Rough Waters

by Maggie Toussaint

  “Then some things didn’t change. He bragged about one day striking it rich when he lived here, but it was a pipe dream, like saying you’re gonna win the lottery.”

  “I disagree with you. Men like Munro set their gaze on quick riches and miss the mark. Most end up broken men. My guess is Munro peaked when he was with you.”

  “Oh, joy.” Avery’s wild streak was darn near a mile wide. In the beginning, she’d loved him for it. He was different. Fun. Always on the lookout for something extra. He’d told her he was going places. Then the kids came along, and their lives changed. Correction. Hers changed. If Rock was right, Avery had only gone through the motions during his entire fatherhood phase.

  Her kids deserved a father who would be there for them.

  The waitress brought the food, and Jeanie dug into her pancakes. She tried to reconcile Rock’s observations to her ex-husband’s actions. Had she known all along that Avery wouldn’t stay married to her? Had love blinded her to Avery’s true nature?

  What about Rock?

  Love? Of course not. But he did attract her in a way no man had since Avery.

  Still, once he had his precious coins, Rock would leave Mossy Bog to chase his dreams.

  She needed to stop being attracted to bad boy dreamers.

  Chapter 26

  As Rock feared, telling Jeanie about the coins had soured her opinion of him. Figured. He’d met someone who intrigued him, and his messy past would drive her away.

  Would he forever associate the smells of maple pancake syrup and burnt coffee with the day a pink-haired vixen stormed out of his life?

  “So how are we going to fix this?” Jeanie asked, startling the hell out of him.

  A bus boy clattered dishes together at the nearby counter. Rock used the moment to pull himself together. Jeanie was still here. She’d spoken in a level voice. She didn’t hate him. Sweet relief sluiced through his veins and he wanted to smile, but knew the time wasn’t right. They still had some serious decisions to make.

  “Now that you have the whole story, will you let me drive you back to St. Augustine to stay with your kids?”

  “No. The sooner we find the coins, the sooner I get my life back. I’m not leaving something so important up to someone else. How do we find the coins?”

  He stared at her for another long moment. Was this woman for real?

  “Snap to it, Mackenzie,” she said in her Mossy Girl Festival chairman voice. “Suggestions?”

  Rock came to attention. “We talk to your ex. Face-to-face would be best.”

  She sighed, pulled out her cell phone, and hit a speed dial number. A minute later, she left a short message. “Avery, quit playing games. Come see me. Now. It’s about the kids. Don’t screw this up.” She glanced at Rock as she tucked the phone in her purse. “He didn’t pick up.”

  “I heard. If there’s a decent bone in his body, he’ll show up.”

  “If your plan hinges on Avery’s decency, we’re in trouble. What else you got?”

  “One of my, um, competitors, is staying on St. Simons. Another coincidence.”

  “Call him.”

  “I did.”

  “Go see him.”

  “If I can arrange for your safety later today, I’ll question him.”

  “I’m going with you.”

  Rock’s gut twisted. “Forget it, then.”

  “If he’s such a baddie, I should know what he looks like so I can stay away from him.”

  She had a point. “We’ll use my computer to visit his fishing charter webpage.” He dropped his voice. “Why don’t you have lunch with Laurie Ann today? I can zip over, yank the truth out of Palamiri, and drive back to Mossy Bog before you miss me.”

  “I doubt that. You’re hard to miss. Besides, I’ll spill everything I know to Laurie Ann. You want your secrets to stay secret, you need to keep me away from my girlfriends.”

  A little knowledge, and a ton of moxie. Dangerous combination. Rock signaled the waitress for the check. “Let’s talk about this after we’ve slept.”

  “Speaking of bedtime,” Jeanie said as she rose, “I don’t do one-night stands.”

  His pulse jumped, a common occurrence around Jeanie. Rock shelled out enough bills to cover the tab plus a tip and left them on the table. “Believe it or not, I figured that one out for myself.”

