Dangerous Beauty (O'Connor Brothers Book 4)

by Rhonda Brewer

  “Well, you know what they say? Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.” Emily pulled the cape off a little rougher than she should. It didn’t stop the bitch from continuing her gossip.

  “Oh, I found out from a reliable source. This person spent a weekend with one of them and said he made her scream more times than her husband ever did.” Cinnamon cupped her hand around her mouth as if she was telling a secret only to Emily, but from Ada’s tutting, Emily was pretty sure everyone in the salon heard it.

  “Young lady, I’ve known those boys since they were kids and I assure you if a married woman told you she was with one of them, she’s lying, because no matter what, they would never do anything to jeopardize someone’s marriage.” Ada chastized Cinnamon, and Emily wanted to cheer her on but kept quiet.

  “She was separated from her husband if you must know, but you probably shouldn’t be eavesdropping on private conversations.” Cinnamon stood up and lifted her nose at Ada.

  “Honey, if that was supposed to be private then you should probably check the volume on that whiney voice of yours.” Penny sashayed by with an armful of towels.

  “Emily, if this is how you allow your employees to treat clients, I think you need to have a chat with them.” Cinnamon pulled on her coat and huffed to the reception counter.

  “I’m not sure they’re the ones that need to be spoken to.” Emily spun when she heard the gruff voice behind her. Keith had apparently not missed the conversation either. He placed his large hand on Emily’s shoulder and leaned towards Cinnamon.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Emily almost laughed when Cinnamon pressed her hand against her cheek and fluttered her eyes at Keith.

  “You see, a true lady doesn’t spread gossip or tell people about other people's conquests, real or imagined. As for your friend, I can’t say if she’s truthful or not, but if she is, I’m sure my brother did make her scream. We know how to please a lady, but they have to actually be a lady.” Keith gave Emily’s shoulder a little squeeze. “It’s why the ladies in this salon don’t gossip. They are true ladies.” Then he was gone, and Emily immediately missed his touch.

  “Emily, I’m just letting you know I will not be coming back here again, and I’m going to make sure everyone knows how poorly I was treated.” Cinnamon grabbed her card from Aurora’s hand and stomped out through the door. As soon as it closed everyone, including the clients waiting in the lounge burst into laughter.

  “Thank the Lord for small favors,” Penny yelled over the laughter.

  Even though Emily was laughing with them, fear filled her stomach. The Dwyer family knew a lot of people and could probably ruin Emily’s reputation. She was sure it wouldn’t kill her business, but she had a lot of clients from SummerBrook that would listen to Cinnamon and never come back. The worst would be all this getting back to her father and giving him another reason to rant about how she was ruining her life.

  Emily made her way to her office for a little peace and quiet. She’d give it about two hours before she’d receive a call from her dad. Even with her mother still missing, and him out of his mind with worry, he never missed the chance to put down her choice of careers.

  Sitting in her chair, she rested her elbows on her desk and covered her face with her hands. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out. Her mother’s advice never failed. Whenever Emily would be at her breaking point, her mom would tell her to sit quietly and think of nothing but breathing. It worked most of the time, but something else eased her frayed nerves this time.

  “I’m sorry, Princess.” His voice startled her, but she’d been aware of his presence before she even realized it. His scent was the something else that calmed her.

  “Can you stop calling me princess?” She didn’t move. “I’m not a princess, and I’ve never been one.”

  “Em, I’m not using that as an insult.” He’d come closer, and his woodsy scent played havoc with her senses.

  “It feels like one.” She turned her head. He was crouched next to her with his arm rested on her desk.

  “It’s not, and I’m sorry about overstepping with that …. Woman.” He seemed to be struggling with calling Cinnamon anything but what she was.

  “Don’t worry about it. She’s a bitch, and everyone knows it. The only one of the spice family that’s down to earth is Basil.” Emily smiled.

  “Did you say the spice family?” Keith raised an eyebrow. “Penny said that woman’s last name was Dwyer.”

  “It is, but all the kids are named after some sort of spice or herb.” Emily giggled at his reaction. “There’s Ginger, Clove, Basil and Cinnamon.”

