“We’re working on that. I’m yours, all yours. Unless I’m going to become a nun and wear a habit, which may defeat your purpose by the way, people will see parts of me.”
“Yeah, that won’t work. How about we go back to pioneer days? You can wear a long skirt and a long-sleeved shirt with a high collar. That’ll work for me.”
“You’re insane,” she said through her laugh. It wasn’t a happy laugh, but it was better than seeing her cry.
Her stomach rumbled, which reminded him she needed food. “Get dressed in more than what you had on last night. Let’s go eat.” She slipped on a pair of lounging pants, a tank top, and one of his t-shirts.
“You good with this?” She asked in a sassy tone.
“Yep. I think all parts are sufficiently covered.”
They went to the kitchen, where the food was out. “Will you fix our plates while I find Evan?”
He walked toward the office where Evan sat looking at the computer screen. He emailed the pictures from Mitchell’s phone to the computer and was reviewing them. “See anyone you know?”
“Yeah.”
“Listen, you need to know what happened today. Once we left here, things started badly and ended up pretty hairy tonight.”
“What happened?”
“At the police department, Curtis seemed to be trying to push Mak out of town. He even asked if she was taking me with her this time. Something felt off with the way he spoke to her.”
“Curtis is a douche. You think he’s dirty?”
“I don’t know. He’s always been a douche, but never confrontational. He said things trying to get a rise out of me. Like he wanted me to make a move so he could arrest me, get me out of the way.”
“Okay. So maybe he’s on Masterson’s payroll out here. Maybe he’s tryin’ to pave the way for them.”
“Kinda feels that way.”
“You said things ended hairy, what’d you mean?”
Mitchell took a deep breath and told Evan the events from the time they picked up the food until he saw them walk into the house. He told Evan how well Kayla did and how proud he was of her, but also that it shook her up.
“Fuck! Is she alright?”
“She is now. She may not want to drive for a while, though. Look, can we move this to the kitchen? I’m starving.”
Evan grabbed the pictures off the printer as they walked toward the kitchen. Kayla had everything ready when they walked in. “I didn’t know you wanted to be a stunt car driver, Kayla,” Evan said, trying to lighten up the situation.
Her eyes cut to Mitchell. “It’s alright, sweetheart. He needs to know, so I told him everything.”
“Kayla, could you pick the guys from the parking lot out of pictures Mitchell was able to take?”
“I think so.”
Evan spread the pictures out. Mitchell took three good facial pictures, the rest were just the same guys messing with cars. Sometimes under the hood, sometimes in the trunk.
“Those two. They’re the ones that followed Mitch.”
“That’s Dick.” Mitchell pointed to the one on the right. “Do you know the other two?”
“Yeah. This one,” Evan pointed to the one on the left, “he’s Carlos. Stay the fuck away from ‘im. He plays dirty. He’s high enough in the Masterson organization to run this expansion until Tony gets to Riverton Crossin’. With him in town, I’m stuck here. He knows me. Even with my hair cut, shaved, and contacts out, he may still recognize me. I don’t know. Maybe if I dressed like a lawyer or accountant I could get past him, but I don’t want to risk it if I don’t have to.” Then he pointed to the picture in the middle. “That’s Nathan Cox. He’s ATF. We worked a case together several years ago and got to know each other pretty well. I introduced ‘im and helped ‘im get in with Masterson. He knows I’m from South Carolina, but he doesn’t know where. Stay away from ‘im, too. As long as he’s under, he’s just as dangerous as the rest of ‘em. There should’ve been another guy. Another agent, DEA most likely.” Evan faced Mitchell. “Did you see anyone else today? Did you see how many people were in the car tonight? Did you get a good look at the car? Was it next door today?”
“I didn’t see another guy today. With the bright lights in our eyes, seeing into the car was impossible. I didn’t get as good of a look as I’d like. The car wasn’t the one they were working on today, but I’m pretty sure it’s the one that tried to run Mak over.”