  Sex would complicate matters, but he would welcome the pleasure. “You’re in the driver’s seat about when we sleep together. I want to sleep with you. The electricity between us puts a power plant to shame. Trust me. We will make love. It’s only a matter of time.”

  During the short drive home, Jeanie closed her eyes as if she were done with him. Rock wasn’t done with her, not by a long shot, but this trip had cleared the air. She was cooperating with him, and they’d figure out the rest as they went along.

  After parking her delivery van at his place beside his truck, he quieted the dogs in the yard with a soft command. Opening Jeanie’s passenger-side door, he called her name softly. Her glowing green and gold eyes fluttered open. He wasn’t made of stone. He kissed her.

  She kissed him back. Nice.

  Heat built. What he wouldn’t give for two good arms to carry her inside.

  Reluctantly, he ended the kiss. “We’re home.”

  She grabbed his shirt for another blood-stirring kiss. “Good to hear.”

  Chapter 27

  Sleeping with Rock was nuts, but Jeanie did nuts. At least she used to. She’d walked on the wild side a time or two before children. With the kids safely tucked into beds a hundred miles away, Jeanie felt oddly carefree, and she wanted to play.

  She’d been thinking about how hot Rock was ever since she’d met him. Thinking about how she’d like to kiss his hurts and make them better. How she’d like to kiss his good parts and make them hers. She smothered a giggle with a hand.

  “You all right?” Rock asked.

  “I haven’t felt such freedom in a long, long time.” She batted her eyelashes at him under the back porch light. “I’m expecting big things from you.”

  He dropped his keys. Blinked. “Come again?”

  She laughed. “Gotcha thinking about us? Good.”

  He slid the key into the lock. “Didn’t you just say...? I mean...that you don’t...?”

  “That’s right. Not since Avery. Kids, ya know.”

  “Kids?”

  She sighed and leapt across the threshold as if it were a game of hopscotch. “I have to be responsible and grown up around them. No kid should be saddled with two irresponsible parents.”

  “I see.” He locked the door behind them, leaving the dogs outside. “Then come here, you responsible, beautiful, and sexy woman. You have my complete attention.”

  A dim light from the hall illuminated the kitchen where they stood. “Good. ʼCause tonight’s all about me and you.”

  He dropped her suitcase. Chucked the keys. “Definitely about me and you.”

  Her arms encircled his neck. He cinched her close, pressing his muscular length against her straining body. She couldn’t stop humming. “This is gonna be fun.”

  His kiss ignited flares of passion in all the right places. She untucked his shirt, seeking the feel of his bare skin. He cupped her butt, adjusting her so his heat burned through their clothing. Her lower back pressed into the counter.

  “I’d lift you, but my arm…”

  She hopped on the center island and grinned. “How’s this?”

  “Perfect.” He moved between her legs, pressing his lips to her exposed neck. “You’re amazing.”

  His words made her feel special. She traced the rippled muscles of his torso, trembling with need.

  “Too many clothes,” she said.

  He laughed and tugged her shirt over her head, with both arms.

  “Don’t hurt yourself,” she cautioned.

  “I won’t feel a thing.” He caressed the tops of her breasts spilling over her bra.

  “Oooh.” The darn bra felt two sizes too
small. She reached back, unclasped the hooks, and tossed it over her head. The bra landed in the sink.

  She laughed, giddy with excitement.

  “Much better,” he said, laving her nipples.

  “Need—” Her thoughts fogged at the pleasure. She couldn’t wait another minute. “Now,” she managed to say as her clothes came off.

  “What’s your hurry? The night is just beginning.”

  She pulled at his shirt, which didn’t budge because he was so busy with her zipper. “I won’t make it. Too long. Since last time.”

  “That’s okay.” He tugged on her jeans, an intent expression on his face. “Help me?”

  She shimmied out of her jeans and the warm counter smacked against her bare cheeks. Buck naked. In Miss Veronica’s kitchen. She made a show of stretching her arms. “The kitchen. This is a first for me. I love it.”

