Southern Sass (Southern Desires Series Book 6)

by Jeannette Winters

  “You get tired of all the quiet?”

  Sissie almost burst out laughing. Quiet was not a word ever used for the Wild Sass. “Let’s get a move on, and I’ll tell you all about the plan on the way.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  They got into the truck and started back to town. As they chatted, Sissie couldn’t get over Donna’s accent. “I thought you were from Texas.”

  “I am.”

  “Where’s your accent gone?”

  Donna laughed. “I’ve lived up north for the last twelve years.”

  “Thought you lived with your father.”

  “Oh, he’d love that. But I moved out when I was eighteen. Well, I should say I went to college and never came back. Don’t hold it against me, okay?”

  Sissie smiled. “I’ll get some of my ribs and chili in you, and you’ll have it back in a jiffy.” She was determined to make her look like a Texan as well.

  “So you live up north now?”

  “I did until . . . well, I lost my job, so I decided to move back home until I figure out what I want to do next.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I worked for FEMA like Casey. That’s where we met.”

  “Really? She never mentioned that. All she said was what a wonderful friend you’ve been to her.” Casey had also mentioned that if it weren’t for Donna, Derrick might not have ever found the answers he was looking for. Casey and Donna shared a bond beyond FEMA.

  Their ride back to the Wild Sass was spent chatting about what Donna had done besides working for FEMA. She had misjudged her. Donna may be the daughter of one of the richest men in Texas, but she wasn’t a spoiled brat in the least. Ryan had taught his daughter to stand on her own two feet. She was highly intelligent and well spoken. Sissie wasn’t sure how she was going to pull the wool over her eyes for long. I might have to get reinforcements to distract you.

  Sissie was running the list of eligible bachelors through her mind. A handsome cowboy definitely would be a distraction. She couldn’t help herself. Matchmaking was what she did best. Donna was only supposed to be there a couple of days, but that only made it more challenging for Sissie. If Donna’s Mr. Right was here in Honeywell, she’d find him. Sissie knew right away that was one detail she wasn’t about to share with Ryan. Some things are best left between us gals.

  Chapter Two

  “I don’t like this one bit. Sissie was supposed to keep me updated. If it weren’t for the damn pilot, I wouldn’t know she made it to Honeywell.” Ryan was trying to control his temper, but it wasn’t working.

  Mark didn’t seem fazed one bit. “Listen, Watson, she’s with Sissie. I have a guy undercover at the bar and one at the sheriff’s office. Hell, I have them scattered all over the place. There are more eyes on your daughter than you know.”

  Ryan wasn’t good at putting trust in others, especially with his daughter. “Tell me straight up, Collins, do you have any concerns at all?”

  There wasn’t much of a delay in response, but just enough to flag Ryan. “The threat is still out there, but we haven’t seen any activity yet.”

  The word yet echoed through him. He wasn’t foolish. They connected the dots when they attacked the bunker. Once Ryan protected Maggie and Wyatt it was as though he drew a line in the sand himself and painted the target on his back. Not just mine either.

  “I need to be there, Collins.”

  “The last thing I need is another body to watch. Stay where you are.”

  Mark barked the order as though Ryan answered to him. I answer to no one. “I don’t recall asking.”

  “What are you going to do, Watson? Tell her the truth about what’s going on? Because if you do show up here, she’s going to know something is wrong.”

  “She won’t be all that surprised to see me.”

  “Why? Do you attend many baby showers?” Mark’s sarcasm wasn’t unnoticed.

  “Just let your men know, I’ll be in Honeywell tomorrow.”

  “Right now no one is looking at her as a threat or as leverage. You don’t want that to change.”

  I sure as hell don’t. “I know what I’m doing.”

  “And that is what exactly?”

  “Protecting my daughter.”

  “Overprotecting you mean.”

  Ryan didn’t appreciate being told what he should or shouldn’t do with his daughter. They’d have to be in his shoes to understand what it was like. “I’ll keep my distance so I don’t ruin her time, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “If you do, then Casey will feel it, and I don’t want her stressing any more than she already is.”