  “Who the fuck does that shit? What are the parent's names, Salt, and Pepper?” Keith laughed and then stopped to look at her. “That’s not their names is it?”

  Emily burst into a fit of laughter because at that moment, between his question, and the look of horror on his face, it was the funniest thing she’d ever seen. Every time she’d calm a little, she’d glance at him and fall into another fit of laughter.

  “Hey, want to fill me in on the joke.” Emily glanced towards the office door. Kim stood there with her hands on her hips. “We can hear you out front.”

  “Keith,…” Emily burst into laughter again.

  “Yeah, he’s kinda funny looking.” Kim moved into the office and flopped down in the chair next to the desk.

  “Bite me, Kim.” Keith stood up and walked towards her.

  “Sorry, you might like it too much.” Kim grinned. “So come on, what’s the joke?”

  “He asked if Cinnamon’s parent’s names were salt and pepper,” Emily managed to get out between giggles.

  “Are they?” Kim said seriously, and that sent Emily into another fit of laughter.

  “I’m thinking probably not, she’s been laughing about it since I asked.” Keith chuckled.

  An hour later Emily’s stomach hurt from laughing so hard, but the stress of waiting for her dad’s call had started to build again. Kim and Penny told her to go home and get some rest. Not that she considered Keith’s place home, but since he wouldn’t let her stay in her apartment, it was home for now.

  Emily had to admit Keith made her feel at home. He gave her full access to the house and kept his distance. They did eat together every evening, and he’d entertain her with stories of his nieces and nephews. The sad thing was the more time she spent with him, the more she liked him.

  Then there was her night time tossing and turning. Nightmares of her mother and what could have happened to her. Then there were the dreams of Keith and her doing things that had her waking up sweating and aroused.

  They’d just finished supper, and she helped Keith tidy up the kitchen. Almost simultaneously the doorbell rang, and Keith’s cell phone chimed.

  “Can you get that?” Keith asked as he put the phone to his ear.

  Emily hurried to the door but had to jump back when it flew open, and a very pregnant Sandy stomped through inside. She stopped on the front porch and pressed her hands against her lower back. Emily stepped around her and closed the door so the kitten wouldn’t escape. Burlap had a tendency to appear out of nowhere and run into rooms Keith tried to keep her out of.

  “Hi, Sandy. How was the honeymoon? Kim said you came back early.” Emily motioned for Sandy to go ahead of her into the kitchen.

  “It was either we came back early, or I was going to go to jail for murdering my husband,” Sandy grumbled as she eased her large body into one of the kitchen chairs.

  “Can I get you something?” Emily glanced at Keith’s amused expression.

  “You know what I’d like? A hot cup of black coffee, but nooo, I’m not allowed to have coffee because Dr. Asshole says caffeine is not healthy for the baby, but do you know what’s not healthy for the baby? Having his mother thrown in jail for killing his father because if Ian doesn't back off, I’m going to snap, and that wouldn’t be good because I own guns.” Sandy snarled when Keith laughed.

  “Ummm
…. I don’t know what to say to that, but what about some tea?” Emily stammered.

  “Yes, thanks, Emily. I’m sorry I’m just irritated and uncomfortable and horny,” Sandy sighed.

  Emily stared at Sandy for a moment. There was no way the woman said she was horny. In her condition, there was no possible way the woman wanted to have sex.

  “That’s way too much information, kiddo.” Keith chuckled as he filled the kettle.

  “Fuck off, Keith. Ian is a freaking doctor, and he knows it’s fine to have sex while you’re pregnant. I need this baby out, and they say sex works.” Sandy glared at Keith, and Emily could now see what the words ‘if looks could kill’ meant.

  “Three or four times a day, kiddo. Ian says he can’t keep up with you lately.” Keith leaned his hip against the counter.

  “Keith, I swear I can make it a double murder. Just keep it up.” Sandy grumbled.

  “Oh, calm down,” Keith moved over behind Sandy and rubbed her shoulders. Emily’s stomach clenched. How could she be jealous of Keith touching another woman? Especially one that was married to his brother.

  “I just want him out.” Sandy sounded as if she was going to burst into tears.