  He studied her with hooded eyes. “Beautiful. So very beautiful.”

  “You’re too far away. C’mere.”

  “Need to tend to a little business first.” He clumsily shucked off his shirt, retrieved a foil packet from his pocket, and shed his jeans. His belt clunked on the floor.

  Her gaze roved over him. “I like.”

  He shot her a roguish smile. “I’m still tender on the left side, so go easy on me.”

  A twinge of remorse crept into her haze of passion. The man was injured, and she’d jumped him in the kitchen. Before she could apologize, he kissed her as if his life depended upon it.

  Lord help her, she kissed him back the same way. Her legs locked around his waist, her fingers speared his blond hair.

  He filled her, easing in with gentle strokes. She whimpered in frustration. “More.”

  “Soon.” His voice was rough. “If it’s been awhile. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  She trembled with anticipation, then scraped her nails down his spine. “I’ll explode if you don’t hurry.”

  “Patience. This will be good.”

  Motion met thrust, and she had what she craved. All of him. Ohhh. Yes. Her head dropped back and she moaned in pleasure. He was loving her and she was loving him, loving this connection. This passion.

  She locked her arms and legs around him, urged him to pick up the pace, and rose to meet him when he complied. Need and desire whirled in a storm of emotion. For him. This man.

  Her body ignited as desire peaked.

  Her gaze fastened on his face until his gaze pinned her heart. Deep inside, something unfurled, something precious, and then her thoughts went haywire.

  She could only feel him. And her. And them.

  She arched, opening herself to him, giving herself completely, giving in a way she’d never done before. Sensations burst through her, vaulting her into a different, never before experienced emotional plane.

  She soared.

  And glided.

  And soared some more.

  Gradually, her breathing steadied. His heart beat against her cooling skin. The kitchen came into focus. The refrigerator hummed. Pale fingers of light intruded from the hall into the shrouded kitchen.

  She was deliciously damp in all the right places.

  Her languid limbs returned to bone and flesh, reminding her she hadn’t done this particular form of exercise in a while. She smiled as she lifted her head. He was everything she’d hoped for and more.

  His warm blue eyes bathed her in a balmy gaze. “I’m dying to know.”

  “What?”

  “Your expectations. Were they met?”

  She eased down from the counter. He steadied her. Good thing. Her legs weren’t quite solid enough. She caressed his muscular chest. In her experience, men needed their egos stroked.

  No point in giving him a fat head, but he deserved the truth. “It was the best. Ever.”

  “Good answer.”

  “But…” her voice trailed off.

  He halted in the process of threading his fingers through hers. “What?”

  “Ten dollars says you couldn’t do that again.”

  Chapter 28

  Rock glowed the next day. He’d made the biggest discovery of his life, only this hidden treasure topped any he’d ever pursued. Jeanie Munro fascinated him more than a shipwreck, game fish, or powerboat. Being with her felt so right. He’d never been so carefree, relaxed, and amiable.

  No woman ever had such a lasting effect on him.

  Last night, she’d rocked his world, literally and figuratively. His good mood carried through breakfast, through seeing Jeanie’s smile after they righted her house, and through the opening of the flower shop for daily business.

  He claimed a section of Jeanie’s work counter and powered up his computer. The machine whirred to life. He stole a peek at Jeanie, taping green foam she called oasis into a ceramic pot. She caught him looking and grinned.

  His thoughts circled to sex in the space of a heartbeat. How private was her greenhouse? Could they lock the door of the shop and go for round three?

  Their time together had been amazing.

  “I have work to do,” Jeanie said, as if reading his thoughts.

  Later, he consoled himself. “So do I.”

  She pulled some yellow flowers from the cold unit and snipped a few stems. “What are you working on?”

  “Business paperwork for Mackenzie Charters. Insurance claims. Bill paying. Thought I’d scout the net for used dive gear once I get caught up.”

  “Gotcha.”

