Sweet Southern Bad Boy

by Michele Summers

  “Oh ho. You are most definitely wearing these. With this.” In his other hand he held a deep coral crocheted dress with scalloped hem and illusion sleeves. The scoop neckline revealed more than Katie felt comfortable with. “This one is a winner.” Vance’s smile was pure sin wrapped in desire, and Katie felt a pang of longing squeeze her heart. After all she’d revealed to him…he saw her as someone vital and attractive, who would actually wear a sexy outfit to catch a man’s eye. But Katie didn’t want just any man. She wanted Pirate Man.

  “Vance.” She sighed. “You’re the best thing to happen to me and my ego in a very long, long time, but—”

  “No buts. Let’s stick with I’m the best thing. It works for me.” A smile twitched around her lips. Vance dropped the clothes in a heap on the carpet and crowded next to her on the bench. “Thursday night there’s a book signing in Raleigh. I want you to come. We’ll have dinner afterwards. A real date.” The color of doubt must’ve clouded her eyes, because he cupped her chin in his big hand. “No more hiding. It’s time you started living your life…for you. No one else. Not me. Not your dad, and certainly not Tad Pole.”

  If only. An unwanted tear slid down her cheek. “I don’t have a life,” she whispered.

  “Well, honey, that’s all about to change.” Vance leaned down, careful not to spill the coffee she held, and gave her a heart-warming, body-humming kiss. Full of promise and hope. She melted into him. Her free hand clutched his shoulder, never wanting to let go.

  “Sealed with a kiss,” he murmured against her lips. “Thursday night. You, me, and that kick-ass dress.”

  Katie arched a brow. “Now you’re pushing it. The jury’s still out on the dress—”

  “The jury has rendered a verdict. The defendant will wear the dress as ordered.” He kissed her again. This one hard and insistent. Katie brushed his cheek, loving the feel of his morning stubble against her palm. If he asked her to wear nothing but a thong and two pasties she’d do it. Suddenly, his tongue no longer tangled with hers, and Vance pulled back. Katie blinked. “Kids are up.”

  Something crashed down the stairs, and her eyes widened. “What could that be?” she asked.

  Vance stood. “I’ll check it out. Finish your coffee, and then meet me in the kitchen.”

  Katie relaxed, knowing he could handle the kids with no problem. Besides, she had a lot of thinking to do, along with heavy sighing and swooning. She was going on her first real date in a very long time.

  Vance reached the door and turned back. “And, Kat…wear the sexy bra and panties under the dress…or nothing at all. I’m flexible.” He winked.

  Katie swallowed a groan and maybe part of her tongue. Make that her first date with a very dangerous pirate.

  Chapter 15

  Katie was glad for the few moments of peace that morning to enjoy her coffee, because the bedlam that followed with making lunches, hunting for lost tennis shoes, cleaning up spilled yogurt, and dressing three kids for school chased the calm right off the property and into another county.

  After rushing Danny inside her preschool classroom before the ringing of the bell, Katie heaved herself up behind the wheel of Vance’s truck and caught her breath. Her cell chirped, and she hesitated, not wanting to go another round with Tad. Curiosity won out, and she picked up her phone.

  Meet us @ Daily Grind 4 coffee. Lucy & Bertie.

  A small thrill coursed through her. Ok. C u in 5.

  Katie smiled and put the truck in gear. She could use some “girl time,” and more important, time away from Vance. He needed to write, and she needed to think. He made chucking responsibilities seem as easy as stumbling upon celebrity handprints on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  Lucy and Bertie had already ordered their coffees when Katie pushed through the entrance.

  “Hey there. What would you like?” Lucy asked, standing next to the order counter.

  “Skinny latte would be perfect. Thanks for inviting me.”

  “Earl, meet Katie from California,” Lucy said to the guy behind the counter, who wore a brown-and-white-striped apron and goofy grin.

  “How you doing, Katie? How ’bout a muffin or bagel to go with your coffee?” At the mention of food, Katie’s stomach rumbled.

  “Muffin, please.” Katie reached for her wallet, but Bertie tugged on her arm, stopping her.

