Southern Charm (Southern Desires Series Book 5)

by Jeannette Winters

  Randi felt like a coward. She’d faced being shot at and was willing to put herself directly in the line of fire again, yet telling Wyatt her plan panicked her. She didn’t fear him, just his reaction to the information. She knew his background. The man had seen as much action as Mark, and in some ways his demeanor reminded her of Mark. Only when you’re being controlling and a total ass.

  She laughed softly to herself. This was where she and Maggie were different. Maggie thrived at times like this. She would’ve been smiling as she went head-to-head with these two bozos. Maggie would’ve come out on top. She, on the other hand, avoided conflict. Although she’d had to face it over and over these past few years, her feelings hadn’t changed.

  Her phone rang, and she was happy to see Mark’s name.

  “What do you need, Graham?”

  Randi learned early on not to expect pleasantries when Mark called. He was all business, and that suited her fine. She was only interested in his tactical expertise.

  “I need backup.”

  “I thought you were in Watson’s safe house.”

  “For now. We both know this isn’t going to end until we make it stop.”

  “Working on that,” Mark stated flatly. She could tell it wasn’t going the way he’d hoped either.

  “Mark, they’re after me; we need to use that to our favor.” She was prepared for his response.

  “There’re other options.”

  She respected Mark for having already considered utilizing her. She needed to convince him it was the best course of action for all involved.

  “I considered those as well. Risk either way. The most effective option is to grab the upper hand, or at least appear to have it. We can assume their reaction.”

  “Hitting hard and fast.”

  “Exactly. So we need to be prepared. They’re going to hit us either way. I’d rather know when than wait, watching my back, for who knows how long?” I can’t move forward with this around my neck. She didn’t know what her future held, but hiding out in Watson’s bunker wasn’t on her bucket list.

  “What exactly do you have planned?” Mark asked.

  Wyatt hadn’t witnessed the force these guys used before. If he thought what happened in Hawaii was bad, he was in for a shock. Randi knew if it wasn’t her, it could easily be Mark’s wife, Hannah, or Don’s soon-to-be wife, Bailey. The only one who might be safe was Marina, who was part of the reason this was happening now.

  Randi explained her plan. Since she had no idea what they were looking for, some of the details would need to develop as it played out. That increased the risk. Luring the terrorists in without knowing what they wanted could be detrimental to them all.

  “You’re fucking crazy, Graham. If this doesn’t work, you know we won’t be able to save you.”

  “If it doesn’t work, you better have a plan B.” You always do, and they somehow make sense, unlike mine.

  “What does McVeigh think of all this?”

  Yeah. About that. “I . . . you . . . men talk better to each other. Maybe you could help steer him toward our way of thinking.”

  “Graham, he was a fucking Green Beret. He’ll get it.”

  “I think you’d be better at explaining it.”

  “So it’s like that?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You were instrumental in our success in West Virginia. This scheme isn’t about your qualifications, so I assume this is personal.”

  She didn’t want anyone to know she was developing feelings for Wyatt. Now wasn’t the time to sit back and explore them. Lives were on the line. Doing so was only going to endanger him more than it already had.

  “Mark, I can do this. You need to convince him of that. And . . . make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like jumping in front of a bullet,” Randi snapped before she could stop herself.

  “If he feels the same as you, there’s nothing anyone can do to stop him. But I’ll talk to him. If you change your mind and want to go with another option—”

  “I won’t. This is what I want to do. Thanks, Mark.”

  “Thank me when we all get out of this alive.”

  He ended the call, and she rolled over, burying her face in the pillow. She hoped she’d made the right decision. All she could do now was let Mark get the wheels turning and wait for the signal to move. He’d said it would only be another day or two. Locked down here with Wyatt without telling him was going to be difficult. Not as bad as if he knew. Her goal was to put an end to it all. Of course, each time we cut off the head, another takes its place. I’m not sure an end is even realistic.

  Although she was willing to take the risk, she was going to do everything she could to stay alive. Me and all those around me.

