Sweet Southern Bad Boy

by Michele Summers

  “Except the kitchen sink,” Katie and Lucy chorused together and then burst out laughing.

  Chapter 16

  Katie bought copies of Vance’s Honor series at The Kitchen Sink, along with Lego Bionicles for the boys and a stuffed pink kitty for Danny. Lucy and Bertie had kept her company while shopping and promised to come by Friday afternoon before the cookout to help her get ready. Katie questioned their motives but secretly looked forward to the visit. Maybe some of their backbone and gumption would rub off on her. She could benefit from these two Southern steel magnolias.

  That afternoon, Danny stayed after in the preschool’s play program, which gave Katie more time for lunch with Chuck. She snuck out the back of the house, avoiding the Hollywood star wannabes crowding the front yard. By the number of people who showed up every day, you’d think Katie was Jennifer Lopez, holding auditions for American Idol.

  Sneaking a glance at the loft windows, she wondered if Vance was holed up inside working. She hadn’t seen him since the morning’s chaotic breakfast. It was better this way. She needed time to think, and her mind turned to guacamole when bold and beautiful Vance entered the scene. Katie needed a clear head to figure things out. And Pirate Man, with the dangerous eyes, honeyed words, and devastating lips only complicated things.

  Katie knocked on Chuck’s door ten minutes later, clutching Vance’s books and her iPad loaded with more pictures and puzzles to share with him.

  “Right on time,” Chuck said by way of greeting. “I picked up some fried chicken and biscuits from the Rolling Pin. I think you’ll find it more to your liking than the Eastern barbecue.” Katie followed him to the kitchen bar where he had laid out lunch.

  “Smells and looks delicious. Next time I’ll treat and bring you lunch.”

  Chuck pulled out her chair and gave her a genuine smile. “I’d like that.”

  Katie placed Vance’s books down between their place settings. “As you requested,” she said to his sudden closed-off, hardened expression. “Word is they’re quite good. I plan to read them.” Chuck fingered the paperback cover of Honor Bound but didn’t open it. “You might want to take a glance at the dedication,” she said before focusing her attention on the crispy chicken on her plate. Chuck grunted and pushed the books farther down the bar and out of his reach. She gave a shrug. The ball was in his court now. Vance had dedicated both his books to his dad and his brother. The real heroes in his life. Katie couldn’t think of a more permanent way to express one’s feelings than having them appear in print for millions to read. At some point, General Kerner would have to acknowledge the olive branch being extended by his son. Katie sensed he had the desire but was mired in so much muck from the past, he couldn’t take the first step.

  “Dottie tells me you were sniffing around the town commons this morning, checking out the vacant space with Bertie Morgan and Brogan’s wife…her name escapes me. Lori, Laney…” Chuck snapped his fingers in search of a name.

  Katie almost choked on her fattening bite of buttermilk biscuit slathered with honey. She didn’t recall seeing Dottie Duncan, and she would be a hard person to miss. But even more surprising than the speed in which Dottie gathered her gossip was the fact that she and the general spoke…to each other.

  Katie gulped her iced tea and cleared her throat. “Lucy,” she said, supplying Lucy’s name.

  “That’s right. Lucy. Lucy Doolan. She was a funny kid…got herself in a bit of trouble back in high school if my memory serves me correctly.”

  “Excuse me. But was this a civil conversation with Dottie, or were you two drawing battle lines for your next war?”

  Chuck leveled a look at Katie, as if staring down the scope of an MK11 rifle or something equally devastating. Katie’s mouth snapped shut. Note to self: Avoid angering man who knows how to use weapons of mass destruction. She remained quiet until Chuck pushed his empty plate away and faced her.

  “Are you thinking about putting down roots here in Harmony?”

  Yes. No. Maybe. Probably not. Katie had barely formed her own thoughts, when it seemed Harmony had already held a town meeting and decided her future for her. She wiped the corners of her mouth with her napkin, searching for a plausible answer.

  “I’m not sure of anything right now. I still have a job to do for my dad, and that’s my number-one priority.” Or at least it should’ve been. Katie’s priorities seemed to have taken a careening detour down a fast, slippery slope, gaining momentum and heading straight for disaster land.