  “Come. Sit here. Coffee’s on Lucy and me.”

  Katie sat at a round bistro table in front of the window and next to the chip rack. “You Southerners make it hard for someone to pay their own way.”

  Bertie sipped her coffee and smiled. “Only if we like you…if not, then watch out for a good ol’ Southern butt-whupping.”

  Lucy laughed, handing Katie her coffee and blueberry muffin, and sat in the vacant chair next to her. “We’re also known for our good ol’ cookouts. You’re coming with Vance Friday night, right?”

  “Sure! You’ll meet a few more of our close friends; it’ll be fun,” Bertie said, green eyes sparkling.

  Katie straightened in her seat, trying to swallow the bite of muffin swelling in her mouth. She’d almost forgotten about the cookout, because Vance had never mentioned it. Maybe he didn’t want her going. These were his friends, and she was merely…what? His kissing buddy? His little fling on the side? Another piece of a— Katie didn’t finish the thought. She stopped her mind from wandering down the well-worn path of self-doubt.

  “Brogan’s supplying organic Angus beef for the burgers, and I’m making brownies for dessert.” Lucy watched Katie with her intense gray eyes.

  “The guys will provide the keg and other drinks. I’m bringing homemade rolls and baked beans from the Dog. We’ll have plenty of food and drinks to go around,” Bertie added.

  Sounded delicious, and Katie didn’t want to show up empty-handed. “I’ll make a salad…if I go, that is,” she said, not wanting to appear presumptuous.

  “Wonderful. Of course you’re going. Vance wouldn’t dare come without you.” Bertie scooted her chair back.

  “Yeah. Brogan’s already told him not to bother showing up unless he brings you.”

  Great. Nothing like being the pity date. Third wheeling it. Awkward wallflower. Katie gave a jerk with her head. Pushing those thoughts away, she replaced them with Vance’s intense eyes, strong arms, talented lips, and the date he’d made with her for Thursday night. Suddenly, she didn’t feel like an afterthought. Vance Kerner had been protective, supportive, and understanding. And he’d not only told her he desired her, but he’d showed her as well. By removing ugly, unwanted thoughts from her mind and focusing on Vance, she started to feel unburdened. Free. Baby steps. But they were steps in the right direction.

  “You okay?” Lucy asked, giving her another strange look.

  Katie smiled, lifting her chin. “Never been better.”

  Bertie clapped her hands. “It’s a beautiful morning. Let’s take a walk.”

  Katie nodded, her head buzzing. “I’d like that.” They gathered their coffees, said good-bye to Earl, and stepped out onto Main Street. Lucy gave a quick wave to some women entering BetterBites across the street. Katie followed Bertie as she wandered off the sidewalk toward the white Victorian gazebo at the center of the town commons. Pots of colorful flowers decorated the steps, and park benches surrounded the green space. A separate building off to the right served as the community center, and a smaller building flanked it on the left. If Katie hadn’t known better, she’d think she was on one of the McKnight Studios sets.

  “This is so picturesque. Who maintains the flowers?” Katie asked, wishing she’d brought her Nikon along.

  Bertie climbed the stairs to the gazebo and leaned against a column. “The Harmony Huggers maintain all the potted flowers. We hold lots of events and festivals on the grounds. As Keith used to say, it’s a regular Mayberry around here.”

  “What is that building used f
or?” Katie gestured to the low structure next to the community center.

  “Used to be an art park for kids, but the family who ran it moved away a couple of years ago, and it’s been sitting empty since,” Lucy said, skipping up the gazebo steps.

  “Yeah, Keith’s been pushing to find another business to lease the space. He thinks it’ll become an eyesore if it sits vacant for too long.”

  “Is Keith into real estate now?” Katie asked. She knew he didn’t play professional tennis anymore, but she thought he was still involved with his tennis academy.

  “Not really. But he’s been a big proponent of revitalizing Harmony.”

  “He’s the one who convinced Brogan to open BetterBites here.”

  “According to Keith, a vital downtown is the sign of a healthy economy. And in order for his tennis academy to survive, Harmony and the surrounding areas need to thrive,” Bertie said.

