the house to him.”
“Your pap knew you belonged here, and your father doesn’t anymore. If this land means so much to your family, then why sell it?”
Sutton didn’t answer his question.
Ignoring his grip around her waist, she started doing the dishes.
“Because I live nearby?”
She still didn’t reply.
“Sassy pants, I’m going to get my answer.”
“I haven’t made my mind up yet,” she finally admitted. “I was going to fix it up then decide.”
“Then why did you go see Drake Hall?”
“I wanted to find out if he thought anyone would be interested in the property.”
“You went to see him because you knew the first phone call he would make after you left his office was to me. You were sending me a message, whether you realize it or not.”
Sutton turned around to face him. “I wasn’t.”
“You were.” He stared down at her with an amused expression.
Sutton gritted her teeth. “I was not.”
“Okay.” He lowered his head, placing a gentle kiss on her lips before she could jerk away. “Tell yourself that all you want. Do you want to know what I told Drake?”
Sutton had to admit to herself she did, so she nodded at him.
“I told him no, that I wouldn’t buy it, and I would see to it that no one else bought it, either. I would make sure anyone thinking about buying it would have me as their crazy neighbor.”
“Why would you keep anyone else from buying?” Sutton asked, hurt that he would sabotage her selling the land.
His hand went to the back of her neck, not letting her escape his piercing green eyes. “I knew he would tell you what I said. So, I sent back a message of my own: you weren’t going to be leaving.”
Chapter 17
“Tate …”
The indecision on her face almost had him backing away to give her more time. Instead, he caught her mouth with his, kissing her the way he had wanted to when they were in high school, but had been afraid of frightening her.
He slowly explored her mouth with the tip of his tongue before slipping inside. God help him, she still tasted the same, like the honey she had poured on her corn bread. He made sure not to crowd her against the sink as he reached around and turned off the running water, giving her his weight slowly as he pressed her backward so she could feel how she was affecting his body. The only way to realize they would be good together was to show he could give what she needed.
Truthfully, Tate had to admit to himself he had never been one to step back and hope what he wanted would fall into his lap. Hell no. If anything, what he wanted had never come easily. He had fought and worked hard to keep his family together. Sutton was going to become a part of his family. By hook or by crook, he was going to get this girl. If he had to use his body to do it, then he was okay with that.
He planted his hands on her hips, bringing her flush against his body, pressing his dick against the V of her thighs. Expecting her to stiffen, he was surprised when she melted against him, her arms circling his shoulders.
Delving into her mouth, he sucked her tongue into his, letting her take the lead, encouraging her with a moan. Boldly, she stood on her tiptoes to raise to his lips, he helped by lifting her onto the edge of the sink.
Her thighs circled his waist and her hands slid to sink her fingers into the thick mass of hair, holding him in. Her tongue teased his, sliding against his intimately, stroking the fire in his dick into a burning pain that was going to be hell to bank
down.
Groaning, he lifted his head despite her trying to use his hair to tug him back to her mouth.
“Unless you’re ready for me to carry you to your bed and fuck you, we need to slow down.”
Her passion-filled eyes blinked up at him. “I thought you said we could go at my speed?”
“We can. That’s why I’m giving you the option of stopping now.” He teased the side of her neck. Sliding down, he brushed the top of her breast that was exposed by her T-shirt.
“I’m not ready.”
“I’m cool with that.” He lifted her down, placing her back on her feet before stepping back. “Want some help with the dishes?”
“Yes.”
Tate went back to the table for the rest of the dishes. Then, taking a dish towel, he dried after she rinsed, placing them back onto the counter.
“Do you miss San Diego?”
“I miss the friends I made there. I went back to work at the pharmaceutical company, and I’m enjoying being back at work.”
“That’s good.” Tate went quiet.
If she stayed in Treepoint, she wouldn’t be able to keep her job. He didn’t want to take away something else that was important to her. That had been done too often.
“Rachel works for The Last Riders.”
“She told me when I had dinner with her and Cash.”
“She’s growing plants that can filter water.”
Sutton quit washing dishes to stare at him. “That’s interesting.”
Tate nodded. “Maybe they could hire you to sell them. Or Dustin’s an accountant. He’s just starting out, but he was talking about hiring someone to watch the office and keep track of billing.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“So you know you have options.” Tate continued drying the dishes without looking at her. “Treepoint is getting bigger, too. They’re going to build a sporting goods store, and Dustin told me last week that Drake told him a nail salon is looking at the building next to the diner.”
“It’s good to know that, if I decide to stay, I can go out and buy a new fishing rod. I do my own nails.” She lifted a soapy hand, showing him her unvarnished nails.
“Just thought I’d tell you,” he grumbled.
“I think it’s sweet the way you’re trying to get me to stay, but a sporting goods store or a nail salon isn’t going to be the reason. A job isn’t, either. My company has a route in Kentucky. I would have to travel through the state, but that wouldn’t bother me.”
“It wouldn’t?”
“No. If I wanted to stay, I could make it work.”
“Good, and don’t call me sweet. It might get out, and I’d have to kick someone’s ass.”
“I’ll keep it just between us,” she promised.
When they finished the dishes, he turned to go back into the living room, but her hand on his arm stopped him.
“Tate, I don’t need you to fix me. I’m not broken.”
He smacked her on the ass. “I can see that.”
“Did you just smack my ass?”
He reached his hand out to cup her ass. “Do you need me to do it again so you can decide for yourself?”
“I can’t believe you just did that. To a woman who’s been physically abused, it could be traumatizing.”
“You’re the one who told me you weren’t broken. You know I was playing. If you want me to walk on eggshells around you, tell me.”
