The Best Thing Yet

by McKenna Jeffries

  “And you’re going to keep that way. Now go into the house and supervise,” Tim said, turning his back on him.

  Jorge hit him across the head with the pillows. Tim spun.

  “Just fluffing them against your hard head. I’ll go check out the house.” Jorge smirked and walked away.

  Tim sighed. “That stubborn goat will be the death of me.”

  Arissa pulled down a box and said, “He’ll keep you young and on your toes.”

  “You’re not lifting that. Go to the house with Jorge.” Tim plucked the box out of her arms.

  He passed it to Jackson. Arissa frowned.

  “Come on, Rissa. We feeble women folk have been banished to supervise.” Deyon beckoned.

  Arissa glared at Jackson and Tim as she went to join Deyon, sitting at the table under the shaded porch on the one side of the house. Jorge came from in the house with a tray. He placed it on the table and shared the iced tea. Jorge sat and sipped his tea. They watched as Tim and Jackson sweated and unloaded the truck. They called out directions, ignoring the looks and grumbling.

  “They wanted us to direct. I bet you they will be sore later.” Arissa snickered.

  “Serves them right,” Jorge said.

  “Nah. They are big, manly men,” Deyon said dryly.

  They looked at each other and laughed.

  Relaxing in the chair Arissa said, “Thanks for letting Jackson and I live here with you.”

  “No prob, Rissa. It’s a lot of house for one person. I rarely let anyone stay in the two apartments on the second floor anymore.”

  Arissa frowned. That was news to her. As far as she knew, Deyon used the apartments to house the models she flew in for her shows. They stayed in the apartments, which had their own separate entrances just inside the front foyer. The centre door led to the main house where Deyon lived. The other two—one on the right and other on left—led to the second floor apartments. The main floor had beautiful, high vaulted windows with seats built in and lots of space, since that was what Deyon had wanted when she’d had the house built. It wasn’t just her living area, it was partially her design studio where she worked on some of her projects. With the ground floor space it made the two apartments over it very spacious and they had some of the same features. The whole house was a visual and physical oasis.

  “Why?”

  “One of the male models who I’d invited to stay in the apartment thought I wanted him in my bed. Crazy fool broke into my house then got all huffy when I said hell no. He couldn’t imagine that I didn’t want him,” Deyon said.

  “No. What did you do?” Arissa asked.

  “Showed him my gun. Then when he didn’t think I was serious I got out my other gun and tranqued his ass. Then called Leo. He was huffy about my brandishing my weapons, as he put it. He knows I have a permit to carry them. I almost darted his butt too, but resisted seeing as he is your family. Leo took my guns and the knives. Fucker.”

  Arissa started to laugh.

  “You were right to do that, Deyon,” Jorge said.

  “You know it, Jorge.”

  Arissa calmed down then asked, “So what did you get to replace them with?”

  “The same type of guns and the tranq gun too. But then I saw this sweet pistol crossbow and had to get it. Made sure to tell your grumpy butt brother about my new weapons.” Deyon took a sip of her tea.

  “What did he say?”

  “After lecturing me for what seemed like forever, he called your brothers and cousins and they came over and had a grand old time trying it out. Of course, you know Lis wasn’t about to be left out. She rounded up the women and came over. We had a fabulous cook-out and tried out my new weapons.”

  Arissa shook her head. “It’s a good thing your closest neighbour is miles away.”

  “Hell, when they saw the crowd coming they came over too. They brought the booze.”

  “Sounds just like I remember.” Arissa chuckled.

  “I’m glad you are here.” Deyon put her hand over hers.

  “I am too.” Arissa squeezed it.

  “We want some steaks cooked on the grill.” Jackson sounded out of breath.

  “Then I guess you’re going to town to get some,” Deyon replied.

  “You don’t have any?” Jackson asked in disbelief.

  “Nope, I’m out. Have chicken if you want that.”

  “After you all working us to death, we want steak,” Jackson griped.

  “There’s the road. Go and get some.” Deyon gestured.

  “Fine. Come on, Arissa.”

