Southern Exposure (Southern Desires Series Book 2)

by Jeannette Winters

  He took the card and slipped it into his wallet. He normally traveled by chopper when a mission arose, but it wasn’t a bad idea to have a backup plan. “Thanks.”

  “Still no name for the upstairs tenant?”

  “Nope. I tried to get it from Hannah, but boy, that woman can be tight-lipped when she wants to be.” Or maybe she doesn’t want to talk to me.

  “You need a new tactic,” Don suggested.

  “Mine has been working for years.”

  “This isn’t an interrogation of someone suspected of a crime. If you haven’t noticed, this is a sweet, innocent woman. I know this is going to be difficult for you, but you might want to try some humor or light conversation.”

  “What the hell, Don? You’re making it sound like I’m some caveman who’s never seen a woman before. I have plenty of experience.”

  “You’re missing the mark. I’m not talking about sex. I’m talking about how to pet them to get the information you want. How do you think I knew about their travel?”

  If you fucking tell me you were petting Hannah, I think I’m going to knock you on your ass.

  Don must’ve read his mind as he raised his hands in defense. “Bailey! I got the information from Bailey. Damn, man. You should know I’d never use my charm on your girl.”

  “Stop saying that.”

  Don looked puzzled. “Saying what?”

  “You keep referring to her as my girl. She is not now, nor will she ever be, my girl. I am there for one purpose only, and that’s to do the fucking repairs.”

  Don glared at him. “So you’re all pissed about something that doesn’t mean anything to you? Isn’t that a contradiction?”

  I know what the fuck it is. “You’ve known me almost all my life. In all that time have you ever seen me in a serious relationship?”

  After a minute Don shook his head.

  “That isn’t by mistake. I choose not to become involved. My profession means I could leave a woman a widow. I don’t want that.” Especially not Hannah. She’s already suffered enough loss. She doesn’t need to think about losing another person she loves. Hell, what am I thinking? I’m not the man she wants any more than I’m the right man for her.

  “I’m not buying that excuse. Tell me the truth: why are you still single?”

  Because I’ve never met anyone I wanted that much. So what? I’m incapable of love. It works out perfectly for my job. No entanglements. I come and go as I please with no one to tell me no. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  “Probably the same reason you’re single, Don. No woman would put up with either of us. Stubborn bastards to the core.”

  Don laughed. “Oh, I think you’d fall if the right woman came along.”

  “Okay, but you first. Remember, we never leave a man behind,” Mark joked. Don joked about remaining single until the day he died, but Mark knew it was just a matter of time before he turned a new leaf and settled down. When they were young, Don talked about the type of woman he was going to marry. He even said he was going to have six children. Turning forty in a few years, buddy. I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Don would be a good husband and father. However, those were two things he never thought about for himself. He was in a routine that would be nearly impossible to change. Damn. I’m thirty-eight. This old dog isn’t about to change now.

  “Well, if that’s the case, I think we should head over to the saloon and see if I can get a jump on it.”

  Mark knew Sissie. She wasn’t a bad person, just too damn upbeat for him. There was no way he was going to be able to walk into that bar without her coming up and hugging him. He’d never been the hugging type, but Sissie wasn’t the type of person to care. I could warn Don, but that would take all the fun out of it.

  “To the Wild Sass it is.”

  As soon as they exited the hotel, heat slammed them in the face. “Damn it. How can people do this every day?”

  “You’re getting soft. Can’t do a five-minute walk without your AC?”

  “Just because I enjoy living the good life doesn’t mean I’m incapable of roughing it. Or are you forgetting who you left upstairs in that apartment for hours while you handled other business?”

  Even Mark found the cool air refreshing as they entered the bar. He quickly scanned the room but didn’t see Sissie. Maybe she’s out. This might be our lucky day. Mark had been there several times on his last visit. She had never left the place.

  “Let’s sit at the bar.”

