Southern Exposure (Southern Desires Series Book 2)

by Jeannette Winters

“I can tell you one thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You’re a much better lover than pool player.”

  Hannah burst out laughing and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Should I show you what other sports I’m not good at?”

  He kissed her again and said, “Maybe we can discuss it in my hotel room?”

  He lifted her off the table and helped her get her clothes situated.

  “I’m not sure I can go out there. What will people think?”

  “That their pool game sucks compared to ours,” Mark said as he took her hand in his and led the way out, his shirt wide open leaving the evidence of their wild time together still scattered all over the floor.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Hannah woke the next morning with her legs tangled with Mark’s. It wasn’t a wild sexy dream after all. She almost wished it had been. That way she wouldn’t need to face her cousin and friend after Mark and she christened the pool table. Honeywell was like her hometown—small—which meant people talked. At least, I don’t live here, so what do I care?

  The problem was she did. She’d never acted so boldly or recklessly. Mark said the door was locked, but they were in a public place. Sex in a public place was something you heard about, but never actually did. Yet, there she was, teasing him and practically throwing herself at him. If she drank, she could say it was the alcohol, but all it had been was an uncontrollable raw need like she’d never experienced before.

  That explains the first time, but what about the second and third time here in his hotel room? At what point do I stop making excuses and just admit it? I like this man, and I did exactly what I wanted to do for once in my life.

  Hannah let out a soft sigh. It felt good to stop worrying about everything. If she were back home, she’d never be as comfortable and free with Mark as she was here. It was neutral ground. It was one night. That’s all.

  The room was quiet, and she wanted to slip from the bed and back to her room before he woke. They spoke last night, but the words weren’t deep and meaningful. It was light and fun conversation. Neither having a past or a future to think about. All they had was that night. An awesome night I’ll never forget.

  She tried to pull her leg free from his gently.

  “Good morning.”

  Darn it. “Good morning. I didn’t want to wake you.”

  “You didn’t. I’ve been awake for hours.”

  “Don’t tell me that I snore, and you couldn’t sleep,” Hannah teased.

  He slid an arm under her waist and pulled her even closer to him. “No, but you talk in your sleep. Would you like me to tell you what you said?”

  Talk in my sleep? Since when? She was wracking her brain, trying to recall what she may have said. Had the nightmares that have haunted her come to life? It was the first night in weeks she hadn’t seen that ugly man’s face in her dreams. When she did sleep, the only face she saw was Mark’s. It was refreshing, amazing, and I want to dream like that every night.

  Should she tell him about the nightmares? He’d been so understanding and willing to listen to her in the past, maybe he’d do the same now? But what if I’m wrong? No. Not unless he asks me. Something like that would scare a man away. Hey I dream about a man hurting me in my sleep. Don’t worry, it’s not you. Nope. Not telling him anything.

  “I’m not sure I want to know.”

  “Scared?”

  She shook her head. “No. Well, maybe a little. Okay, tell me because it’s going to drive me crazy if you don’t.”

  “You said that if I were ice cream, you would put whipped cream all over me and lick me from head to toe.”

  She raised herself up on an elbow to look at him. Was he teasing her? Did she really say such a thing? Anything last night was possible. I was drunk on life.

  Reading his expression wasn’t easy. If she did say it, there was no taking it back now. All she could do was go with the flow. “I’m not sure I believe you. If I did say it, then tell me this, what flavor ice cream would you be?”

  Mark burst out laughing. “You win.” He rolled over so he now lay on top of her. “But I’m going to guess you’re a cherry vanilla type of girl.”

  She stared at him. How did he know so much about her? Did she really talk in her sleep last night? “How di—?”

  “You forget that Don and I are eating out of your refrigerator at home. It’s the only flavor in your freezer.”

  Okay, he’s not snooping; he’s just observant. Because if you guess what I keep in my panty drawer, beside panties, I am going to have to start using that lock you put on my bedroom door.