“I sent the picture of the plates to my Cap’n this morning. He’s tryin’ to see who the car is registered to. I haven’t heard back from ‘im yet. Hopefully, he’ll get me in touch with Nathan’s cover team.”
Mitchell was watching Kayla. “You still with us, sweetheart?”
“Yes. Just wondering if I should call Ginger and tell her not to come.”
“Ginger? Who’s Ginger?” Evan asked.
“My friend from North Carolina. She’s between articles and bored, so Mitch said I could invite her down.”
“Yeah, Evan. I thought you’d enjoy a lady hanging out for a few days.”
Evan glared at Mitchell to the point he thought a hole might be in his head. “I was thinkin’ about heading down to Florida, but now doesn’t feel like a smart time to leave. So, why not? What does your friend do?” Mitchell noticed Evan was trying to shift gears from work to leisure, but was having a hard time as he rolled his head on his shoulders.
“She’s a freelance writer and independent editor. She writes different articles, lifestyle, events, things like that, then sells them to different magazines. She also edits for people on an as-needed basis. You know résumés, technical manuals, graduate theses, that type of thing,” Kayla said as she shrugged.
“When’s she comin’?”
“Tomorrow. We also invited Thomas and Cat out for dinner. We figured we’d grill out and have a few drinks. You game?” Kayla seemed to have a little life come back into her.
“Will Thomas and Catherine keep their mouths shut that I’m in town?”
“They’ll keep your secret, Evan,” she said.
“Sounds good. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to just hang out with friends.”
“It’ll be low key, man. Just the six of us,” Mitchell confirmed.
After they ate, they parted toward their respective bedrooms. Once Mitchell and Kayla closed their door, he tenderly undressed her. It was becoming one of his favorite things to do. She moved to put on her little silk pajamas. “No, sweetheart. That’s good right there. Your birthday suit is all you need.” She didn’t argue as she crawled into bed, and he was right behind her.
11
The next morning, Kayla woke early. As soon as she started to move out of the bed, a heavy arm squeezed her tighter and held her in place. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I have so much to do today. Ginger’s coming,” she said.
“Well, I thought we could do that, too,” Mitchell whispered as he nibbled her neck.
“Ahhh, Mitch,” she whispered. “It’ll have to be quick.”
He pushed his hard cock into her backside. “Do you feel that? It’ll be quick,” he said as he reached around her waist, sliding toward the apex of her legs. His fingers touched her clit, and she closed her eyes as a soft moan left her mouth. She reached behind her to rub his hip and leg as he lifted hers and wrapped it over him while he slipped inside her.
“Mmm,” she hummed.
He continued to manipulate her nub as he moved in and out. She felt his other hand on her shoulder so he had better leverage. He was so deep this way. A few more thrusts and she came undone. She moaned when he slowed and pulled her close as he finished. Wet kisses peppered her shoulder. “Good morning, baby.”
“I’ll take that kind of wakeup call over an alarm clock any day,” she said with a big smile on her face.
They were still spooning when he asked, “What do you have to do to prepare for tonight?”
“I need to make sure a guest room is ready for Ginger even though
she may not use it once she looks at Evan,” she said with a small chuckle. “Then I need to go to the store for the food, mixers, and wine. Do we need any more bourbon?”
“I’ll check, but I think we’re pretty well-stocked. What time do you want to go to the store? I’ll make sure I’m here to take you.”
“I can go anytime as long as I’m back by one since Ginger is coming at two.”
“Okay. I need to check with Roger about what he found yesterday and see if anything new has come across in my emails.”
“Did Jimmy say when we’d hear about my car?”
“No. But if we don’t hear from him by lunch, I’ll call him.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
He squeezed her breast before getting out of bed. She gave him a minute in the bathroom before she scooted out, too. He was already rinsing his mouth when she asked, “When are we going to get to lie in bed and make love all day?”
“On our honeymoon.”
“What?”
He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind as she brushed her teeth. They were looking at each other in the mirror. “I’m not asking you to marry me today, sweetheart, but I will soon. Fair warning – make sure you know what you want.”
