Southern Sass (Southern Desires Series Book 6)

by Jeannette Winters

  “Everything okay?” Lou asked.

  As Lou said before, personal questions weren’t going to be addressed. “I’ll be at the hotel. You have my number if anything changes.”

  Stomping across the room, he opened the door. Just as he did, he heard her voice call out to him.

  “Ryan?”

  He could tell she was surprised he was there. Everything in him wanted to turn around, go to her, and pull her into his arms. If he did, he wouldn’t let go. I need to do what’s right.

  Once he turned and saw her lovely face, right and wrong would go out the window. Forcing himself to move forward, he walked out the door and shut it behind him. He heard the door echo; his frustration was taken out by slamming the door. It’s not what he’d intended to do, and he hoped Sissie understood. He didn’t know how she could when he didn’t understand it himself. Right fucking sucks.

  Chapter Seven

  “Damn him.” Hours later Sissie still fumed as the last patron left and she locked the door. She knew he’d heard her call out to him, yet he walked right out the door and didn’t turn to acknowledge her.

  She’d gone from beaming with joy that he was back unharmed, to mad as a bucking bronco that he was avoiding her. Although she hadn’t let the patrons or Donna know she was upset, it didn’t slip by Lou. He asked her several times if she was all right and if she wanted to talk about it. Each time she shot him a warning look, but that didn’t seem to deter him. Donna was already upstairs, and she was alone with Lou and ready. He didn’t disappoint.

  “Ma’am. I think you should sit, and we should talk.”

  Sissie walked to the bar but remained standing. “Lou, unless you’d like to find yourself on the wrong end of a game of darts, I’d suggest dropping it now.”

  Lou looked like he was going to push the subject, but he stopped. She slapped the bar and headed toward the stairs. Before she made it through the door, he called out, “You’d sleep better if you did.”

  Sissie didn’t really care who she took her frustration out on right now. Since Lou seemed to be begging for it, she’d oblige.

  She stormed right back to the bar and laid it on him. “Y’all think I don’t know what’s going on? Well, y’all are wrong. I do.” Sissie really didn’t have any facts, but she’d been around long enough to know when a man wasn’t interested. Blowing her off earlier didn’t require any explanation.

  “If you did, then you’d be heading across the street,” Lou said as he wiped down the counter.

  She gave up. Discussing it with Lou was better than going upstairs and facing Donna. Pulling out one of the stools, she sat down. “He didn’t want to speak to me earlier, so why should I go to him now?”

  Admitting he’d ignored her was hard. Yet, Lou was there, so he’d seen it with his own eyes.

  “Because you want to.”

  Hearing him blurt out so matter-of-factly what she already knew wasn’t why she sat down. “Is that official Navy training?” She didn’t try to hide the sarcasm in her voice.

  “Either way, I’m right.”

  “It doesn’t change anything, Lou. I know he heard me call him.”

  “He did. He also had gone upstairs to talk to you. Even though he didn’t, there’s a part of him that wants to.”

  He came upstairs? He wanted to talk to me? Sissie thought she’d heard someone at the door, but she’d been lying down with headphones on to drown out the noise from the saloon. When she opened it there wasn’t anyone there. She thought it had been her imagination. If I’d known . . .

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” She wanted to know why Ryan didn’t turn around when she called out to him.

  For the first time since Mark had introduced them, Lou actually burst out laughing. For the first time she saw emotion. He laughs. And Lord have mercy, laughter looked good on the man. Maybe he had promise after all.

  “Ma’am, go and talk to him.” Lou’s light mood vanished, and his tone was once again controlled.

  Or maybe not.

  Sissie had to admit, she didn’t find any of this humorous. Going to Ryan wasn’t the difficult part. What to say was. She’d thrown herself at him. He hadn’t pushed her away, and from what she could tell, he’d seemed to enjoy the kiss as much as she had. Yet, they were not in a normal situation at that time. Nothing has been normal since Ryan called me.