  “I have this all worked out.” Not really, but I will.

  “I sure as hell hope so, Watson. You’re not the only one with someone to lose.”

  Collins warning came through loud and clear.

  Ryan ended the call and stood from behind his large mahogany desk. Collins made some valid points. He could not let Donna know he was there only to keep an eye on her. What other excuse would ever bring me to Honeywell again? He paced the room several times. Stopping in front of the fireplace mantel, he looked at the oil painting of his late wife. He’d like to think Donna looked like her, but unfortunately, she favored him. What should I do? She’s going to hate me one way or another.

  He saw his phone vibrating on his desk. Ryan hoped it wasn’t Collins delivering bad news. Picking it up, he saw it was Sissie. About damn time.

  “So much for keeping me updated,” Ryan barked when he answered.

  “Well howdy to you too,” Sissie responded.

  “Donna’s been there since last night, and this is the first communication I received.”

  “How detailed do you want? What she ate and when she went to bed? I mean I do have a business to run and can’t spend all day texting you.”

  “You took the job.”

  “I did. And I believe my responsibility was to ensure she was safe.”

  “And to keep in constant contact with me.”

  “I can’t believe she puts up with that bullshit all the time. How is a girl ever gonna have any fun with you around?”

  “There is more to life than fun.”

  “Says the man who has none. If you want me to do this, I’m doing it my way. If there is anything I think you need to know, I’ll call you. Deal?”

  Hell no. “That’s not how I work.”

  “There has to be another way besides me calling you twenty-four/seven.”

  “There is. I’m going there.”

  “If you think I’m gonna let you come and ruin my friend’s shower . . .”

  “I don’t plan on it.”

  “You might not be planning on it, but that’s what is gonna happen. Donna is here, safe and happy. You showing up for no reason at all will end that.”

  “I’ll come up with an excuse for being there.”

  “Really? And what would bring Mr. Ryan Watson all the way to Honeywell?”

  “You,” he blurted out.

  He heard Sissie choke. “Wha . . . what did you say?”

  “I going to tell her I came to Honeywell to see you.”

  Sissie laughed. “And she’s gonna believe this why?”

  Mostly because she’ll want too. “Let me worry about that. I’m arriving tomorrow.”

  “Don’t I have any say about this?”

  “No.”

  Sissie snorted. “You think you can come rollin’ into town and start tellin’ people what to do? You’re mistaken darlin’ if you think I’m gonna for one minute pretend to be—”

  “Either that or I’m taking her home with me.”

  He heard the frustration through the line. Ryan wasn’t one to mess with in business, but he never spoke to a lady like that. He wasn’t sure what had gotten into him. He was just about to apologize when Sissie responded.

  “I’ll do it for Donna and Casey.” The call ended abruptly, and Ryan had no doubt it wasn’t due to a poor network. She was upset and had every
right to be. No different than Donna. He had to ignore worrying about who he would upset. He understood most didn’t have a clue what darkness truly lurked behind closed doors these days. But he was all too aware of it. He hated that hiding things was such an important part of his life. But that’s what was necessary to keep people he cared about safe. Even sassy Texans who didn’t know anything about following orders. Or keeping from getting under my skin.

  “Controlling ass.” Sissie wasn’t sure if she ended the call before or after that last comment. She really didn’t care. Ryan Watson was no one special. He puts on his boots one foot at a time just like every other cowboy.

  Of course, those boots of his probably cost more than she made in a year. Sissie recalled the first time she met him. He’d landed his private luxury chopper right in the middle of Main Street then walked over to the Wild Sass and had dinner. Although she wished it wasn’t true, she knew everything he ate and drank that day. And I was a bumbling idiot in front of him. Thank God I didn’t crumble over the phone.

  That was about to change if he was coming to Honeywell again. I know I should’ve agreed to do things his way. Then I never would’ve had to see him again. Was that part of the problem? Something inside her wanted to see him? No other man had been so unforgettable. No one ever got me flustered.