  A telling phrase. She had him all right. What would she do with him? “By the way, thanks for getting that band matter straightened out for the Mossy Girl festival. It’s a relief to know that’s all set.”

  “I didn’t do much. Joe and I met the day after your burglary and made the call. When the manager started with the double speak, I quoted the contract to him. He caved.”

  Jeanie chuckled. “You must have used The Voice.”

  Rock scowled. “What?”

  “You have a certain way of speaking when you’re sure of yourself. Some people probably find you intimidating.”

  He studied her. “But you don’t?”

  “Should I?”

  Before he could answer that, an urgent knock sounded on the side door. Rock hurried to stop in front of the solid door ahead of Jeanie. No peephole. No way to know who was outside. Better for him if the visitor came around to the front. Then he’d know whether he needed to draw his pistol.

  “For goodness sake, open the door,” Jeanie said.

  Rock ignored the insistent pounding and double checked the lock. “How many people use this entrance?”

  Jeanie shrugged. “Some. I never counted.”

  “Today they use the main entrance. We need the tactical advantage. I wish the dogs were here.”

  “This could be a customer.” She lifted her chin and called out, “Who is it?”

  No answer. But the knocking stopped.

  Rock pulled the gun from his waistband. “Today, customers come in the front door, or they don’t come in.”

  Jeanie stared, looking horrified. “You have a gun? In my store?”

  Rock glided across the store, gun in hand. He stepped behind a potted palm. Curly ribbons from helium-filled balloons dangled around his face. He batted them out of the way.

  A hunched figure in a dark hoodie and jeans darted inside. White male. About five-ten. Medium frame.

  “Jeanie!” the man bellowed.

  “Hold it right there,” Rock said, placing his Colt squarely in the center of the intruder’s back. He tugged on the hood. “Munro.”

  Avery Munro shot him a dirty look. “What are you doing here?”

  “I was about to ask you the same thing,” Rock said. “Hands in the air where I can see them.”

  Jeanie’s ex lifted his arms. “None of your business what I do, Mackenzie.”

  “You have some nerve.” Jeanie’s voice warbled like a siren. “I ought to call the sheriff and slap you in jail for all the child support you owe me.”

  “I’m
going to get you that money, hon. Trust me. I never meant to leave you short.”

  “You didn’t mean to run off with Shandy? I’m fresh out of sympathy.”

  “You weren’t home last night. Where are my kids?”

  “Safe. That’s where. Did you tear up my place and the shop?”

  “What? Why would I do that?”

  Rock jabbed the gun into Munro’s spine. “Answer her question, nimrod.”

  “No. It wasn’t me.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  Munro lowered his hands and seemed to sag in his skin. “You’ve always believed me.”

  “Hands up,” Rock ordered. He didn’t trust a word coming out of Munro’s mouth.

  “Might as well shoot me then.” Munro rammed his fists in his pockets. “I’ve got a price on my head.”

  Rock swore. Munro wouldn’t make this easy.

  “He isn’t shooting anyone.” Jeanie locked the door, put up the Back in Five Minutes sign, and closed the blinds. With fire in her eyes, she zeroed in on her ex. “Tell me the truth.”

  “How’d you get hooked up with him, J-girl?” Munro whined, facing Rock’s gun. “This bottom-feeder is bad news.”

  Rock kept the gun and used his stone cold voice. “You’re in no position to ask questions. Where are my coins and the wooden chest?”

  “I don’t have them. But someone sure thinks I do. One of your partners in crime, most likely. I’m on the run.”

  “You’re lying,” Rock said, dreading the questions Jeanie would surely ask him.

  “You fool.” Munro pointed his finger at Rock. “You came here and put my family in the middle of your trouble. You hurt my kids, and you’re gonna pay through the nose. Your accident will be the least of your worries. Me and my crew will dump your sorry ass in the swamp for gator chow.”

  “Not your family anymore,” Rock gritted through clenched teeth. “You threw them away.”

  “Right,” Munro said. “You’re one to talk. Jeanie, you know your buddy here works for the mob?”