  He was there but had no intention to get comfortable. He had too much on his mind. Like what is Hannah doing right now? Why didn’t she tell me she was going away? Did she think I wouldn’t miss her? She’d be right, but weirdly, also wrong.

  Normally there was at least one person behind the bar. The bar was far from empty, so there should have been a waitress around somewhere.

  “This is a bar where we can get a drink, right?”

  Don apparently felt the same. The service was lacking. He wasn’t an expert on how she ran her business, but this surprised him. “We can try the diner. No alcohol, but the food is good.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Both he and Don got up from their seats and were just about to head out the door when that high-pitched voiced echoed through the room. “Mark Collins, don’t you dare try sneakin’ outta here without givin’ me a hug.”

  I was so close. Turning he said, “Wouldn’t think of it, Sissie.”

  “Oo la la. Who do you have here with you?” She walked over and put her hand on Don’s bicep.

  Mark stood back and grinned. As she lifted her arms and pulled him in for a hug, Don gave Mark a payback is a bitch look.

  “Y’all don’t look like brothers.”

  “No, ma’am. Just a friend.”

  “From Buffalo too?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Sissie shook her head. “You two are so darn fine lookin’ I’d think you’re Texans who wandered too far north. What’s your name?”

  “Don Farrell. And you must be Sissie. My friend Mark wasn’t able to stop talking about you the entire flight over. I think he missed you.”

  Mark shook his head at Don. I’ll fucking get you for that.

  Sissie ate it up like candy as she winked at Mark then linked her arms in each of theirs and said, “Well, you two are coming into the back with me. Me and my gals are shootin’ some pool. They’re pretty good, and I need y’all to come and distract them a bit, so I have a chance to win.”

  “Can I get a beer with the game?” Don asked Sissie.

  “I tell you what. Y’all go down that hall and at the end there’s a private pool room. I’ll bring you each a cold one on the house.” She was off toward the bar.

  “Welcome to the Wild Sass. I hope you know what you just did by agreeing to play whoever is in the back. It’s probably some of her friends, who by the way, are just as . . . effusive as Sissie,” Mark said as he headed to the pool room.

  He opened the door and waved Don to enter then he followed. There was a woman with her back to them wearing a pair of short shorts, cowboy boots, her T-shirt tied around her waist. She was about to take her shot, so he stood quietly. She leaned over, so her upper body practically touched the table. Her fine ass was all he could see from where he stood.

  Fuck. This woman reminds me of Hannah. Thinking of her, his cock started throbbing. He tried to concentrate on anything but the fine view he had. Mark heard Don speak very softly to someone behind him then the sound of the door closing. He was tempted to look over his shoulder, but Mark couldn’t pull his eyes off her. He tried to focus on the pool stick she held, but he could only picture her slender fingers wrapped around his cock, stroking him. And for some weird reason, probably because I had just been thinking about missing Hannah, I feel guilty. As if I’m cheating on her. Ridiculous.

  As she pulled the pool stick back, her shorts rode up even higher. God, you’re killing me. If this woman didn’t take the shot soon, he was going to come right up behind her a
nd take one himself. There was no way she didn’t know how enticing she was in that position.

  When she took her shot, the ball flew off the table and onto the floor. He heard her moan in defeat as she laid her face on the table.

  “Really? There must be a better use for this table than for me to knock balls around.”

  Hannah! Even though her voice was muffled as she spoke, he’d know it anywhere. For that matter, I should’ve recognized that ass. Perfect.

  He watched her as she slowly stood upright, pulled her cowboy hat off, and shook her lovely blonde locks loose so they floated to her shoulders. When she turned around, she had a sweet smile he’d become accustomed to. Unfortunately it faded quickly when she saw him standing there. Shocked or disappointed?

  Hannah looked around the room and asked, “Where’s Bailey?”

  “Don’t know. Don’t care.” He had no idea how he would’ve missed seeing Bailey in the room. He was so fixated on her beautiful ass; the rest of the room didn’t matter. He was in Honeywell, where crime was a parking ticket.

