Crazy Little Thing Called Love

by Molly Cannon

  “Because I know you’ll do whatever it takes to keep Grammy’s house in the family. That’s just the way you are. And you’re good at this stuff, sis. So, make it easy on yourself and go make nice. One dance and we’ll go home.”

  Etta sighed and looked over at the man still bent over his beer. A blonde woman in a tight green sweater was leaning against the bar at his side. She whispered something in his ear. He sat up straight, and then leaned over and whispered something back. The blonde smiled and sat down on the stool beside him.

  “He seems to be occupied at the moment.”

  “He’s just talking. Go interrupt, and tell him it’s important.”

  “Important to you maybe.”

  “Etta.” Belle’s voice was stern. She could certainly act the big sister when it suited her purposes.

  “One dance?” Etta had been ready to leave a long time ago, but Belle kept finding one more man to captivate. “You promise?”

  Belle put her hand over her heart. “I promise.”

  “Okay, but you better not change your mind. I mean it, Belle,” she said to her sister’s back, since she was already making her way toward the dance floor to meet Ted.

  Etta walked back toward Donny Joe, dragging her feet like a kid being led by the ear to take a dose of bad tasting medicine. The blonde had wandered away, and Harley was nowhere to be seen, so not having any witnesses to this travesty would make the unpleasant task a bit easier. Donny Joe would probably turn her down flat anyway, and that would be okay, too.

  With a loud huff, she plopped herself down next to Donny Joe and asked, “Would you like to dance?”

  Donny Joe looked up from his beer. “Are you talking to me?”

  “Do you see anyone else sitting here? I asked if you wanted to dance.”

  He straightened up and squinted at her with one eye closed like she was a strange species he’d never encountered before. “With you? You’re asking me if I want to dance with you.”

  “Of course with me.” They stared at each other for a minute and then she said, “Oh, forget about it. I knew this was a bad idea.”

  He nodded toward Belle out on the dance floor. “I take it this wasn’t your bad idea.”

  Etta didn’t see a reason to sugarcoat it. “No, Belle thought you and I needed a do-over. She thought since we’ll be working together on the house we should see if we can play nice.”

  He leaned back on his bar stool, giving her a lazy once over. “Well now, when a woman tells me she wants to play nice that’s usually a mighty tempting offer.”

  She tried to ignore the feeling he’d finished undressing her with his eyes and would be just as happy if she kept her clothes on.

  He leaned toward her and announced, “But in your case I’m not sure you even know the meaning of the word ‘nice,’ and you sure don’t strike me as a woman who plays much.”

  “Now wait a minute. I play. I play all the time.” Good Gravy, she sounded like an idiot. Why was she explaining herself to this man anyway?

  He shrugged like he didn’t believe her. “Maybe so, but last time we talked you accused me of being a low down, good for nothing, snake in the grass who was trying to pull a fast one on your grandmother.”

  “Those weren’t my exact words, and surely you can understand I needed time to assess the situation.” She scrunched up her face and said half-heartedly, “But maybe I should apologize for that.”

  “By all means, knock yourself out. I won’t stop you.”

  In a rush she said, “Okay, I’m sorry, but to be honest, I only agreed to this do-over thing because she said we could go home if I’d ask you to dance. Belle’s got the car keys, and if it was up to her she’d stay here and flirt all night long.”

  He shook his head like he was deeply disappointed. “I do believe that’s the most convoluted, reluctant, insincere excuse of an apology I’ve ever heard.”

  She should have known he wouldn’t make things easy. “So, do you want to dance or not? Belle’s watching us like a hawk.”

  He sat there a moment like he was considering all his options and then pushed his beer mug away like he’d lost a mighty struggle. “Well hell, by all means. Since your sister is watching let’s dance.” He stood up and held out his hand. “Miz Green, I’ll play nice if you will.”

  She sighed before standing up as well. “Might as well get it over with.”

