Unwelcomed Greeting: A Riverton Crossing Novel

by Savannah Maris

  “I know you call her Mak, Mitchell. It’s nice that y’all have something special between you. Every couple needs something like that.”

  That gave Mitchell the confidence to continue, “Yessir. About being a couple, sir. That’s what I want to talk to you about. I want to marry Mak. I’ve come to ask for your blessing, Mr. Gregory.”

  “I see.” He stopped and threw a handful of fish food in the pond. Mitchell waited for him to say more. Maybe he’d misjudged the Gregory’s approval of him and Mak being together. Mitchell started to sweat again when Mr. Gregory said, “What kind of man are you, Mitchell?”

  “Sir? I don’t understand the question.”

  “Are you a yes man? You know, someone who’s going to tell her yes all of the time, no matter what? Or are you a no man? Someone who’ll always tell her no, regardless of the situation? Or are you the man who’ll make a sound decision based on the given facts? The man who looks at the whole picture and makes a decision – sometimes yes, sometimes no, but always with my daughter’s best interest at heart. Are you the man she can look up to and know she made the right decision in taking you for her husband? Again, what kind of man are you?”

  Shit! That wasn’t the question Mitchell prepared for on the way there. He stared out over the water as the fish swam up to take the food. What kind of man was he? “Well, sir, I always have Mak’s best interest at heart. I let her go once because I didn’t think I had the right to ask her not to follow her dreams. So I said ‘yes.’ Then she came back to me, and this time I said ‘no.’ I’m not letting her go again. So I guess I’m the man who looks at the facts to make my decision. I will always strive to make sure she doesn’t regret marrying me. I’ll sometimes lead, sometimes follow, but more often than not I’ll walk beside her. She’s my world, sir.”

  “That’s what I needed to hear. You have Mrs. Gregory and my blessings, son.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Gregory. Thank you.” Mitchell shook his hand vigorously even as his heart slowed to a normal pace. They finished their walk around the pond and headed back toward the house.

  “You want something to eat?”

  “No, thank you. I didn’t eat this morning because I thought I’d hurl, but now I just need to get back and see Mak.”

  “You asking her today?”

  “No, sir. I want to plan something special so I need a couple of days.” Mitchell stopped at his truck and climbed in as Mr. Gregory made his way back to the barn.

  Sound decisions. Mitchell just promised her father he’d made sound decisions where his daughter was concerned. He’d keep that promise. He breathed easier on the ride home.

  33

  The atmosphere around the house was brighter, almost as if a cloud had been lifted. The undercurrent of fear seemed to subside. Kayla couldn’t wait for Mitchell to return home from his meeting. She didn’t think it had anything to do with the cattle because he was dressed too nice, so it must’ve been with real estate. Speaking of which, she needed to check her emails. She’d been slack since she’d been here with Mitchell. He was so distracting. She giggled to herself when she thought about how he distracted her. She loved that man, but did she love him enough to stay in this little town? He said he’d leave with her anytime she needed to go. Was she selfish enough to ask? Damn straight she was! She was not losing him again.

  He wanted to take some of his clothes to her house, and her bring some back. Since Masterson Investments was out of the picture, she thought this weekend would be the perfect time. She wanted a couple of days where nothing was expected of them. They’d be able to lounge around in bed or on the deck. She wanted some lazy.

  She was so far away in her thoughts, she didn’t hear Mitchell walk up behind her. “That float isn’t going to inflate itself, baby. But I know what does.” He wrapped his arms around her and rubbed himself against her.

  “Mmm, I like that idea,” she said.

  “Penny for your thoughts. You looked a million miles away when I walked up. Where were you?”

  “The mountains.”

  “You itching to leave?”

  “A little.”

  “Mak,” he whispered. “What are you saying?”

