Southern Sass (Southern Desires Series Book 6)

by Jeannette Winters

“Actually, I’m looking for my daughter, Donna. She’s about your height with brown curly hair, glasses.”

  “She’s on the dance floor.”

  Ryan took a quick look and Donna wasn’t there. He knew even before looking that the waitress was mistaken. Donna didn’t dance.

  “The one in the red and white shirt.” She pointed again to the dance floor.

  He spotted the woman she described, but that wasn’t Donna. The woman was wearing a tight pair of jeans and a shirt that was off the shoulder. Not too revealing but even from this angle, he knew it wasn’t his daughter. She was shaking her hips and stomping her right foot then her left. This girl was one step away from getting on the bar and dancing.

  The woman next to her, on the other hand, was one he couldn’t forget. Although he wished it wasn’t so, the curves of her body and sway of her hips were etched in his mind. He had no doubt she’d had her boots kicking on top of her bar many times over the years. As she moved to the music, it was sweet torture watching her. Sissie was wearing a pair of shorts that showed off her slender and sexy as hell legs and white and red cowgirl boots.

  He needed to shake it off. Sissie might be the excuse he was using for showing up here, but she sure as hell wasn’t the reason. No way could he allow himself to be distracted, and that’s exactly what she was. Ryan was angry at himself for stopping for a moment to enjoy the view when he should’ve been focused on looking for Donna. He tried to pull his eyes off her, but there was something captivating about her.

  Even though he hadn’t seen Sissie in months, she had stuck in his mind. He shouldn’t be attracted to her because she was the complete opposite of his late wife, Janet. Her fire, her sexy voice, the way she carried herself. God. It had been years since a woman had affected him. And there was nothing he could do to ignore what the sight of her made him feel, but he was a veteran at hiding his feelings. So, she’ll never know the thoughts that go through my head when she is near. Shit. Even when I am thousands of miles away.

  The song continued, and the group turned a quarter to the right. Then turned again until they were facing Ryan. Although he tried otherwise, his eyes were fixated on Sissie. She hadn’t noticed him there, but there wasn’t anything he was missing about her. Her smile brightened the room. She was carefree and seemed genuinely happy. Not something he’d seen much of in people anymore. Or maybe it’s the effect I have on them. Ryan hadn’t been the most pleasant person to be around in many years. I’m sure I can make her smile disappear just as quickly as others.

  Sissie locked elbows with the woman next to her. His jaw dropped as he had a clear view of who she was dancing with. Donna? No way. He needed to look past the clothes, the new hairstyle and the lack of glasses. Those brown eyes belonged to his baby girl. What was most shocking but also nice was to see the expression on her face. It was one that matched Sissie’s. He swore he felt a flutter in his chest. There was nothing except happiness beaming from her.

  Ryan wanted to rush up and pull her into his arms and hold her so tight the moment would last forever. However, he knew if she laid eyes on him that spark of life in her eyes would disappear. If Collins is right and the threat is still here in Texas, then Donna better enjoy this time now, because it’s war if they mess with the ones I love.

  The music changed and slowed down. Ryan thought for sure Donna would be leaving the dance floor. Instead, a guy, unshaven and looking like he hadn’t seen a barber in months, grabbed hold of Donna’s hand and gave her a twirl. She laughed as she put her arms up around his neck. Ryan clenched his fist. Yeah, your hands better stop there buddy.

  He’d let her have this night of fun and freedom. Tomorrow he was going to need to set down some ground rules. That wouldn’t surprise Donna, but what he was going to tell her might. It wasn’t going to be the truth, but some form of it. You can’t let people you don’t know get close. It could be one hell of a deadly mistake.

  Ryan saw another guy walk up to Sissie. He didn’t care one bit what she did or who she danced with, but he wasn’t disappointed when she put up her hand and declined the man’s offer. He continued watching her as she walked over to the bar and talked to Lou. Lou pointed out the two guys Ryan had brought with him. Sissie turned in their direction but continued to scan the room. He knew she was looking for him.