  “Good morning,” Wyatt said as Randi finally got out of bed and joined the living. He ordinarily didn’t mind solitude, but knowing she was sleeping a few doors down made it less peaceful.

  “You lose track of time without windows. I had no idea what time it was until I looked at my . . . watch.”

  He wasn’t sure why she stumbled on what she was looking at. One thing he’d already picked up, Randi was a horrible liar. So what were you really doing? Wyatt wasn’t about to call her out and have to explain what he was doing as well. It was best to avoid topics that would cause them to butt heads. He had no idea how long they were going to be in these living quarters, and whatever she was hiding was nothing compared to his.

  “What do you want to do today? We have the choice of watching a movie or watching a movie.” I can think of other things to do.

  Randi laughed. “Hmm . . . do I get to pick today?”

  Wyatt rolled his eyes and said, “I feel payback coming.” She plopped down next to him, filling the air with her sweet smell. Her arm brushed up against his as she rested her head on his shoulder.

  “You better believe it.”

  I don’t care what we watch, if you’re this close to me. Wyatt handed Randi the remote. The one he knew didn’t activate the elevator to the upper floor. He’d conveniently hidden that one while she slept.

  Randi flipped through more romance movies than Wyatt thought existed. He knew he was going to regret letting her pick today. There was no end in sight, but she finally hit play. And it’s even in black and white. Wow. This morning is just getting better and better. Not!

  “How about I grab us some coffee?”

  “Sure, let me hit pause,” Randi said.

  Wyatt got up off the couch and said, “No, I’ll catch up when I come back. How do you like yours?”

  “Extra cream and extra sugar.”

  Sweet just like you. Wyatt had to leave the room quickly. All that mushy romantic crap was going to make him soft. He took his time making coffee and put together some sandwiches while he waited. She cooked yesterday; today was his turn.

  When he returned with the tray, he almost dropped it. Randi was all sappy-eyed and didn’t notice him enter the room. Oh, shit. Back too early.

  Placing the tray in front of her, he handed her a napkin. She took it without turning from the screen. Wiping her eyes and sniffing between words, she said, “You missed such a good part. Do you want me to back it up?”

  Hell no! “I’m sure there will be more.” Yay me!

  Randi reached for the coffee, took a sip, then looked down. “You made lunch.”

  “Don’t get excited. It’s peanut butter and jelly.”

  He watched her take a bite. “It’s delicious.”

  A bit of the strawberry jam clung to her bottom lip. Wyatt wanted to bend down and lick it off. Don’t go there. You need to keep a clear head.

  He hadn’t lived his life as a hermit. Women threw themselves at him all the time. When he was younger that had appealed to him. Easy and no attachments. Nothing and no one of any substance. But he grew bored with them. They were carbon copies, just the names and hair colors changed.

  Randi, on the other hand, was a woma
n of a different caliber. He knew she wanted him but didn’t make it obvious. The way she looked at him out of the corner of her eye when he walked by spoke volumes. Yet, he knew she was holding back as well . . . and not because she was prim and proper. There was plenty of sexual attraction. That only intensified the risk of something going wrong if they came under fire. They each needed to be at the top of their game. If they weren’t careful this could end badly, not just for them.

  No matter what his brain was telling him, his body was struggling to resist. The tip of her tongue licked the jam from her mouth. Was she doing it so damn slow just to torture him? Or was his mind playing tricks on him?

  Wyatt couldn’t stop the need building within him. He needed to hold her, taste her. Something was happening, and he couldn’t stop it. The truth was he didn’t want to stop. She had his blood boiling from the moment they met. He’d tried denying it; that hadn’t worked. If anything his cock was throbbing more for her each day they were together. Damn it. You’re under my skin, and I can’t stop thinking of you. Wyatt felt as though he was going insane. He’d never wanted anyone as much as he wanted her.

  With a growl, Wyatt closed the distance between them. Randi let out a small cry as his weight covered her body.

  “Did I hurt you?” Wyatt asked, his breath ragged with desire.