  She turned in his arms and saw uncertainty written all over his face, so she wrapped her arms around his waist and entwine her fingers at his spine. She leaned back so she could look into his eyes, knowing he’d support her. “What I’m saying is that I’m ready to take some of your things to my house and bring some of mine to yours. I’m saying I want a lazy day where we can forget about everything that’s been going on for the last month. I’m saying that I need a few days where I don’t have to share you with anyone, not even Evan. I’m saying for the first time, I want to be selfish and ask you to leave with me even though you may not want to.”

  He brought her back close to his chest and kissed her temple. “After the meeting I just had, that couldn’t sound more perfect.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. I’ve already told you I would’ve gone the first time. This time is a no-brainer. When do you want to leave?”

  “This afternoon? In the morning? Whenever it’s good for you.”

  “Let me tie up a few loose ends. I need to show Evan a few things with the ranch and talk to Roger. Let’s leave in the morning?”

  “Perfect. I can finish this float and see if Ginger needs me to check on her place. She may need some things, too,” she said with a smile on her face.

  “Let me change into old clothes, and I’ll scrub the pool deck.”

  He disappeared into the house. Maybe he could see what was taking Evan and Ginger so long, even though she had a good idea, knowing the bathing suit she bought this morning.

  Kayla was alone with her thoughts again when she heard a car pull around the corner of the house. Since she knew everyone was preoccupied, she walked to see who it was. To her surprise, it was Sheriff Cahill.

  “Howdy, Ms. Gregory.”

  “Good afternoon, Sheriff. May I help you?”

  “Are Mitchell and Evan around?”

  She looked at him curiously. “Um, they’re inside,” she hesitantly said.

  “I’d like to speak to ‘em. Would you go see if they’d come outside for a minute?”

  “Yes sir. Would you rather wait inside?”

  “Naw. I got some chaw, so I’d rather wait out here.” He proved his point by spitting on the ground.

  “I’ll send them right out,” she said as she went to find them. There was a roll in her stomach that made her nervous. Why did the Sheriff want to speak with them? She felt the uneasiness creep over her again.

  She rushed into her and Mitchell’s room first. “Babe?” He came out of the closet in old jeans and a t-shirt. He raised his brows in question. “Um, the Sheriff is outside and wants to speak with you and Evan. Do you know what this is about?”

  “Sheriff Cahill is here?”

  She nodded. Then he continued, “That’s odd. Have you seen Evan?”

  “Not since Ginger showed him her new bathing suit.”

  “Okay. Let’s go see what this is about.”

  They quickly walked toward Evan’s room because they didn’t want to keep the Sheriff waiting for too long. Mitchell banged on his door. “Go away!” Evan yelled from inside.

  “The Sheriff is here and wants to speak to both you and me. Get your naked ass dressed!” Mitchell yelled back.

  A couple minutes later, he joined them in the kitchen. “What does he want?” Evan asked.

  “Don’t know, but let’s go find out,” Mitchell said.

  Kayla followed them outside to find the Sheriff leaning against his tailgate, facing the bed. When he saw them, he rounded his truck. “Good to finally see you, Evan.” He reached out his hand to shake Evan’s.

  “You too, Sheriff. To what do we owe the pleasure this afternoon?”

  “Mitchell.” He nodded his head. “I hope I’m not disturbing anythin’,” Sheriff Cahill said.

  Mitchell shook his hea
d, and Kayla got the feeling the Sheriff was stalling for some reason. Mitchell slung his arm over her shoulders very casually. “Would you like to come in and have a seat?”

  “Naw. Like I told Ms. Gregory, I’ve got some chaw so I’d rather stay out here.” He spat again for good measure. “I don’t know if you boys’ve heard, but some federal agents took over the investigation into that flipped car down the road.” He pointed in the direction of where the car was in the ditch.

  “No, sir. Didn’t know that,” Mitchell said.

  “Yep. Once that happened, Riverton Crossin’ police didn’t want it no more,” Sheriff Cahill continued. “Anyways, the other people that were involved said there was another car racin’ the one that lost control. Did you boys see anythin’? I’d just like a clearer picture of what happened for the Feds.”