  “What? Why do I have to go?” Arissa demanded.

  “I’ve been here but I’m not that familiar with the area. And as we already know, even with GPS, Tim could get lost in his own driveway,” Jackson said.

  “Hey. I don’t get lost in my driveway,” Tim protested.

  “Not recently.” Jorge snorted.

  “I’m tempted to fire you.” Tim glared.

  “I’d just stay here. I’m sure these lovely ladies will have some use for me.” Jorge chuckled.

  “I so would, Jorge,” Deyon said.

  “No trying to steal my Jorge,” Tim snapped playfully.

  “Stop your yakking and let’s get the steaks so we can eat.” Jackson pulled her behind him.

  “Jorge and I will work on some side dishes. Call us when you’re on your way back so we can fire up the grill,” Deyon said.

  Tim followed and they all piled into the Tahoe and headed to town. Arissa sat in the passenger side, giving directions. She smiled as they went to the quaint shopping area. Exiting the SUV, they laughed as they went into Lewis Grocery and Marketplace.

  “Arissa Wright. I heard you were moving back. Deyon already called with an order.” Carl Lewis continued to fill their order.

  “Carl, how is your dad and mom?” Arissa smiled at the man who had once been her high school sweetheart.

  “They’re doing well. Once you’ve gotten settled we’ll be by to see you. You know Mom will want to bring you a Sock it to Me cake.” Carl smiled.

  “Oh. Yes. Tell her to come by and we’ll make it together. I still can’t get the recipe the way I want it,” Arissa admitted.

  “I’ll let her know to call you. What’s your number?”

  Arissa rattled off the number Deyon had already had installed for her.

  “Good. Here is the order. Where’s Jackson?” Carl said.

  Arissa looked behind her, realising the men weren’t with her.

  “They were just here a minute ago. Hold that for me a minute.” Arissa walked away.

  She peeked down the various aisles of the store. Finally spotting them, Arissa went to them. She looked inside the already rapidly filling cart.

  “We’re not here to shop. Just to get some steaks.”

  “Knowing Deyon, she already called in an order. I just want to get a few things for my place. I picked up some of your favourite foods for your apartment too,” Jackson said.

  She had already seen that. Arissa sighed and moved to the side, following the men as they shopped. After over an hour, they went to the butcher counter. Jackson and Tim placed orders then coerced her into placing one. Once Carl had it all ready they headed to the checkout with two heaping carts of food. Tim started putting things on the belt.

  “Hey, that’s mine.”

  “I’m buying everything. It’s my housewarming present to both of you and thanks to Deyon for putting us up, Jorge and I, for our visit.”

  “You don’t need to do that,” Arissa protested.

  “Really, Tim, it’s not necessary,” Jackson added.

  “Hush. It’s done. Oh crap, we’re going to eat the steaks. Arissa, go and order some more ask them to give you what Deyon usually gets so she can have some for herself.” Tim made a shooing motion.

  Arissa returned to the counter.

  “Back again.” Carl teased.

  “Yes. Give me what Deyon usually orders.”

  “Everything?” Carl asked.
/>   “No—”

  “Yes, whatever is her standing order,” Tim said behind her.

  Arissa glared at him. “I thought you were checking out.”

  “Jackson is unloading the carts. I knew you wouldn’t do as I say. Don’t let her change the order, Carl.”

  “Will do, Tim,” Carl said.

  Arissa rolled her eyes. Tim, as usual, had charmed everyone he met. He and Carl were already buddy-buddy. Tim put his hand around her waist, hugging her against him.

  “Arissa,” someone with a deep voice said.

  “Deiter?” Shocked, Arissa turned to face the owner of the voice. Cold blue-grey eyes stared at her from beneath dark blondish-brown lashes.

  Chapter Six

  Deiter’s glance dropped to Tim’s hand on her waist. Then raised back to her eyes.

  “I’ll meet you up front,” Tim said.

