Southern Spice (Southern Desires Series Book 1)

by Jeannette Winters

  In his rearview mirror, he watched them enter his house arm and arm. I was right. A liar with only her own interests at heart. The town deserves whatever they get by listening to her lies. FEMA wasn’t there for me five years ago, and obviously nothing has changed except who they send to do their dirty work.

  No matter how pissed he was at the townsfolk for showing up at his ranch, Penny would’ve wanted him to protect them if possible. Get ready, Casey. You are about to become this town’s number-one enemy. I think it’s time you go home.

  Chapter Ten

  “Mark, what are you doing here? How did you find me?” Casey asked as they entered the house.

  “Baby sis, you know I’m not allowed to talk about stuff like that.” He laughed. “Besides, if I told you, then you’d probably turn off your show-location option on your iPhone.”

  Casey was grateful that her new iPhone had been fully programmed and loaded with all her old information before it was shipped to her, however she was not opposed to Mark updating it a bit. Whether it was him or her employer, she liked her privacy. Pulling it out of her pocket, she handed it to her brother. “It’s that simple huh? Well, it won’t be next time. Turn it off please.”

  He took the phone, adjusted the settings, and handed it back. “All set, but remember, that only stops the creeps. It will take more than that to stop me.”

  She knew that from years of personal experience. Somehow he’d always shown up at the most unexpected times. He had specialized military training and more contacts to call than anyone she knew. If she was in trouble, she’d reach out to Mark first. Should I ask him to help me with Derrick? I’m sure he’d find out more than I can. But do I really want to know that much about anyone? Mark probably knows more about me than I do.

  “What’s going on, Casey?” Mark asked as they sat on the couch.

  How do you do that? Or am I so damn easy to read? “I have work on my mind.” That was close enough to the truth. She was, after all, waiting for a detailed fatality report concerning Derrick’s wife and daughter. If she had her laptop, things would be so much easier, as she could access the files without involving anyone else.

  “According to the reports I’ve looked into, this is far from the worst you’ve seen. It should be cut and dry. So I am going to guess this has more to do with the man you’re involved with.”

  It has everything to do with Derrick. That man is so under my skin, and I have no idea why. “First of all, we are not involved. We are just—”

  “I don’t need that kind of detail, sis, unless you want me to take him out back for a man-to-man talk,” Mark said, arching his brow.

  Many men she would have worried about, but somehow she knew Derrick could hold his own with Mark. Maybe not the same training, but he wasn’t the type of man to go down easily. Of course, this is another reason why I should mind my own business and stop snooping. I don’t want to be on the receiving end of his wrath if he ever loses control.

  “I am trying to find out about his wife and daughter. They were killed in a flood five years ago.”

  “It’s simple, Casey. If you want to know something, ask him. If he wants to talk about them, he will. If not, let it go.”

  Mark’s advice was rational, but he never stopped when he wanted to know something, so why should she? Besides, asking Derrick about someone he’d loved and probably still did, wasn’t a topic she felt comfortable approaching with him.

  She needed to change the subject because it was obvious he wasn’t going to help her. “So what brings you here? And don’t tell me you were in the neighborhood.”

  “I had some spare time between things and thought it was about time we touched base.”

  “You could’ve let me know you were coming. I would’ve—” Casey hopped off the couch. Oh shit. I need to get him out of here before Derrick shows up. I don’t need these two meeting. Especially considering how unhappy Derrick is with me right now. He’s never going to believe I didn’t invite my brother to his ranch.

  Mark didn’t move. He only watched her as she went to the window and looked outside. She was surprised Derrick hadn’t shown up bright and early, just as Mark had. Last night he seemed like he wanted her out of his life as quickly as possible.

  She looked around but didn’t see a vehicle outside that should belong to Mark. “Where’s your car?”

  “I was dropped off by a friend. Trying to get rid of me so soon?” he asked, eyeing her closely.

  Hmm. I had heard a helicopter fly over earlier. Guess that was your ride.