  Even though they knew that the Feds had an eyewitness, Sheriff Cahill didn’t. Kayla wondered if this was protocol or if the Sheriff was fishing for information he didn’t need to have. She followed Mitchell and Evan’s leads, noticing them look at each other, debating whether they could trust the Sheriff. She was wondering the same thing. He was there when the drugs were found in Harley’s car. He was there when Harley got arrested. He was in charge of the jail, so he knew what happened in that interrogation room.

  Finally, Mitchell spoke up. “Sheriff, I’ve known you my whole life. You’ve always seemed to be a straight shooter with me, so I’m taking you at your word. I was driving the other car.”

  “What can you tell me about that night?”

  Mitchell proceeded to tell the Sheriff exactly what happened. Every so often, the Sheriff looked at Kayla for confirmation. Once Mitchell had told the whole story, the Sheriff said, “From the time the other car saw y’all, your story matches theirs. Have you had a run-in with this car before?”

  “Yessir. A couple of times a few weeks back. Once, they tried to run over Mak, and the other, Mak was driving my truck.”

  “Ms. Gregory, what happened?”

  She recounted the night they played chicken with the car, from the time the car’s driver put their high beams in Mitchell’s eyes until they were stopped in the road. By the time she finished, her heart was racing as if it had just happened. “Mitchell saw more the night they tried to run me over.”

  The Sheriff turned his attention to Mitchell, so he told him the full story. As he finished, he said, “Sheriff, we filed a report about the attempted hit-and-run because it happened in town, but never said anything about that other night. Since Mak was involved with both, we figured it had something to do with her parents’ property. Still feels that way, but we’re not so sure it doesn’t have to do with ours, too.”

  “I’d say it has to do with both. Apparently, that Harley feller that was trespassin’ on yer property has a mutual friend with the boys in that car.”

  “So what are you sayin’, Sheriff?” Evan asked.

  “Maybe your cattle gettin’ shot and the fire at the Gregory’s place are connected.”

  “You think so?” Evan inquired.

  “Lookin’ that way. If you think of any other details, you just give me a call.” He looked at both Mitchell and Evan. “Y’all have a good evenin’,” he said as he got back in his truck.

  They watched as the taillights disappeared down the driveway. “Evan, don’t federal agencies tell local law enforcement when a case is closed? I didn’t know how much to reveal,” Mitchell said.

  “Nathan and Sam did say there were other things goin’ on here. The less anyone knows what I do for a livin’ the better. All ATF and DEA are gonna close out are the guns and drugs. They’ll seize anythin’ else that helps make their case. Other than that, they’ll turn over their other suspicions to the state, FBI, Homeland Security, and Treasury. Sounds like we just might be gettin’ some uninvited visitors soon,” Evan said.

  Later than night, Mitchell and Kayla were in bed. He was on his back and she was snuggled in next to him with his arm around her and hers across his abs. “What time do you want to leave in the morning?” she asked.

  “How early can you be ready to go? How long of a drive is it?”

  “About four hours, but with your lead foot maybe three,” she said with a smile.

  “I’m thinking a slow leisurely drive. We can take our time, right?”

  “Sure,” she said as she snaked her hand below the covers and over his thigh, heading for what lay between his legs.

  He grabbed her hand. “Not tonight, baby.”

  “What? Why the hell not?”

  “I want us to wait until we get to your house. I want tomorrow night to be special.”

  “Have you lost your mind? What red-blooded man turns down sex? Is it me? Do you not want me anymore?”

  “I know you’re kidding.” He rolled over and pinned her below him. He was hard so why didn’t he want her? He kissed her with so much passion that he took her breath away. “I need tomorrow night to be special since it’ll be my first night in your house. Please do this for me and don’t make it any harder than it already is.” He smirked and finished, “Pun intended.”

  “What are you up to?”

  “Nothing. Let’s go to sleep so we can leave early in the morning.” He rolled back off of her and turned them so they were spooning. She lay there a while hoping he’d change his mind, but no such luck. She finally drifted off with him holding her tight.