  She shook her head and slipped her arms around his neck. “No.”

  He could feel her body trembling with need beneath him, and her scent filled his nostrils. It wasn’t soap or some fancy perfume. It was her, pure and natural, and it was fucking driving him crazy.

  His hands tangled in her long blonde hair and tipped her head back. She looked up at him, her eyes darkening with desire. Her body felt incredible as she arched into his. “God, you’re beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” Randi said shyly.

  Damn girl, don’t look at me like that. I can barely hold back as it is.

  “Wyatt, I . . .” Her lips opened, as her tongue darted out, and he felt like a man drowning.

  He moaned as he claimed her lips, sucking and nipping. She opened to him, and his tongue eagerly tasted what she had to offer. He pulled back only long enough to say, “I want you, Randi.”

  She brought her hand down and touched his cheek. “I want you too, Wyatt.” Her touch was unlike anything he’d known. It wasn’t just raw passion or desire. There was such tenderness and feeling behind it. Had he been standing, it would’ve brought him to his knees. He’d never experienced such tender and raw emotion.

  He didn’t want to stop. Wyatt wanted to bury himself deep inside her. It would be so easy because she wanted him as badly as he wanted her. Looking into her sweet blue eyes, he had to stop. This moment couldn’t happen. Not now. No matter how good it’d be between them—and he knew it’d be fucking amazing—it would make it impossible for either of them to do their job. They couldn’t afford to lose focus. If I do, I could fuck up and not see what I need to see. If I do that and something happens to her, I’d never forgive myself.

  Wyatt pulled himself away. He touched her cheek with the back of his hand and said, “I think we have a movie to finish.”

  He could see the confusion in her eyes. She didn’t want it to stop either, and pulling away hurt her.

  “Randi, no matter how badly we want to, we can’t. Not yet.” The words sounded easy to say, but he was fucking hurting. Doing the right thing felt like a kick in the nuts. She seemed to be going through the same hell. Kissing her gently, he said, “Believe me, Randi, I don’t like this either, but we both know it’s for the best.”

  Wyatt got off her and helped her sit up. Although she looked like it didn’t bother her at all, he hadn’t missed the single tear in the corner of her eye, which she brushed away quickly. I’m an asshole.

  He reached out to touch her hand, not wanting the connection between them to end entirely. Even if it meant watching the rest of the movie together.

  As his hand touched hers, she pulled away and got up from the couch. Without meeting his gaze, she said, “I understand. This was . . . wrong.”

  That was not entirely true. “Randi, there’s a difference between no and not now.”

  Randi turned and looked at him. “You talk like someone who believes we’re guaranteed tomorrow when we both know we’re not.” She didn’t wait for his reply and walked out of the room, letting the door slam shut behind her.

  Wyatt was dumbfounded. She was right. All they had was this moment. Yet, he couldn’t change who he was. He wanted to follow her, but there were no words to change what just happened. Or what we’re about to face. Damn it. I left the military, but the war is far from over, and now it’s a hell of a lot closer to home.

  Knowing she was out of earshot, Wyatt grabbed the remote and flung it across the room against the wall, the black plastic pieces flying in all directions. Better than punching the wall, I guess.

  He wasn’t used to feeling this way and needed to regain his self-control. There was only one way he knew how to do that. Separate myself and put my feelings in a box. It wasn’t time to be Wyatt, the man. This was time for the soldier in him to take charge. Randi was hurting right now for many reasons, including the mixed signals he gave her. All I’ve ever been is a soldier. I know war, pain, and death. I wish she didn’t have to face any of these things. I might not be able to give her what she wants or deserves, but I sure as hell can honor my promise to never let anything happen to her. No matter how much she hates me for it.

  Leaning back on the couch, he closed his eyes and tried to focus on what the next course of action should be. Nate was fending for himself, and Wyatt needed to make sure he was watching his back. It was hard as hell, but he couldn’t be in two places at once. Somehow, he need to get backup for Nate. With Randi awake, he didn’t want to risk going to the upper level. That call would have to wait until nightfall. Better keep your fucking head low until then, Nate. I don’t want you playing hero right now. These guys aren’t ones you want to fuck with.