  Once their eyes met, time stopped for a moment. Neither moved toward the other. It was obvious she was taken aback by his early arrival. I’ve had my share of surprises tonight, too.

  He had questions and comments for Sissie, but they’d wait. Forcing himself to back up and turn around, he headed for a table far off in the corner. A waitress walked by with a tray of cold beers. Ryan could use something a hell of a lot stronger, but instead, he grabbed a bottle and settled himself with his back against the wall. It was a good view point. He could see everything he wanted, and some things he didn’t, from there. It seemed to be a peaceful gathering. That’s how I want it to stay.

  Stretching his legs out in front of him, he sipped the cold beer. When he boarded the jet, so many things had flashed through his mind. Each scenario had been worse than the one before. He was relieved to see her dancing. The joy on her face reminded him of what she was like when she was little. Bright, energetic, free-spirited. He wondered when he’d last seen her like that. Although he never told her the truth of what was going on, he could see the effect it’d had on her. How it had changed and molded her. He hated what terrorism had done to her young life. Being wary was being safe these days, and he was sad that was now Donna’s norm.

  Ryan saw his men working the crowd, trying to blend in. They were doing a much better job than Lou, but Honeywell was accepting to strangers. Any other time and that would be a good thing. Right now that made them vulnerable. He was glad he was here and able to help. It was shocking that Collins needed help. It only served as a warning for what might be coming their way.

  There was a clearing in the crowd, and he sought out Donna. She’d already switched dance partners. He knew she wasn’t doing anything wrong, but it was not like her at all. He knew why the guys were falling all over her, but she was beautiful and perfect before. If these guys couldn’t see and appreciate her then, they didn’t deserve her now, and it was his job to make sure they knew they answered to him. No matter what, this was his daughter. Or some version of her.

  When Lou told her Ryan was there her legs felt as though they’d give out. Sissie could try to convince herself that was from dancing for the past two hours, but lying to herself wasn’t her style. Lying to anyone isn’t.

  Sissie wished she’d noticed him when he first entered. If she had, she would’ve dragged Donna off the dance floor. It wouldn’t have been easy since she was having a blast up there, but her plan wasn’t to shock the heck out of Ryan. All she wanted to do was give Donna a night to relax and be someone else. Anyone other than just Ryan Watson’s daughter.

  The first time Sissie had suggested going on the dance floor, Donna had dug her heels in and adamantly refused. It took some encouragement, and a beer or two, but Donna came out of her shell. Even Sissie was not prepared for the difference. I’m good, but not this good. This is Donna’s doing, not mine. She’s even more incredible than I thought.

  It was as though Donna had been waiting for an opportunity to shed the protective layers she wore and let her personality shine through. And boy she’s got one. She’s like a younger me! That was something Sissie knew Ryan wasn’t going to be pleased with. And if Donna knew her father was here, she’d probably crawl right back inside that shell of hers and not come back out.

  So it was up to Sissie to ensure Donna had at least tonight to enjoy this newly founded self. Somehow she needed to get Ryan out of the saloon before Donna spotted him. Sissie turned to the dance floor, and Donna had a line of guys waiting their turn. She’d be occupied for a while. The perfect distraction.

  Now all she needed to do was convince Ryan to come with her. Turning back to Lou, she asked, “Do you think you can handle things
if I step out for a while?”

  Lou looked around the room and lowered his voice. “I’d advise against going out tonight.”

  That puzzled Sissie. Honeywell was a place you could go for a walk alone in the middle of the night, and no harm would come to you. What was going on that no one was saying? Is that why Ryan’s here a day early? That wasn’t the first thought that had come to mind when she’d seen him. Not even after knowing he had two men with him. He was rich and powerful. People like that traveled with bodyguards all the time, but these guys weren’t keeping their eyes on Ryan. They were doing just as Lou. Watching everyone else.

  Sissie was no longer concerned with Donna seeing her father. She needed answers. Lou worked for Collins and was tight-lipped. But if Ryan was here, it was because Collins called him in.

  “How about I take an escort?”

  Lou asked, “Armed and trusted?”

  Armed? I’m sure he is. Trusted? That’s yet to be seen. “Yes.”