  Her phone rang, and she tried to reach for it. It was impossible with Mark’s weight on her. “It could be important.”

  Mark’s phone was vibrating on the nightstand at the same time. He rolled back off her and sat on the side of the bed facing away from her. She was going to make some funny joke, but she’d felt his body tense when it went off.

  He didn’t look at her as he got off the bed and went into the bathroom with his phone in hand. “Sorry, I need to take this.”

  She lay there watching as he walked away naked. What’s that all about? Laughing one minute, and all serious the next.

  Hannah reached for her cell and checked her missed call. The bank. You really know how to ruin a nice vacation. She saw the voice mail but hit delete without even listening to it. Whatever they wanted, they could call back and leave her another message just like they’d been doing for the past week. She had a calendar and knew the clock was ticking for them to foreclose on her home. Constant reminders from them wouldn’t change that.

  If you really want to help me, find a buyer. It was easier said than done. Obviously, the house needed so many repairs, and no one would pay what she owed, so putting it on the market was out of the question as well.

  The tension she’d thought she’d left in Savannah slowly returned. Proof that a person can’t run from their problems, as they always end up finding you. But that doesn’t mean we don’t try. And last night, I actually succeeded. Even if it was only for one night, it was wonderful. I wasn’t Hannah Entwistle whom the bill collectors wanted. I was Hannah Entwistle whom Mark Collins wanted.

  She looked toward the bathroom door that was still closed. Whoever it was, Mark needed his privacy, and she could respect that.

  Lying there quietly, her mind started thinking of all the people it could be. His sister or his friend, Don. Why would he get so darn tense for either of them? It couldn’t be them. She closed her eyes, thinking. He didn’t have a job, so she crossed that off the list too. Her eyes flew open, and she shot another look at the door. A girlfriend or wife would sure as hell make him tense.

  Throwing the sheet off her, she got out of bed and quickly put on her clothes. She couldn’t find her thong but at that moment, going commando was the least of her worries.

  I can’t believe it. He’s not available. Oh, God. I am not innocent here either. I never asked. I just assumed, and that is a stupid thing to do. Was that why he kept his distance initially? And here I was practically throwing myself at him.

  She pulled on her boots, slipped her phone in the back pocket of her shorts, and left his hotel room.

  Now he can have all the privacy he needs. As far as I’m concerned, last night was just a one-time occurrence. It’ll never happen again. How he decides to deal with it is his problem.

  As she walked down the stairs and past the front desk of the hotel, an older woman smiled at her, but Hannah had nothing in her to give back. Forcing pleasantries was more than she could handle. It was bad enough she was going to be face to face with Bailey in about two minutes. Nothing slipped by her, so it was going to be truth time. And it wasn’t going to be pretty either. How could I have been so stupid? How much of what he’s told me about himself, which now I think about it is next to nothing, was actually the truth? For all I know he’s not even homeless. Maybe he lives with her but travels for work? Why would he be so cruel? Couldn’t he
see I already have enough that I’m going through? Was that all a con when he held me the other day when I was crying? Was that some game to earn my trust so I wouldn’t ask questions? I’m such a fool. A damn fool.

  Embarrassment changed to anger as she wondered who else was in on this. Don was his best friend. There was no way he didn’t know what was going on, yet he chose to remain silent. Don’t be playing that same game with Bailey. She’s not one to mess with. Bailey won’t walk out quietly. She’ll raise hell, and you’d be sorry you ever crossed her. God, why can’t I be more like her?

  She crossed the street and walked to the Wild Sass. Hannah used the side door to go upstairs to Sissie’s apartment. She knew her cousin would be downstairs at the saloon at that time of day doing her inventory and bookkeeping. One thing about Sissie, she had a routine and stuck to it. Small blessing.

  Sure enough, Bailey was sitting at the table, sipping a cup of hot coffee. By the bags under her eyes, she’d been out very late last night herself.