  “What are you doing here, Mark? Are you following me?” she asked, planting a hand on her hip.

  That sounds like something I’d do, but no. Not this time.

  “I was invited.”

  “You mean Sissie invited you?”

  He shook his head. “My sister is getting married Saturday to—”

  “Derrick Nash.”

  Small world. “You know Derrick?”

  Hannah shook her head. “No. Sissie called and said her friend Casey invited me. I’m invited because I’m Sissie’s family. She said that’s the way they do it here.”

  Oh, Casey. You’re good. Too good. I didn’t see this coming. I’ll not underestimate you again. Mark knew it was a small wedding for immediate family only with an exception of a few close friends. This is why Casey stopped hounding him. She was making the arrangements on the other side. I have a feeling this took more than just Casey and Sissie to orchestrate. Don, you and I are going to have a chat when I see you. But for now, I’m going to enjoy this sweet angel who keeps appearing in front of me.

  It was apparent she was as blindsided by this setup as he was. However, she still seemed puzzled. Does she think this is a coincidence? Because, I don’t believe in them. And knowing the people involved, I know it’s not one.

  Softly he said, “You don’t look as happy to see me as I am to see you.” That wasn’t totally true. Her words weren’t warm, but he could see her nipples harden beneath her shirt.

  Hannah laughed. “I can see how happy you are.” She was blushing, and he caught her meaning.

  You’re playing with fire, sweetheart. Mark stepped closer to her. Dare me to touch you. I’ll fuck you right here on the pool table.

  He was only inches away from her, and she leaned back against the edge of the table looking up at him. “Don’t you want me happy to see you?”

  Hannah’s eyes turned dark green, and her voice was barely a whisper. “Yes, I do.”

  Mark put his hands on her waist and lifted her, so she sat on the pool table as he stepped closer, positioning himself between her bare legs. “Is this happy enough?” His hard cock was pressed against her intimately. He needed her so badly he was in physical pain. A woman had never gotten him to this point.

  Hannah looked around him as though she saw someone.

  “What’s the matter?”

  She looked up at him. “Anyone could come in.”

  Begrudgingly, Mark turned, took three long steps to the door, flicked the lock, and was back between his girl’s legs within six seconds.

  “The door is locked. We’re all alone, Hannah.

  “Mark, we can’t.”

  He reached up and touched her cheek with the back of his hand, then came down across her jaw. His thumb traced her bottom lip. “We can, but only if you want me.”

  Mark felt her tense and thought she was going to pull away. As always, she blew his mind. Her mouth opened, and her tongue came out and wrapped around his thumb. Her eyes fixed on his as she sucked his thumb into her mouth, closing her lips around it. He thought he was going to explode in his jeans. Fuck I want her so bad.

  “Hannah.” His voice was husky with need. He could only voice her name. The little control he had was quickly slipping away as she teased him with what he wanted.

  He closed his eyes and pulled his thumb from her mouth, but before she could object, he replaced it with his lips hungrily taking hers. His tongue entered her mouth twisting around hers. When he pulled back, she bit his bottom lip gently, drawing him back to her.

  Mark needed to feel her, taste her. He didn’t care if the sheriff himself broke down that door; nothing was going to stop him now. She wanted him, yearned for him, and he was going to give her what she was begging for. There was nothing except their raw desire for each other.

  As his kisses deepened and his tongue filled her mouth, she melted against him, her hands grabbing at his chest. His muscles tightened as her fingernails raked over his pecs. It felt so good to have her back in his arms. He shouldn’t have waited this long. Why resist what we both want? What we both need?

  Hannah wasn’t holding back either. Her tongue darted against his and she moaned his name into his mouth.

  He pulled away slightly. “Baby, you need to stop now. You’re amazing, but my restraint is running thin. You better tell me now if you want me to stop. Otherwise, I’m going to take you right here, right now.” He trailed kisses down her neck as he spoke. Mark offered her the out, but he didn’t want her to take it.

