by Fiona Archer
Without a backward glance, she stalked off in her continued hunt for Kane.
“Whoa, Red.” Alex’s voice came from behind as his hand curved her upper arm, gently keeping her in place.
“Hey.” Her gaze lingered on the way the black shirt emphasized the width of his chest. Black was supposed to be slimming, but on Alex it just enhanced his masterful body. Teamed with the gray sprinkled in his hair at his temples and a girl could swoon.
This girl in particular.
“Hey, yourself.” He leaned in, brushed his lips over hers, and for a second she forgot to breathe.
His hand moved from her arm to her hip, its weight heavy and utterly wonderful after a long week of nothing but phone calls. “What’s your hurry?”
“I’m hungry.”
A slow smile creased his face. “I know a cure for that.”
“I don’t think we’re talking about the same kind of hunger, although I’m all for that, too.” She smiled at the flash of heat in his gaze. “I’ve been restraining myself from gobbling up one of those burgers. I didn’t want to start without you and Kane, but I can’t hold out much longer.”
“Red, don’t bother restraining yourself. I’ll restrain you when the mood takes me. And if it’s burgers you want, then you shall have them.”
“Awesome.”
On their way to Kane, Alex greeted the locals, engaged them in conversation, answering questions about future expansion and hiring opportunities. There were even a few shy enquiries about the BDSM club. Alex handed out a business card—shiny black and featuring a length of golden rope knotted in the middle with a telephone number underneath—and suggested they ring to set up a time to speak to the resident Dom.
With smiles, some relieved, some nervous, each promised to follow up.
Olivia leaned into Alex’s side as they walked away from a young Dom and his fiancée. “You were good with them. They’d benefit from having a place to play.”
“He had a good grounding of the basic points. But theory is one thing, practical experience another. Be good to get him around experienced Doms.” He glanced down, challenge shinning in his eyes. “Good for subs to talk to each other, too. Get tips, exchange questions and answers.”
Yikes, talking about BDSM with her friends as a sub was a whole different matter to just being inquisitive from the sidelines.
“I guess I’ll have to get over my embarrassment.”
“You’ll be sharing with the best of them in no time. Think of the fun to be had. Complain about your Doms. Get caught. Earn punishments.” The lines around his eyes crinkled.
She snorted a laugh. “Yeah, those side benefits are a real draw card.”
They found Kane charming his way through a path of elderly ladies who’d claimed some of the plastic chairs scattered under the shade.
The Hammond twins stood on either side of Kane, dressed in jeans and bright happy colored shirts. Matilda’s face flushed as she giggled at something he said. Adelaide moved a little behind him. Olivia leaned into Alex’s side, trying to get a better view. She couldn’t quite work out what…Oh, my Lord, Addie was checking out Kane’s ass in his jeans. And so were two of her friends seated behind where he stood.
“She’s—”
“Checking out my brother’s ass.” Laughter underlined Alex’s voice.
“That’s just—” Olivia searched for the right word.
“Something to be admired,” he finished for her.
“You know, you’re right. I hope I can have that kind of feisty attitude when I’m in my eighties.”
“A good spanking usually ensures a healthy level of feisty.” Alex brushed his hand over the seat of her jeans.
“You plan to put that theory to the test?”
“Considering you’ve got one due from the other night’s disobedience, that’s a given, Red.”
She clenched her butt cheeks in anticipation.
“Hey, Livy,” Matilda Hammond called out. “This here fella’s a bit of a rogue, just like our Flynn.”
Kane’s eyes shined. “You’re not comparing me to that vegemite loving Aussie, Matilda? I thought I was special.”
“Depends. You a good dancer? The town’s summer social’s next month. Flynn always takes me for a twirl around the floor. Adelaide prefers Noah, but I’m all about the bad boy.” Her wink only made Kane grin more.
“Noah’s a manly man, a leader.” The periwinkle blue of Adelaide’s ever-sharp gaze landed on Alex. “Just like you.”
There were nods and a few murmurs of agreement from the five women sitting behind her.
“Thank you, Miss Adelaide.” Alex bowed his head slightly.
Adelaide dipped her chin as her smile turned demure.
Would you look at that? Kane wasn’t the only MacKenzie with the charm gene.
