“Well. The thing is the baby scare really made me think about my life and what I want. You were always adamant about not having children and that was okay with me. Until I thought I was going to be a father. Now. I don’t know. I think I would like a family.” He didn’t meet her eyes.
“Oh. So you need closure from me so you can go out and find someone to have your babies? Because you know how much the thought of turning into my own birth mother scares me and you know I have no desire to repeat her mistakes? You can’t even talk to me? You’re just going to give up on what was a really great thing? Fine. I gave you everything, Tucker. I told you everything. I trusted you. I can’t believe you’re even here.” She turned to leave.
He caught up with her before she cleared the stand of trees behind the cabins. “Daisy, wait. I’m a jerk. I know that. I came here thinking I could put my feelings for you in perspective and I’m even more confused than when I got here.” He looked into her eyes.
She threw her hands up, unable to continue the pointless exchange. She was out of here. He grabbed her arm and she ended up against his chest. His breath brushed her cheek and despite the pain radiating through her, she relaxed as his lips found hers. His kiss tasted like home and she leaned into him, missing him and everything they had together.
“Sorry. I can’t. I just need time, Daisy. I don’t even know who I am right now.” He walked away.
Daisy’s head hurt. There had been more yelling in this quiet setting than she could bear and her heart hurt more than it had when Tucker had left her to be a daddy to his nonexistent baby. He didn’t want her.
And she didn’t cry. Yet.
Sydney’s argument with Mr. Fancypants had ended right after Tucker had kissed Daisy. She’d thought about going to help but when she realized Jace purposefully baited her sister, she backed off, hoping Sydney would get the clue on her own. The effect was far different from when Graham pushed her buttons. With Graham, Sydney stayed coherent and logical.
Jace made her speechless.
The whole scene had been pretty amusing, except for the way Marshal slammed things around. Interesting.
Sydney stormed by with one of the Tarzan-like screams she employed when frustrated, her face a mask of rage. Daisy knew better than to follow just yet and set off down the path toward the front gate. Maybe a walk would help her figure out what Tucker had been trying to say.
When she returned, Graham stood by the campfire ring, obviously waiting for her. Daisy wondered if anyone had heard her confront Tucker.
“Why is everyone so crazy here today?” he asked, loud enough for Marshal to hear.
No wonder Sydney always wanted to punch Graham.
Daisy snorted. “Get a life, Graham.”
“I’d have one if you’d give me the time of day.” This time, he was quiet, his words meant for only her.
“I thought you wanted Sydney.” Could this really be happening?
“Get a life, Daisy.” He smiled and she saw the sincerity and fear in his eyes.
“Just go out with me once. Let me take you away from this cursed campground and out on the town. We can get to know each other and figure out if there’s anything there.” Charming.
Shit. What was she going to do?
She liked Graham, and he was damn fine to look at, but a date? Crap. Did she even like him enough to think about it? Tucker obviously didn’t want her. Would it be wrong to take care of her own happiness for a change?
“You need to give me some time, Graham. There’s a lot going on here and I’m not sure what to do about any of it.”
“No problem. I’m not giving up. I think there’s something between us we need to explore. Think about it. You know where to find me.” He touched her face, leaving her more confused than ever.
Hoping Sydney had calmed down enough to talk, she opened the cabin door and peeked inside. Sydney caught sight of her right away.
“I can’t believe the nerve of him, showing up here after everything he’s done and then acting so innocent and clueless.” Sydney paced around the table in their cabin.
“Don’t let him get to you. Violet has him wrapped so tight around her finger. He’s as horrible as she is. What did Jace want anyway?” She probably shouldn’t have asked that.
“To talk. He wants to know why we’re going back on our verbal agreement with Violet. I swear, he acts like he has no idea what’s going on here.” Sydney shook her head.
“Weird. Another tactic to spy on us, I’m sure.” She stood and grabbed the specifications for the contractors. “What are you going to do then?” She already knew the answer and wondered if her sister was being smart.
“I’m going to call him and meet with him. On my terms. Not here, just in case he is spying. I’m going to be nice, polite, and do my best to figure out just what the heck he’s up to.” Sydney’s head hit the table again. “What happened with Tucker? I heard you yelling.” Sydney seemed to shake off her encounter with Jace, or at least she pretended to.
“I have no freaking clue. Apparently, this whole project is supposed to help him find closure from me. Apparently, he feels conflicted after thinking he was going to be a father. Apparently, now he’s even more confused. Apparently, he now wants to be a father no matter how adamant he was about not bringing anymore children into a world with so many troubled kids already.” Now it was Daisy’s turn to bonk her head on the table.
“And?”
“Apparently, I have no fucking idea.”
Daisy spent the rest of the day repeating herself to contractor after contractor. Sydney had disappeared with a crushing headache after the second man finished telling them that a casino would better serve the community. Daisy had politely thanked him and then crossed his name from the list. Even if his estimate undercut all the others, she would not hire him. She’d even told him to mail the proposal instead of dropping it off as she’d invited the other companies.