  Sitting with Lou wasn’t going to resolve anything. She wasn’t going to Ryan either. There was only one way to find out what was going on: go and get the answers herself. One problem was Donna was upstairs and, as far as Sissie knew, had no idea her father was back. Makes it even more confusing.

  “Lou, can you—?”

  “Got it covered.”

  She smiled at him. He might be annoying as heck, but she really liked having him around. It’d been a long time since she had a bartender. As she turned and headed for the door she shouted over her shoulder, “If you ever get tired working for Mark, you got a job waiting for you here.”

  For the second time, she heard Lou laugh. It was the power of the Wild Sass. No one could be there long and not loosen up. I think I need to get Ryan to spend more time in here.

  Sissie was used to walking around the town, even at such late hours. One of the beautiful things about Honeywell, it always felt safe. The streets were lit by moonlight. If there was any potential danger, Lou would never let her leave, never mind suggest she did. That didn’t mean she didn’t look over her shoulder a few times on her walk. It was the lack of knowledge of what they were up against that gave power to her fears. This has to come to an end. I need to know.

  No one was at the hotel desk, but she didn’t care. There was only one room they would have given to Ryan, what they considered a suite. Not luxurious by New York standards, but it was the best Honeywell had to offer.

  She chose to take the stairs to the second floor. This was a small town, and she didn’t want to be seen going to a man’s room at a late hour. She was fifty and never gave a second thought about what others were thinking, yet when it came to Ryan everything was different. Showing up at his hotel room without calling in the middle of the night wasn’t appropriate. They didn’t have that type of relationship. Heck, we don’t have one at all. So why am I doing this?

  Sissie questioned her reasoning with each step, but didn’t stop. There was no explanation other than she wanted to see him. It was foolish, but at least she was being honest with herself. I’m sure not going to tell Ryan that.

  Before long she was standing at his door. All she needed to do was knock. Instead, she pressed her ear against the door and listened. He could be sleeping, and what purpose would waking him serve? Just my own. She raised her hand, curled her fingers and paused before coming in contact with the door.

  Lou shouldn’t have encouraged me to go, and I sure as heck shouldn’t have listened. She was the one who gave advice in this town. Since when did she start taking it? And definitely not from a man. I really must be losing my mind. This entire situation was doomed from the start. There are those who do and those who help others to do.

  Sissie dropped her hand to her side, turned around, and leaned against the door. She felt emotionally defeated. The only thing left to do was go home to bed. Morning was right around the corner, and something said she’d be seeing Ryan bright and early. Might as well try not to have bags under my eyes when I do. “Sleep tight, Ryan.”

  Reluctantly she pushed herself from the door and headed back down the stairs. With each one she felt a sting of regret. When he ignored her calling out to him, she should’ve followed him out that door right then. If she had, maybe they could’ve settled whatever the issue was. And maybe I’d be in your arms instead of in a hotel lobby.

  She knew if the opportunity were to rise again, she wasn’t going to let it slip through her fingers. Because the next time he leaves, he might not come back.

  Once outside and back on Main Street, she noticed Jack’s Jeep parked down the street, facing in her direction. The lights were o
ff, but she knew he was inside. What are you doing, working this time of night?

  Instead of walking across the street to the Sass, she headed in Jack’s direction. He must’ve seen her coming because he got out and walked toward her. When he opened the door, the interior light came on. Sissie could see Jack wasn’t alone but couldn’t make out who he was with.

  “Sissie, you know you shouldn’t be out roaming the streets this time of night.”

  She shrugged. “I was under the impression everything was okay.”

  Jack looked around then said softly to her, “That doesn’t mean you should be out here at night.”

  Sissie met him square in the eyes and said, “Since when?”

  Jack took his hat off and ran his hand through his hair. “Sissie, we can’t be doing this right now.”

  “Oh, you mean dancing around the truth? Because I’m growing tired of it too.”

  Jack looked toward the Jeep then back to her. “I’ll find you tomorrow.”