  She’d just turned fifty and had spent her life knowing who was meant for who. If a couple walked into a room, she knew if they were going to live happily ever after or not. It didn’t always go over well when she gently guided them in another direction, but she’d been invited to so many weddings later that no one questioned her gift.

  That only worked for others. Sissie was a hot mess when it came to dating. She never put any effort into it. Maybe because I knew they weren’t for me.

  The saying there is someone for everyone wasn’t true. Some people were meant to be alone. God knew she was pushy, difficult as all get out, and as stubborn as the day was long. Someone like me is meant to be single. Not because she wasn’t loveable. She was very capable of giving love, but she had forgotten what it felt like to be loved.

  Owning a saloon meant strong cowboys coming and going all day. She was known for being a flirt. It was all innocent. Just because she wasn’t going to take any of them upstairs to her apartment, didn’t mean she wasn’t going to enjoy the view.

  With all this, it only troubled her more knowing Ryan was the one person who got to her. Her confidence seemed to fly out the window. She wasn’t even able to carry a tray of beers across the room without tipping a few over. It was as if she was day one on the job. And I should be fired for breaking all those glasses.

  Sissie needed to stop thinking about him. There was enough on her plate already. With perfect timing, Donna came downstairs and joined her in the saloon. It was still closed to patrons, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a lot to do for the day.

  “Sorry I slept so late.”

  Sissie hadn’t slept much at all, like usual. “Glad you felt at home.”

  Donna laughed. “No, if I did I never would’ve slept.”

  “I didn’t realize you lived with your father.” Sissie thought for sure someone like Donna would’ve wanted to be out on her own. From what she’d seen in her, there was no reason for her not to be. She didn’t strike Sissie as the daddy’s little girl type. It was possible with all the other activity going on, Sissie was losing touch with her ability to read people.

  “I didn’t for a long time, but I had to move back in a year ago.”

  Sissie could see Donna wasn’t happy about that move either. “That bad?”

  She shook her head. “He means well. Something’s going on with him lately, and I can’t figure him out. Maybe it’s his age.”

  Sissie raised her hand. “Hold it right there young lady. I’m just a few years younger than your father. So watch those comments.”

  “I didn’t know you knew my father.”

  Play it cool. “Everyone in Texas knows who Ryan Watson is.”

  Donna nodded. “Yeah. You should’ve been me when I was in school. Any boy I brought home tried to impress my father, but never came back for date number two.”

  Yup. Sounds about right. “I think it’s that way with most fathers.” That gave a perfect opening to change the subject. “So do you have a boyfriend now?”

  “No.”

  Well isn’t that convenient? “Well, you’re in the right place to meet one. There are more single men here than you’ll know what to do with.”

  “I’m here for a baby shower, not to meet men.”

  Oh, you need my help bad. “That’s right. So why don’t we get going on that?”

  “I came down to ask if you’ve seen my glasses. I thought I put them on the table last night, and now I can’t find them anywhere.”

  And you’re not going to either. “Do you have another pair?”

  “No, but I have my contacts.”

  “Oh good. You can wear them.” Maybe the guys will see your face that way. When Donna had taken her glasses off last night before bed, Sissie noticed the girl was pretty. She was working real hard at hiding it for some reason. She couldn’t understand why Donna wanted to look plain when in fact she was far from it. Since she needed something to distract her from Ryan coming tomorrow, Donna’s little Texan makeover was perfect.

  “I hate them.”

  “You’ll get used to them. How about you and I do a little shopping today? I need a new outfit. Something fun. Sassy. Want to help me pick something out?”

  It wasn’t as though Sissie didn’t have a closet filled with stuff already, but it wasn’t her she was shopping for. There was no doubt in her mind that once they were in the store she could convince Donna to buy something fun for herself. ’Cause I bet, you don’t have one fun thing in either of those suitcases.

  “I’m not sure I’m the right person to help you pick out something sassy. Maybe Hannah would go with you.”

  “Everyone is busy. And besides, I shop better when I see it on someone else. Then I get a clearer picture how it will look on me.”

  “I’ve never heard it done like that before.”