  “No. I just need to get into town. All my work stuff is there, and if you remember, I am here on business.”

  “How could I forget? You keep reminding me,” Mark stated.

  There was no hint of sarcasm, but she knew better. Now was not the time to call him out on it. She needed to get him out of here quickly. She could call Sissie and ask her to give them a ride, but that would delay their departure. The only close person, who might be willing to help her, was McLean. At least he seems to be willing to come to my aid.

  “I’ll be right back,” Casey said and left Mark sitting alone in the living room. She wasn’t sure if McLean was in the barn, but at least the door was open, so someone was there. Don’t be Derrick.

  Before she had a chance to enter, McLean and Bubba were coming out.

  “Howdy, Miss Casey,” Bubba said, tipping his hat.

  “Good morning, Bubba.” Then Casey turned to McLean. “I was wondering if I could speak to you alone for a minute.”

  “Well, I reckon I can start fixing the south fence myself,” Bubba said and headed off on his horse.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to take you away from your work,” Casey said sincerely. “I have a problem, and I was hoping you could help.”

  He hopped off his horse and tied him to the hitching post. “Ma’am, you don’t have to feel bad. We like to take care of each other out here. So what can I do for you?”

  “Well, I have an unexpected guest, and we need a ride into town.”

  “And you don’t want Derrick to know,” McLean said plainly.

  Is it that obvious? “I would prefer him not to if possible.”

  “Miss Casey, I’ll give y’all the ride, but you should talk to him. I’m not sure what’s going on between the two of you, but you’re good for him. Although he might not have figured it out himself yet.”

  She wasn’t there to discuss Derrick or herself; she just wanted to avoid Mark and Derrick meeting. Mark had no problem asking questions, even ones that were none of his business. “McLean, I really appreciate this. I’ll go back to the main house and let Mark know; we’re ready when you are.”

  “I’ll pull the truck around in five,” McLean said as he walked his horse back inside the barn.

  Now she only had to get back to town and find Mark a place to stay. I can’t let Mark know why my stuff is at the sheriff’s office. He’ll never let me live it down if he finds out I almost spent the night in a jail cell.

  Before she could get to the house, she saw Mark standing on the porch. He’d obviously watched her interaction with McLean. “Is that him?”

  “No. And I would appreciate it if you don’t talk about it on the ride to town either,” Casey said as he walked down to meet her.

  McLean pulled up in an old beat-up truck, so beat up, in fact, she hoped it could make it to town. Casey climbed in first and sat between Mark and McLean. If this was awkward, she could just picture how bad it would’ve been if it was Derrick. There was no way she would be able to hide her emotions with him so physically close.

  “Where to?” McLean asked.

  “Jack’s office, if you don’t mind.” Casey saw Mark looking at her. She loved seeing her family, but the timing was far from perfect. She shook her head. No, not Jack either.

  “My sister seems to have forgotten her manners. My name’s Mark.” He reached in front of her to shake McLean’s hand.

  “McLean, nice to meet you. I’m sure your sister h
as a lot on her mind.”

  “Like what?”

  Oh no. “Work,” Casey said abruptly before McLean could respond.

  McLean winked at her but said nothing. She owed that guy. Hopefully, all his kindness to her these past few days wasn’t getting him in trouble with his boss. “Sorry about the heat, the AC in this old truck bit the dust, and I usually drive the F350 except when Derrick decides to show his face in Texas, which is rare. He already took off earlier this morning, probably to town,” McLean said as he gave Casey a warning look.

  She smiled gratefully for the heads-up. At least she knew why he wasn’t at the main house first thing. Now she just needed to slip into Jack’s office, grab her stuff, and find a place for her and Mark to stay. It all sounded easy, but pulling it off in a small town like this one—unnoticed—was going to be nearly impossible.

