Southern Sass (Southern Desires Series Book 6)

by Jeannette Winters

  As he brought his right hand up, intending to cup her breast, he heard the phone vibrate again. Screw it. Leave a damn message.

  Instead of touching her breast, he brushed away the long blonde strands of hair that had fallen to cover her face. She looked so peaceful. If he had a better view, he’d think she was smiling in her sleep. Dreaming of me? He had no doubt there would be some sleepless nights in his future, wishing he was with her.

  That was the thing he avoided thinking about. This was it. The one time they had to be together before she had to go to the safe house Don had prepared for her and Donna. What was I thinking? She has no idea I’m not going to be staying with them. She’s gonna think I’m a total jerk to bed her and leave her. Hell, she’ll be right.

  There was nothing he could do. The deed was done. He didn’t want to regret what they’d shared. If he was being totally honest with himself, he’d never imagined it would be so damn mind-blowing. She might own a bar called the Wild Sass, but he knew she was the Southern sass who ran it. You’re full of surprises. And if we get through this mess, I want to discover every single one of them.

  Ryan wasn’t foolish enough to believe he could go back to the office and be safe there. He wasn’t sure exactly what Carl was capable of, but he knew Henri’s disappearance wasn’t a coincidence. He did wonder what had changed that Carl had made such a move. Ryan was often out of the office working elsewhere, so why now? It was clear no one was safe, but the timing remained the question. He would bring a few of his trusted security team members back with him, but they couldn’t be with him twenty-four seven. If they want me, they’ll find a way to get me.

  Running his hand down her arm, and back up again, his heart ached. I don’t care what happens to me, as long as you’re safe.

  It was a realization of what she meant to him. For so long the only person he cared about was Donna. He was going to do everything he could to protect her as well, but now, he had Sissie’s well-being to consider. And I have a feeling doing so isn’t going to be easy.

  Once again Ryan heard something from the other room. This time it wasn’t his phone. Damn it. Someone was knocking on the door. He should get up and answer it, but this wasn’t his house. Also, all his garments were in the kitchen.

  “Sissie, someone’s at the door.” She stirred but didn’t open her eyes. Kissing her shoulder, he tried again. “Baby, you have to wake up. We have company.”

  This time her eyes flew open, and she sat up quickly. So much so her head butted him in the mouth as she leaped from the bed. The taste of blood filled his mouth, and he brought his hand to his lip. Yeah, how am I going to explain this?

  Sissie was too busy grabbing clothes out of her drawers to notice. Ryan sat up on the bed and watched her. She was all dressed and was searching around the room.

  “Did you lose something?”

  “My boots,” she replied while looking under the bed.

  “I believe they are in the kitchen with my clothes.”

  Sissie stood up and finally noticed him sitting there naked. Her cheeks turned bright red. “Oh . . . I guess I better collect them for you.”

  Ryan stood up not the least bit ashamed. He reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her to him. “We’re grown ass adults, Sissie. There’s nothing to blush about.” He bent and kissed her briefly. “Unless you’re saying you didn’t enjoy what we shared.” He knew damn well she had, but he wanted her to tell him.

  “Ryan, there’s someone at the door. We can’t—”

  “We can do whatever we want to.” He knew he was being a cocky bastard, but he wanted to make a point. No matter what was going on, they still had control over their lives. Not totally, but at least this part of it.

  Sissie smirked at him. “I want to see who’s at my door. The question is would you like clothes on when they come in or not?”

  Ryan laughed. He’d opt for his current attire, but he knew she would be mortified if he actually followed her to the door like that. Before releasing her, he kissed her one last time. “How about you grab my clothes when you get your boots?”

  Sissie nodded and dashed out of the room. Whoever was at the door hadn’t left as they knocked again and again. Sissie returned and tossed him his pants and shirt. “I don’t know what happened to your belt.”

  He didn’t care at the moment. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “I’ve got to answer that.”

  “No. Wait for me.”