  Sissie tried to see who was in the Jeep, and he seemed to intentionally block her view. “Jack, what’s—?”

  He put an arm around her shoulder and nudged her to walk toward the Sass. “Tomorrow, Sissie.”

  Ugh. She couldn’t believe how many men in her life were trying to control her. She had been on her own as a young woman, and no one had gotten away with this. What did you do, Ryan? Did you spread the word that I’m a pushover, so no one listens to me anymore? There was a time when she and Jack could discuss anything. He’d actually come to her for advice. Now I’m out of the loop like everyone else. Nice. Real nice. Guess who’s going to be paying for his meals from now on?

  She didn’t bother talking to him anymore. He’d made it clear, and she was tired. Not just of the lack of communication, but of everything. Even Honeywell.

  When she arrived at the saloon, she pulled away and stomped up the steps. Opening the door, she said as she entered the bar, “I’ll be waiting.” Then she slammed the door behind her.

  “For who?”

  Sissie spun around to see Ryan sitting at a table to her right. All her frustration at Jack and the entire evening vanished. “What . . . what are you doing here?”

  He got up and walked to her. She could feel her legs begin to shake. What are you nervous about? This is your bar. Nothing is going to happen that you don’t want to happen. That was the problem. She wasn’t sure what she wanted, except she knew she wanted to kiss him again.

  Don’t move. She initiated the last kiss. There wasn’t going to be a replay of her actions. At least I hope not. Her self-control wasn’t up to par when Ryan was standing so close. Breathe. He’s just a man. You’re around them all the time. Just a man that made her pulse race and think irrationally.

  “Who are you waiting for?” Ryan asked as he stopped only inches from her.

  “Jack. He’s going to . . . come for lunch.” Saying Jack was coming for breakfast seemed too soon since it was almost two in the morning. With her luck Ryan would want to wait for him here, and she didn’t want Ryan around when she pumped Jack for information.

  Ryan arched a brow. “And you don’t want him to?”

  “Why would I care if he came for lunch or not?”

  “Not sure, but you don’t seem happy with him. Are you sure it’s not more than just lunch that’s bothering you?”

  Sissie couldn’t have this conversation with him so darn close. She walked over and sat down. Ryan grabbed a chair opposite of her and reached out, taking her hand in his. His touch felt wonderful, and she didn’t want it to stop. Yet she could tell by the look in his eyes he really wanted to talk. Talking was something she strived for about an hour ago. Now, not so much.

  “Ryan, it’s—”

  “How about we don’t talk about Jack?”

  “Okay,” Sissie said softly. “What would you like to talk about?” Hopefully nothing.

  “I need to keep you safe.” His fingers gave hers a brief squeeze before he added, “You and Donna.”

  She met his gaze and could see the concern he was trying to hide. Sissie wasn’t a child needing his protection. “There’s power in knowing the truth. Right now I feel defenseless. Help me understand.”

  “Sissie, it’s bigger than you and me. This is about—”

  “Saving the world?” She wasn’t so in the dark that she didn’t know what Mark and his team did.

  Ryan shook his head. “That’s the plan.”

  “Why are you involved?” She hoped that didn’t sound cold, but he wasn’t in the military, and Mark’s team was trained for this type of action. Ryan was trained for corporate takeovers.

  “Janet, my late wife, somehow crossed the wrong person. They think what she knew might help them now.”

  Sissie hadn’t expected that. She figured Mark drew him in because Ryan was a very influential and powerful person. She’d never imagined it had to do with Janet. “I don’t understand. Janet died years ago. How could this be a threat to Donna now?” She wasn’t going to link herself to that threat. This was Ryan’s family, and she wasn’t part of it.

  “I never would’ve thought so either until I met . . . someone at a secure location.”

  “You mean your bunker?”

  “How do you know about that?”

  “Maggie and Wyatt were here, and I overheard them talking about how if it wasn’t for you and your bunker, they wouldn’t be alive.” It was her time to show him support. “You’re a good man.”

  “I’m a controlling bastard.”