  Thankfully the ride to town was controlled by McLean talking about the different kinds of horses and the ranch. Surprisingly, Mark seemed interested. As far as she knew, he’d never even been on a horse. But then again, there were a lot of things she didn’t know about her brother. Feels good for once that you are wondering about me and I’m not spilling.

  “Derrick, I don’t know what’s going on, but you’re on edge like I haven’t seen since—”

  “Leave it alone, Jack. We might be friends, but I don’t need anyone butting into my life,” Derrick said sharply. No matter how close he and Jack were, he still knew better than to bring up the accident.

  “You made it my business yesterday when you stormed in here and carried that sweet girl out over your shoulder. Where is she, by the way?”

  Sweet girl, my ass. Just wait, my friend. You’ll see just how sweet she is. “You need to find her a place to stay. Not here and not at my ranch either.”

  Jack leaned back in his chair eyeing him. “Might want to work on your southern charm to win her over. Most women don’t like being rustled up like cattle and thrown over a shoulder. Well, at least, not outside the bedroom.” Jack laughed but Derrick found nothing humorous in the conversation. “You need to know how to—”

  “I know how to treat women, Jack. I was married to one of the best women that walked this God-awful planet,” Derrick retorted angrily.

  He didn’t want to speak about Casey, and he sure as hell didn’t want to bring up Penny again either. Jack and Penny had been close, and he knew it was a sore subject all around.

  “Sorry, Derrick, I didn’t mean—”

  “Just find her a place. I can’t have her at my ranch anymore,” he said.

  Jack looked past him, and Derrick turned to see what had caught his attention. He saw Casey and the guy she’d been all over earlier. What the hell?

  “Funny, Derrick. I was just about to tell Jack the same thing. Thanks for saving me the trouble,” Casey said.

  He wasn’t sure how long she was there or what she had heard, but he could tell from her expression, she’d heard enough to be hurt. Derrick might be pissed at her, but he still couldn’t bring himself to hurt her. The guy with you, on the other hand, is a different story.

  “Did your boyfriend fly you to town in his chopper?” Derrick asked as he glared at the stranger standing behind her.

  The guy laughed and said, “Now that, without a doubt, is him. I am beginning to understand why you didn’t want me to know.”

  Derrick didn’t like the looks of the guy at all. The man was cocky and arrogant, and right now Derrick’s temper was barely under control. It wasn’t going to take much to make him snap. “What that hell is that supposed to mean?” Had Casey told him about what he did last night? Is that why he showed up all of a sudden? Did he feel threatened? You should. Your girl wants me, and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.

  “I’ll need arrangements made for two if you don’t mind,” Casey interrupted.

  “No problem. And what’s your friend’s name?” Jack asked as he came over to greet them.

  “Mark Collins,” he said and extended his hand to Jack.

  “You’re married?” The words flew out of Derrick’s mouth. Casey’s eyes were wide with shock when she looked at him. He met her gaze with his own. The truth always comes out in the end.

  “I don’t believe my marital status is any of your business, Mr. Nash,” Casey shouted at him.

  I wonder if your husband would feel the same way if he knew how your body came alive at my touch. Derrick stood there, trying to convey his message to her with his eyes. It wasn’t his place to inform her husband about what his wife had been up too.

  When he looked at Mark to see his reaction to all this, it wasn’t what he’d expected. He stood with his arms crossed in front of him as though taking it all in. It wasn’t anger in his eyes or jealousy, but yet there was protectiveness about him. Don’t worry, buddy. I’m not happy with your wife, but I would never hurt a woman.

  If he would’ve known she was married, he never would’ve touched her. But it was too late. And if it hadn’t been for the interruption last night, he really would have something to feel guilty about.

  He couldn’t stand there looking at her any longer. Even though he was angry, he was angrier with himself because he still wanted her, even now.

  “Jack, I’m heading out today. Anything comes up, call McLean.” Then he rushed past her but was stopped by Mark.

  “What exactly is your relationship with Casey?” Mark asked.

  Derrick turned and looked back at her. So much was going through his mind. Telling him the truth should have been easy, if only he knew what that truth was himself.

