The Patriot Girl

by Toni Lynn Cloutier

  “They don’t make TV like this anymore, Mackey. The world has no more sense of humor for this stuff.” He placed several pretzels between his lips. “They’d get sued now for hurting someone’s feelings.”

  MaKayla worried about all the junk food her father ate and its effect on his health. He’d lost both his parents to heart attacks when they were not much older than his sixty-five years.

  Signs of his getting older were showing. There might not be a cure for balding hair, but he could lose a few pounds and get more exercise if he was going to outlive her. Without him, she would be lost.

  She glanced at the seven o’clock hour on the cartoon watch Alex had given her for a birthday gift eight years ago.

  Stopping by No Bulls on her way home crossed her mind. It’d been twenty-four hours since her dinner with Dustin and there were a few things she could go over with him. Already she wished tonight was Friday.

  She caught the end of her father’s remark. “Excuse me?”

  Since she’d met Dustin, her mind wandered to what he might be doing all the time. Breathing became difficult when his image occupied her mind. The memory of his scent assaulted her nostrils as if he were beside her. Focusing on anything these days became a chore. Somehow he had even managed to distract her from her father.

  “Who is he?”

  Those weren’t the last syllables she’d heard. There was no use in trying to talk circles around what was on her mind. Her dad would ask a million questions until he got the answers he wanted. In fact, maybe he could shed some light on the whole business/pleasure thing. “He’s a new client.”

  “Client?”

  “I’m starting my own PR business. I needed something to keep me busy while Alex is away. Anyway, this guy owns the nightclub near my house. I’m hoping to get him to sign a three-month contract tomorrow night.”

  David set the pretzel bowl on the table, hit the off button on the remote, and then swigged his beer. Whenever Dad turned off the television, MaKayla knew she was in for a heart-to-heart.

  He slapped his hands together. “Tell me what’s going on.”

  She leaned back and stared at the gray ceiling. Her father understood her better than anyone. That’s why she always came running to him whenever she needed to sort things out.

  “Life is changing so fast. I hope I’m doing the right thing.”

  “You never know if it’s the right thing unless you try, Mackey. If this is what you want, then go for it. Your mother and I are always here if you need us. You go with your heart on this and your head will follow. Tell me about this client.”

  She sat up straight. “He seems nice. Handsome. Makes me laugh. Literally takes my breath away whenever I’m with him—so much so that I’m not sure if I can do business with him. But I need a start. I’m struggling to keep my feelings—”

  David chuckled. “Mixing business with pleasure? That’s how I ended up with your mother.” He chuckled again. “Best thing that ever happened to me. Love only comes around when you least expect it. If you want a relationship, don’t think you can’t have both. You deserve both, Mackey.”

  “Right now I need the business. I don’t know much about this man except for how I feel—and that he’s willing to give me a shot.”

  Alex entered the room. “Hey, Grandpa.”

  “There’s my college boy.” David stood and embraced his grandson. “You all set to go?”

  “Sure am.”

  “Good.” David retrieved his wallet from his back pocket and handed Alex some money. “You need anymore, you let me know.”

  “Thanks.” Alex gave him a hug.

  MaKayla stood. “I’ll leave you two to talk. Alex drove his own car so he’ll be staying for a while longer. I should be getting home. I have a ton of phone calls to make and some paperwork to do.”

  She took comfort in her father’s embrace. Even at thirty-eight years of age, being in his arms still made her feel as if she could do anything—including running for President of the United States—and win.

  Then she hugged Alex. “Be careful driving home.”

  “I know. I’m going to Tammy’s after here, so I might be a little late.”

  Her mother’s voice came from the next room. She was yelling at the parrot as if she was in the kitchen with a child.

  MaKayla shook her head at her father. “Don’t you get tired of all the bickering between those two?”

  “Nope.” He smiled as if he enjoyed the banter.

  It must be how he entertained himself when he wasn’t on the golf course or watching TV.

