Southern Hearts Read online

  You don’t want me to? That was a first. She was the one who put the distance between them in the first place. Not just recently either. Now she wanted him to stay? What game are you playing? He didn’t care at the moment. His shoulder had gone from throbbing to burning. Her leaving the room probably had been a good thing.

  “I have things to do.” His voice was flatter than he’d intended.

  He could tell she’d picked up on it as well. Softly she replied, “Okay. Have a good night.”

  That’s not possible. “Thanks.” When he went to turn the doorknob, it felt like a knife twisting deep in his muscles from his shoulder to his hand. “Shit.”

  Before he turned around Donna was by his side, running her hand up his arm. If she thought her sweet, delicate hands on him was going to do anything to relax the muscle spasms he was experiencing right now, she was wrong. That didn’t mean he was pulling away either.

  “Is it your shoulder?” Donna asked as she touched him gently.

  There was no point lying because whatever he came up with was going to be lame. “Yeah, but could be worse.” Like I could’ve ended up like Jack. Dead. Donna grabbed him by his hand and tried tugging him away from the door. “What are you doing?”

  “You’re not going anywhere. Not like this. Come sit on the couch, and I’ll fix you up.”

  McLean didn’t need fixing. All he needed was to stop using his arm for a few hours, and he was sure the strain he’d put on it would recede. “Donna, don’t worry about it. I’m okay.”

  “No you’re not,” she called from the kitchen.

  He had to admit it. Another cold beer sounded pretty damn good right now. When Donna returned several minutes later, she wasn’t empty-handed but had a bunch of towels in her hands. “What’s all that?”

  “I thought I told you to sit. Now take off your shirt.”

  Getting undressed with her sounded mighty appealing under different circumstances, but he had no idea what she had planned for him. This ain’t the kind of foreplay I envisioned.

  McLean didn’t budge. “This is not necessary.”

  Donna gave him a little push and asked, “Do you want me to call Casey, because I will?”

  Arching a brow, he asked, “Is that a threat?”

  Donna said firmly, “You obviously don’t know her like I do. That woman is as tough as nails. You’d understand if you knew everything she’d been through. If I tell her you’re acting foolish and not taking care of yourself, she won’t be happy.”

  He knew anyone who could handle Derrick had to be strong. Both Casey and Donna had proven their strength as they stood up against the scum of the earth and provided Mark Collins the information he needed to bring down that terrorist cell. Their lives were at risk, but nothing held those two back.

  Not that he was giving in, but his shoulder ached, and if Donna could provide any relief right now, he would take it. Trying to pull his T-shirt over his head, he found it difficult to lift his arm over his head. Donna quickly laid the towels on the couch and assisted him. McLean didn’t want anyone’s help, including hers. “I can do this myself,” he barked.

  She didn’t stop until the T-shirt was removed. “I’m sure you can, but I don’t want my stuff getting cold. Now sit.”

  He did as she asked. He saw her eyes widen when she saw the scar from the bullet. The gunshot had done some serious damage, and the scar wasn’t pretty. There was still some discoloration, but that didn’t bother him. At least not until he saw how she looked at it. “Yeah, I know. It’s—”

  “I’m sorry,” Donna said softly.

  “You didn’t shoot me.”

  She reached out, so gently he barely felt her touch, and traced the raised jagged scar. He reached up and brushed her hand away, but her fingers only returned again.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t come to you when I heard you were injured.”

  He hadn’t expected her to. Collins informed him she was in hiding along with Sissie. Only a fool would’ve left and come into harm’s way. No one should risk their life for me. Especially not her. Those words were never going to be spoken. He made it this far in life without letting anyone in that close. She wasn’t going to be the first. But the look in her eyes said she was genuinely troubled that she wasn’t able to be there. Maybe that’s why she was doing this now. She felt obligated. That’s it and nothing more. “It looks worse than it is.”

  “Somehow I don’t believe you.”

  “Why would I lie?” McLean asked teasingly.