She spat her toothpaste into the sink and looked at him in the mirror. “I want you.”
“Good answer.” He patted her behind before he went to the closet.
He had left the house to talk with Roger by the time she finished dressing and got to the kitchen. Coffee, sweet coffee was waiting for her, already poured and mixed perfectly. She went through the kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer and made a grocery list. Once that was complete, she went to Evan’s wing of the house. She opened the door and looked around the guest room. She was being selfish and she knew it. She didn’t want Ginger in the guest room near their bedroom because she wanted privacy, but she didn’t want her friend in a wing by herself either. To be honest, maybe she was playing matchmaker. Maybe? More like definitely. The guest room in Evan’s wing was dusty and hadn’t been used in a while. Who knew the last time someone stayed in there?
“What are you doing?” Evan asked.
“I’m cleaning this room for Ginger. Where are the cleaning supplies, vacuum, and clean sheets?”
“Why in this wing, Kayla? You trying to get me laid?”
“Um, I’m sure you don’t have any problems getting laid, Evan. I just don’t want her in a wing by herself, but we want some privacy.”
“Afraid you’ll scare her?”
“I cannot believe you just said that to me. What kind of person do you think I am?”
“A screamer,” he said as he walked away. She heard his laughter echo all the way down the hall.
“Asshole,” she said under my breath.
“Who’s an asshole?” Mitchell asked from the doorway.
“Your brother.”
“What’s he done now?”
“Just giving me a hard time.”
“You want me to kick his ass? I’ll do it for you, sweetheart.”
“You could try,” Evan said. “Here’s the stuff you need, Kayla.”
“So, bro, why is my girl calling you an asshole?” Mitchell asked with an agitated look on his face.
“You called me an asshole?” Evan asked dubiously.
“Yes. You called me a screamer,” Kayla explained.
Evan put his hands up in surrender. “Just callin’ it like I hear it,” he said.
Kayla thought if looks could kill, they’d be going to Evan’s funeral in a few days because Mitchell was furious. “Forget kicking your ass. I’m gonna kill you!” Mitchell moved toward Evan but he took off running, with Mitchell hot on his heels.
Kayla stripped the bed as she heard laughter and yelling down the hall. Mitchell came in panting just as she finished making the bed. “Y’all have fun?”
“Oh, yeah. Tons of joy,” he said through his laughter. “Baby, is it too much to ask for us to go to town, and you finish this when we get back?”
“Not at all.”
“Jimmy called, and I need to go by his garage.”
“Is he finished with my car?”
“No, but he found something wrong with it.”
“Oh?”
“Your brake fluid line was nicked. It appears to be intentional, so I need to take a picture.”
She tried not to freak out. She drove that car to her parents’ house and back to the apartment. What if the brakes had failed? She wouldn’t have known what to do. Mitchell read the look on her face as he hugged her tightly. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’ve got you. Nothing happened.”
“I don’t have to drive it today, do I?”
“No, baby. He’s not going to repair it until I take the picture. Even then, I told him to take his time with it. You won’t need it for a while.”
“Okay. We can go.”
Their last stop was the garage. “Stay in the truck, okay? I’ll lock the doors. It’s nasty in there, and Jimmy isn’t supposed to let people in the bay area. He’s slipping me in to take the picture, then I’ll be right out,” he said.
“Be careful.”
“Always.” He kissed her.
It felt as though she’d sat in the truck for an eternity when someone tapped on the glass. She held up her hands to signify she didn’t have the keys and couldn’t roll down the window. The guy made loud, obnoxious kissing sounds before he asked, “You staying in the truck like a good little bitch?”
Just as the words left his mouth, Mitchell grabbed the guy by his neck and slammed him into the side of the truck. Before the guy knew what was happening, Mitchell shoved his fist into the guy’s gut, punched him in the jaw, and knocked him to the ground before he hauled him up by his collar. As he dragged the guy toward the truck, he unlocked and opened the door. Through gritted teeth Mitchell ordered, “Apologize. Now, Dick.” Mitchell was breathing hard, but the guy was bleeding from his mouth and wheezing. This was the first time she’d seen Dick, up close and personal.