  “I’m sure you do, kiddo. It won’t be long now.” Sandy stood up, and Keith hugged her. Again that sick feeling of jealousy hit the pit of Emily’s gut.

  “Oh. Shit.” Sandy gasped, and her gaze slowly moved to the ground. On the floor where Keith and Sandy stood was a pool of water.

  “Is that what I think it is?” Emily quickly moved next to Sandy as Keith stepped back and pulled out his phone.

  “I’m calling Ian,” Keith shouted.

  “Why are you yelling?” Emily asked as she held Sandy’s hand.

  “I don’t know.” Again he yelled.

  “Just get me to the car.” Sandy rolled her eyes.

  “Ian, Sandy’s water just broke.” Keith was still shouting, and Emily giggled when Sandy swirled her finger next to her temple, indicating she thought Keith was crazy.

  “Are you in any pain?” Emily wrapped her arm around Sandy as she guided her out of the kitchen.

  “No, not yet,” Sandy said.

  “Ian said he’s leaving the gym and should be here in a minute,” Keith’s voice boomed behind Emily.

  “For the love of God, Keith, stop yelling.” Emily groaned as she grabbed her purse.

  “Sorry,” He lowered his voice and gave her that heart melting smile. “I don’t like not knowing what to do.”

  “So yelling helps that?” Emily laughed.

  “You better get something to put on your seat,” Sandy motioned down to her wet pants.

  Once Keith had placed a garbage bag and a couple of towels on the back seat, he helped Sandy into the back of his jeep. He yanked open the passenger door and motioned Emily to get in.

  “I can stay here.” She didn’t feel comfortable interfering in a family affair.

  “Emily, no arguments. I’m going with my brother and Sandy, and you aren’t staying here alone.” Keith pointed to the front seat.

  She was about to argue, but a deep groan from the back seat of the vehicle had her jumping in and turning to make sure Sandy was okay. Before Keith made his way around to the other side, the back door opened and Ian jumped in beside his wife. He lifted Sandy’s hand up to his lips and kissed it tenderly. Emily was astounded at how quickly Sandy’s face relaxed.

  “I’m sorry about being a bitch today.” Sandy sighed.

  “Churchie, you weren’t a bitch. I love you. You ready to meet our little slugger?” Ian wrapped his arm around Sandy and pressed his hand against her swollen belly.

  “I’m sure I told you I was ready to meet him a week ago.” Sandy giggled and then gasped. “Ouch.”

  By the time they got to the hospital, Sandy was saying a lot more than ouch. She’d also made a few comments on how Ian was never getting sex again. Emily didn’t miss Keith’s chuckle, and since only minutes before Sandy had been complaining about not getting enough.

  Emily shouldn’t have been surprised when within an hour the waiting room was filled with most of the O’Connor clan. She felt completely out of place. It didn’t help that Cora made comments about how she was part of the family. Keith’s body tensed next to her when his aunt hugged Emily and said it wouldn’t take long.

  “Well look here. Young Emily come ta join us.” It was Keith’s grandmother. Emily knew her well since she came to the salon every couple of weeks to have her hair done. She was Kim’s client but when Nanny Betty walked in everyone knew it. The woman was a whirlwind. Emily knew she was in her late seventies, but she didn’t look it and certainly didn’t act it.

  “Hello, Mrs. O’Connor,” Emily smiled as the tiny woman sat next to her.

  “Oh lass, Mrs. O’Connor was me mother-in-law, and she was a witch. All me girls call me Nan. I’m sure I told ya dat before.” Nanny Betty patted Emily’s hand.

  “Uh oh, you’re one of Nan’s girls.” Jess chuckled.

  Jess was Keith’s cousin. Emily knew all of the women from the family because they came to the salon. She’d met a few of Keith’s brothers but only in passing when they’d come pick someone up.

  Emily had gone out to a few parties with Kim, and the O’Connor girls had joined them most of the time. They were such a friendly bunch and were nothing like the girls in SummerBrook. They accepted everyone no matter who they were or where they were from.

  “Yes she is, and Keithy will take good care of her.” Nanny Betty said.

  Keith looked as uncomfortable as Emily felt. It seemed his grandmother thought there was more going on between her grandson and Emily than there actually was. Someone had to set the poor woman straight.