With the extra ten grand from Gramps, they’d be able to do more than they’d thought. Depending on how the next inspection went, they very well could end up in the clear.
Or not.
One of the plumbing contractors had remarked on how terrible their wiring was. The electrician wasn’t due for a few more days. And then there was the pool, recreation building and main office to think about.
Daisy tried to concentrate on the website she was designing. Checking for messages from prospective customers and updating their progress on the blog. Hopefully, their tiny web presence would help build a customer base. As soon as they knew an exact opening date, she’d finish the advertising.
Maybe they’d have a full house by opening weekend.
Her hopes crumbled by the time the sun went down.
A thunderstorm rolled through, the first one since she and Sydney had moved in. There’d been light rain, spring rain, but not the torrential downpour that knocked out the electricity and pushed the roof off of Cabin C. Trees fell and the new plantings were under water.
The electricity had gone out with the first flash of lightning and according to the electric company’s dispatch, it would be morning until crews could come out and assess their situation. Daisy had no hopes that the problem didn’t come from their antiquated system. The generators had come on and then died just as quickly. Outdated and expensive to replace. Daisy sighed.
No power meant Marshal and his crew couldn’t film or record tonight. Or process any of the footage from the two nights they’d already filmed. It also meant she couldn’t continue to work on the website under battery power, since the satellite dish that had only been installed yesterday crashed to the ground in the wind.
At least Sydney had emerged from her migraine and Daisy had slept through most of the storm. Now there was nothing to do. Unless you were Sydney, then the possibilities were endless as long as
Marshal was involved.
Ron and Eric had disappeared in one of the vans at dusk. She didn’t even want to think about what they were up to about now. And she still didn’t think Marshal had a clue that his best crewmembers were very into each other. Daisy wondered when they were going to tell him and then decided it was none of her business.
Marshal knocked once before entering the cabin. “Let’s go.”
Daisy stood, wondering what was going on.
“Both of you. Let’s go. The wood is wet. There’s no power, and I’m starving. Let’s get out of here before we go stir crazy. I’m buying.”
Daisy jumped up, noticing the purposeful way in which Sydney complied.
Sydney slowly walked in front of Marshal, as if challenging him. Besides the arch of his eyebrow, he said nothing. Oh. This should be an interesting night. Her sister was torn between a man she lusted after and the picture of her ideal mate.
Daisy couldn’t wait to see this play out.
Then again, she was in the exact same situation. Tucker or Graham. Sydney would smack her if she even mentioned going out with Graham. Hell, she’d smack herself. They’d promised each other if one of them hated their boyfriend, they’d take that as a sign of impending doom and break things off.
Maybe not logical, but it worked in sister world.
Of course, Sydney liked Tucker and hated Graham.
Daisy liked Marshal and hated Jace.
They were doomed.
She was even more doomed when Graham jumped into the backseat beside her. And worse, Graham wore faded jeans and a T-shirt that showed off every muscle of his chest and arms. He was like a dream and Daisy had a hard time keeping her eyes to herself.
Marshal hadn’t mentioned the addition, making them think he was the only one from his crew going along. Then Dave squeezed in and Daisy decided to make the most of the night. She relaxed in her seat, trying not to let Graham’s sexy closeness affect her, and told herself she was going to have a good time.
Sydney couldn’t believe she’d blindly agreed to go out tonight. Now that Graham, even though he was a pain in her ass, and Dave had piled in the backseat with Daisy.
Sydney relaxed some. The thought of making small talk with Marshal while Daisy observed hadn’t sat well.
Daisy would probably have critiqued her methods and given her tips for improving her flirting skills. Somehow, Sydney thought Daisy was going to have her hands full with Graham.
Graham had the hots for Daisy. Sydney didn’t know if her sister realized that yet. She certainly wasn’t going to tell her. Sydney didn’t hate Graham as much as she thought, but he still got on her nerves. Maybe that was because he followed her sister around like a dog in heat and Daisy didn’t even notice. The guy was pathetic. At least he was handsome. She’d have put him out of his misery if he’d been any less.
Marshal stopped in front of a local eatery, known for good local talent and killer wings. Not many cars filled the parking lot, which was good. Sydney wasn’t thrilled with crowds. Especially crowds in a bar. She liked to actually hear the people she talked with. She knew this place. At least she thought she did as a memory of coming here with Gramps surfaced.
A waitress met them at the door, properly sizing up the three hunks that had accompanied them inside. She winked at Sydney when Marshal urged her forward, placing his hand at the center of her back.
“Pick your seats. You’re probably the only customers we’ll have tonight. Most everyone is cleaning up after that storm. Trees are down everywhere and power is out in half the county.” She waited until they chose, putting menus down in front of them as soon as they adjusted themselves in the oversized booth.
Of course, Sydney ended up thigh to thigh with Marshal.
“We thought it was just us without power.” Sydney picked up the menu, but waited for the waitress’s response.
“Where are you folks?”