  Maybe this isn’t the best time for a woman-to-woman talk. She’ll probably bite my head off for being so foolish. This conversation can wait till after our vacation. No need to ruin hers just because I’m miserable. But right now I need a shower to wash away . . . him.

  “Nice to see you remembered how to get back here.”

  “Very funny, Bailey. But somehow I don’t think you’re all that surprised I didn’t make it back last night. Any reason for that?”

  Bailey laughed and held her head. “I may have had a small part in the planning. Someone had to give you two a push.”

  Yeah, right off a cliff. Thanks, everyone. “So who knows what?”

  “Casey called Sissie, and then I stole your phone and grabbed Sissie’s number. Don called Casey after I had a long talk with him about you and Mark.”

  “Is there anyone who doesn’t know?”

  “Jack knows. Derrick knows. I think that is it. But then again, your cousin knows so the entire town might know.” Bailey laughed and once again held her head. “Stop making me laugh already. My head is killing me.”

  That explained the smile she received when she was leaving the hotel. This was so damn embarrassing. Everyone knew they were together, but did they know he’s not available? No, probably not, or they never would’ve partaken in it. These are good, sweet people. At least, they were when I was here as a kid. I can’t picture any of them allowing Mark to play me like that. We don’t do that in Savannah, and I don’t think they do it in Honeywell either.

  “You said Casey, his sister, knows?”

  “Yes.”

  That eliminated wife. Casey surely would’ve known if he was married. So we are talking about a girlfriend. He was so secretive with his conversation, she suspected either they were still together or trying to work things out. Either way, she wanted nothing to do with him.

  “Bailey, can I ask a huge favor?”

  Bailey rested her head on her folded arms on the table. “As long as you do it quietly, sure.”

  “Would you mind if we skipped the wedding tomorrow? I really am tired and would rather spend a night relaxing.”

  “Ask me tomorrow. Right now, I agree with you, but I think I’m Don’s date. I can’t remember. I have wet spaghetti for brains.”

  You might want to ask if he has a girlfriend too. I don’t want you getting hurt. Not if I can help it. “Okay. I’ll be in bed if anyone is looking for me.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not getting up to answer the door.” Bailey got up and walked to her bedroom.

  She’d never known Bailey to drink much. Was there something else going on that she hadn’t noticed? Damn. She reached out to me to come for a visit. I was so consumed with my own issues I never even asked what was going on in her life. What kind of friend am I? She goes through all this to get me some time alone with a man she thinks would be a good match, and I don’t even question her surprise arrival.

  Hannah walked to her room. Tomorrow I get my head out of my butt and get back to being the friend she deserves. But right now, I need a long hot shower, a good cry, and twenty-four hours of sleep.

  Mark hadn’t meant to leave Hannah alone for so long, but when he got the call he answered. It didn’t matter where or when, it was his duty.

  His first thought was Casey wasn’t going to get her dream wedding with the family by her side. Thankfully he had several days to organize things before heading out. That meant he could still make it back to Hannah’s house on Monday and ensure the repairs were complete and get that guy out before she ever returned. It would mean flying out right after the wedding. Casey would understand. She has to. I don’t normally get an advance warning like this. She’ll just have to be happy I am there when she ties the knot.

  When he returned to the bedroom, Hannah was gone. He was tempted to call her, but he had too much to get done. It was best she went and rested. He’d see her tomorrow at Casey’s wedding. She knows where to find me if she needs me. And I hope she does need me again because I need her. But right now I need to make sure she’ll be safe. I can’t risk worrying about her fucking with my head on a mission.

  He called his team in Savannah. It was time someone went in. Even though he trusted them to get in and get out unnoticed, he wished he was there. All they needed was a picture and/or a name. Having neither left them trying to trace his cell phone calls, which hadn’t been easy. The guy had too many, and they were burner phones, not easily traced unless you stayed on the phone long enough. This guy might be good, but I know we’re better. Get ready. We’re coming.