  “Stay close.”

  Sissie couldn’t believe she was taking orders from her bartender, but this wasn’t advice she’d ignore.

  She bent over the bar and grabbed her purse that held her cell phone and her Ruger LC9s handgun. Two things this woman never leaves without. Sissie knew Ryan wasn’t a man to mess with, but she’d spent her life taking care of herself.

  “Call me if anything changes here.” She turned and was about to leave then remembered Donna. Turning back to Lou she said, “No matter what, do not let Donna leave here.”

  “Roger.”

  She shook her head at his short response. Trying to get anything out of him was a waste of time. He was all business. Different circumstances and I’d work my magic on you like I did Donna.

  Sissie was full of confidence as she headed toward Ryan. She knew exactly what she was going to say. She was going to tell, not ask, him to take a walk with her. With each step closer to him she felt flutters in her stomach, and her mind went blank. Within seconds, she was standing in front of him saying nothing.

  He placed his beer on the table and looked at her. “Going somewhere? I thought you were keeping an eye on my daughter.”

  She had so many snappy retorts to that. Why aren’t they being voiced? “Lou, my . . . bartender has everything under control.”

  Ryan arched a brow at her. “You’re leaving my daughter’s welfare in the hands of a bartender?”

  Why should he question that decision? Then again, Ryan had left Donna in her care. She was the owner of the bar. As far as Ryan knew, her qualifications weren’t any better than Lou’s. But I know the difference. Lou’s been trained to kill. My skills lie elsewhere.

  This wasn’t the place to argue her decision. If anything she’d prefer to avoid his questions. She had a list of her own.

  “I wouldn’t leave if she was at any risk.”

  Leaning back on his wooden chair, Ryan said, “From what I’ve observed, someone better keep an eye on those guys hovering all around her. One gets out of hand, and the party will come to an abrupt end.”

  Sissie turned and looked toward Donna. She was still oblivious to her father’s arrival. That’s because she’s enjoying herself. Guess you’re not used to seeing that look in her eyes. It’s called happy.

  “As I said before, Donna is safe here. Maybe we could talk about this outside?” She wanted to get him out of there, so they could start the conversation she wanted. Like why are you here now? If Donna saw him, Sissie wouldn’t get the answer. She could always call Mark, but he was damn good at hiding things. Sissie hoped Ryan was easier to read. I just hope I can ask the questions.

  Ryan sat his chair upright again, got up, and gestured to the door. Sissie didn’t miss him shooting his men a warning look. Someone like Ryan didn’t need to utter words to make his point clear. And here I am asking him to leave a room full of people, and I’m going to be alone with him. I must’ve lost my mind.

  With the party going on, there really wasn’t any place quiet in the saloon except her apartment, and no way in heck would she ever invite him up there. It wasn’t like Sissie was ashamed of her place, but Ryan was used to luxury, and her apartment was comfortable and convenient. What I like.

  Sissie was outside first and instantly missed the air conditioning. She headed to the far end of the large wrap-around, covered porch and sat in one of the natural wood rocking chairs. Ryan didn’t sit in the vacant rocker next to her. She figured he’d want a vantage point to monitor anyone coming or going. Instead, he leaned on the railing directly opposite her. That wasn’t going to help—she was trying her hardest not to look at him—that was going to make it impossible. Why couldn’t he have worn a business suit? I hate those. Instead, he was dressed casually to blend in as much as someone like him could. His jeans hugged him in all the right, or wrong, places depending on what your intentions were. I have none except getting answers.

  Averting her eyes from the lovely view, she said, “It’d be easier to talk if you sat.”

  “We’re alone. No one will hear us.”

  That’s not the issue. Sissie was worried about stammering over what she needed to know. So instead she blurted it out. “What went wrong? I know something did to get you to come early.”

  “Maybe I didn’t trust your ability to keep Donna safe. From what I saw, she was—”

  “Safe. Happy,” Sissie said firmly. That was a serious accusation. She wasn’t going to let him accuse her of not protecting his daughter.