  “It would be great if we had something for kids again. I’d love a place to bring Charlotte after preschool, where she could play and tumble or create something.” Lucy finished her coffee and tossed the cup in one of the camouflaged recycle bins.

  “Don’t you have programs at your library?” Katie asked, dumping her empty cup after Lucy’s.

  “Yes. But the space is very limited. There needs to be some place more hands-on, where the kids can make noise and burn energy. The Jaycee community park is great, but they cater more to older kids, and the nearest Gymboree is twenty minutes away in Raleigh.”

  Katie wandered over and pressed her face to the glass front, cupping her hands to the sides of her face to block the sun’s glare. The space was empty, with the exception of a few built-in bookcases lining one wall. Leftover plastic kiddie chairs and stranded balls sat in the middle of the room. But Katie saw way more than that. She saw potential. With a little bit of paint, creative design from the set department, and the right equipment, it could be a thriving space for a great after-school program. She could picture Donald, Dover, and Danny going from station to station, learning different skills and having fun. There was room for tumbling and hands-on activities.

  Bertie and Lucy stood behind her. “Kids could ride bikes and scooters around the commons and make creative art projects. It’s a great location for something like that,” Lucy said.

  “We need to encourage a franchise, like Gymboree, to consider this space. Luce, this calls for a campaign,” Bertie said. “Lucy is a marketing genius. She single-handedly turned BetterBites around in less than two weeks and has been instrumental in helping Keith with the tennis academy. Katie, if you need a good marketer, she’s the one to call.” Bertie hugged Lucy around the neck.

  Katie gave a slow nod, her mind reeling with possibilities. “Before you launch a massive campaign, check with me first. I might be interested in the space.”

  “What?” they chorused together, exchanging looks of shock.

  Bertie hooked her arm through Katie’s and pulled her to one of the park benches. “Miss California Girl, what is going on behind those pretty brown eyes of yours? Are you seriously thinking about staying in Harmony?”

  Lucy and Bertie crowded next to Katie on the bench, looking like eager puppies waiting for their ration of Kibbles ’n Bits. Katie gave a small laugh. “If you could see your faces. Your tongues are hanging out. You two are dying for the latest gossip.”

  “Damn straight.” Lucy rubbed her hands together. “Spill it. Or we have ways of making you talk.”

  “Does this involve a certain tortured but oh-so-gorgeous author we all know and love?” Bertie batted her eyelashes at Katie.

  Katie laughed. “Now your true colors are showing. Here I’m thinking you’re the sweetest Southern belles, when you’re really ruthless piranhas.”

  “You ever see the movie Steel Magnolias?” Katie nodded at Bertie’s question. “That movie could’ve been made right here in Harmony. Don’t be messing with us, girlfriend.”

  “We want details. Juicy details,” Lucy added, nudging Katie’s side.

  Katie shook her head. “You’re going to be sorely disappointed. I’ve got no juicy tidbits to share.”

  “Liar. Your face is beet-red. Just tell us if he kisses as smokin’ hot as he looks.”

  Katie’s lips twitched, trying to hide her smile. “You’re both as bad as my friend Inslee back home. She’s been hounding me with the same questions.”

  “I like her already. Hope we meet someday,” Lucy added. “Now quit stalling, because we aren’t letting you go until we know how Mr. Badass Vance kisses.”

  Katie threw up her hands in surrender. “Like you would expect. Amazing. He takes kissing to a whole new level—”

  “I knew it!”

  “Of course. We all did. It’s not like he hasn’t had tons of experience. Sorry,” Bertie said, patting Katie’s arm. “But that’s all in the past, because Vance has been pierced by Cupid’s arrow, and it appears he’s convincing you to stay. Am I right?”

  Flustered by Bertie’s assessment, Katie didn’t want them to get the wrong idea, or heaven forbid, start spreading more false rumors. “Not exactly. I mean, Vance is wonderful, but please, there’s nothing going on between us except…” Uncontrollable lust? How should she put this?

  “Sex?” Lucy said matter-of-factly.

  “No. No. We haven’t…it’s complicated.”

