“It’s not me I’m worried about.”
“Bailey.”
Don stopped abruptly. Even the mention of her name in this mess scared the shit out of him. “I don’t want what happened to Derrick’s family to happen to her. I need to know you have someone watching Bailey every minute.”
Mark nodded. “I do.”
Don was tempted to ask Mark if Kevin was part of that security detail on Bailey. He had the training, but he wanted someone more serious than that. Kevin’s not the same smart-ass kid he was twenty-five years ago. If the country trusts Kevin to serve and protect, then I should, too. And I do, just not with Bailey.
“I’m not sure being here is wise, Mark. If they are targeting me, the last thing I want is to bring the issues here.”
“They already know about this place. I’m not worried about something else happening here. My team is monitoring the perimeters at all times, and I have this place wired so tight no one is getting close without me or my guys knowing about it. That’s why I’m keeping those two here.”
“Good. Keep it that way.”
“What happened last week when you went back to The Mountain? This will stay between us,” Mark assured him.
“The general I’ve been meeting with didn’t show. His replacement wouldn’t say what happened. When I asked if he’d be joining future tours of the facility, there was no comment, but my gut tells me no.”
Mark was staring at Don, seeming puzzled by the sudden change. He was half hoping Mark was going to be surprised by the news.
Mark and Don never used to keep secrets from each other. Not only had Mark not mentioned Kevin dating Bailey, but now he was holding back critical information which could potentially cost Don’s life. This had to end now, or he was going to handle the investigation on his own until each one of the bastards was dead or brought to justice. No preference at the moment. I just want it done. “This is a two-way conversation. What aren’t you telling me, Mark?”
“It has not been confirmed or released yet. My Pentagon contact said one of their generals was found dead.”
Guess I was right. He’s not coming back. Raising a brow, Don asked, “Cause?”
“Here is the problem, Don. We obtained a copy of the autopsy report. It said massive heart attack.”
Don knew the general was probably pushing sixty, so a heart attack seemed plausible. Yet he learned quickly to look past the obvious with Mark. There was only one reason he mentioned the report. Because there’s more to it than that.
“What’s not in the report, Mark?”
“The bullet wound.”
Damn it. I knew it. “Damn. He seemed like a good man.”
“His life was the military,” Mark said sincerely. “We can’t protect you inside The Mountain, Don. Whoever they have on the inside had to suspect the general was looking into things as well.”
“How do you know?”
“I received an encrypted message from him two days before he died. All it said was ‘Blue Ridge attack imminent.’ We had a meeting scheduled to talk in person, but he didn’t show. I did some digging and found out why. Someone shut him up before he could talk. Now you’re our only link to that building, and you are not surrounded by security like he was. There’s no way you can go back there. I won’t allow it.”
“I don’t believe I need your permission to do what I’ve been hired to do,” Don said, meeting Mark’s hard look with his own.
“You don’t, but I can make a few calls and have your clearance pulled,” Mark warned.
Don knew Mark had the power to make that happen. But he was letting their friendship get in the way of what was needed to do this. “You said you don’t have anyone inside. You might not like it, but I’m your best and only option right now.”
“Do you want to end up with a bullet in your back? Because that is how these guys work.”
Not really. “If you don’t have a better plan, then I’m going with mine.”
“Which is what?”
“Snap the photos and figure out what they’re after and how they plan on getting in.” Hopefully coming out alive.
“You’re a stubborn fool, Don. The odds of you pulling this off without them catching wind to it are slim to none.”
I know the odds for you catching these bastard aren’t good if I don’t do this. “You just keep Bailey safe at all costs. I’ll worry about myself. Hanging out with you all these years, I’ve picked up a few things. If it gets too hot, I’ll pull out. Deal?”
“I don’t like this.”
You never do when you’re not in control. “Then after the wedding let’s turn up the heat and lure them out. I’m the bait. You guys just better be quick and ready with a net.”
“We’re ready. Just don’t do anything stupid. Bailey couldn’t handle it if anything happened to you.”
“She’s with Kevin, or did you forget?” Just like you forgot to tell me she was with him.
“Bailey has strong feelings for you. While you’re here, try to find some time where you can talk to her. Talk being the key word, Don.”
He didn’t want to hear about Bailey’s feelings for him. The last thing he needed was her in his head any more than she already was. She haunted his dreams and the sweet smell of her perfume permeated the house. I just committed to risking my neck. She doesn’t need me in her life right now. Not when there’s a damn good chance I could be ripped right back out of it.
“Don’t worry. I’m not planning to step on your brother’s toes.” Not yet. “You can continue the run without me. I’ve got some work I need to get done.”
Don turned and started jogging back toward the house. He’d heard everything Mark told him, but no matter how hard he tried, the only thing on his mind at the moment was Bailey. Bailey has strong feelings for you. If that was the case, why was she with Kevin? Although he knew she was avoiding it, somehow he was going to make her talk to him today. I don’t have time for games. Not now. Not anymore.
Chapter Seven
“In all my years growing up here I don’t think this kitchen has ever seen so much activity,” Hannah said as she lowered the bread in the toaster.
