Reece emerged with a bright smile. Her cheeks were now a pleasing rosy pink. She looked radiant with her glow and he wondered if he sported one as well.
“We better rejoin the group. I’m already sure they suspect what we’ve been doing.”
“Let them.” Dane pulled her to his chest and laid a lip-lock on her. Her arms wrapped around his neck and held him. He had forgotten how wonderful it felt to have a woman hold him and show affection. Occasional one-nighters lacked in intimacy and his ex couldn’t hold a candle to how it felt to hold Reece compared to her. He shouldn’t be thinking of his ex, but felt the need for a thank you card.
He broke their kiss and looked into her bright green eyes. Beautiful, that was the only word that could come to mind. Her blazing, long red hair was a little wet from perspiration. Wet tendrils hung as evidence of their hot escapade in the janitor’s closet. The location was not at all what he hoped for, but now couldn’t imagine a hotter place.
Reece traced his lips and smiled. “I’ll expect a do-over.”
“Honey, I’m yours. You just name the time and place.”
She laughed and her eyes lit up with amusement. “Down, boy. Come on, let’s go have a drink. I’m suddenly very thirsty.”
When they got back to the table, it was basically empty. Half drank drinks sat, waiting for their owners to finish them. The auction was still going. No one seeming alarmed by the disappearance of almost the entire table.
With the fierce bidding for Trinity, Dane suspected Jackson and Maxwell were already celebrating their purchase. What worried Dane was where in the hell had Bannock disappeared to?
“Wow, either everyone else had the same idea or something is going on.” Reece looked at him as she sat down. She looked as worried as he felt with Bannock gone.
They picked up their drinks and tried to focus on the entertainment, but Dane felt unsettled and nervous. Bannock wasn’t an easy man to deal with, at times, a fucking bear. Dane saw the desire behind his gaze and wished he knew how to make him let down the walls that guarded his heart.
Reece leaned over and laid her head on his shoulder. “I hope we didn’t make him angry.”
He wrapped his right arm around her waist and held her. “Me, too.”
* * * *
This was the last thing Bannock expected tonight. He holstered his gun after the gun battle erupted at the construction site adjacent to the Palace Resort where the Charity Auction was taking place. As it would seem, there had been quite a plan in motion. The outcome should have been the bombs exploding and destroying the site.
Trinity, from what Bannock understood, had been sent to investigate the delays in construction. An inside job was at work, something his local police force would have not known was going on. With the island growing and becoming a favorite vacation spot for the rich thanks to the Palace Resort, crime was rising in his own backyard. Thank goodness Trinity was sent in or this would have been a disaster the island would have suffered not only from economically, but emotionally.
Most residents were second, third, or fourth generations. They were close, everyone more like family than acquaintances. Small business owners relied heavily on tourism and without it, the island would face economic doom. He, however, wasn’t a fan of the Palace or the new addition being built. What would be next? Would the island eventually become so commercialized they would lose the heritage they fought for generations to preserve. He was one to talk, he shook his head. He had never agreed or wanted a ménage relationship and here he was worried about the demise of the lifestyle.
Bannock headed back inside once men were on the scene to clean the dirtbags up. He was beginning to feel like a lone wolf. Even his best friend Jackson, who was so much like him personality wise and in beliefs, had now engaged in just the type of relationship he vowed to never enter. Bannock had to admit that Jackson seemed especially happy with Trinity and Maxwell. He was also damn touchy about his woman and very protective. Poor Dane got a glimpse of Jackson’s jealously over a damn tattoo. What was going on around the island anymore? Crime was on the rise. People he never suspected would fall in love did.
When Bannock entered the auction, he noticed Reece snuggling with Dane. It didn’t take a damn rocket scientist to figure out the two had ran off for a quickie. It was obvious and not a person at the table failed to notice. Dane had made his play and just as he suspected, had fallen for Reece.
“Hey, where did you disappear to?” Dane turned his attention to Bannock as he sat down.
“Work.” Bannock reached for his drink and polished it off in one gulp.
