Southern Charm (Southern Desires Series Book 5)

by Jeannette Winters

  “He’s not a police detective.”

  That made no sense. There might not be many things she knew about Maggie’s ex, but that was one fact she was clear on. “I’m sure of it.”

  “Try Green Beret.”

  “Impossible.” Even as she said it, she knew Wyatt carried himself with the confidence of one. Was he lying to Maggie? Or did he tell her and make her promise not to tell anyone, even me?

  “He has a younger brother, Nathan, who was a police detective in Florida. He left the force about five years ago.”

  “Where is Wyatt from?”

  “Denver.”

  Denver? Maggie might not have given too many details about her relationship, but Randi knew they saw each other all the time. That would’ve been impossible with Wyatt living in Denver. What am I missing?

  She needed more on Wyatt and wasn’t feeling comfortable heading out to who knows where with him alone. “Why did Wyatt leave the service?” He didn’t look injured, yet she knew there were scars people carried on the inside which sometimes never healed. If she was dealing with a loose cannon, she probably needed to know that now. I didn’t think he could’ve hurt Maggie. Maybe I was wrong.

  “From what I was able to see, he chose not to re-up. I can do some asking, but I’m sure his team will be tight-lipped. Loyalty doesn’t end just because you leave.”

  Maybe she needed to look at this from a different angle. Instead of looking at Wyatt or Nate, she should look at Maggie. Although Maggie had hated social media, someone must’ve taken a picture of them as a couple at least once. She’d done a basic search years ago when she was looking for Maggie’s killer. Wyatt had never entered her mind then.

  “Kevin, I need a favor.” She’d do it herself but didn’t want Wyatt to know she was on to him. Blowing him off now would do just that. “I need you to find anything you can to connect my sister to Wyatt, besides what I’ve told you. Names, addresses, pictures. You name it. Mark was right. Something isn’t adding up. Green Beret or not, this guy is lying, and we’ve got to find out why quickly.” Before, I become his next victim.

  “Roger that. Keep your phone on at all times. Until we know exactly what he’s up to, I’ll be tracking you from here.”

  Not much you can do from there but track a body. Not much protection. She’d started this alone years ago. Even back then Randi knew the risk. The same one Maggie took. The only difference was Randi knew just how far they were willing to go. If Maggie had known, maybe she’d be alive. Was her enemy so close she never saw it coming?

  Randi ended the call, slipped the phone into her back pocket, and went back outside to Wyatt. He was leaning against the passenger side of the Jeep, arms crossed and his head tilted in her direction. He was wearing dark sunglasses so she couldn’t see his eyes, but she could almost feel him watching her, trying to read her, as she approached. You don’t trust me any more than I do you, do you, Mr. McVeigh?

  Forcing a smile, as though all was fine and dandy with her, she climbed into the Jeep Wrangler. He said nothing and didn’t move until he heard the click of her seat belt fastening. Nothing wrong with mutual distrust.

  Wyatt climbed into the driver’s seat, started the Jeep, and pulled away from the curb fast enough to kick up some sand. As he drove, Wyatt seemed overly focused on the road, both hands tightly wrapped around the steering wheel. For a man who’d practically demanded she come along with him on this adventure, he didn’t seem too enthused to have her company. At least I have the advantage. I know you’re a liar. You still think I’m Maggie. Now all she needed to do was keep it that way.

  Wyatt needed to know who she’d been talking to. Nate had been unable to put a trace on her phone. Normally he was able to stand by someone with his device and obtain at least some information from their phone. Nothing came up. It was secure. Too fucking secure. That’s not an everyday military issue. So why do you have it?

  What troubled him more was who she was working with. Nothing about Collins came up as anything other than a US hero. The man might not do things by the book, but he was known for getting shit done. Well respected throughout all branches of the military. What’s your business with Maggie?

  He hated using that name. It wasn’t hers. Although he hadn’t been in love with her, he knew she was top notch, a person with a hell of a lot of character. Whoever this woman impersonating Maggie was, he was going to take her down.