  “Eventually, your mother realizes Rainbow is as stubborn as I am and she gives up.” Her father held her shoulder with one hand, and pointed at her heart with his other hand. “This business of yours will work out. And if not, better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all. Your heart will figure out the rest with this guy. You call me if you need anything, you hear?”

  “I will. I love you.” She turned to go and nearly plowed into her mother drying her hands on a dishtowel.

  “Is everything okay, honey?”

  “Everything’s fine, Mother.” MaKayla sidestepped and headed for the kitchen. “I’m leaving. I have phone calls to make for my new business.”

  Peggy followed. “What new business?”

  MaKayla rolled her eyes. Why did she have to open her big mouth? “I’m starting a PR business, Mother.”

  “Well, how much money will you make?”

  Blood zipped through her veins in a fury. Her mother’s only care seemed to be about how much money she earned, not what made her happy. She wasn’t in the mood to hear negative comments or try to explain that this business was for sanity purposes and not the almighty dollar. She had learned long ago that there was no pleasing Peggy Hall unless there was a dollar sign attached. “I don’t know how much money, Mother. But I think I have my first client and I hope this project will lead to more.”

  “Who’s the client? Anyone I know?”

  “He owns that new club at the top of my street.”

  “Well, a nightclub can’t earn much money. What else does he do?”

  Knock. Knock.

  Thankful for the distraction, MaKayla turned the doorknob and allowed Buck and Maggie Wilson to step inside. She hadn’t seen her parent’s best friends since she was a child.

  They’d retired from the country music scene and settled in Florida. From their wrinkled, tanned skins, she assumed they were still there.

  Buck’s silver hair had thinned. He was more hunched over than she remembered, but he still brightened the room with his presence and ice blue eyes.

  Maggie, as always, dressed as a celebrity’s wife would—not a single long black curl out of place, makeup applied to perfection, and gold jewelry complimenting her purple pantsuit.

  “What brings you to Dalton?” Peggy embraced her friends. “David, come look who’s here.”

  “Is that Little Mackey?” Buck took MaKayla into his arms. His frail bones startled her. “What are you doing these days?”

  “Hi, Buck.” She stepped back. “Good to see you two again. I’m getting ready to start a public relations business.”

  “Well, good for you.” He reached in his jacket pocket and handed her a cigar. “I guess we have two things to celebrate tonight now.”

  David and Alex entered the room, distracting him from relating what else they were celebrating.

  She pulled the cigar he gave her past her nose. The scent reminded her of No Bulls and its owner. She should be more excited about the contract being signed than being in Dustin’s company.

  Her father hugged the couple. “What brings you into town?”

  Buck handed out cigars to everyone. “Our granddaughter, Sara, had a baby boy.”

  Congratulations sounded, and hugs were exchanged.

  Jodi was probably on MaKayla’s voice mail at home right now informing her of their coworker’s new baby.

  Her mother and Maggie disappeared behind the c
ounter in the kitchen while MaKayla followed the three men into the living room.

  “So, Little Mackey…” Buck puffed on his smoke. Hearing the nickname he branded her with the morning he had chased her around the house with a snake made her smile. He’d been more of an uncle to her than a friend. “Tell me about this business of yours.”

  How ironic to be sitting on the sofa with the one man whose brain she needed to pick. As a country music singer, he’d been promoting himself most of his life. If anyone could give her a few marketing ideas on Dustin’s nightclub, Buck was the man.

  “Well, I’m meeting a client tomorrow night to discuss a grand opening for his business. I’m hoping he likes my plan and will sign a contract.”

  “Grand opening? For what kind of business?”

  “He owns a country nightclub near my house.”

  Buck puffed his cigar several times. “I have an idea for your PR business.”

  Advice from Buck was sure to be worth its weight in gold. She gave him her undivided attention. “I’m listening.”

  He flicked the ashes into the ashtray. “How about a two-for-one deal?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “My recording company is doing a greatest hits CD and they want me to start promotions by the end of October. If you get this guy’s contract, how would you feel about me making my first appearance at your grand opening?”