  “It’s okay. Lou is downstairs. If it weren’t safe, they wouldn’t have made it this far.”

  Ryan wasn’t taking any chances. “Sissie, do not answer that door. Not without me with you.” He’d never used such a firm tone with her, but there was so much she didn’t know. And you won’t if I can help it.

  She stopped, and he could tell she was about to argue with him. Something changed in her expression, and she closed her mouth and waited. Quickly pulling on his pants and shirt, he said, “Okay, let’s go see what’s so damn important.”

  “Don’t you want to button that?” Sissie pointed to his open shirt.

  “Not as bad as I want to see who’s at the door.”

  They left the bedroom, and Ryan stopped and retrieved his gun that was in his coat pocket. Her eyes widened. “You really think that is necessary?”

  “You never know.”

  When she opened the door, Ryan stood there with the gun cocked and ready. If anyone intended to hurt her, they were in for a fight.

  He lowered his weapon when he saw who it was.

  Ryan saw Lou scan the room before speaking. “Donna’s on her way here. ETA is five minutes. Thought you two might want to know.”

  Sissie shot Ryan a quick look then turned back to Lou. “Thank you.”

  Lou looked over Sissie’s shoulder and said before heading back downstairs, “Next time, Watson, answer the damn phone. It might be important.”

  He figured Donna returning was important enough for Lou to bang on the door. A man to man courtesy. I’d prefer Donna not find out about Sissie and me by our clothes sprawled out all over the place.

  It was an odd thought. Me and Sissie? There was no other way to say it. They’d gone from friends to lovers. There was no commitment between them, yet what they shared was a connection like he’d never encountered before. Not even with Janet.

  It wasn’t just the physical aspect. They actually opened up and shared parts of their lives with each other. Ryan might’ve been married before, but they kept their walls up and had their own lives.

  Sissie quickly picked up her garments that remained in the kitchen, and he realized he didn’t want to make the same mistake with her. She wasn’t like Janet. Sissie was full of life and wanted to talk and be close and open. It was foreign to him, but he wanted to give it all to her. Can I change now? You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. He hated it, but she was too damn good for him. She’s a better person than I’ll ever be.

  Ryan grabbed his boots and pulled them on. Then slipped his gun back into his coat and sat down. “Sissie, we never finished our conversation.”

  “I know,” she said, not meeting his eyes.

  “You know you have to go.”

  “I know,” Sissie said softly.

  “I’ll go with you to make sure you and Donna will be okay. But I can’t stay. I’m needed elsewhere.” He couldn’t tell her where, or she might try to follow him.

  He heard her take a deep breath. “Donna and I will be fine. I’ll make sure nothing happens. You can go and do whatever it is you need to do.”

  “Sissie, it’s not that I don’t want to—”

  “Ryan, it’s best this way. Just tell me where Donna and I need to be, and I’ll take it from there.”

  Best this way? It sure didn’t feel that way, but he knew she was right. Collins trusted Farrell with his family. There is no way the guy would do anything to jeopardize Sissie and Donna. The only thing that was going to put them at a greater risk was him being around them. I can’t put any more of a
target on your backs. I need to do this for all of us.

  “Be ready; the chopper will leave at midnight. Lou will ensure you get on board safely. And pack warm clothes.”

  She finally looked in his direction. “Like Alaska cold?”

  “I don’t know. That is all I’ve been told.”

  He could see it coming. Sissie’s foot was tapping, and she didn’t look happy. “You’re sending us someplace with some stranger, and you don’t seem worried. So much for caring about what happens to us.”

  Ryan wished he could explain that his lack of information was because he cared so much. If he didn’t, he’d blurt out everything that was going on, even with his company. He hoped the little bit he could share would ease her mind. “Not a stranger. From what I gather, you know this person. Or at least, he knows you.”

  “I run a bar. I know a lot of people,” Sissie snapped.

  “He’s not from around here. I could be wrong, but he sounds Northern.”