  “He’s keeping me safe.” Emily smiled.

  “A course he is. Dat’s what a man does fer his girl.” With that comment, Nanny Betty jumped up and made her way to the older man who’d walked in. Emily was pretty sure the man’s name was Tom, and he was dating Nanny Betty.

  “I’m sorry about that.” Emily jumped at the sound of his voice. For someone so large he moved like a shadow. “That’s Aunt Cora’s fault for putting things in Nan’s head.”

  “She’s never wrong.” Kristy teased as she walked by.

  “Shut up, Brat,” Keith growled through clenched teeth.

  “What’s the big deal with Cora?” Emily spoke quietly to make sure nobody else could hear besides Keith.

  “It’s nothing really. She has this weird reputation and because she’s been right a few times everyone believes she has some sort of superpower.” Keith rolled his eyes. “The family calls her Cora the cupid.”

  “Seriously?” Emily laughed.

  “Yes, and don’t dare joke about it with Nan.” Keith chuckled as he leaned back in the chair and glanced around the room.

  No matter how many times she studied his features, she was in awe of how perfect his face was. Strong jaw covered with a beard a little redder than his thick hair, and his nose the perfect size for his face. Then there were those blue eyes. Emily knew if she let herself look into them she’d be lost.

  “Something wrong?” Keith grinned, showing perfect white teeth.

  “I was just wondering if you had a nose job.” Emily lied, because what was she supposed to say? I was just admiring how absolutely gorgeous you are.

  His laugh boomed in the room, and everyone turned. Suddenly Emily felt exposed with all eyes on them. It was as if she was back in high school and standing in front of the whole school to do her speech on World War Two. Her stomach tightened, and she clasped her hands together.

  “I’ve never had a nose job.” Keith leaned close to her ear. “Do you think I need one?”

  Emily turned. A small gasp escaped when she realized how close his face was. The blue in his eyes was the color of a summer sky, and his scent filled her senses. Her gaze dropped to his full lips.

  “Don’t do that, Em,” Keith growled.

  “Do what?” She managed to whisper as her
eyes moved back up to his.

  “Stare at me with those big beautiful eyes,” Keith whispered.

  “She’s eight centimeters dilated.” The boom of Ian’s voice broke the spell, and Emily jumped to her feet.

  “It won’t be long now.” Keith’s mother cooed. “I’m going to facetime the girls and let them know they’ll have a baby brother soon.”

  Ian and Sandy already had three daughters between the two of them. Emily didn’t know the whole story, but it seemed they were a blended family and were now adding a little boy to the mix. They had what Emily had always wanted. A beautiful family and they were deeply in love.

  “Who wants to bet Sandy punches Ian?” Emily glanced across the room at the man she’d mistaken for her security that first day. She now knew his name was Aaron, but everyone called him A.J. He was the youngest of the O’Connor brothers and from what she’d seen a huge flirt.

  “Not a fair bet. She already did that in the jeep.” Keith laughed.

  Just before they’d gotten to the front of the hospital, Sandy had curled up her fist and swung it at her husband. For some reason, him telling her she was doing a great job pissed her off. Apparently, she thought he was being sarcastic.

  “And you didn’t record it.” The man standing next to A.J. laughed. Emily heard someone call him Nick when he arrived. He was obviously another of the O’Connor brothers because he looked so much like Aaron they could be twins.

  “Did anyone call Kurt and Alice?” Sean asked.

  “Alice is on her way, but Kurt had something urgent he had to attend to at the station,” Cora informed everyone.

  “Dat man works too hard.” Nanny Betty complained. “It’s time fer him ta retire.”

  “I don’t see that happening anytime soon, Nan,” James said. “He’s not gonna retire until they make him.” A round of nods and agreeing went around the waiting room.

  Emily sat back on the seat she’d jumped up from. Keith hadn’t moved, and his amazing fragrance engulfed her. It still made no sense how his spicy scent made her relax and tense at the same time.

  To distract herself, Emily pulled her phone from her purse. Maybe playing a game of cookie crush would help, but when she opened the screen, there were several missed calls from her sister and brother. It wasn’t unusual for them to call but not so many times without at least leaving a message or text