“Is everything okay?” Reece touched his arm.
“Yeah, everything is fine.” Bannock replied and noticed that Reece seemed genuinely worried.
Bannock motioned for the waiter and ordered another drink. His meal sat on the table in front of him, untouched. The light scent of Reece’s perfume invaded his nose and his mind conjured images he didn’t want to see. Reece stood naked in front of him, beckoning him toward her. God, she was beautiful, a devil in disguise concealed beneath a hot body and a gorgeous face.
Dane held her close and kissed her forehead. Yep, the two had snuck away for sex. He could smell it and it was killing him. His dick began to rise as he wondered where they went. Dane looked at him and winked before a broad smile curved his lips upwards. Son of a bitch. The guy hadn’t listened to a word of warning he offered.
“I’ve got to go.” Bannock couldn’t stand to sit next to the two any longer. The scent of Reece’s arousal had his dick standing at attention and he wasn’t happy about it.
“What? Aren’t you going to stay for the rest of the auction?” Dane sat up straight and had a look of disbelief.
“No, I’m tired.” Bannock left his empty drink on the table and walked away.
Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. He had failed. Bannock had yet to find the information on Reece he sought and feared another heartbreak loomed in Dane’s future. Why wouldn’t Dane listen to him? Reece Wyatt was not who she claimed to be. Why couldn’t he prove it?
“Leaving so soon?” A soft feminine voice called as he exited the resort.
Bannock stopped and turned. “Yeah.”
“What’s the problem?” Liz slowly walked toward him.
“Nothing. I’m tired.”
Liz laughed as she approached. “You’re lying, Bannock. Remember, I’ve changed your diapers. Try again.”
What did he say now? Liz knew him almost as well as his own mother. He had sleepovers at her house with her sons. Their families were inseparable over the years. And yes, Liz had more than likely changed many of his diapers.
“I’d rather not say.” He chose a statement that wasn’t a lie at all, but far from the truth. Liz was harboring Reece, but he didn’t want to point an accusing finger.
“Out of all people you can trust to talk to and here you are, hiding from me. Why?”
“Liz, I know something I shouldn’t. I respect and love you—”
“If you respect and love me so much, why won’t you level with me? Do you think I’d lie to you?”
Bannock ruffled his hair. Liz was like a second mother. How could he blast her with the information? What if he was actually wrong?
Liz pulled her cell from her pocket. “Okay, I guess I’ll have to call Rebecca.”
Bannock snatched her phone away. “That won’t be necessary.”
Liz grinned.
“Fine. Here it is and I’ll remind you. You asked for it.”
Liz waved her hands, palms up, as if saying, bring it on.
“I know Reece isn’t your niece.” Bannock allowed the statement to explode off his tongue.
“Really?” Liz lifted a brow. “And what makes you believe that?”
“Liz, don’t play games with me. Either she is or she isn’t. So why don’t you be honest with me and tell me the truth.”
Liz exhaled loudly and crossed her arms over her chest. “I shouldn’t be surprised that you would figure it ou
t sooner or later.”
“Why are you harboring her?”
“It isn’t for me to tell, Bannock.”
“Seriously Liz?”
“Reece is in danger. Please keep this information to yourself.”
“What?”
“She is under WITSEC protection. That is all I can tell you. If she wants you to know any more, she will have to tell you herself.”
“Oh, my god.” Bannock felt sick to his stomach.
“She has been through a lot, Bannock, and she feels secure here. Please don’t take that from her.”
Bannock pulled Liz to his chest and hugged her. “I’m so sorry, Liz. I thought—”
“You thought she was a criminal.” Liz wrapped her arms around his waist. “I should bend you over my knee and beat your ass for thinking I’d harbor a criminal.”
“That won’t be happening.” Bannock knew he deserved much more in reality. Being a cop was more than a job. His eyes and ears were open at all times. And sometimes, times like this, were when he hated that he couldn’t turn it all off. There were some things people just didn’t need to know.