  She took his hand, struck instantly by how warm and how strong it felt as he led her onto the dance floor. Just her luck the music changed from a lively two-step to a slow waltz, and before she could offer any resistance he tucked her in close to his body and started moving around the floor. Without considering any possible consequences, she inhaled the scent of him, masculine and clean. Holy crap. He smelled good. His shoulder was sturdy beneath her hand, his denim-covered thighs brushed against her legs. Donny Joe moved with the grace of a man who knew how to partner a woman. In every way possible, she thought in a moment of recklessness. It had been a long time since she’d lost herself on the dance floor in the arms of a man. He swept her around and she surrendered, letting herself be swept.

  Just for one dance. Just for one song. It had been a long while since any man had made her feel the kind of slow, unhurried heat simmering beneath her skin. Before she realized it her head was nestled against his chest, and the song was coming to an end.

  A sudden commotion at the front of Lu Lu’s drew their attention. The door to the bar flew open and from outside a brutal wind howled around before blowing in a tall, strapping fellow wearing a trench coat and a scowl. He stood near the entrance scanning the place and let out a bellow that had Etta following his gaze. “Belle! Belle Green, get your pretty little butt over here this instant.”

  Belle pushed away from poor Ted like he’d broken out in cooties. “Roger! What in the world are you doing here?” She ran across the bar toward him with her arms outstretched, and he caught her up, swirling her around in a circle.

  “I came to take you to Paris, baby. And I’m not taking no for an answer.”

  Chapter Five

  Etta sat at a table in the corner of Lu Lu’s thinking Belle would show up any time now. She’d lost sight of her after the initial jumping around, and hugging, and carrying on. But she just assumed her sister would be around eventually to introduce her to the incredible Roger, and at the very least, give her the car keys so she could go home like she’d wanted to do hours ago. Hell, she’d danced with Donny Joe, hadn’t she? That had been their bargain.

  She’d lost sight of Donny Joe after the dance, too. Roger’s loud and boisterous appearance had saved her from making any awkward, “thanks for the dance” conversation, and he seemed to take the opportunity to make his escape.

  She drummed on the table impatiently and scanned the room once again. Still no sight of Belle, but her gaze collided with Donny Joe’s, who was back at the bar, this time facing the crowd on the dance floor. She looked away, but felt as much as saw him get up and start moving in her direction. When his boots stopped directly in front of her she couldn’t avoid acknowledging his presence.

  “What happened to your ride?” His question was gruff in tone; one might even say crotchety.

  “I’m sure she’s around. She’ll show up soon.” She craned her neck to see past his looming figure. “I’m happy to wait.”

  “Suit yourself, but if you’re interested I’m headed home.”

  Her head shot up. “Are you offering me a lift?” She didn’t mean to make it sound like she’d been offered a ride with the devil, but by the arch of his brow and the curl of his lip he must have taken it that way.

  “From where I stand it sure looks like you’ve been abandoned, and since I live next door, taking you home won’t exactly qualify me for sainthood.”

  He sounded so cantankerous it made her smile. “From what I’ve heard about you, that would be a tall order, but since you put it that way, I’d appreciate it, Donny Joe.” She’d had all the fun she could stand for one night. />
  Without another word he turned and headed to the exit. She stood up and hurried after him, taking three steps for every one of his long-legged strides. They were halfway across the floor when an old guy grabbed Donny Joe’s arm. “Hey Donny Joe, Ray Odem’s in the back room saying he’s ready to tear you limb from limb.”

  “What did I do this time, Elroy?” Donny Joe kept moving to the exit, and she stayed right on his heels.

  “Says you told Sue Ann she looked real pretty when you saw her at the grocery store yesterday.” Elroy seemed mighty worked up as he delivered the message.

  Donny Joe waved his words away like they were nothing more than annoying gnats. “She did look pretty. I didn’t see any reason to keep that opinion to myself.”

  Elroy’s shaggy gray eyebrows shot up toward his receding hairline. “And you kissed her on the cheek.”

  “Did I? I don’t really remember.” Donny Joe smiled, acting all proud and tickled with himself.