“Brookside Campground.” Sydney watched because the reaction from the folks in town always interested her.
“You’re Del’s girls? Sydney and Daisy? Oh my goodness, how you’ve grown up. I haven’t seen you since your momma put a stop to Del bringing you to a bar for lunch. We need to talk. I can tell you stories about Del that will make your hair curl. You both are even more gorgeous as the last pictures he showed me.”
Perfect. Maybe Sydney could find out what prompted Gramps to marry The Vileness. Eventually. She caught Daisy’s warning glare and figured asking those kinds of questions the first time probably wasn’t a good idea.
“That’s right. We’d love to hear your stories about Gramps.” Daisy’s politeness had an undercurrent of suspicion and Sydney kicked her under the table.
Besides the brief shock that crossed Daisy’s face, she gave no indication that the kick hurt, even though Sydney knew it had.
“I’m Kay Peters. You probably don’t remember me. Del and I went to high school together. My husband, Ed, and I own this place. We opened about the same time Del took over Brookside. I’m so glad you girls are planning to reopen.”
“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done first. I don’t think we’ll measure up to Gramps’ standard for a little while yet.” Sydney didn’t want to say too much, or give away too much information. What if Kay liked Violet?
“You let me know if you need any help. My grandsons are looking for part-time jobs. They’re strong boys with a good work ethic.” Kay tapped her order pad. “What can I get you all to drink?”
After ordering a round of beers and an ice tea for Dave, Sydney waited until Kay went to the kitchen to grab Daisy’s hand. “We could use the extra help, even if it’s just on weekends and after school.”
“That we could, but we don’t know Kay’s relationship with The Vileness yet. If we can’t find out before we leave tonight, we’ll come back and talk to her.” Daisy swatted Dave, who’d made a show out of trying to see down her shirt.
Marshal chuckled at their play, the vibration reaching Sydney from where they touched. She had a hard time concentrating on the menu and ignoring him.
Kay reappeared a very short time later with a loaded tray. “Hopefully you all are ready to order? Ed wants to close down the kitchen just in case that storm moves back in like it’s supposed to.”
“Would it be better if we went someplace else to eat? We don’t want to put you out.” Sydney hoped her question sounded genuine and not snotty.
“Don’t you dare.” Kay was offended. Now she’d done it. After a brief and intense stare down, Kay laughed. “Damn, but if you aren’t Del through and through. He was as polite and stubborn as you.”
Sydney took the statement as the compliment it was intended. They gave their orders, mostly burgers and fries. Except for Graham, who ordered a salad. Wuss.
“Vegetarian?” Daisy asked, her eyebrows raised.
“Not really. I just limit my intake of red meat and processed food.” Graham sniffed and turned his head.
She hid her smile, but at the same time, wondered at Daisy’s expression. She seemed almost . . . interested. Oh God. Marshal’s hand brushed Sydney’s leg and he fidgeted in his seat against the wall.
“Do you need me to move?”
“Not that I don’t love having you pressed against me, but I’m feeling a little claustrophobic. How about a game of pool before our food comes?”
“Okay, but I’m not very good at pool.” Sydney shifted and stood, sending Daisy eyes that hopefully told her to stay quiet. Daisy took the hint and covered her mouth with her hand. Maybe Sydney could get some of her dignity back after last night’s stupid comments.
She let Marshal break, watching as he sank two solid balls in rapid succession. He moved to the opposite side of the table and lined up his next shot and Sydney saw her chance.
Leaning forward, she exposed e
nough cleavage to make her mother screech. “Call your shot.”
Marshal looked up, not getting farther than the swell of her breasts.
“Six. Corner.” He took a deep breath and scratched.
Grinning, Sydney took over the table, purposefully missing an easy shot. When Marshal went to try the same set up, because she hadn’t done anything but put the cue ball back in its original position, she leaned forward again and almost laughed when the shot went wild.
Marshal came to her side of the table, picked up the chalk, and growled in her ear. “You did that on purpose.”
She turned innocent eyes on him. “Did what?”
“Quit showing me your boobs.”
“I did not. Quit looking.” God, she wanted to suck his neck.
“Your shot.” He nudged her bottom with his stick.
By the time she lined up the eight ball, Marshal’s expression had changed to a glare of suspicion. “You lied.”
“About what?” She tried to sound innocent. “Eight ball, side.”
“You’re a con artist.” Marshal shook his head as the ball dove into the pocket.
“I am not. I’m just lucky.”
“Yeah, right. How about this . . .?”
Their food arrived, interrupting the challenge she was certain Marshal was about to lay down. Damn.
“After dinner. Rematch. Only with a little wager.”
The dare in his eyes was too much to resist.
“You got it.”
Kay urged them to stay as she cleared the dishes. “You realize I’m not kicking you out. Ed just wants to get the gas turned off on the grill. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Actually, you probably should. The TV’s beeping with a severe weather alert, telling everyone to stay put unless traveling is an emergency.”
Good. She and Marshal could play their game of pool.
Prelude of Lies Page 7