  He updated the men on the situation. Officially, no one knows what we’re doing, but my team works as one. On duty and off. All he could do was wait for the word. The next twenty-four hours would tell a lot.

  Putting his cell phone back on the nightstand, he lay down on the cool sheet. He could still smell Hannah’s sweet scent. If she hadn’t left, he would’ve spent the entire weekend making love to her. I have never shared my bed with anyone so responsive to my touch, my words. She’s the right combination of sugar and spice.

  Knowing the effect she had on him, he was glad she’d left. A mission was fast approaching. Although this one was supposed to be in and out, there was no room for errors. And a distraction, sweet as she may be, wasn’t something he could afford.

  I can’t bring her back to the hotel room. No matter how badly I want her, I can’t. Best I leave her with the memory of what we shared, instead of giving her false hope there could be anything more than one night. One fucking amazing night that I’ll never forget.

  Mark flipped open his laptop. Might as well work. That he could depend on. Work. Routine. Control. Success.

  But then it hit him hard.

  Work was all he had.

  All he was.

  He’d never yearned for more before. It was an unfamiliar feeling, and he didn’t like it one bit. It made him angry. What the hell, man?

  He was angry at Hannah. Why?

  He closed the laptop. She fucked with my head. Something I’ve been immune to all these years. That can’t happen. I serve the United States, not my hormones. Lust.

  No, it’s time for me to bring my walls back online. I don’t make the same mistake twice. And kissing her, making love to her was just that. A mistake.

  Chapter Fourteen

  She couldn’t believe Bailey agreed to suddenly change her plans again. She apparently wasn’t all that excited about a wedding either.

  “I have watched enough friends get married. I don’t need to watch people I don’t know. But I would’ve thought you’d want to be there because of Mark. It is his sister.”

  “Yeah, but like you, I don’t know Casey. I would prefer not going.”

  Bailey put the last few items into her suitcase. Then she sat on the bed and stared at Hannah. “I’m packed, but I’m not budging until you tell me what really happened last night.”

  Hannah was watching Bailey. “I love you dearly, but I don’t want to talk about it.” A
t least, not now. Not here.

  “And keeping things bottled up inside you is going to help how? Trust me. I know from personal experience.”

  Hannah noticed Bailey’s eyes were showing worry and pain. “You’re right. So let’s talk. You first. Why the sudden visit?”

  “Aren’t you happy to see me?” Bailey smiled, but Hannah knew it was a fake smile.

  “Always. You’re my best friend. But that means we lean on each other, not just one of us doing all the leaning. So tell me, Bailey, what’s going on? Guy trouble?”

  Bailey looked down and was very somber. Hannah’s heart started to race. In all the years they’d known each other, she had never seen her friend with this expression.

  This was no longer about Hannah standing her ground but about being a supportive friend. She joined Bailey on the bed, reached out, and grabbed her hand. “You’re not alone, Bailey. I’m right here. Please, whatever this is you can tell me; we’ll get through it together. You know how I jump to conclusions with the unknown. And it’s always better than I pictured. Now spill.”

  It wasn’t even close to the truth. Hannah usually downplayed things and found out later how wrong she was. Right now so many horrible things were going through her mind that there was no way it could be worse than she was picturing. God, don’t let it be.

  “I know, Hannah.”

  They sat quietly for a few minutes. Hannah wanted to give her all the time she needed.

  “I was doing my monthly breast exam, and I found a lump.”

  “Did you go and get it checked out? I know people sometimes get lumps from too much caffeine, maybe it’s from all that coffee you drink.” She tried to control her voice as not to show her own fears. Bailey needed her to be strong now.

  Bailey nodded. “I went for a mammogram and then they sent me for a sonogram.”

  “What did they say?” Hannah was holding her breath praying for good news. None came.

  “It’s abnormal. I need to go in for a biopsy.”

  Hannah’s heart sank. She wanted to pull Bailey into her arms and tell her everything was going to be okay. That it wasn’t cancer. It couldn’t be cancer.