“I tell you what, Matilda. As long as my girl here”—Kane nodded toward Olivia—“doesn’t mind, you’ll take first and second place in my dance card. How’s that?”
“She’s snagged you, too?” Matilda mock-glared at Olivia. “I wasn’t sure if it was just your brother. Dang, how’s a girl supposed to get a date around here?”
Caleb King strolled into view wearing his fawn-colored sheriff’s shirt paired with his usual jeans. “Now, darlin’, you know I’d be proud to have your hand on my arm.”
“Pffft, boy. You’re taken. The only problem is, the girl who’s taken you don’t know it yet.” More nodding and not a small amount of tut-tutting came from the gallery behind her. “When you gonna do something about that, Sherriff?”
Caleb gazed to the heavens before saying, “I’m working on it, Mattie.”
“Work faster,” Adelaide fired off, her chin now out at a mulish angle. “We’ve got fifteen years until Mattie and I reach our centenary year. Be good if you and Purdy can manage a date outside of high school before then.”
Olivia choked down a laugh, unsuccessfully judging from Caleb’s dark look. Not that Kane and Alex were discreet.
“So much for your renowned charm, buddy.” Kane’s grin nearly split his face.
Caleb jammed his sheriff’s Stetson on his head. “It works better on others.”
“Not Purdy,” Adelaide noted, ever encouraging.
Caleb sighed before asking Alex, “You guys got a minute?”
Alex took hold of Olivia’s hand and smiled at the group of older citizens. “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure. Please make the most of the day, and if you need anything, ask our staff and they’ll be happy to assist.”
“Thank you.” Adelaide smiled her manner once again soft as a purring kitten.
Caleb shook his head, then joined Kane, Alex, and Olivia as they headed toward the burger stand. “We should catch up. I got Quinn’s e-mail on Alaska and the rumor shit. We’ve heard some chatter in town about your break-in. Nothing substantial, but would be good to kick a few thoughts around.”
Alex answered. “If there’s nothing urgent, then how about Sunday, come for lunch. Olivia will be there, too.”
The sheriff’s gaze landed on her. Was that a hint of approval she saw in his eyes? “Sounds great. Around one?”
“Works for us.” Kane pulled her close, claiming his right for a cuddle from Alex.
They waited in line for their burgers, the guys all trading good-natured insults with the cooks.
“I see the men are performing their traditional bonding rituals.” Chloe moved up beside her with her eyes twinkling.
Olivia chuckled, enjoying seeing the smiles on Alex and Kane’s faces after such a stressful week. “Why hug when you can question a guy’s manhood over his ability to cook meat?” Her friend looked a little tired, despite the bright cheeriness of her flowered top and white cotton pants. “How are you, honey?”
Chloe slanted her mouth. “Morning sickness is gone but backache is making it hard to sleep.”
“Have you seen Jackson?”
Chloe rolled her eyes. “Please, I only have to sneeze and the guys are on the phone to him. I
’m just grateful our Doc is patient and hasn’t taken out a restraining order.” She nudged Olivia with her elbow. “Thank the stars your mom usually answers their calls. She talks them down off the ledge. I love Maggie.”
On impulse, Olivia wrapped Chloe up in a hug. Her day got even brighter when she felt it returned. “I bet she loves you, too.” With a gentle rub on her friend’s upper back, she stepped away.
“Olivia, any special orders?” Kane looked over his shoulder. He spotted Chloe, giving her a wink. “And for you, sweetheart?”
“I’ll take it as it comes, thanks.” Olivia glanced at Chloe. “You joining us for lunch?”
“I’m waiting for Noah, but he should be—”
“Right here, luv,” a deep voice said from behind Olivia. That accent. Lordy.
Seriously tall and handsome, in a golden blond outdoorsy way, Noah King was all man, exuding confidence with the kind of ease with which others breathe and exhale air. A leader, Adelaide had called him. Just like Alex. She was right.
Noah dropped a kiss on Chloe’s forehead and tucked her close to his side. His big hand curled over the roundness of her belly, as if protecting it from all oncomers. When he faced Olivia, she felt the full force of his piercing blue gaze. “Olivia, I’ve heard lots about you. Nice to finally put a face to the name.”