  A butterfly feeling tickled the inside of MaKayla’s belly. This could mean the difference of falling flat on her face or reaching for the stars.

  It would only give her about six weeks to plan the biggest party Dalton had ever seen. But aside from the eight hours a day she had to spend at the bank during the week, she’d have nights and weekends to work on the promotions.

  She could do this. She had to do this. As her father would say, sleep would come when she died.

  “Yes!” Her lips spilled out the answer before her mind had time to process his request. No way could she pass up this offer. This would surely seal the deal tomorrow night, not to mention giving Dustin a good impression about her work ethics. “I’d love to.”

  “Good.” He handed her a business card. “I’ll be in touch.”

  “Thank you, Buck!” MaKayla wrapped her arms around his neck.

  She couldn’t wait to tell Dustin the news. She’d landed her ace-in-the-hole to get both No Bulls and M & M Public Relations off the ground.

  ****

  Dustin glanced at the gold lettering on the business card MaKayla had handed him yesterday. Was it possible that he had kissed Paul Adams’ widow after dinner last night? If it were true, how was he supposed to break this news to her? By the way, I’m the reason your husband’s dead. No way would a dozen French roses smooth over this news.

  She was no longer the woman he met during a robbery, or the publicist he planned to hire. She was a woman he was beginning to care for.

  Dana! She’d know what to say. The last thing he wanted was to send the wrong words flying out of his mouth and slap MaKayla across the face with them. He needed words that would ease the blow, and at the same time express how sorry he was the accident had occurred.

  He sat behind his desk and gripped the cordless phone with a shaky hand. It was a good thing his sister was on speed dial because he couldn’t remember his own phone number at the moment. Calm down. His guilt had to be making too much out of the information on the business card.

  The police had told his family the accident wasn’t anyone’s fault. Paul Adams had slid through the red light because of the wet street that evening. MaKayla had nothing to blame him for. She was a reasonable woman. She wouldn’t go ballistic on him as long as he confessed.

  He had to be able to assure her that his dream-making decision was based solely on mutual needs, and not out of guilt or pity because of their shared past. And he also had to avow that his kisses were inspired from pure attraction, and nothing more.

  This sucked. He had to get in touch with his sister.

  Dana would help him get his head straight.

  Chapter Six

  Still dressed in the same clothes from the night before, Dustin sat behind his office desk. He’d fallen asleep in his recliner waiting for his sister, who had never returned the message he’d left on her cellular. He pressed number two on his speed dial.

  “Hello?” Dana screamed in his ear.

  “Dana.” Even with his yelling he hoped she’d hear him through all the background laughter and loud music coming from her end.

  “Where are you, Dustin?”

  “At the club. If…hello?” He cursed when the phone went dead. He stormed out of his office, went behind the bar, and made a pot of coffee. Now that his sister knew he needed her, she’d get in touch with him soon.

  Ten minutes later, he jumped at the pounding on the front door. Who could that be at seven o’clock on a Friday morning? Jesse, maybe, but he had a key. Dustin turned the lock and before he could open the door fully his sister pushed past him.

  “Shh. Are you in trouble?”

  Being an FBI agent, Dana’s mind was always “on duty.” She scouted the room to make sure the coast was clear. And when she whipped off her leather jacket and sat on a barstool, Dustin was free to breathe without being hushed.

  “So what is it, bro? I just listened to your message. Why the panic?”

  He placed his hand under her chin. “You look worse than I feel, Dana. Were you on a stakeout last night?” Breaking his touch, he turned around and poured two cups of coffee, setting Dana’s in front of her.

  “Thanks.” She took a sip. “I wasn’t on a stakeout. Bulldog got married yesterday. You know the reception will last until Sunday night. What’s up with you?”

  Even after clearing his throat twice, Dustin could barely get the words out. “I met her, Dana.” He punched the bar with a closed fist.