  She was good. Hell, she even had him fooled for a short time. He knew there was something different about her but never thought she wasn’t Master Sargent Margaret Graham. I’m not even sure it was truly Maggie who broke up with Nate. For all I know it was this . . . woman.

  It if hadn’t been for pulling in a favor from an old buddy, Nate would’ve been stuck here just like he was. Right now he was glad Nate had gone to Rhode Island. Wyatt was going to use today to do some probing and pushing, to see how far she was willing to go before revealing the truth.

  He was watching her out of the corner of his eye while driving. At first she’d been doing the same, then she turned away and seemed to be taking in the scenery. Or plotting in deep thought. He wasn’t going to get anything out of her at this rate.

  Seeing a clearing ahead that was lush with flowers and probably overlooked the ocean far below, he pulled the Jeep over and put it in park. Before shutting it off, he asked, “How does this look?”

  She looked around and turned back to him. “For what exactly?”

  For me to dangle you over the edge until you tell me who the hell you are. It would be a start. A bad one, but at least a start. He had a lot of training on how to persuade someone. It would be so simple, as she looked fragile. Of course, he knew looks were deceiving. Her tiny stature didn’t mean she was sweet and innocent. One thing he’d learned from years of service was some of the smallest things could be the most destructive.

  It all made perfect sense to him now, the way she’d been looking at him, the way she so smoothly went into his arms, without even the slightest resistance. It’d been all part of her plan. Had she thought he could be so easily distracted? If so, she’d misread him totally. Whatever brief attraction he may have felt, it was over. I trust nothing about you, lady.

  Wyatt got out of the Jeep and answered, “For a hike.”

  She didn’t follow him. Instead, she called out, “There’s a sign that says no hiking.”

  He walked around to her side of the Jeep, extended his hand, and said, “I like to live dangerously. I thought you did too, Maggie.”

  Wyatt saw her lip twitch ever so slightly before she placed her hand in his. He could feel the tension in her fingers. He made her nervous. Good. You should fear me. I’m not someone you want as an enemy. Until Nate got back to him with exactly who she was and what her involvement was, she was going to be the enemy.

  “There’s a difference between living on the edge and breaking the law,” Randi said as they gradually made their way down a very rough path.

  There were indications they weren’t the first to ignore the signs. This little detour wasn’t so much about where they were going, as to see what her reactions would be as he pushed her for information. Her choice of words almost had him rolling on the ground in laughter. She’d been lying to him since the funeral, and she’s now pretending as though she’s an ideal citizen. Good try, baby.

  “Some people think laws are only broken if you get caught.” It was an intentional dig toward her. It seemed to go right over her head.

  They continued downward still holding hands. He had to admit this path was narrow, and someone without good footing might tumble to their death. Suddenly her hand tightened around his, and he heard gravel giving way beneath her feet. Wyatt turned in time to see her about to fall onto her sweet ass. No matter his dislike for her right now, he wasn’t about to let that happen.

  He was able to hold her up easily with one hand as she steadied herself. “Thanks. That was close.”

  Wyatt looked down and saw her eyes were still dark with fear
. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to you while you’re with me.” Her eyes softened. That doesn’t mean you’re safe with me. Just that I’m watching you.

  There was that look again, the one he’d seen in her that morning they were supposed to meet for breakfast. He couldn’t explain it and sure as hell didn’t like it. No matter how he tried, something in her called out to him. He needed to shut down those feelings quickly. You could be more dangerous than the cliff below.

  Turning back toward the path, they started their descent again. “Maybe that was a sign we should turn back.”

  “I don’t give up.” On anything I set my mind to.

  He heard her huff behind him. “Knowing when to quit can be a sign of wisdom.”

  “Call it what you want. I call it failure.” It would’ve cost him or others their lives if he’d ever given up. Yet, sometimes he felt he failed when he left the Army. He couldn’t bring himself to accept what he knew to be untrue. Instead of moving forward and doing what he was ordered to do, he rode out his term and walked away.