  Arissa didn’t take her gaze away from his. Deiter crowded her. Instinctively, she stepped back as he came closer. She took a few steps before she realised what she was doing and she stood her ground. Deiter still looked as good as he had when she’d first seen him. His six feet two inches of well-muscled maleness set her pulse racing. His skin was more deeply tanned while those blue-grey eyes seemed to miss nothing. They were locked on her. His blondish-brown hair was slightly longer. The white shirt, which hugged his chest, was open at the column of his neck. A neck she wanted to bury her nose in and just inhale the scent that still haunted her.

  He left and never contacted you.

  At the thought, Arissa stiffened. Deiter didn’t stop. He came to her and took her arm pulling her into one of the aisles. Arissa let him, since she didn’t want her business all over McKingley. Given Deiter’s familiarity with her, she already knew there would be speculation over who he was. She could do nothing about that, but she wouldn’t give any more to fuel the gossip. Once they were out of view of Carl, she jerked away and stepped back from him.

  “What are you doing here with him?” Deiter asked, his tone clipped.

  Arissa stared at him in disbelief. “Is that all you have to say to me?”

  “Answer me,” Deiter snapped.

  Arissa didn’t even bother to reply. She turned and walked away. Deiter grabbed her. Not even thinking, she gripped his arm and flipped him. He went down with a loud thump. Arissa put her hand over her mouth. Deiter looked stunned.

  She dropped to her knees and said, “Oh my God. Sorry. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Answer my question.”

  Arissa sat back. “You know what, I was going to help you up but now you can get your damn self up.”

  She went to stand. Deiter reached for her again.

  “Don’t touch me,” she warned.

  She could see Deiter weighing the odds about touching her. Arissa stood and left him on the floor. She stopped by Carl, got the order then went to the registers. Absently, she noticed only Jackson was at the counter. The cashier continued ringing out. Arissa wrapped her arms over her chest.

  What the hell is Deiter doing in McKingley?

  From his prone position, Deiter watched Arissa leave. Seeing her again so suddenly was startling. His first reaction had been joy. He’d been trying to find her in Chicago but had had no luck. Noticing who was with her, all rational thought had fled from his mind. It seemed as though this Tim had wormed his way close to her.

  What are they doing in McKingley together? They had looked really familiar. An ache filled his chest. Here he had been thinking what they had was so special, and Arissa had already moved on. Deiter moved to stand.

  “You really deserved that.”

  “Fuck off, Tim,” Deiter said.

  “Shut up you asswipe. I’m about to help you. Come by for a barbecue here in two hours. Get your explanation for leaving and apology for not getting in touch ready for Arissa,” Tim said.

  A piece of paper dropped on his chest. Deiter picked it up. It was an address. Footsteps passed him. Deiter glanced at Tim’s retreating figure.

  “Why are you helping me?”

  “That’s what friends do. Just like they kill people who hurt their friend again,” Tim said.

  He’d delivered the threat so subtly it wasn’t until he had disappeared from view that Deiter realised what he had said. Tucking the paper in his shirt pocket, Deiter sat.

  “You seem to be making friends. How’d the hell did he get the drop on you?” Tarak asked.

  Deiter stood before answering, “He didn’t. She did.”

  “Hell, a man knocking you on your ass is bad enough. You let a woman get the jump on you?” Tarak’s disbelief was clear.

  Deiter knew the reasons were not that a woman had, but that anyone had. Tarak had taught him to fight. And fight dirty if he needed to. Tarak was a perfectionist and demanded the best.

  “Arissa—”

  Tarak interrupted, “Arissa. You finally found her?”

  “More like she found me.” Deiter stared off in the direction she had gone.

  “What’s she doing in McKingley?” Tarak asked.

  “I have no clue. But we’ll find out in two hours. We’re going to a barbecue,” Deiter said.

  “We are?”

  “Yes. I don’t know all the areas of McKingley well enough yet so I need you to drive. Come on, let’s get the shopping done so we can get out there,” Deiter said.

  “Okay,” Tarak agreed.

  Deiter looked at him sharply. That had been too easy. He’d at least expected some type of resistance. Since they had arrived in McKingley over two months ago, except for getting groceries, Tarak hadn’t left the house much.