  Ryan stared at her, and she prepared herself for criticism. Why not? I’m sure everything about me displeases you. Sissie was frustrated with the entire situation, and she needed to tell him.

  Sissie needed him to know he didn’t intimidate her. A lot of other things, but I’m not afraid of him. She was more afraid of herself around him. Standing up so she didn’t feel so small near him, she said, “I didn’t ask to watch Donna. If you don’t like how I do things, next time you might want to reconsider who you choose.” Sissie heard the tone in her voice. She never spoke to people like that. What’s wrong with me?

  Ryan stood there calmly, and it drove her crazy. She was upset, and he wasn’t even blinking an eye. “Are you done?”

  She hadn’t even started yet, but that was not the topic that needed to be addressed, so she sat back down. “Discussing my skills? Yes. Talking about why you’re really here? No. Did you find Honeywell so exciting last time that you couldn’t stay away?”

  “That’s a possibility.”

  She smirked. “Slim possibility. More likely somethin’s wrong, and Collins called you.” Sissie could tell from his expression that she called it. “Tell me. I have a right to know. Are the people of Honeywell in danger?” Fear rang through her voice.

  “Collins is doing everything he can to ensure no one gets hurt.”

  That wasn’t what she needed to hear. Yet, no one could ever guarantee another person’s safety. Everyone was responsible for doing their own part. The issue was the town’s people had no clue what had transpired over the past year or what might be coming their way. If they did, not one of them would be at the Wild Sass tonight. They’d be home alone with their families spending family time. Of course, I’m alone, and the Wild Sass is home.

  “Is there anything I should be doing?” Sissie wasn’t a soldier, but neither was Ryan. She knew how to shoot a gun, pretty good at it too. Yet never had to aim it at another human being. And something I hope I never have to do.

  “You’re doing it.”

  “What am I doing?”

  “You’re being yourself. Keeping people happy. It doesn’t do anyone any good to sit and worry about something they have no control over.”

  Those words surprised her because Ryan was a man all about control. Even coming here now was a form of that. Did he just pay me a compliment? Or is he saying that ’cause he doesn’t want to tell me everything?

  “I need more than that, Ryan.”

  “Right now that’s all I can give you. Tomorrow is the baby show
er. Everyone is counting on you to keep the ladies here.”

  Me. Just me? This was crazy. She was only one person. What magical power did Ryan and Collins think she had? “And if someone wants to leave? It’s not like I can hold them prisoner.”

  Ryan leaned closer to her and said, “I think you’re more persuasive than I’d given you credit for.”

  She needed to keep some distance between them because the scent of his cologne made her pulse race. It made no sense to her at all. She was surrounded by men all day and half the night. They were all rugged, muscular guys yet none made her feel this way. Like a woman. Yet, Ryan was implying something, and she needed to know what. Stepping back, she asked softly, “Why do you say that?”

  Ryan laughed lightly, and she was positive he picked up on how uneasy she felt around him. Was he toying with her? What else would he be doing? I’m not his type. And God knows he’s not mine.

  He sat back on the railing, putting even more distance between them before he answered. “I saw my baby girl. Donna has only been here, under your watchful eye, twenty-four hours. Yet I didn’t recognize her. Not her looks or her actions. I’m not sure what I’d have walked into if I hadn’t shown up early.”

  “What’s wrong with what you saw?”

  Ryan’s forehead creased as he peered at her. “I’m not sure I like her new look.”

  Someone had to speak up to him. It was obvious Donna wouldn’t. Or couldn’t. Sissie didn’t tell Donna how to dress or how to act. She only gave her the opportunity to try something different. Maybe with some encouragement, but I didn’t force her. Placing her hands on her hips, Sissie said boldly in Donna’s defense, “It’s not about what you like or what I do. It’s what Donna likes.” Sissie was heated and really didn’t know why. Although she believed her words to be accurate, she wished she hadn’t spoken them. Not only was it rude, but it wasn’t any of her business.

  “And you believe what I saw today is what she likes?” Sissie nodded. “And you had no influence on any of it?”

  “Not in the way you may believe. Donna is an intelligent woman capable of making decisions for herself.”