  Chuck crossed his arms over his chambray shirt. “That’s commendable. Do you enjoy working for your dad?”

  No. Sometimes. Hardly ever. “It can be challenging, but I think once I get the hang of this scouting business, I could be pretty good at it,” she hedged.

  “Is it something you’ve always wanted to do?”

  Uh, hell to the no. “Not really, but I enjoy scouting the country and taking in the sights, and I love the photography.”

  “Ever consider doing something with your photography? Seems to me you have a passion for it.” Chuck reached for Katie’s iPad and tapped the photos icon. The first picture to pop up was of his grandkids, and his granitelike jaw softened. “You seem to have a knack for taking children’s photos. I bet people would pay good money for you to photograph their kids.”

  Funny he should be so observant after knowing her only a few short days. Her own parents had never tapped into her real desires…ever. Photography and working with kids had always brought her pleasure, but she’d never put the two together until she’d spied that empty space on the town commons. There had to be a market for an interactive after-school program for young kids. Something involving computers, photography, creativity, and physical activity. Katie had emailed Inslee earlier, throwing out ideas to get her take on it. Inslee immediately shot back great suggestions on interactive, challenging computer games, including the puzzle program using photography. Excited, Katie couldn’t wait to hear what else her best friend came up with.

  “Doing something with photography intrigues me. I’d like to figure a way to seamlessly combine creative computer learning with physical activity. Before we raise an entire generation of glowing, green-face couch potatoes. It’s not original, I know. I’m sure somebody is doing exactly that all over the country, but from what I can tell, no one is doing it here.”

  “And how would you go about this…if you decided to take it on?”

  “I’m not really sure. My girlfriend in California designs computer games and has offered to help. But first, I’ll need a solid business plan. My brothers could handle the legal aspects. And then I’d tap into the set designers and crew at my dad’s studio to create a feel or brand. Maybe Keith Morgan could help me with the physical part of it. He’s bound to know some great coaches or trainers who could work with young kids.”

  “How do you plan to pay for all this start-up?”

  Good question. She wouldn’t have her parents’ blessing or backing. Not that she would want it. This would be something she did entirely on her own. “Small business loan. If I qualify. That’s what the business plan will tell me. If the numbers don’t add up…well, it won’t be worth pursuing.”

  “Maybe you need a partner. Somebody who could invest and split the responsibilities with you.”

  Katie nodded. That would be awesome. But who? Inslee might consider being a silent partner. But hooking up with someone local would be better. Only one problem: Katie didn’t know the people of Harmony well enough to start forming partnerships. She shook her head and gulped more tea. How had she gotten started on this topic? Another one of her crazy ideas that would never amount to anything. In a town twenty-five hundred miles from her real home. Her parents would never go for it. They’d make her life a living hell if she even hinted about moving away. Settling down in a small Southern town had never crossed her mind until…until she’d laid eyes on the mysterious dark p
irate who invaded her daily thoughts and dreams. She couldn’t make a life-altering decision based on the attentions of one shady, sneaky, sexy man. Everyone would call her crazy. She’d be the biggest fool. She’d never live it down.

  She’d never be happier.

  Chuck watched her with keen eyes, as if waiting for her to come to some conclusion. “You bring up some valid points, General. I have a lot to weigh and think about. I’ll let you know what I finally decide.”

  “I hope so. I’d like to see you putting all your talents and smarts to good use. I believe you can do anything you set your mind to, Katie McKnight. But it doesn’t matter what I believe.” He tapped a blunt finger to her temple. “It only matters what you believe. And the first order of business is…you need to believe in yourself.”

  Katie’s heart hammered so hard she pressed her palm to her chest. Chuck spoke to her as if she was his own daughter, someone he cared deeply about. He believed in her, and he barely knew her. His words became a small gold nugget to cherish. Words to live by.

  She nodded. “Th-thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.” Before she started blubbering like a sappy girl, she changed the subject. “Would you like to see the new puzzles I made with your grandkids’ pictures? They’re more challenging, and you can alter the images.”

  “Can you email them to me? I’d like to play around with them later.”

  “Absolutely. I’ll do it right now.” She tapped on her iPad and sent the email with the attached link. “That should do it.” She gathered her things. “I better be going. Need to pick the kids up from school.”