  Bertie and Lucy exchanged knowing looks, which only added to Katie’s uncertainty. “What?”

  Bertie smoothed her hand over her designer jeans. “Katie, if Vance only saw you as his next fling or one-night stand…you would’ve had sex by now. From what I’ve heard…he’s that persuasive. But since you two haven’t…you know…that proves he’s fallen hard. This is new territory for him, I assure you.”

  Katie gulped. Could she and Vance be feeling exactly the same? Katie didn’t know who or what to believe. “The thing is…I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. Not to bore you with the details, but I might be making some changes with my career, and—”

  “And you and Vance are getting married and will live happily ever after,” Lucy practically shouted.

  “No! Please.” Katie pressed her fingers to her temples and rubbed. If Vance got wind of this conversation…Katie cringed. A guy spent some quality time with her, stole a few kisses, and she announced to the world they’re getting married. This would be more harmful than the porn rumors. This called for serious damage control. “Vance has been kind and supportive, but there’s nothing more to it. He’s grateful I’m helping out with the kids…”

  “Stop worrying. We won’t force it out of you…yet. But don’t kid yourself. We know Vance Kerner, and it’s not his pending deadline that’s driving him mad.” Bertie raised one delicately arched brow. “A certain California gal has managed to wrangle that wild country boy to the ground, and he’s got to come to terms with it.”

  Katie’s heartbeat kicked up a notch. Yes, Vance wanted her…but only in the sack. Not in his life…like in forever. And Katie wanted that too. Not the forever part—that would be emotional suicide. She wanted to be with someone who wanted her. Not because her father ran a successful studio, and not because she was some charity case. Two consenting adults sharing a mutual lust. Right? Right. Then why did it feel like so much more?

  At the sound of her chirping cell, Katie dug for it inside the pocket of her sensible khaki skirt. She still hadn’t worked up the nerve to wear a new outfit. Yep. Chicken. She couldn’t stop the tiny smile that curled her lips when she read the screen.

  “Ooo, is Vance sexting you?” Lucy leaned in to peek at her phone.

  Katie giggled. “Even better. His dad is reminding me about having lunch with him today.”

  Lucy’s gray eyes widened in surprise. “No way! You did not say what I think you said.”

  “Listen, this doesn’t need to be bantered about. General Kerner made me promise not to
tell Vance I spend time with him, and I’d like to keep that promise, because quite frankly, he scares the devil out of me.”

  “He scares the devil outta everyone,” Lucy added. “That’s why I’m shocked he’s texting you about lunch. You sure it’s not an invitation to hogtie and boil you for lunch?”

  “Luce, he actually had breakfast at the Dog the other day. He’s really taken with Katie,” Bertie said, flashing Katie a warm smile.

  Holy Justin Bieber. Katie hurried to explain, to keep the Harmony crazies from making up their own false story. “General Kerner has no interest in me. We’re friends. He treats me like a daughter. There’s nothing more to it.” She couldn’t have Bertie and Lucy thinking she and Chuck had a “thang” going on. Wouldn’t that be a train wreck? “We’ve shared a couple of lunches, and today he wants me to bring him copies of Vance’s latest series. I get the impression he’s never read them.”

  “Your impression would be spot-on. He’s never read any of Vance’s books. This has to be a good thing for Vance and his dad.” Bertie tossed a hank of hair over her shoulder. “You’re a true ray of California sunshine to those lost Kerner men. Fate has played a hand. There’s a reason your car stopped in Harmony.” Bertie and Lucy both nodded.

  “You’re a miracle worker. Brogan says those two could stand touching noses for months and never see eye to eye. If you get them to stop feuding after all these years, we’ll erect a monument in your honor right here in the center of the town commons.” Lucy spread her arms wide.

  “And we’ll name our next festival after you,” Bertie said.

  Katie’s gaze darted from Bertie to Lucy. A twinge of panic tap-danced inside her chest. “Let’s not get excited. No monuments or festival namings. But I could use some help finding copies of Vance’s books. I haven’t seen any extra ones lying around the house.”

  “They’re probably up in his loft. But don’t worry. The Kitchen Sink will have them. They sell everything—”