  Elroy was out of breath as he tried to keep up with Donny Joe. But his tone turned solemn. “Son, you know how jealous Ray gets, and I think you get a kick out of getting him all riled. And now he’s on another tear.”

  Donny Joe stopped and faced the older man. “All right. Don’t worry. We’ll just slip out the side door. Come on, Etta.” He led her to an exit away from the front entrance.

  He herded her out the door just as she heard a man’s voice bellow. “Donny Joe, if you’re here come out and face me like a man, you wife-stealing son of a bitch.”

  Donny Joe kept marching across the parking lot like it was no big deal.

  “What the heck was that all about?” Etta asked. Gravel skidded under her feet as she tried to keep up.

  “Nothing.” His hat was low on his head, so she couldn’t see his face.

  “Nothing? That man wanted to fight you.” She couldn’t believe he treated that so casually.

  “Like I said, it’s nothing. I dated his wife for a few months way back in high school. He thinks I still carry a torch all these years later.”

  “Do you?” Donny Joe suffering from unrequited love. Now that was an intriguing concept.

  “Not even an ember. What can I say?” He tipped his hat back and winked. “I seem to inspire jealousy in certain quarters.”

  “You seem awfully proud of that.”

  “I’m just stating the facts, ma’am.”

  “Why doesn’t he just show up at your house?”

  “It’s some sort of odd code he operates under. He just goes after me in public.”

  When they reached his truck he waited and opened the passenger door for her. As she scooted inside he said, “I should probably warn you that when a woman is seen climbing into my truck it’s not always good for her reputation.”

  She glanced back at him. “I think I can handle it, Donny Joe. Besides, if anyone sees me climbing into your truck it might actually help yours.”

  “You’re probably right about that.” He laughed and closed the door.

  The drive home was quiet right up until the time she insisted she could walk home from his house. He shot her a look that said it was out of the question. Out loud he said it was too dark and was adamant that he’d deliver her to the front door of the B&B.

  Once Donny Joe pulled into the driveway Etta suddenly felt the need to say something more. “I still can’t believe Belle left without giving me the keys. Oh, what am I talking about? Of course I can.” Etta shifted restlessly in the front seat of Donny Joe’s pickup truck.

  The light from the front porch cast shadows across Donny Joe’s face. He angled his body toward hers. “Like I said, it wasn’t out of my way to give you a ride.”

  “Still, I appreciate it. Things between us haven’t been exactly civil since we met.” The truck idled in front of Grammy Hazel’s house.

  His only comment was a raised eyebrow.

  She nodded and said, “Okay. Well, good night, then.”

  As she started to get out of the truck he asked, “So, what happens now?”

  “What do you mean?” She paused with her hand on the door handle and turned to face him.

  “To Daphne. Will she go to Paris with Belle?”

  Etta sighed. “I don’t think either of them are going anywhere. Belle just told me she’s staying in Everson for a while. She’s even enrolling Daphne in school.”

  “That was before Roger showed up, wasn’t it?”

  “You’re right. Sometimes poor Daphne gets shuttled around like so much extra luggage. For the most part Belle is a good mother, but she’s easily blinded by a good-looking man. Especially if he’s got money.”

  “You thought that guy was good-looking?” Donny sat up straighter.

  Etta was amused by the automatic male posturing and couldn’t resist pushing a few buttons just for the hell of it. “Are you joking? He may have been the best-looking man I’ve ever seen. That dark wavy hair and those broad shoulders?”

  Donny Joe shook his head as if dismissing her opinion as inconsequential. “Anyway, back to Daphne. What about her father? Does she ever spend time with him?”

  “No. Daphne’s father has never been a part of her life. Belle was adamant about that from the time she was born.”

  “So, some poor slob out there has a daughter he doesn’t even know exists?”

  “I don’t know about that, either. Belle might have told him, but for whatever reason, she made it clear that he wouldn’t be in the picture. End of story.”