  34

  Mitchell got up before Kayla to ensure everything was done and the contents of a special little box were in his pocket before she woke. He waited to pack in case she plundered through the closet before they left. It had been hidden in his duffle bag for weeks. When he finished, he dropped the duffle bag in Shelby’s trunk and returned to the house to finish getting everything organized before they hit the road. He’d given her enough time to sleep. He was anxious to go so he woke her with kisses. “Mmmm,” she moaned

  “Come on, baby. Let’s get on the road,” he whispered.

  With her eyes still closed, she reached from under the covers and stroked his cheek then shoulder, and finally his arm. “You’re dressed. Why are you already dressed?”

  “Because we agreed to leave early this morning. I’m ready to go see your place. Now, come on.” He flipped the covers off her naked body.

  “Okay. You’re right. I’m up. I’m up!” She rolled out of the bed and padded her way straight to the bathroom. When she got to the door, she wiggled her ass so he threw a pillow at her.

  “I’ll be waiting in the kitchen. Hurry, okay?”

  “I will.”

  He left her to dress. While he was waiting, Ginger walked in. “Good morning,” she said.

  “Good morning. Are we checking on your place while we’re up there?”

  “Yes. Kayla has a key.”

  “Good. Are we bringing anything back?”

  “I sent her a text with a list of what I need. Are you sure this isn’t a problem?”

  “No problem at all.”

  “Thank you,” she said as Evan walked into the room.

  “You seem mighty chipper this mornin’,” he said after he kissed Ginger on the temple.

  “I am. I left the stuff you need to look through on the desk in the office,” Mitchell said.

  “What time are y’all leavin’?”

  “As soon as she gets her sexy little ass out here.”

  “You know she’ll need coffee,” Ginger said.

  Mitchell picked up the full travel mug and tilted it back and forth. “Ready to go.”

  Kayla yawned as she came down the hall without a bag. “Where’s your bag,” she asked.

  “Already in the car, sweetheart. Where’s yours?”

  “Don’t need one. Most of my stuff is still there.”

  “Good point. I’ve got your coffee. Let’s go.” Mitchell made his way toward the door and grabbed her hand as he walked by. “I’ve got a couple of bananas in this bag and some crackers. I figure you’ll need to stop on the way, too.

&
nbsp; “Can’t we tell Evan and Ginger ‘bye’?”

  He raised his hand. “Bye,” he said over his shoulder. He heard laughter in the background on his way out with Kayla in tow.

  It was a beautiful morning for a drive. The rising sun was to their left and backs. Honestly, he didn’t see this time of day very often and wished he did. It didn’t take Kayla long before she was asleep in the car. Part of him was glad because he didn’t want her asking about his thoughts. Part of him was sad because he wanted to share everything about this trip with her – every minute, every second. He wanted her to remember this whole day just as he would.

  A few hours later, Kayla stirred. In her sleepy voice she asked, “Have we passed exit twenty-one yet?”

  “No, why?”

  “We need to take that exit.”

  “You do know that’s Spartanburg, right?”

  “Yes. Go toward town.”

  “Do you know where you’re going?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Exit twenty-one was a mile away. He took the exit ramp just as she had directed.

  “Go down five blocks and turn left,” she instructed.

  He took in the scenery as he counted the blocks. They weren’t in the best part of town, and he noticed people watching them. He made the left.

  “In two blocks, turn right,” she tried to sound like the GPS voice.

  He turned right. “Your destination is in five hundred feet on the right.” Shelby was not quiet. She announced their arrival and so did Kayla. “You have reached your destination.”

  Mitchell put the car in Park and turned off the ignition, then looked out the windshield at the name on the building. “The Treasure Trail.” It looked like a hole in the wall. He turned to Kayla. “Where are we?”

  “I told you I found a little store.”

  “This is your store? You’ve come here by yourself? Baby, this doesn’t look safe.”

  “Ginger comes with me sometimes.”

  “Mak…”

  She grabbed her purse and opened the door. He followed her lead, but made sure Shelby’s alarm was on. As they approached the door, Kayla was digging in her purse for something. “Get out your ID. You have to show it to get inside.”