  Her only response was to pull his head closer to her neck and lower to her chest. Damn, sweetheart. You’ve got me on fire.

  His hands reached out and lifted her T-shirt. They only broke contact long enough to lift it over her head. She was unbuttoning his shirt, but her fingers trembled and she wasn’t going fast enough for him. He brushed her hands away, gripped the shirt and ripped it open. The sound of buttons flying in all directions could be heard. He’d never had such little patience before, but with Hannah, his need was great and his control limited.

  Hannah’s hands instantly roamed over his bare flesh. Every place she touched tingled. She wanted to take control, to please him, but Mark wasn’t going to let her give without receiving first.

  He removed his shirt and laid it on the table behind her. Then he pushed her gently back so she now lay on the shirt. Her hips were high and planted perfectly in front of him.

  She reached for him, but he ignored her delicate hands. He removed her cowboy boots and tossed them aside then unbuttoned her shorts and slipped them down her hips then her legs. She was wearing a sheer red thong with little black hearts on it. Oh. Fuck. She’s so fucking sexy. Need to be inside her. Desperately . . . but she needs to be satisfied first.

  He could feel heat coming from her. He slipped the fabric to the side and traced a finger over her wet folds. Slow and gentle. But his body wanted it hot and fast.

  Mark slipped a finger inside her, and she clenched around it. His cock was begging to be released and deep inside her, feeling her grip him as he rode her.

  Her body was already on fire, and she arched her hips to him. “Please, Mark.”

  “Sweetheart, I want you to enjoy it.”

  She moaned again as he added a second finger inside her. “Mark.”

  His fingers entered her faster and deeper. Her moans were now cries of pleasure echoing through the room. Mark circled her clit with his thumb as his rhythm increased.

  “Hannah,” he moaned her name as pleasing her was pleasing him.

  Her body obeyed and tensed, her legs shaking as her climax took control. Her head turned from side to side, her back arched high, and her fingers gripped his shirt.

  Her breathing was ragged as she spoke. “Mark, I need you. I want you inside of me now. I can’t—”

  With one hand Mark removed her thong, then unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans and let them drop to his feet. This was not how he would’ve pictur
ed being with her, but damn it was fucking hot. She’s fucking hot. A lady in the streets but a freak in the sheets. Love it.

  He bent down and pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. He flipped it open and thankfully found the foil packet. Sheathing himself, he stood between her legs.

  She wasn’t holding back. Her eyes were like her fingers earlier, raking over his body. Taking the head of his cock, he stroked her wet folds and slowly eased himself inside. He let her adjust to his size, not wanting to hurt her.

  Hannah brought her legs up and wrapped them around his hips, taking him deeper. He let out a deep growl, and in one swift move he filled her.

  She cried out, “Mark, oh, God. Yes, that feels good.” She arched her back, bringing herself even closer to him. He gripped her hips and pulled her to him as entered her. He tried to go slow, but she urged him to increase the rhythm. His own need took over. He entered her hard and fast, holding her off the table to not hurt her.

  With each thrust, she begged for more. He gave it to her. She was wet and hot, and his cock was throbbing for release. He held back, wanting her to come again, but with him this time.

  “God, Hannah. You feel so damn good,” Mark’s husky voice whispered.

  “Mark, you’re driving me wild. I can’t hold back any longer.”

  “Yes, baby, let go.”

  He could feel her body clench around him, pulsing, wave after endless wave. When one stopped, another began. She cried out his name over and over. Only then did he allow his own body to let go.

  He had never released so powerfully. As his cock pulsed, her body continued to stroke him tightly. He heard himself calling out her name until his body was sated. He collapsed onto her. They were both holding each other, not wanting to let go.

  Mark finally lifted himself and kissed her gently asking, “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  She shook her head. “I can’t believe we did this here. In my cousin’s billiard room.”

  He looked at her, and she was blushing. Mark didn’t want her to feel any regret. What they’d shared was amazing. Would it always be that incredible between them? How was that possible?