She extended her hand, pleased when he took hers with a firm, but not overly macho grip. “Likewise, Noah. I’ve seen you from a distance once or twice but never had the chance to introduce myself. Mom’s kept me up to date with all the changes in King’s Bluff. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see all the improvements you’ve instigated.”
Those rugged features broke into a smile that could turn a good girl bad.
No wonder those Aussie blokes won Chloe’s heart.
“Appreciate it. Winning over the locals has been a battle, but Flynn, me, and many others have a long-term goal. It’s not about us but about the town. Any achievements are from a group effort. That’s the only way we’ll succeed.”
Alex slid his arm around Olivia’s waist. “You’re on track, Noah, if those plans for the call center Quinn was telling me about are anything to go by.”
“We can talk about that and have lunch.” Kane lifted a big paper bag filled with burgers and topped with napkins.
Caleb carried a plastic bag containing cans of soda, their icy coldness sticking to the inside of the bag. “Flynn’s coming, too. Let’s grab those benches.”
They dragged three wooden benches into a U-shape. Olivia sat on one side between her men, and as did Chloe, now that Flynn had joined them. Caleb took up the bench at the base of their U-shape. Burgers and sodas were passed around. With one bite, Olivia entered hamburger nirvana. Soon, the appreciative groans of others joined hers.
“Oh, wow, that hit the spot.” Olivia wiped her mouth with a napkin.
“Another one, love?” Kane pulled out a wrapped burger from the paper bag.
Regretfully, she shook her head. “I can’t. I’ll go into a food coma and be no good for the rest of the afternoon.”
“I’ll see it isn’t wasted.” Kane went about proving his word.
“Good man. I’ll make do with some chips.” She shook the packet a few times.
“What are you doing?” Amusement filled Alex’s voice.
She opened the bag, offering him a chip. “You have to shake the bag to ensure even salt distribution. Everyone knows that.”
He dug in, taking a couple. Humor shone in his eyes. “You’re a nut, you know that?”
“Absolutely.” She popped a crisp sliver of potato in her mouth and crunched, enjoying the tang of salt on her tongue. Alex watched her, his gaze intense, searching. What was he thinking? Before she could guess, he glanced away.
The guys each finished off a second burger. Chloe, like Olivia, decided on chips instead.
Flynn grabbed the bag Caleb used to carry the sodas. “I’m going for another drink. Any orders?” Taking in everyone’s requests, he set off.
Caleb’s cell trilled. He glanced at the screen, then answered. “Eli, where are you? Yeah, across from the burger stand. Right.” The sheriff looked up after placing his phone in a pouch on his belt. “Eli’s joining us.”
No sooner had he taken a bite of his burger, than Eli Wolf walked up, all tall and dangerous looking in black jeans, a Triumph motorcycle T-shirt, and black boots. Combined with his dark looks and tanned skin, he qualified for full membership in the exclusive badass Dom brigade which currently surrounded Olivia and Chloe.
There were worse things that could happen to a girl.
“Afternoon.” Eli nodded to the men in general, then made a point of gazing at Olivia, then Chloe. “Ladies.” It was the kind of attention Olivia had learned to expect from these types of men. And she felt no shame in admitting it made her feel delightfully feminine.
Alex introduced Chloe to the Dom in residence, and from the pink stain on her friend’s cheeks, Eli’s unwavering scrutiny had the same effect on her as it had when Olivia had first met the dark-haired man. It didn’t surprise her to learn Eli was already buddies with Noah and Flynn. It made sense considering Caleb was not only a second cousin to Noah, but also good friends.
As Eli unwrapped his burger, he glanced at Alex. “Lots of people turned out for your Community Day. Looks like a success.”
Olivia couldn’t hold back her grin. There was a huge crowd, and judging by the laughter and smiles on people’s faces, they were enjoying themselves.
Alex’s hand closed over hers, giving it a squeeze. “Olivia’s done an excellent job. Our team’s worked hard to make people feel welcome. The locals aren’t shy, asked a heap of questions.” He nodded back at Eli. “You should expect some calls.”
“Gregory’s already phoned. Got four appointments lined up so far. Two of them this afternoon.” He bit into his burger, chewed, then continued. “Quinn should get ready to screen applications.”