  Yeah, me neither. “So let’s get out of here before the guys start coming in.”

  “I did say I’d help in any way I can.”

  Sissie looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost ten. Ryan didn’t say when he was arriving tomorrow, but that didn’t leave her much time to work her magic on Donna. If Ryan arrived beforehand, she knew Donna would never agree to anything Sissie had planned. This might be her only chance to break the girl out of her humdrum attire and get to the matchmaking. I’m good, but I’m not sure I can pull off a boyfriend in one day. Guess I’m gonna find out.

  Sissie knew she would eventually pay the price with Ryan for overstepping her boundaries. As far as Sissie was concerned, Ryan was just getting more than what he asked for, and he should thank her instead. Ryan didn’t come off as the man who said thank you often, and this sure as heck wasn’t going to be one of those times.

  Donna and Sissie spent the next four hours trying on so many clothes that there couldn’t be anything left in Honeywell to try. When Sissie thought she couldn’t take any more, she found exactly what she was looking for. It was simple but perfect. Donna was wearing a cute pair of jeans that actually showed off her hips with a red cotton shirt with white polka dots. It was off the shoulder and accentuated Donna’s neck nicely. Not too low cut, but enough to make the guys take a second and third look. There was nothing Sissie didn’t like about this outfit. Except for maybe your hair.

  Sissie walked up behind Donna and ran her hands through her hair, gave it a twist, and put it up off her neck, securing it with a hair clip. Much better. Donna walked over to a full-length mirror and tried to catch a view of every angle. “I’m not sure this is you, Sissie.”

  No, it’s not, but it sure is you. “I won’t know until we get it back to the Wild Sass.” Donna started to unbutton the shirt. “Heck no. You got to wear it there.
I need to see others’ reaction to it. If I’m wearing it, I won’t be able to tell.”

  Donna shot her a puzzled look. “You do have the strangest way of shopping for yourself. I normally just go online and buy five of what I like. Simple.”

  Boring. “We all have our ways.”

  The two of them lugged all the bags from their shopping adventure back to the bar. The outfit Donna was wearing now was perfect for what Sissie had planned for today, but she needed something cute for a date when she got asked. And the way she looks right now, I’m sure she’ll have to beat the guys off.

  As soon as they entered the Sass, Sissie saw the heads begin to turn. They’d noticed her. In a matter of seconds, guys flocked over and asked Donna if they could help her with her bags. All except for one, Mark’s guy Lou, who stood observing everything and ready for action. Sissie gave him a wink to let him know all was good. It was a signal they devised when she agreed to have him at the saloon. The last thing Sissie needed was her patrons picking a drunken fight with Lou just for the hell of it.

  With Lou keeping an eye out for trouble, Sissie had time to watch the interaction between Donna and the fellas. They were all regulars to the Sass, and she’d known them for years, some since birth. All of them were good guys, but none of them were the guy.

  Donna smiled but held her bags closer to her saying, “Thanks but I can do it myself.”

  Oh, she needs practice. Although none of the guys offered to take Sissie’s bags because they were all caught up in Donna, Sissie thought this would be an opportunity to teach. Stretching out her bags to Bubba she said, “Bubba, can you please put those muscles to good use and take these upstairs by my apartment?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Without hesitation, Bubba grabbed the bags from Sissie and headed across the room. Donna walked behind Bubba still carrying her own. Thankfully another one of the guys grabbed Donna’s and said, “I got these.”

  Sissie was worried that Donna would once again refuse the help. But this time she softly whispered, “Thank you.”

  It became obvious that Donna wasn’t comfortable around men. From speaking with her last night, she knew Donna was intelligent and confident in so many other ways. But it’s as if she felt she needed to hide being beautiful. Maybe no one ever told her, and now she didn’t feel pretty. Sissie felt annoyed at Ryan Watson because his daughter was amazing. Kind. Thoughtful. Funny. You’re the whole package. You just have to see it so they’ll see it. Sissie knew if Donna worked on it she could own the room. But better work fast because your father’s coming.