“Would you?”
“No, but I would try.”
Sutton laughed. “At least you’re honest.”
“There you go.” He slung an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s watch some television.”
Tate sat down on the couch, pulling her down next to him. He was about to reach for the remote when she snatched it up before he could.
“I’m not watching another episode of Justice or Mountain Justice.”
“How about—?”
“I’m not watching Moonshiners, either,” she cut him off, turning the channel until she came to the show she was searching for.
“Hell no, that isn’t going to happen.” Tate made gagging noises at Naked and Afraid.
“It’s educational. If the world comes to an end, I’ll know how to survive in the wilderness.”
“If the world comes to an end, we won’t be alive, and if we are, I’ll hunt for us, but I’ll guarantee I won’t be buck-ass naked when I’m doing it.” He tried to take the control from her.
“All right, all right, I’ll change the channel.” She flicked through the channels, coming to a stop.
Tate sat back, relaxing, recognizing Duck Dynasty.
“This okay?”
“I can live with it.”
“Figures.”
“What does that mean?”
“Rednecks and hillbillies are kissing cousins.”
“That’s not true.” He propped his feet up on the coffee table.
“Yes, it is.”
“Nope, hillbillies are smarter.”
“I don’t think they would agree with you.”
“Yes, they would. That’s why they’re rednecks.”
Sutton rolled her eyes. She managed to watch one episode, but when another reality show came on, she rose.
“I’ve got to go for a walk. My brain’s going to turn to mush if I watch anymore.”
“Hang on, and I’ll go with you.”
It didn’t take him long to pull on his boots and grab his straw hat. Searching through the closet, he took out what he had been itching to do for the last week.
“I’m ready.” Tate came out of the bedroom, carrying the fishing poles.
“We can’t go fishing. Someone will see you.”
“Get your keys. I know a spot where no one will bother us.”
“All right.”
They went outside after she retrieved her car keys. Once in the car, she turned to him.
“Where are we headed?”
“To Cash’s house.”
Sutton drove down the gravel driveway, turning in the direction of Cash’s. It was just getting dark, but the drive didn’t take long. When she parked in front of Cash and Rachel’s home, Rachel ran out to greet Tate.
“You okay?” His sister stared up at him with worry.
“Everything’s fine. Sutton and I were getting stir-crazy and thought we’d go fishing.”
“You two have fun. Cash worked a double at the factory, or we’d join you.”
“Rider doing okay?”
“Yes, he’s lucky he was wearing his helmet. Usually, he doesn’t wear one, but they were coming back from racing with Stud.”
“Who’s Stud?” Sutton asked.
“He’s the president of The Destructors and The Bluehorsemen motorcycle clubs.”
“His biker name is Stud? I need to see this guy.”
Tate shook his head at her teasing. “You want to stay away from him.”
“Why? Is he dangerous?”
“No, but his wife and her friends are,” Tate told her, his hand going to Rachel to pull her to him. “How’s the baby doing?”
“Good.” His sister started to reach up and pat him on the chest, but Tate grabbed her hand.
“I’m fine. You take care of my niece or nephew.”
“It’s a girl,” Rachel told him with a grin.
“Is Cash happy he’s having a girl?”
“I haven’t told him.” Rachel laid her head on his chest, giving him a tight hug before taking a step back. “If you catch any extra fish, bring me one.”
“Sure thing.” Tate told his sister good-bye as he motioned Sutton forward into the woods.
The lightning bugs were just beginning to come out as they headed to the stream.
“I missed them.” Sutton’s voice was filled with wonder as she grabbed one of the small bugs, holding it gently in her closed hand before releasing it to fly again.
“I remember when I caught some in a jar for Rachel, and even though I put holes in the lid, you convinced her to
let them go.”
“I couldn’t bear to see them trapped.”
Tate thought of the irony that she had been too gentle to harm a bug then had found a monster to capture and torture her.
“What are we going to use for bait?”
Tate went to a tree. Picking up a stick, he dug around for a few seconds until he found a couple of worms and lifted them up to show Sutton.
She took the fat one wiggling in the palm of his hand. “You can have the skinny one.” She pierced the squirming creature onto the hook.
“I dug it up. I should get the big one,” Tate grumbled.
“I’ll dig them up next time. I’ll find two big ones.”
“You always did try to one-up me.”
She expertly cast her line into the water. “That’s because you stop digging as soon as you find them. I keep looking until I find the one I want.”
Tate cast his own line. “I hope you do that with men, too.”
Chapter 18
Sutton stared out at the rainy day, feeling as if she were about to climb the walls. Knox had stopped by the night before to tell them forensics should be back on the bullets today. If they came back that they were from the same gun, then he would officially clear Tate. That meant he would be going home either tonight or in the morning.
She put her hands in the back pocket of her cut-offs, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet, counting to herself. Her counselor had told her it would ease anxiety from a stressful situation. It wasn’t working. Her mind was debating why she should or shouldn’t sleep with Tate.
Beginning a new relationship frightened the hell out of her, especially one that hadn’t ended well the first time. He was being so gentle and attentive to her. She wanted to rub against him and beg him to fuck her. On the other hand, she had hated having sex with Scott. She had naively saved her virginity for the man she had planned to marry. Then, when she’d had sex with him, it had been the biggest let-down she had ever experienced. To be fair, she’d so looked forward to being with Tate that she didn’t know if any man could have lived up to the expectations she set.
Her wedding night had been spent with Scott getting drunk at their wedding. In the hotel room, she had found herself on the bed with her wedding dress pulled up to her hips. It had been over before she had realized it had begun. If she hadn’t felt the pain of his entry, she would have never known she’d had sex.