  “What, I want to see this mysterious woman who messed with your head.” Tarak shrugged.

  “Humph. Nosy is more like it,” Deiter said.

  Tarak smirked as he pushed their cart. He had done away with the cane. He still, and would always, have a slight limp but it was much better. Deiter followed him, barely paying attention as he shopped. They only had time to drop off their groceries before they were on their way.

  “Here’s the address.” Deiter handed Tarak the paper.

  Tarak took it then laughed.

  “What? You do know where it is?” Deiter asked.

  “Oh, I know where it is.”

  Tarak had a grin on his face that made him uneasy. Tarak said nothing further as he started to drive. He took a direction Deiter hadn’t been before. The sight of the beautiful landscape didn’t fill him with awe as it usually did. All his thoughts were on Arissa. Deiter sat straighter as they turned onto a road and a gate came into view. There were pillars, which led into red-clay adobe style walls. Periodically, there were designs in the walls made of stone and glass pieces creating a mosaic. They drove between the pillars and the estate came into view. It was magnificent—there was no other word for it.

  The walls had to be enclosing at least a few acres of land surrounding the massive house in the centre. The house was made in the usual adobe style with all the typical New Mexico flare, yet it seemed to be two floors. A little way away from the house, to the right, there was a smaller yet still generous sized house, a scaled down version of the main house. The road they drove on was smooth, hard-packed dirt—leaving that natural feel. Once they were close enough to the house, he noted the path to the door had the same smoothness, but on either side there was a rock garden with pea gravel and small shrubs throughout. It was welcoming and warm.

  “You getting out or are we just going to sit here?”

  Deiter was startled by Tarak’s question, realising that they had parked. He wondered who Arissa and Tim were staying with. He got out and waited for Tarak to join him before they both walked to the door. It opened before they reached it.

  The woman standing there was beautiful. She studied him with an intensity that made him wonder what she knew about him. The woman shifted her gaze from his then a wide smile curled full lips.

  “Tarak, I was wondering when you would come by.”

  “Deyon, it’s g
ood to see you, sexy,” Tarak said with a teasing Deiter hadn’t heard in a long time.

  Deiter recognised the name as the woman Arissa had mentioned who’d been supposed to come on the cruise with her. He looked at Tarak sharply, since he hadn’t known he knew her. Tarak smirked at him then stepped forward, hugging the woman. She laughed delightedly, a musical sound. Tarak’s voice clearly came to him.

  “Be gentle with my friend. He’s a good guy.”

  “For you I’ll give him a chance. At least until Arissa tells me to kick him out. You know your way to the back come on back when he works up the courage,” Deyon replied.

  She glared at him then sauntered away.

  “Why didn’t you say you knew where we were going?” Deiter raised an eyebrow.

  “It was more fun watching you act all anxious,” Tarak said.

  “You don’t have to say that with such glee.” Deiter glared.

  “Oh, you haven’t seen my glee. I could have told you months ago who Arissa was.” Tarak said.

  “Why didn’t you?” Deiter demanded.

  “Because you, Mister Obsessed, didn’t in all the times you talked about her. You never once mentioned her full name,” Tarak said calmly.

  “I did.” Deiter frowned.

  “You didn’t.”

  Deiter frowned and thought about it. “Fuck. I didn’t. Christ.”

  “Arissa seems to turn you into a potty mouth. She tends to have the effect on people. Hell, most of her family does.”

  “How do you know so much about her?”

  Tarak smiled slowly. “You remember my buddy Leo who came by.”

  Deiter nodded, remembering the whipcord thin man Tarak had introduced him to. Leo was the sheriff and from what Tarak had said, they’d grown up together. They had got into some major mischief along with the rest of the Leo’s family. The other thing that Tarak had mentioned was that Leo’s family was well known as they were descendants of the founders of McKingley. Leo’s family along with the McKingley’s—the family the town was named after—had jointly founded the town. That the families were founders had nothing to do with why the majority of the family were so well respected. The respect was from the fact most of both families were in professions dedicated to helping people. Deiter hadn’t stayed long after meeting him since he’d had to finalise some things.