  “Sorry. I shouldn’t pry. I realize it’s none of my business.”

  “Speaking of business, Belle will be here, but I’m really going to have to get back to Chicago in a few days.”

  “That soon?” His smile was wide and unapologetic. He was obviously glad to get rid of her.

  “You’re the one who said we could handle things by phone and email.”

  “That’s true, and you’re the one who thought I was trying to bamboozle everybody.”

  She winced at his reminder before admitting, “I still have some reservations and I may have to put my foot down about some things.”

  “Such as?”

  “The swimming pool for one. I don’t see why we need that expense.”

  “When’s the last time you spent a summer in Texas?”

  “It’s hot. I understand that, but—”

  Donny Joe cut her off. “But your grandmother’s research showed that a swimming pool is one of the main considerations for people choosing a Bed and Breakfast. In the long run it will help increase revenues.”

  “Well, we can have this discussion later. I don’t expect to settle everything tonight.”

  “So, what have we settled?”

  “I’ll admit I may have misjudged you in some ways.” But probably not all, she thought stubbornly. It wasn’t as if she was ready to trust him completely, but for the immediate future, she didn’t have that many options. She was going to have to work with the guy.

  “Is that so?” Even by the dashboard lights she could see the smug satisfaction on his face. He moved a smidge closer. “And what brought you to that conclusion?” His arm slid along the back of the seat, and for a moment she found herself caught up in his green eyes. “I bet it was my smooth moves on the dance floor, wasn’t it?”

  She tried not to laugh, but didn’t succeed. “Please. I hope that’s not your idea of flirting. That might be the cheesiest line I ever heard in my entire life. I mean really, does that ever work on anyone?” Honestly. She expected so much better from a renowned ladies’ man.

  At first her amusement seemed to aggravate him, but then he relaxed and laughed, too. “Okay, you’re right. That wasn’t up to my usual level.”

  Etta patted him on the arm. “I should hope not. After all, you have a reputation to uphold, Donny Joe.”

  With a sigh he leaned back against his door. “I’ll admit I’m off my game this week.”

  “It’s been a rough week,” she conceded.

  “The worst,” he agreed. “But
that’s no excuse.”

  She smiled, liking this open, almost vulnerable side of him. “As I was saying before, I went over Grammy Hazel’s papers this afternoon, and I could see how much time and energy she put into this project.”

  He nodded. “I could barely keep up.”

  She swallowed her pride and added, “And I could see how much she relied on your help, Donny Joe.”

  All teasing was gone. “She used me as a sounding board, but she had the vision. I only gave her advice when she asked, on how to turn that vision into a reality.”

  “So you understand what she wanted better than anyone else. I want to be clear that I want to be involved in the decisions going forward, but since I’m going back home, it will have to be through long distance consultations. That’s all I can offer right now.”

  He studied her in the dark, and she felt the weight of his stare. “I don’t have to tell you that some hard choices will have to be made down the road. Who’s gonna run the place long term? Is Belle a possibility? And what’s going to happen to Miz Beulah?”

  “I know, I know, and I’m not trying to avoid any of those responsibilities, but there are things I have to take care of in Chicago right now. Things that can’t wait.”

  “By chance, do those things involve a man?”

  She thought of Diego and her career that might hang in the balance. “Why in the world would you think that?”

  His eyes seemed to bore straight through her. “I’m known to have pretty good instincts when it comes to women.”

  “Is that so?” She felt a bit unnerved, but it was easier to focus instead on how irritating he could be. “Well, you can kindly keep your instinct about me to yourself.”

  He smiled a big lazy smile. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  “Everything in this world doesn’t always involve a man and a woman.” She sounded prissy and preachy even to her own ears.

  He tilted his hat back on his head. “Not everything. Just most things that keep us all riled up. And you’re one of the most riled up women I’ve ever met.”

  She chose not to respond to that. Instead she opened the door and slid out of the truck. “Notice I’m calmly getting out of your truck now—and with my reputation still fully intact.”