  “You think about what I said.” Chuck walked her to the door with his big hand resting on the small of her back. “You have a lot of potential. You just need to decide how to put it to good use.”

  Right. Potential. In other words…go for it. Whatever “it” was.

  “I’ll be in touch.” He checked his stainless steel watch. “Right now, I have some reading to do.” Shock followed by sheer delight at the thought of him reading Vance’s books must’ve skated across her face, because the general delivered one of his scary military expressions designed to make the most highly trained soldier quake in his boots. “This stays between you and me, understood?” he bit out between clenched teeth.

  “Yes sir!” And without thinking, Katie saluted just as he closed the door in her face…but not before she heard him laugh.

  Chapter 17

  Vance glanced at his watch. It was Thursday evening, and he’d been waiting over twenty minutes. What was taking Katie so long? Emma and Opal Ardbuckle had agreed to babysit the kids and were already in the kitchen getting supper on the table.

  “Katie! Today, while I’m young!” he called down the hall toward the closed-off master bedroom. Vance had purposely stayed away from Katie these last two days in order to write, because her presence made him lose focus. Just knowing she was puttering around his house broke his concentration. It took an iron will and a few carefully worded emails from his editor, wondering where he stood, that kept his butt in his chair and fingers on the keyboard. But now he was anxious to get this book signing behind him so he could enjoy his date…the captivating and delightful Katie McKnight. He wished they were staying in…preferably in his bed, but dinner out in a nice restaurant beat checking homework, running baths, and playing dunk the kitty with his niece and nephews.

  “We’re gonna be late—” Vance froze, his tongue glued to the roof of his mouth. There in the doorway to the family room stood Katie. At least he thought it was Katie. He blinked and gave his head a vicious shake. His gaze swept from her high-heel-clad feet up the length of her long, killer legs to the scalloped hem of the coral crocheted dress. The dress he’d pulled from her boxes of clothes only yesterday morning. The dress that fit her like a glove. A glove he wanted to slip his hand up under to see if she wore anything underneath. Vance pressed his itchy palms against his navy dress slacks. Dark, wavy hair fell in layers over her perfectly rounded breasts. Stunning. At a loss for words, Vance noticed the glossy lips she worried with her teeth and the uncertain expression clouding her face, and he managed to unglue his tongue.

  “You look amazing.” He stepped forward, capturing her cold hand in his. “Better than amazing.” He leaned down to press his lips against hers.

  She skirted back, avoiding his kiss, and gave a husky laugh. Her soft brown eyes, luminous with appreciation, bored into his. “Come on, Pirate Man. I wanna see you in action.” Tugging on his hand, she threw a saucy glance over her shoulder and pulled him toward the front door. “Your fans are waiting.”

  What fans? Shit. The book signing. How the hell was he supposed to concentrate and field questions when Katie would be there, looking like an angel and pure depravity all wrapped in one tight, enticing package? Vance needed a stiff drink and a bucket of ice…poured down his pants. Because for the next few hours, he’d be living in purgatory.

  * * *

  Fans packed the Barnes & Noble in Raleigh, eagerly waiting to have their books signed by the infamous Vance Kerner. When they entered the store, Vance was immediately hustled to the roped-off area, where a table had been set up with his books on display. People were already filling the folding chairs provided for the event. Katie noticed quite a few veterans in attendance, which had to be a pretty impressive testament to his writing. Katie hung back against the stack of self-help books. Her heart swelled over Vance’s accomplishments. She’d had no hand in his success but still felt a sense of pride. She knew enough about writing screenplays and the hard work and perseverance it took to get one made into a movie. Very few made it that far. The publishing industry wasn’t much different. But Vance had managed to produce a number of bestsellers, with another on the way. No easy feat.

  Katie slipped into an empty chair in the back row, waiting for the program to begin. Vance had his back to the crowd, and was holding a conversation with the store manager. When someone entered her row to take the next seat, Katie glanced up and almost fell out of her chair. Dottie Duncan gave an impatient shooing motion with her hands for Katie to move down so she and General Kerner could sit.

  Uh-huh. General Kerner.

  “Good. They haven’t started yet. You gonna catch flies if you keep your mouth hanging open like that. Move over,” Dottie said in a stage whisper, loud enough for everyone in the shopping mall to hear.