“Like hell I will,” Dick responded.
Mitchell pushed him against the truck bed so Dick could face him. He had his arm across Dick’s throat, pressing on his windpipe. “You apologize or you’ll be singing soprano. You get me?”
“Yeah, man,” Dick wheezed.
Mitchell twisted one of Dick’s arms up behind his back and made him face Kayla. “Well?” Mitchell demanded.
“Sorry,” Dick mumbled.
“If you ever look at her, much less speak to her again, you’ll regret the day you were born. I swear Dick, I’ll fucking kill you myself. Now get the hell out of my sight.” Dick Beal quickly disappeared from the garage property after Mitchell pushed him away from his truck.
Kayla watched all of this transpire. She hadn’t seen Mitchell that angry in years, probably not since he caught someone trying to cop a feel during her senior year of high school. She thought he’d kill that guy, too. Mitchell had chilled out some since then, but apparently not as much as she thought.
He closed her door and walked to the driver’s side. Once he was behind the wheel, he cupped her face with his hand and pulled her to him. He gently kissed her. “Ready to go?”
She just nodded because no one had ever spoken to her the way Dick just had. No one. When she slid back to her seat, she saw blood on Mitchell’s hands. “Are you bleeding?”
“Nah, that’s his.”
“But your hands are red.”
“Yeah, I’ll put some ice on them when we get home,” he said as he opened and closed his fists. “I got the picture we need, and Jimmy’s keeping the car locked up for me.”
“Why do you think Dick was there?”
“I’m sure he was just getting parts. Jimmy has the best selection of parts in three counties.”
“Do you think he’s in with them?”
“No. He makes too much money on things people choose to ignore around here.”
“Like what?”
“Let’s just say whe
re he gets some of his used parts may be a little suspect.”
“And the Riverton Crossing Police don’t do anything about it?”
“As long as it’s not happening in Riverton Crossing, they don’t really care. Nothing’s ever been proven, so what can they do?”
Mitchell turned into the Riverton Ranch driveway a few minutes later. Kayla helped carry the bags inside the house, then prepared an ice pack for his hands while Mitchell sat at a bar stool. She put the food away then headed back to finish cleaning and prepping the guest room.
The bedroom was finished, and Kayla was putting clean towels in the guest bath when Mitchell yelled, “Sweetheart, there’s an attractive redhead getting out of a little blue car. Do you have any idea who she could be?”
“What? I haven’t had a shower yet. I can’t believe she’s here so early. I’m going to kill her!”
“So you do know her?”
“It’s Ginger and you know it.”
“Baby, I’ve never seen her. I was just making sure.”
“Is she pretty, Mitchell?” Evan asked as he wiggled his eyebrows.
“She’s gorgeous, you ass!” Kayla yelled as she hurried to the door.
“Bro, you better be on your best behavior. She’s not over the ‘screamer’ comment yet. I still can’t believe you said that,” Mitchell said as Kayla opened the side door and rushed out to greet her friend.
Ginger was just getting her bag out of her car when Kayla reached her. “Hey, stranger!”
“Hey! This place is beautiful and so quiet,” Ginger said as she looked around.
“Yeah, it is, especially on the weekends. During the week there are ranch hands here, so it’s not as quiet.”
They were talking as they walked toward the house. Ginger stopped and Kayla looked at her, then the door. “That one’s mine, girly. Please keep all eyes, hands, and tongues in their proper place and off my man,” she said as she laughed at Ginger’s reaction.
“Please tell me he has a brother. For the love of God, Kayla, please,” she begged.
“He’s inside. You won’t be disappointed.”
“Is he single?”
“Very.”
“There is a God.”
Unwelcomed Greeting: A Riverton Crossing Novel Page 8