  “Dustin, calm down. Who are you talking about? Who did you meet?”

  “Remember the woman at the club last Sunday night?” His knuckles dropped to the bar as he leaned forward to meet Dana’s eyes. “I’m pretty sure she’s Paul Adams’ widow.”

  “The Patriot Girl? The one from the bank robbery?” She squeezed his arm. “Does she know who you are?”

  “No. I didn’t know until after I promised to help her out with her PR business. I’m planning on hiring her to help get this place off the ground. She’s coming here tonight to sign a contract. What am I going to do?”

  “Are you sure that’s all you’re hiring her for? Because if this is only business, you wouldn’t be this upset and hurt.”

  Dana was right. If he had to be honest with himself, his plan to hire MaKayla was mostly to get to know her better. The publicity was a bonus.

  “Dustin, you’re hot for this chick, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, I am. The first time I set eyes on her, I knew she’d be trouble. But I never expected something like this. I can’t face her again without telling her the truth. But how do I tell her without her freaking out, or worse, without her walking out?”

  “How does she feel about the accident?”

  “How the hell am I supposed to know? It didn’t make its way into the conversation.”

  “Whoa, I don’t know the chick either. You said you’re ‘pretty sure.’ What makes you think she’s his widow?”

  “I’m sorry.” He gripped his hair. “Well, besides the last name, Paul’s son was fourteen at the time of the accident. MaKayla’s son is leaving for college. The timing adds up. Plus, no man in his right mind would leave a woman like her unless he had too.”

  He shouldn’t be so surprised this was happening. Actually, he should be laughing at himself for thinking something so great could have been a piece of cake.

  This would have been the easiest business hook-up he’d ever made, but nothing he ever wanted in life came easy. From having to prove himself to Liz’s family before he could marry her, right down to losing Liz because he had wanted a child. How could he even expect being with an intell
igent, beautiful, woman would be a walk in the park?

  He’d be damned if he’d let MaKayla get away without a fight. There wasn’t much in life he asked for, but when he wanted something why did he have to go through all the bullshit to get it?

  Dana broke into his thoughts. “You need to be the one to break the news to her, Dustin, before someone else tells her. Even if she doesn’t blame you for the accident, she’ll be pissed you didn’t come clean the minute you found out.”

  He hated when his sister was right. He did have to be the one to tell MaKayla, but how and when were the questions.

  It was hard to believe that just a week ago he hadn’t wanted the aggravation of being mixed up with the opposite sex. Now he found himself in deeper than he could ever have imagined.

  If he told her the truth, he risked losing any chance he had with her; but if he didn’t tell her the truth, he’d blow any chance of her ever trusting him.

  Shit. He’d sat through poker games and eighteen holes-of-hell on the golf course during his legal career for more worthless gain than this.

  If a romantic relationship were not in his future with this woman, he’d at least gain a mutual business relationship and finally be able to apologize to the Adams family for their loss.

  He could do this. He had to do this. He’d just be thankful if she accepted his apology for his being mixed up in the whole mess.

  “Okay. So how do I tell her? What do I say?”

  “Tell her the truth.” Dana finished her coffee. “But don’t come right out and tell her you were the one involved in her husband’s accident. Just tell her your full name. She’ll figure out the rest.”

  “Good idea.” He drank his coffee. Dana never disappointed him when he needed a plan. “She does have to hear this from me. Tonight. I’ll tell her tonight.”

  ****

  “Good luck tonight with Dustin.” Jodi crossed her fingers. “Show him a little cleavage and he’ll sign your contract, no questions asked.”

  MaKayla didn’t want to use animal magnetism to get her business off the ground. Flaunting a little because Dustin enjoyed the view was a different story. His admiration powered her libido, reminding her that she was more than a boring mother with no life. The way he looked at her with those bedroom eyes made her want to tear off all her clothes and give him what he wanted. Dreaming about him sent a warm rush of passion through her veins.