  “There is a fine line between duty and control. Only you know if you’ve crossed it.” He’s close, but I haven’t seen him cross it yet.

  Ryan let go of her hand and sat back in his chair. He wasn’t looking at her when he spoke next. “Janet was murdered.”

  What? “Are you sure?”

  He nodded. “I had suspicions, but they’re confirmed now.”

  “Then you need to go to the police.”

  Ryan shook his head. “This isn’t a matter for the police. It’s one for—”

  “Mark.”

  He turned back to face Sissie. His eyes dark with pain. “He’s one of them.”

  “Ryan, I’m sure they will find who did this.”

  “He’s already dead,” Ryan growled.

  “Then Donna’s safe.” We’re all safe.

  “No. He was only one. The death toll keeps piling up. Maggie and Wyatt were on their list. Until every single one of those bastards are dead, I don’t think it’ll ever end.”

  “Ryan, who are we talking about?”

  “A terrorist group that has plagued this country for a long time. One we had no idea was here. From what I’ve learned, they were able to recruit high officials in our government and military.”

  Her heart raced. Sissie didn’t watch television and avoided the news as much as possible. She found so much sadness in what they reported. That’s why she’d stayed in Honeywell all these years. It was peaceful living. The most that ever happened was someone drinking too much and starting a bar fight, usually over something stupid. She wasn’t so naïve as to believe that was how the rest of the country functioned.

  “Then how do you plan on stopping them?”

  “Collins has more resources than I’d given him credit for. They have the upper hand now, but that won’t last.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  Ryan got up from his seat and said, “Because I’m not going to stop until we do.”

  Sissie couldn’t sit there a moment longer. She was up and by his side, her hands gripping his biceps as she pleaded with him. “Ryan, please don’t do anything that will get you killed. I don’t want . . .” Her voice trembled as she fought back tears. She’d just come to realize she cared for him, and he might be the next causality. I don’t want you on that list. Not now. Not ever.

  He pulled her into his arms and said, “I won’t, and that’s why I need to do this. Because I don’t want to lose you either.”

  “What are you gonn
a do?” Whatever it was, Sissie wanted to be right by his side.

  He smiled down at her. “I don’t know what I’ll do tomorrow, but I know what I want to do tonight.”

  Ryan let her go and walked to the jukebox. She watched him put a quarter inside and push a few buttons. When he returned, the music started. He put out his hand and said, “May I have this dance?”

  Dance? At a time like this? She wanted to tell him they could dance later. But she realized later might never come. All anyone had was the here and now. She wasn’t going to deny herself or Ryan what they both wanted.

  Placing her hand in his, she walked into his waiting arms. Placing her head on his shoulder, she sucked in his strength. It was the closest she’d felt to anyone before, even though it wasn’t intimate. There were no words left to be said. Things needed to be resolved first; she understood that. Melting into him, she let the sweet words of the song say what she couldn’t bring herself to say. If all we have is tonight, let morning never come.

  “There is no way you wanted to be a doctor when you were young,” Sissie said, laughing.

  “You don’t think I would’ve made a dashing doctor?” Ryan teased, giving her a good look at his profile.

  “Handsome yes, but your bedside manner leaves something to be desired.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Sissie sat up and said in a deep manly tone, “You’re taking this medicine one way or the other.” She leaned back holding her stomach laughing. “Yup, great bedside manner.”

  Ryan leaned over and gave her a playful kiss. “Keep it up, and I’ll show you my bedside manner.”

  She ran a bar where she tolerated drunken men each day, yet he could make her blush with his words. I plan on doing a lot more than making her blush.

  “I think it’s too early in the day to start playing doctor,” Sissie responded.

  It was his turn to get hot. “No better way to start the day.” He could tell she contemplated it but pulled away. He was moving too fast, and he knew it. His body reacted to hers in a way he wished he could control. But he needed to tone down what came out of his mouth. She’s not a one-night stand, and I don’t want her to be. He wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted with her, but meaningless sex wasn’t it.