“Before you know it you’ll have this house filled with a bunch of kids, and you’ll be wishing you could do take-out again instead of cooking,” Bailey teased.
“I’m still surprised the guys aren’t in here yet. Derrick smells bacon and he magically appears long before I call him.” Casey laughed while removing another batch and placing more strips in the sizzling cast iron pan.
“Hi, sweetness. Do I smell bacon?” Derrick asked as he entered the room.
All three women burst out laughing.
“Did I miss something?”
Casey greeted her husband with a quick kiss on the cheek. “Not at all. Where are the others?”
“I’ve learned from my mistakes. Yesterday morning when you ladies sent me for the others, they practically ate it all before I got back to the kitchen. They’re on their own today.”
“Oh Derrick, you do know my brothers well. Mark and Kevin have always been good at eating. Good thing my mother knew to set a plate aside for me before serving the men in the house,” Casey said.
“You’re right about Mark’s appetite, but he’s also great at cleaning. Mark never lets me do the dishes. He says if I cook he cleans,” Hannah added proudly.
The other men entered the kitchen and started to chime in.
“Sounds like everything is covered but the eating. I’ll take that job, thank you,” Kevin said. He walked over to Bailey who was setting the table and kissed her cheek. “Morning, sweetheart.” Kevin didn’t even wait for her response before he walked over to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup.
Bailey could feel Don watching her yet saying nothing. She continued to pour the orange juice and set the glasses on the table, never lifting her eyes to meet his, as if his reaction didn’t matter to her one bit. This is what I want him to think: I’m happily in love with someone else. So wh
y am I not gloating about it? Why am I afraid to look at him? Am I afraid I’ll see that he doesn’t care? Isn’t that what I want? If he doesn’t care, I can go on with my life and never give him a second thought.
As she came around the table her back was to him, which should’ve made things better. Instead, her hands became unsteady as she neared him. Please join the others. Can’t you see I don’t want—
Her concentration was not where it should’ve been, and instead of placing the glass filled with orange juice on the table, her fingers opened and let it crash to the floor.
Everyone in the room turned, asking if she was okay. Bailey didn’t move and raised a hand letting them know she was all set. “Just a glass, nothing’s wrong.” I’m only dying of embarrassment.
With everyone looking at her, Bailey had totally forgotten Don was right behind her. That was until she felt herself being scooped into his arms like a princess.
“What the hell are you doing? Put me down.”
Don held her firmly to him as he spoke. “There is glass all over the floor, and you don’t have any shoes on.”
Bailey looked down and saw the mess she created by being distracted. He was right. If she moved an inch someone would be digging shards of glass out of her feet, but that didn’t mean she wanted to be in his arms. Her eyes reached out to Hannah as though begging to be saved. Kevin must have picked up on her request as he stepped forward.
“I’ve got her, Kevin. You can clean up the glass,” Don blurted.
Before she could protest, Don carried her out of the kitchen and into the living room. Her heart was beating so hard she thought it would rip right through her chest. She inhaled his cologne. It was intoxicating. She yearned to rest her head on his shoulder. For months she’d dreamed of being in his arms again; now she was, and it was painfully sweet. I don’t ever want it to end, but it has to.
Bailey wiggled, trying to free herself. “Please put me down, Don.”
“Look at me, Bailey.” His voice was deep and demanding.
I can’t. You will see, and I don’t want you to.
“Unless you want to stay in my arms forever, you’ll look at me.”
He wasn’t joking. Slowly, reluctantly, she turned her head to meet his eyes. What she thought she’d see wasn’t there. His eyes were filled with concern.
“Don, I don’t need taking care of. It was only a little bit of glass.”
“I don’t want to talk about glass.”
Summoning all her inner strength, which was nil, she said, “Then I guess you can put me down, because that’s all there is for us to talk about.”
He didn’t release her and only continued to look into her eyes. It was as though he was seeing right into her soul. She wanted to—needed to—turn away, but it was too late. He was in, and there was no getting him out.
“Don, Kevin’s right in the other room.” It was a low thing to say, and she knew it, but it was the only defense she had. This was about protecting herself, her heart. The way he was looking at her was killing her. They hadn’t spoken about her being sick, but he was an observant man, and she knew he could tell.
“I don’t care, Bailey. We need to talk. Here or on the porch.”
He was right. Avoiding it wasn’t going to make it go away. If anything, it was only making it worse. She might as well pull the Band-Aid off quickly, and then they both could move on with their lives.
“On the porch but only if you put me down now.” She wasn’t about to talk to him in this vulnerable position.
Don let her slip from his arms gently until her toes touched the floor. Only then did she push away from him and head for the door. It may have looked as though she couldn’t wait to get on the porch and start hashing things out with him, but the truth was she needed distance between them. Needed a moment to get used to his arms not comforting and protecting her.
“Everything okay, Bailey?” Hannah’s voice called out before she made it out of the living room.
Bailey turned to her friend who stood there eyeing Don. It was funny to see someone so tiny ready to take on a giant like Don. Still hovering I see. But you can’t continue to take care of me, Hannah. Some things I have to do myself, and dealing with my feelings for Don is one of them.