  “I don’t travel much, and I sure don’t go up north.” She wrinkled her nose then said, “Well there was a time I almost made it up north to meet the radio personality, Wayne, who I listen to each week. I had sent him an email asking to meet him, and he agreed. I was going to get a signed copy of a book he wrote and everything. I was just about to buy my plane ticket when he announced the high temperature for where he was, and nothing is ever gonna get me to travel to a place that is colder than an icebox. The only thing I like that cold is my beer.”

  He was thrown off by how Sissie rambled through a story just to tell him she hated cold weather. The funny part was he enjoyed hearing her talk about anything other than the crap that was going on. He wished it could continue, but he’d put off the conversation long enough. “Well, he’s looking forward to seeing you. Some guy named Farrell.”

  “Don? He’s coming here? Why?”

  The look of surprise on her face said she knew him, but the pieces weren’t adding up. None do, darling. “Lou and Collins arranged it. How do you know him?” He didn’t mean for the jealous tone to shine through, but it did.

  “He’s Mark’s best friend.”

  He was hoping she’d elaborate, but she didn’t. And this is what I get for not sharing what I know. She shuts me down too. He wasn’t sure where this odd feeling of jealousy had come in. But he hoped there wasn’t more between Sissie and Don she wasn’t saying. Ryan wanted to ask a million questions. Instead, he did what he had to do. Trust this is the right decision. “Then I’m sure you’re in good hands.” Better be great hands or both Collins and Farrell will be answering to me.

  “I’m sure I can finagle the location out of Don.”

  Ryan didn’t like that tone. He knew she was purposely trying to push his buttons and damn it, it was working. He had to resist the urge to get on that chopper. If his reasons were for anything other than jealousy, he sure as hell would.

  “Don’t get too comfortable. You won’t be there that long.” Unfortunately, his comment wasn’t based on any fact. All he knew was things were changing quickly, but that didn’t mean they were going to change for the good.

  “Donna should be here any minute. I’ll leave you to tell her the good news by yourself.” Sissie didn’t wait for him to respond. He was left alone in her kitchen.

  He looked at the kitchen table and saw her bra hanging on the back of one chair. Grabbing her bra, he noticed the other chair held his belt. Ryan was just about to grab it when Donna came into the room.

  “Hi Dad, what are you doing here?” He watched as Donna saw what was in his hand. Then her eyes traveled to the rest of the garments. “Please don’t answer that.”

  Wasn’t planning on it. Ryan had never been a kiss and tell type of guy and definitely not with his daughter. What was going on between him and Sissie was no one’s business. And I’m not sure what I’d say if I could.

  Ryan grabbed the rest of Sissie’s personal items and put them all on one chair. Then he turned back to Donna and said, “Sit, we need to discuss something.”

  “Really Dad, I don’t need details. Like I said before, I think she’s great. Even better, I think she’s great for you.”

  “Wonderful, but that’s not what we need to talk about. Now sit.” Ryan was back to using his commanding tone. It didn’t fly with Sissie, but Donna sat right down and waited. At least, someone listens to me. Not that it’s gonna matter because you’re not gonna be anywhere I can help you.

  “Where are you sending me now?”

  Ryan grinned. “You know me that well, do you?”

  “Unfortunately, Dad, I do.”

  He sat for the next half hour and talked about everything but what was going on. He’d missed this. Connecting with his daughter. Ryan didn’t want to leave, but he needed to get back to the office today, and the clock was ticking. If there was anything he could do to help find Henri, he needed to. This wasn’t choosing one over the other. It was his way of doing what was best for everyone.

  “Okay, come and give your dear ole dad a hug before I go.” Donna got up and went right into his waiting arms. “Donna, you need to promise me something.”

  “What now?”

  He ignored the sarcasm in her tone. “Whatever you do, do not come home or go to the office unless I tell you it’s okay.” She looked at him, and he could see the fear in her eyes. “Just promise me.”

  Ryan saw her eyes glisten over, but she fought back the tears. He was grateful because he didn’t do well with his baby girl crying. No dad does.