  Katie scrambled into the next seat. “Did Vance know you were coming?” Because he hadn’t mentioned it to her on the ride over, or any time for that matter.

  “Thought we’d surprise him,” Dottie said with a cackle. Hoo boy. You either loved surprises or you hated them, and from what Katie knew of Vance, she thought he fell into the latter category. “Almost didn’t get here in time. Had to practically bomb old General Stubborn out of his bunker.”

  “You made up for it, driving like a crazy bat out of hell,” Chuck said in a low, strained voice.

  Katie leaned around Dottie, who was dressed in a purple knit pantsuit with sequin belt, and greeted Chuck. “Glad you made it safe and sound. I’m sure Vance will be thrilled,” she whispered. She had no clue how Vance would feel, but she hoped he’d be happy to see his dad. At least his dad had made an effort. Chuck squeezed her hand and gave her a tight smile. Katie straightened in her seat and faced the front, only to be hit with Vance’s dark eyes, chiseled jaw, and glowering face. She shrugged one shoulder to convey she’d had nothing to do with who had shown up. More people gathered in the store, and Katie noticed Jo Ellen Huggins squeezing into a seat in the second row, along with other Harmony residents. Jo Ellen stood out in her lime-green, skintight leggings and black top with cutouts, showcasing her hot-pink bra. She made a big production of waving at Vance and blowing him kisses. Vance tugged at the collar of his crisp white dress shirt, appearing uncomfortable or embarrassed or both. His gaze kept darting from Jo Ellen to his dad, and Katie couldn’t decide which one disturbed him more.
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br />   Dottie elbowed Katie in the side. “That boy needs to get married. You better stake your claim before someone else beats you to it.”

  “Married? This is only our first date.” And from the looks of things…could easily be their last.

  “Woman, stop meddling and let them be,” Chuck said to Dottie.

  “I’m simply pointing out the obvious—” Interrupted by the store manager introducing Vance, everyone quieted down. Katie sat riveted in her seat while Vance settled himself in front of the crowd and began talking about his books and writing experience. The more he talked, the more animated and engaged he became, and the more it showed.

  He loved what he did.

  A little green pea of envy tumbled around inside her. Katie wanted to harness that same emotion. She wanted to be passionate about her work.

  When Vance started to read a moving excerpt where the hero survives an enemy ambush but his best friend does not, Katie slipped a guarded glance at the general. He held a rigid pose, with his arms crossed and a faraway look on his tired face as if reliving painful war memories. Katie’s heart ached, wondering how he coped with all that. At the end of the passage, Dottie pressed her hand to Chuck’s thigh, giving him a reassuring pat. Chuck unfolded his stiff arms and started to applaud with the rest of the audience. The tension seemed to seep from his body in small increments. Katie only hoped the détente held when father and son came face-to-face.

  * * *

  Vance probably signed over one hundred copies of his books with a black Sharpie until his hand began to cramp. A few female fans would’ve preferred he’d sign something else…like exposed cleavage. Jo Ellen Huggins exposed her right shoulder as she pulled the sleeve of her top down. Fortunately for Vance, a mob of eager senior citizens accidently bumped her out of the way.

  The line of fans snaked around the folding chairs, blocking his view. Every now and then he caught a glimpse of Katie’s sexy coral dress, standing next to Dottie Duncan and his dad…his dad. Vance had waited years for this day, and now that it was here, his heart kicked into overdrive and his palms sweated. All through his talk, he’d tried to get a read on his dad’s reaction. The driving force behind his books had been the stories he’d heard from his dad and brother. And then when he started attending meetings for Helping Comrades and got to know the veterans suffering from PTSD and other ravages of war, their stories compelled him even further. But the real barometer had always been what his dad thought about his books. And until today, he hadn’t thought his dad gave a shit. And he certainly hadn’t expected to see him with Dottie Duncan, or chatting it up with Katie. The Harmony rumor mill had kept him abreast of Katie meeting his dad at the Dog for breakfast, but Katie, being the wise woman and peacemaker she was, had never brought it up. And Vance hadn’t had the energy to deal with the latest sightings of his reclusive father. The last time he and his dad had been in the same room, Eric had been home on leave. Still, they’d managed only to nod, and barely exchanged three words.