“We are going out to get some fresh air. We won’t be long.”
Hannah nodded, but her eyes stayed on Don. Bailey almost laughed. If you could see how ridiculous you look, Hannah. Such a brave soul. Or maybe you just know Mark has your back.
As Bailey left the house and sat on the porch swing, sadness filled her. Casey and Hannah had something real. The men in their lives weren’t pretending to love them. They’d do anything for them. She had no doubt they’d give their lives to protect them. And here she was living a lie. Kevin would give his life because of duty, not love. He’d protect her for the same reason. He might be a few years closer to her age, but still, there was no connection. He was nice, very handsome, and a bad-ass fighter pilot from what Hannah told her. Yet she felt nothing when they were together. Bailey knew any woman would be thrilled for his attention. Guess I’m the exception because there is only one man I can picture when I close my eyes, and it’s not Kevin.
Bailey knew she needed to answer a few things for Don, but what was going on between her and Kevin wasn’t going to be on that list. It might not be the truth, but it was the one thing she needed to hold on to right now.
Don didn’t sit. Instead, he leaned on the railing across from her. Great. Stand so you’re even more intimidating. I guess it’s better than you sitting next to me with your arm around my shoulder. I couldn’t handle that right now. Darn, I’m not sure if I can handle this either.
“What is it you want to know?” She tried to keep her voice dry and hide all the emotions begging to pour out.
“Why didn’t you return my calls?”
“I was busy.”
He stared at her but didn’t push for a more detailed response, not that she had one.
“You know you can talk to me about anything.”
No, I don’t. And no, I can’t. “Yes.”
“Bailey, you’re not making this easy on me,” Don barked.
She blinked, stunned by his words. What part of easy did he think it was for her? She was alone and only now getting her strength back. Her life as she knew it was changed forever. Yet here he was making it all about him. You’ve got some nerve. But I should be grateful. It’s better than what I thought I’d get: your pity.
“We don’t need to do this at all. I’m good. You’re good. Everything is good. Now can we go back inside?” Bailey got up off the swing and started for the door. This conversation was over as far as she was concerned.
Don reached out and grabbed her wrist stopping her. “Bailey—”
“Please don’t.” Her voice was beginning to crack. All she wanted to do was go to her room and be alone. She had no fight left inside her.
He tugged her toward him gently, and her body gave in. One minute she wanted to run and the next she was in his arms, his lips claiming hers. His embrace shook her to the core. It felt as though they’d never been apart. Like the last six months didn’t exist. If he picked her up and carried her to his bedroom, she’d give him anything he asked. God, I’ve missed this man so much.
Her arms reached up around his neck, pulling him to her. Something within her was taking, not just giving. If she thought her desire for him was strong before, it was ten times more powerful now. The heat spreading through her made her tremble. Nothing mattered at that moment but the feel of him again.
She knew he missed her as well; she could feel his body harden against hers. Don’s hand moved from her bottom, and his fingers touched the bare flesh on her back where her sweatshirt had risen slightly. She panicked and pushed away from him abruptly.
No. You can’t touch me. I don’t want you to. What was I thinking? This is not what I want. It’s not what I can have.
Before he could speak she turned from him, tears runni
ng down her cheeks, and ran back into the house, letting the front door slam behind her. Kevin was on the other side of the door. By the look on his face, he’d seen what took place.
He opened his arms, and she went into them, burying her face in her hands as she cried. It wasn’t anything more than a friend being there for her, and she appreciated that. Right now that was what she needed. Someone who didn’t ask questions, just was there doing the job Mark asked him to do.
She heard the door open again, and Bailey knew it was Don. Kevin’s arms tightened around her like a cocoon.
“Bailey,” Don said gently from behind her, “I’m sorry.”
Bailey wasn’t sure what he was sorry for. Was it for showing her that she still wanted him desperately? Was it that he kissed her when he believed she was in love with another man? Or was it for making her cry? It didn’t matter why. It only proved that she couldn’t be alone with him. What happened wasn’t all Don’s fault. She practically threw herself at him, begging him to touch her. And that could never happen again.
Bailey didn’t move from Kevin’s arms and only nodded. When Don passed by them, she felt his strong hand touch her shoulder gently to console her before heading back toward his room.
Tears streamed down even harder, and Kevin said nothing. When she stopped, he said, “I think we should sit on the porch by ourselves for a few minutes.”
“Why?”
“Because if you go back into the house looking like this, Casey and Hannah are going to string Don up by his—”
“Good point.”
Once outside, she was glad Kevin had thought of this. She was a hot mess. Not just emotionally but physically as well.
“Mark didn’t tell me much when he told me what you needed. I’m not one who normally asks, but I think you need someone impartial, and if you can’t talk to your boyfriend then who can you talk to?”
Bailey looked at him out of the corner of her eye and then chuckled. “I don’t think you’d understand.”
“Right, I’m a man, and we only think about one thing. I won’t say you’re wrong there, but we do have our moments when the blood enters our brains again and can actually think and do for ourselves.”
Southern Delight (Southern Desires Series Book 3) Page 7