  It’d been one of the most difficult choices of his life. After the towers came down, joining the Army was all he wanted to do. The day he graduated from high school, he had his father go with him to the recruiter’s office and sign the papers for him to enlist at seventeen. Wyatt thrived, and they found a use for his natural given talents. For twelve years he lived and breathed it. He might not be part of the team any longer, but he couldn’t walk away from who he truly was. Someone willing to fight for what’s right.

  Wyatt could feel his phone vibrate in his pocket. Picking up the call wasn’t feasible. He ignored it, but after a few seconds it vibrated again. Whoever was calling him really wanted to talk. There was only one person that persistent. His brother.

  “If you need to answer that, I’m okay with taking a break here.”

  Oh, I bet you are. He knew she wanted to hear who was so anxious to speak to him. That wasn’t going to happen. “They can leave a message.”

  They came to a clearing with a place to sit and take in the view. It was the perfect opportunity to put a bit of distance between them so he could check what was so urgent.

  He pointed to a grassy spot and said, “You wanted a break, here’s your chance.”

  She didn’t release his hand when he loosened his hold. “Good, we can sit and talk.”

  If she wanted to talk, he was willing to play her game. Wyatt had a list of questions for her. None that he could ask at the moment. But he was good at listening and deciphering what wasn’t being said.

  They sat quietly for a minute. He had no problem starting the conversation, but he was sure this blissful moment wasn’t going to last. He had limited knowledge of what Maggie and Nate used to do, but he would bet his life that this woman had even less.

  “Do you remember our first time at the beach?” Wyatt asked, staring straight ahead at the ocean. He didn’t need to watch her reaction. He was just waiting for whatever bullshit she was going to rattle off.

  “Wyatt, you know I’m not much of a beach goer.”

  He laughed. That didn’t sound like someone Nate would’ve dated. Anytime Nate wasn’t working he was on a surfboard. Hell, he was on one yesterday instead of stressing over this shit.

  “Why is that again?”

  “Because I’m so fair-skinned and burn easily.”

  He was impressed by how smoothly the lies flowed from her. She was a pro. She didn’t answer his question yet still kept it on a personal level. You’re going to be a challenge. And that’s something I always have enjoyed.

  “Wyatt, it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. Tell me, how are things at the police department?”

  He didn’t remember telling her what he did. And he wasn’t a policeman. Was this her way of fishing for information or was she trying to call him out on his lies as well?

  “You know I hate to talk shop.” Two can play that game.

  “I guess we don’t have that much in common any longer. Not surprising. People change over time.”

  If you mean replaced with an entirely different person. Yeah, then you’re right. He wanted to see how far she’d go. Leaning over to her, he said, “Some things don’t change. I still want you.”

  Before she could protest, he claimed her lips. It was meant to startle her. It worked. He felt her practically leap into the air to get away.

  “Wyatt, I can’t,” she stammered as she got to her feet. “I mean we can’t. It was over for us a long time ago. We can’t go there again. The only thing we can be is friends.”

  He remained sitting on the ground. Looking up at her, he was puzzled by how frazzled she appeared. This was her game they were playing. “You know the saying: old lovers can’t be just friends.”

  Wyatt reached one hand out and touched the bare skin of her left calf. His intention was to push her even further. Unfortunately, it was sweet torture. Her skin was soft and cool in the heat of the day. He wanted to run his hand upward, grab her perfect round ass, and bring her back down to him.

  His throbbing cock was a warning to cease and desist this line of interrogation. He was getting results, but not the ones he was looking for. Removing his hand, he got up, grabbed Randi’s hand, and started pulling her back up the path.

  “Where are we going?” she asked as he tugged her along.

  “Back to the hotel,” Wyatt said gruffly. He didn’t feel like conversing any longer. He needed to flush out the thoughts going through him. This woman was fucking with him, and he needed to put an end to it.