Kane rolled his can of soda between his hands. “He’s ready. We discussed it on the plane last night. If you like the look of them, pass ’em on to Quinn.”
“I’m glad we’re already members. I can’t wait to see inside.” Chloe flicked her gaze between Alex and Eli, her enthusiasm overcoming her shyness.
“You won’t be waiting long, pet.” Alex advised Chloe, who smiled wide at his news. “We’re planning a welcoming night for local members, including you, Noah, Flynn, Caleb, Quinn, Mike, and Reagan, too.” He turned to Olivia. “Your friends Gabe and Suzie are also members.”
“Speaking of them.” Caleb looked around the group. “Where are they? I expected the boys to be running around dragging Gabe after them.”
Olivia’s mouth turned down. “The boys caught a stomach bug, and then Suzie joined in the fun. Gabe’s been looking after things at home while Suzie’s mom took Rosie to make sure she didn’t catch it, too.”
The little toddler missed her family. Olivia had visited her, giving Rosie a stuffed rabbit that the child had immediately decided needed to wear some of her grandma’s clip-on earrings. “All going well, Suzie’s having coffee with me on Tuesday.” She’d missed her best friend, needing to confide in her, joke and laugh and just hang together in a way that you couldn’t do with anyone else.
“I’ll give Gabe a call. See if there’s something I can do.” Caleb crushed his soda can, then lobbed it in the paper bag at Kane’s feet that held the rest of their trash.
“Look who I found.” Flynn led Purdy by the hand across the grass. Once the blonde’s gaze landed on Caleb, she and Flynn’s journey turned into a battle of strength. The Aussie won out, pulling the openly reluctant Purdy behind him.
Both Caleb and Eli stood as Flynn planted her in front of their bench. Before she had a chance to react, Caleb wrapped an arm around her waist, then pulled her down next to him.
Eli immediately sat close beside her, so close there wasn’t an inch between them.
“What are you doing? Let me up.” Purdy wriggled, knocking her s
houlder against Eli, whose stare never left her.
Caleb’s gaze, normally teasing, turned determined. “I’m holding you here, so you can’t run away. That’s what you always do, isn’t it, Purdy. Whenever we bump into each other socially, you run.”
Her blue eyes flashed with outrage. “My God, you’ve got nerve.”
“Prove me wrong,” Caleb challenged. “Stay here. Next to me and Eli, and spend time with everyone.” His face remained impassive in the face of her fury.
Purdy pressed her lips hard together, defiance shinning in her eyes.
“If what he’s saying is bullshit, it won’t be hard to prove him wrong.” Eli spoke to the back of Purdy’s head.
She swung her gaze to her right, as if for the first time taking in the other man.
Olivia had to give Purdy credit for keeping her reaction to a minimum as she tightened her posture, drawing her arm away from Eli’s.
The dark Dom’s gaze lingered on her face. “But my money’s on Caleb.”
Purdy’s head jerked back. “And what makes you an expert on this subject?”
“I’m Eli Wolf, Caleb’s best friend. All those years in Army Rangers together gave him plenty of opportunity to fill my ears with stories of King’s Bluff. Turns out I feel right at home here since Caleb and I share.” He leaned down, just an inch, but it seemed like a foot judging by the way Purdy visibly swallowed. “Everything.”
Olivia shot a glance at Chloe, whose brows had risen high. She looked ready to intervene, but Noah clamped his arm across her shoulders.
Olivia opened her mouth. “I think—”
Kane hooked his finger on the tab of her jeans and gave a tug.
“Leave it, babe. She’s safe,” he said.
For some reason, maybe because she knew Caleb would never harm Purdy, or the fact Kane had reassured her, but Olivia decided to keep quiet. For now, anyway.
“I’ll stay. For the moment.” Purdy looked ahead, crossing her jeans covered legs and swinging a booted foot like she was completely untroubled sitting between those two men. And it would have worked, if the tempo of her foot’s swing hadn’t resembled the pounding march at a military parade. “If my presence will disprove Caleb’s egotistical fantasy, I’m all for hanging around.” She nodded. “In fact, it’s a pity we didn’t have this discussion sooner if doing so would get you off my back.”