  Wyatt felt something vibrate near his hand. He picked up a phone that wasn’t his and hadn’t been there before. More importantly, it was receiving messages, unlike his. Did Randi get a signal down here?

  Turning it over, Wyatt noticed it was a text message from Collins. “Couldn’t reach McVeigh to deliver your message. Still think you’re fucking crazy for doing this. This clusterfuck is all on you. We’ll rendezvous at 06:00 in two days. Here are the coordinates.”

  What the fuck? What message? What plan? Wyatt got up and headed toward the door. He wanted to confront Randi. This needed to stop. No way was he going to let Randi head off to meet Mark without him. He might be pissed, but he had every intention of keeping his word. Keep her safe.

  He hit call on the phone, wanting to hear what Collins had to say now.

  “What do you need, Graham?”

  “Fucking answers,” Wyatt demanded.

  There was a brief pause before Mark replied, “Where’s Graham?”

  “Resting. You wanted to talk to me, so talk.”

  The next thirty minutes was spent listening to details of what Randi and Mark had devised. The man in him wanted to reach through the phone and choke the shit out of him for even agreeing to such a fucking crazy plan. The soldier in him processed it logically. I hate everything about it, but it’s fucking brilliant.

  Chapter Twelve

  Wyatt might have thought she was easy going, and he could play with her feelings. That wasn’t the case. Randi may have shut her mouth, but only because she was a lady. If she weren’t, she’d have taken her shoe off and thrown it at him while telling him exactly what she thought about his little teasing, but not pleasing, escapade.

  Randi was good at holding back what she felt. She always had been. Maggie had told her it wasn’t healthy and that one day she’d explode. She’d given Randi a whole list of nonverbal ways to deal with it. Randi tried them all: yoga, kickboxing, meditation. None worked as well as rocking on her porch while reading a great book. Yeah, t
hat might be hiding my feelings, but at least, I don’t feel like I do right now.

  She wasn’t sure how she felt. Wyatt gave a rational explanation why they couldn’t be together. She agreed with him totally. It would’ve complicated things even more. That didn’t mean she wasn’t hurt when he abruptly pulled away from her. With everything else going on in my life right now and someone out to kill me, this is what hurts me? She knew it was ridiculous to feel that way, but it didn’t seem to change a thing.

  If it were as simple as sexual frustration, she could take care of that herself. This wasn’t about wanting an orgasm, although she was sure Wyatt would curl her toes. Just his kisses left her breathless and trembling. That wasn’t what she was missing. There was a connection between them, one she didn’t want to let go. I know it’s the wise thing to do, but I don’t want it to end.

  She had no idea when it happened, but Randi actually cared for him—not in a professional way. Having feelings for him, like everything else lately, was something she hadn’t seen coming. If she’d had any inclination this could happen, she would’ve been the one to distance herself. The truth was, she was blindsided by it. I didn’t think I was capable of these feelings, especially for Wyatt.

  Randi wasn’t a cold-hearted person. Actually, she was the total opposite. But since Maggie’s death, she’d removed that piece of her and tucked it away in a box, never to be opened again. It was a choice she’d made and didn’t regret.

  Since that day she’d become used to being alone. It no longer had a negative effect on her. In fact, she found being alone comforting. Allowing someone in her life now, when her future was still unknown, wasn’t fair to her or the other person. If she made it through this next mission, maybe they could explore these new feelings. If I survive. If not, then I guess it doesn’t matter.

  Wyatt was strong, confident, funny, and highly intelligent, which she found sexy as hell. Add in tall, dark, and handsome and she was totally lost. That didn’t make it easy to separate duty and pleasure. If anything, it made it nearly impossible. Thankfully, Wyatt had no issue at all putting on the brakes. Otherwise, I’d be panting from pleasure instead of huffing with anger.