  She tried preventing them from going any farther by stopping in her tracks. He was amused that she actually thought she could halt his movements with her tiny frame.

  “Why?” Was it his imagination or did her voice tremble when she asked?

  The thought that she feared him was like a punch in the gut. It made no sense. He’d spent the morning trying to make her uncomfortable. So why do I feel like shit for succeeding? He knew he should use this to his benefit. This vulnerable moment was the time to push her even harder. Hell, he could turn on this narrow path and block her way. There was no way she could go around him without falling off the high ridge. Turning back wouldn’t do her any good either. Eventually, she’d have to return the same way she’d left.

  Letting out a half growl of frustration, he said, “I’ve got work to do.” Hopefully, a task that doesn’t have you so damn close to me.

  It only took minutes for them to make it up the hill. The ride back to the hotel was in total silence. When he pulled up, she hopped out and rushed inside. He’d heard her mumble under her breath as she left. “What the hell was that all about?”

  My thoughts exactly.

  Chapter Five

  Randi couldn’t make it back to her room fast enough. She’d known it was a mistake to go anywhere with Wyatt alone. He was dangerous and cunning. More than she’d ever realized. When he’d suggested the hike down the cliff, her life flashed before her eyes. She’d been foolish to even get out of the Jeep. Yet, she’d wanted answers and needed to get close to him to get them.

  Now she had no answers and felt guilty for not making any progress. Kevin could tell her what he needed, but acting on it wasn’t easy. Wyatt had his own agenda—to rekindle whatever he’d had with Maggie years ago. The way he looked at her, his voice when he spoke, was all to seduce her. One problem, I’m not Maggie. We have no history. And we have no future.

  Randi wasn’t the type of person who could pretend to be interested in someone just to obtain information. The opportunity was there. Wyatt had opened the door, and she could have given in to what he was offering and gained his trust. She could use that to her benefit. Use. That’s such an ugly word. People use people every day. I’m not one of those people.

  It wasn’t as though she wouldn’t enjoy what he was offering, because her body reacted as though it’d never been touched before. A simple kiss from him ignited an unexpected desire in her. It took everything to pull away and not melt
deep into him, open up, and explore. She wanted to taste him, wanted him to lay her on the grass, and kiss her until she couldn’t remember who she was.

  That was the problem. Randi knew all too well who she wasn’t. Wyatt didn’t want her. He wanted Maggie. Who could blame him? She’d been the fun and exciting sister. I was always in her shadow. He would’ve never noticed me if he hadn’t thought I was Maggie.

  No matter how sweet his touch and kisses were, the knowledge that he thought she was Maggie hurt like hell.

  It made no sense that any of this should come into play. She’d lost count of the many reasons she couldn’t get personally involved with Wyatt. It was good that he seemed angry with her and practically kicked her out of his Jeep. It might be wise if they never saw each other again. Mark and Kevin were two very resourceful individuals. Randi couldn’t believe they needed her to obtain information they couldn’t get themselves.

  Randi was just about to call Kevin when her phone beeped announcing a text. Speaking of the devil.

  “Found only one picture.”

  She opened the photo and saw Maggie lovingly staring into the eyes of Nate. That made no sense. Why would she do that if she was in love with Wyatt? She adored Wyatt. Told me he was the one. No way would she ever have looked at another man, never mind his brother.

  Then the pieces started falling into place. Maggie only called him McVeigh. She’d never said which one. When Wyatt approached her so warmly, Randi assumed he was the one. Was it Nate all this time? Kevin had told her Nate lived in Florida. He never said exactly where, but it sure was closer than where Wyatt lived.

  Randi needed to know for sure. Not for any reason that Kevin or Mark could ever relate to. This was a sister thing. She wanted to hear the stories from when he was dating Maggie. She wanted to reminisce on happy times with someone who might miss her just as much as she did. If what Maggie told her was true, then Nate was that person.

  “Call now!” Randi texted Kevin.