“Go home and get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow is Officer Appreciation Day and I expect to see you bright eyed and bushy tailed when we get there.”
Chapter 8
Monday morning and Lane rolled out of bed with a start. Liz had a big function planned for the local police officers. She mentioned she did this every year for the last five. It had now become a tradition. Last night, Liz, Sami, the weekend girls, Heather, and Abigail, and herself all met at the shop and baked and decorated cupcakes until midnight. Three hundred cupcakes later, they were well on their way to showing the community and the officers at the Sunset Point precinct how much they were appreciated.
They created what Liz called the Whips and Chains Excite Me cupcake. The cake itself was made of dark chocolate with a whiskey-cherry center filled custard. It was frosted with dark chocolate buttercream and topped with sugar art handcuffs and whips Sami created. The girl was a whiz with sugar, creating realistic props for the cakes. A cordial whiskey-cherry sauce was drizzled on top with a cute maraschino cherry complete with stem. The cherry had been soaked in whiskey and set prominently in the center, cuffs and whips around it.
The creation of a new cupcake for this event each year spurred on new business Liz confided in her with a wink. The other cakes were a mixture of the local favorites. Lane made sure to make Sex on the Beach cakes, because she knew how much Dane liked them.
Lane paid careful attention to her outfit. She had done a little shopping recently and wanted to look great for this event. Her mind was on pleasing not only Dane’s eyes, but also Bannock’s. Even though he was less than friendly to her, she felt desirable around him. Since Dane had told her of his plan, she knew she needed to help make it happen. She wanted to explore the relationship as much as Dane. He had also told her about Bannock’s ex and what he had went through since the breakup. She could understand why he had trust issues, because she had them herself.
The day before, Lane had met Dane for coffee. No kissing took place, and that bummed her somewhat because the man could deliver a kiss. They had sat out in the open at a patio table to talk. It was then Dane told her about not only his past, but Bannock’s as well. Dane apologized for Bannock’s attitude toward her even though she argued it wasn’t his place. The two were very close, almost like brothers, and she respected the hell out of Bannock for being protective.
Before Dane left, he invited her to dinner tonight. She was so giddy she could barely contain her enthusiasm. Liz had been especially pleased when she told her about the date. Lane’s life and outlook was changing daily. All the loss she had suffered now seemed inconsequential. She loved the island more and more every day, especially her job at Naughty Sprinkles. The thought of leaving bothered her more than the actual departure from LA.
A new sense of enthusiasm and life had overtaken her. She was falling hard for Dane and truly wanted to explore a relationship with him and hopefully Bannock as well. The steady thump of her heart when he was near had pushed her to reevaluate life and love. Today, she vowed to not let her past dictate her feelings about her future or push her away from a man she couldn’t quit thinking about.
She put on the new sundress she bought a week ago. It fell mid-thigh, allowing her long legs to be seen. The print and style was flirty and fun. She appreciated the modesty of the top, yet the sexiness it really showcased overall.
“Ooh, very nice.” Liz commented on her dress as she walked into her room. “You ready for this?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Lane was revved up as she followed Liz down the stairs. Luther and Jed were sitting in the kitchen with bagels and cream cheese, not looking very happy about their meal.
“Sorry, you know you’re on your own today.” Liz smiled and kissed them both. “I will see you this afternoon at the station.”
“The wife owns a cupcake shop and I only get to eat a cupcake maybe once a month.” Luther complained and looked at Jed.
“Hey don’t look at me. She’s not worried about my midsection.” Jed took a big bite of his bagel.
Liz and Lane laughed and scurried out the door. Liz had borrowed the Garrison’s grocery van they used to transport goods from the ferry each week to their store. Lane loved how they all came together to help one another out. They jogged down the stairs, Liz in just as good shape as Lane. She could only hope to be as fit when she reached her age.
“Let’s get this party started.” Liz slid into the car and started it up. “This is the most enjoyable business day of the year even though I’m giving away cupcakes instead of selling them.”