  He looked Mark square in his eyes and said, “That’s a question you should ask your wife.” Then walked out the door. He didn’t want or need to witness whatever lie she decided to feed Mark.

  When he got outside, he saw McLean standing by his truck. That explained how they arrived in town so quickly. He was going to have to talk to his staff about loyalty. One thing he was very good at was cutting people out of his life who couldn’t be trusted.

  Before he could make his way back to his truck, Sissie came flying around the corner and ran right into him.

  “Oh, Derrick, you gotta tell me. Is he as handsome as all the ladies are saying?” Sissie pointed to Jack’s office. A stranger in town normally brought attention, but someone who looked like Mark was going to bring out all the ladies. Too late, Sissie. He’s already taken.

  He looked down at her. Sissie normally didn’t push her luck with him, so why would she think talking about Casey’s husband’s great looks would be a wise choice?

  Derrick couldn’t put Mark down because he didn’t even know the guy. For all he knew Mark was clueless to what his wife was doing. “She must have found something appealing about him to marry him.”

  Sissie slapped him on the arm. “Derrick, it’s too early to be drinking. We all know she didn’t marry her brother. But if he’s single and looking, I have a cousin in Savannah I could introduce him to.”

  Brother? That’s her brother? Not her husband? He turned and looked over his shoulder and saw Casey standing in the doorway with Mark and Jack behind her. Only then did he see the pain in her eyes. How could he have been so damn foolish? He accused her of cheating on her husband with him. There was only one low-life jerk in town, and it was him.

  He knew he should go and apologize to her, but once they locked eyes, he knew it was going to take more than just words. Somehow he was going to need to show her. That was something he hadn’t done in a long time.

  Derrick watched her close the door and turn away from him. He didn’t want this, not any of this. Everything in him said walk away, get on the plane and go back to New York. Time and distance from her were all he needed to clear his head. The thought of leaving was killing him. He never thought another person could hold such power over his feelings again. Not since Penny.

  Chapter Eleven

  Casey spent the rest of the day avoiding any conversation or eye contact with her brother. Why . . . she wasn’t sure
. The longer she waited to explain the mess she was in, the worse the explanation was going to hurt. Instead, she spent her entire day meeting with people from Honeywell to answer questions about forms and processes. No matter how she tried to concentrate on what they were asking, her mind drifted back to Derrick.

  Why didn’t I just tell him Mark was my brother? It would’ve been much simpler than what I’m facing now. Everyone is looking at me and waiting for an explanation. How can I give what I don’t have? Not one for them or Derrick.

  “I don’t know about you, but I am starving. This town must have a place to get food,” Mark said from behind her.

  “I would think so.”

  Mark arched a brow watching her closely. “You have been here for almost a week, and you haven’t needed to eat? Does that mean you have spent the entire time on the ranch with Derrick?”

  Oh, you catch on quickly; you’re good. “I stay where they make arrangements for me to stay.” Casey was pleased with how quick she had become comfortable with evading topics she didn’t want to discuss. Or so she thought at least.

  “The diner is back up and running. Most of the town will be there; if you don’t mind crowds, you should go. You ain’t never gonna get better food,” Jack piped in from his desk, then he got up and headed for the door. “But if y’all would rather sit here and talk things out, these cells normally come with three meals a day. I would be happy to bring you both something after I eat.”

  Neither choice appealed to her. “I still have some paperwork to finish. Would it be too much trouble if you brought it back here?”

  “Not at all. I’ll even include dessert,” Jack replied as he closed the door.

  Once they were alone, Mark said in a tone Casey was way too familiar with, “You’re not doing paperwork tonight. You’ve avoided this all afternoon, but now we talk.”

  She hadn’t even bothered to open her laptop because she already knew he was waiting for the right time to broach the subject. Telling him it was none of his business was only going to entice him to dig deeper. It was better if she fed him what she wanted him to know, and hoped for the best.