  “I’ll promise, if you promise you won’t do anything stupid.”

  Kissing her on the top of her head he said, “Deal.”

  He left her to pack and headed out to make his own travel arrangements. Things changed so fast. This wasn’t the way he wanted it to be. He’d pictured himself flying off with Donna and Sissie to whatever secret location Farrell had. Maybe even spend a bit of time with them both before taking off to handle his business. Instead he was saying goodbye again to his daughter and parting ways with Sissie and she wasn’t even speaking to him. But it was happening no matter how hard it was leaving them both at the Wild Sass. The only thing that helped was he knew Lou would protect them with his life. I just hope that’s enough.

  Chapter Eleven

  Although she was thrilled to see Don and Bailey again, she couldn’t help but worry about Ryan. Whatever he was heading into, she knew it was dangerous. If it wasn’t, she was positive he would’ve confided in her. It wasn’t as though he was unwilling to talk. It was as if he knew he couldn’t.

  Sissie tried getting information out of Don the entire flight. She wasn’t sure if he didn’t know or wasn’t going to spill it in front of Bailey. She could understand that. Bailey had been through enough, and the last thing she needed was to worry what Don was getting sucked into as well. Unfortunately, if we’re here, he’s already involved.

  Sissie had hoped Don and Bailey were going to be staying with them. Instead, Don gave some lame excuse about being needed somewhere else. She knew that wasn’t the case. Don might be good at lying, but Bailey sure wasn’t. Sissie read her easily and could tell by the way she averted her eyes there was something else going on. With Bailey accompanying Don, she knew they weren’t heading into anything dangerous. Don would die before letting anything happen to her. His one true love.

  Sissie couldn’t help but smile. She’d known they were destined from the moment she’d seen them together. They were a bit more difficult to convince than some of the others, but in the end, they saw Sissie was right. I always am.

  She couldn’t do much matchmaking out in the boonies. She noticed on the flight over there were only trees for miles around. She doubted there was another living soul out there besides Donna and her. She wasn’t sure this was what she’d call a safe house, but it sure was private. It was a beautiful site, but in case of an emergency, there was only one way in and out of there. Chopper.

  None of that made it any easier to sleep at night. Her mind raced thinking
a grizzly bear would crash through their door and eat them. She never knew she had a fear of bears. It wasn’t like any roamed around Texas. Yet here, way up north in the mountains, she was sure they were lurking close by.

  That gave her more of an incentive to stay put. In bed. Ryan was right about packing warm clothes. Not that she really had many to bring, but darn, it was cold here. She lay in bed under two layers of covers and still shivered. She’d looked out the window first thing in the morning expecting to see snow. Oh, I have no idea where we are, but I ain’t stayin’ here long, that’s for darn sure. If I do, I’m gonna freeze my ta-tas off.

  Huddled up with her head under the blankets, she heard a knock on the door. “Sissie, are you okay?” Donna asked, her voice filled with concern.

  Pulling her head out from her cocoon, she said, “Yes, I’m fine. Just . . . resting.” She didn’t want to sound like a wimp.

  “Can I come in?”

  She really didn’t want to see anyone because that would mean being on the wrong side of the covers. Saying no would be rude. “Of course.” Thankfully she enjoyed Donna’s company.

  She opened the door, and Sissie could barely see Donna behind a stack of clothes. Sissie threw the blankets off and ran to assist her. Grabbing part of the pile from her, she carried them to the bed.

  “Thank you. I can’t believe I was even able to find your room with this stuff in my arms.”

  “What on earth is all this stuff?”

  Donna picked up a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt. “It’s what you need so you can get out of this room.”

  I think I need the temperature to rise above sixty to get me out of here. Reaching out, she took the items from Donna. “Thank you. This will help.”

  Then Donna dug into the pile and pulled out a thick pair of cozy socks. Taking them from her, she couldn’t believe how thick they were. Slipping them on was like wearing four pairs at once. In Honeywell, she’d be sweltering in them. Here they were perfect.