Southern Exposure (Southern Desires Series Book 2) (14 page)

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 pictured 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?

“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.

H
annah 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.