They arrived at the shop and all employees were in attendance to help out. Sami, Heather and Abigail had already begun to stage the boxes of cakes at the backdoor. Lane joined in and packed extra frosting bags and decorations in case of any mishaps between the shop and the station.
A beeping at the backdoor alerted them to the arrival of the van and Liz rushed to the door to open it. “Good morning, Don.” Liz greeted him and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you so much for your help.”
Don smiled. “You had me at free cupcakes.”
Lane studied Don for a moment. She hadn’t met him before but definitely realized where Bannock’s good looks came from.
“Well, I have a special box for you. It’s on the counter with your name on it.”
“Thank you, Liz.”
The rush continued for the next hour as they carefully loaded box after box of cakes. The front of the station had been decorated by a crew Liz hired. Tables were ready and oodles of advertising for the shop awaited them. Liz checked her watch and began to move at a faster pace. Lane had never seen someone as driven toward perfection as Liz. By ten o’clock, Liz wanted to have every cake placed and ready.
When the truck was completely loaded, Liz and Don shut the back doors. “Take care of my babies.” Liz patted the backdoor of the van, making Don chuckle.
The last chore was to lock up. It was strange for Lane to put the closed sigh up on a Monday. She put another large sign in the front window stating that although closed, free cupcakes would be at the Sunset Point Police Station.
Lane got into the car with Liz while the others piled into Sami’s car. Ideally they could have walked since the station wasn’t that far, but were on a deadline that had Liz rushing.
“I’m not at all nervous, just ready to have fun.” Liz tapped the steering wheel.
They parked and met in front of the station. The crew Liz hired was ready and waiting. Every inch of the grounds laid in wait, decorated for the many Liz hoped would come down. Lane’s only worry was the sun getting too hot and melting the frosting. Liz assured her the cupcakes wouldn’t last long enough to do so. She picked up three boxes and made her way to a table and set them down. Liz followed behind each of the women, sorting the boxes and moving them to different tables. They all watched her and laughed.
Te
n o’clock was nearing and people began to show up. A small stage sat at the bottom of the stairs leading to the front doors of the station, microphone and all. Lane watched as the crowd grew, all waiting for the festivities to start. At ten on the dot, Liz climbed the stairs to the stage and welcomed everyone. From inside the station, all the officers came out, looking hot in their pressed uniforms. Lane honed in on one and one only.
Bannock was a dream standing tall in his snug uniform that defined his muscled legs. His shirt molded to his chest, highlighting his wide frame and narrow waist. The sun shone down and glared off his silver cuffs hanging from his belt. She was in awe as she looked to the other hip and noticed his service revolver at attention in the holster. I get it now, I mean completely get it. I understand why a woman would desire two men.
Liz continued with her gracious thanks and introduced a woman. The petite blonde accepted the microphone and thanked everyone for coming and turned to the officers and said, “This one’s for you.” She began to sing and the audience was captivated by her voice. Lane had never heard the song and assumed it was one she wrote herself. When Lane really listened to the lyrics, she began to laugh. They said something like, “A hot man in uniform can warm my bed anytime.” The music had a country twang with an upbeat pop rhythm added. It was catchy, Lane would give her that.
The audience clapped to the beat with smiles and laughter erupting everywhere. A Monday, it was a Monday and the town was out taking a break from work to honor the police force that watched over them.
When the music ended, the crowd cheered. The officers had beaming smiles and waved as the woman exited the stage. “Who is she?” Lane asked Sami.
“Oh, her husband is the officer on the far left. Her other husband works at the resort.”
Lane knew she shouldn’t have been surprised. Most every woman there had at least two men, except her. She had none actually. People began to converge on the tables of cupcakes and Lane wasn’t sure whether to run or stay put. Liz nudged her and nodded for her to follow. She pointed to a stack of boxes and Lane picked them up. Liz had three herself. Some of the officers began to mingle with the crowd, while the rest headed back inside. Someone had to keep the station running Lane supposed.
Tattoos and Cupcakes [Sunset Point] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 13