  Donna gave him a warning look. Ignoring his question, she removed her hand from his shoulder and opened the outer towel. At first, he thought she intended to wash him. That sounded pretty damn hot. But then he noticed more towels were inside. She removed one, holding it by the edge, and brought it to his shoulder.

  “This is intensely hot, but it’s going to help.”

  She wasn’t kidding, because he could feel the heat from the towel before she placed it on his bare skin. Holy shit! Not wanting to seem like a wimp, he sucked it up and said, “Burning my flesh helps how?”

  “It’s the medicine inside that will absorb through your skin and into your muscle. It’s a homemade rub that I read about.”

  Great. Not something she’s even tried before. He reached up to remove it, but she brushed his hand away.

  “Quit being a baby. It’s not that bad,” Donna said as she picked up a second towel by the corner edge.

  Really? Seems pretty fucking hot to me. If he truly wanted to, he could stand and walk out of there. But if this was how she wanted to spend their night together, so be it. But the next time, he was planning it.

  He did as she asked and let her place one hot towel after another on his shoulder. Surprisingly, after twenty minutes he had more movement than before. McLean wasn’t sure if the pain had ceased, or he no longer could feel anything because she’d burned off all nerve endings. Either way, he felt better.

  He pulled the last towel off and handed it to her. “Guess it’s my turn to say I’m sorry.”

  She looked puzzled. “For what?”

  “Doubting you.” Moving his arm in a circular motion he continued, “That helped more than anything the doctor gave me.”

  She beamed a brilliant smile at him and said, “Good. We’ll do it again tomorrow night too.”

  Yeah, not that good. “I’d rather—”

  “Oh, that’s Evie. I’ve got to go. Can you let yourself out?”

  He was left standing alone once again as she bolted up the stairs. McLean hadn’t heard a thing, but as he listened closely, he could hear Evie’s soft cry. Yeah, she’s full of surprises, this one.

  He picked up his T-shirt and didn’t bother putting it back on as he left the house. Walking across the yard to his quarters, he knew one thing. This is gonna be one hell of a week.

  Chapter 3

  Donna was dragging. There was a darn good reason Casey had said to sleep when Evie did, because Evie didn’t sleep much. Although she was a happy baby, she was wide awake most of the time.

  Donna sipped on her third cup of coffee while Evie lay in her rocking baby bouncer, looking at her. One of us is tired. Too bad it’s not you. She put her coffee cup on the counter. She was so tired coffee wasn’t even helping.

  “Morning ma’am.”

  She knew that voice didn’t belong to McLean. At least last night she’d had a fork. Now she only had a teaspoon. I’m really no protection at all. Her heart was racing, and she wished McLean was here. Somehow Donna knew he would do anything to protect her. She put herself between the stranger and Evie, prepared to do whatever she needed to do.

  Oh, thank God. Her legs wobbled with relief as she saw Bubba standing in the doorway. Logically she knew it was safe at the ranch, but sleep deprivation caused her to overreact, her nerves shot and temper short. “Don’t you guys ever knock?” she snapped at him.

  Bubba didn’t seem fazed at her tone and laughingly replied, “I did, ma’am. Maybe you were sleeping.”


  She wasn’t amused in the least, but she was too tired to argue. Plopping down in her chair, Donna said, “I wish.”

  Bubba walked over to the coffee pot and said, “Ain’t a good sign.”

  “What isn’t?”

  “The pot’s empty, and I had one heck of a good time at the Sass last night.”

  Donna knew what that meant. Bubba was different than McLean. When he came in it was loud and rowdy, and he usually drank until he was cut off. But Sissie was good about such things and had cots set up in the back room just for guys like Bubba. He even knew which one was his.

  Although she didn’t need anyone else to take care of, Donna knew Bubba wasn’t going anywhere until he had coffee. “Sit, and I’ll make you a pot.”

  Bubba sat and said, “Better make it strong.”

  Donna added a couple of extra scoops of coffee into the filter and pressed brew. She could tell by the aroma she may have overdone it a bit. But by the look of Bubba, he probably could use an IV drip of it this morning.

  While waiting for it to finish, she figured she’d check on how things were at the Sass. “How is Sissie holding up without me?”

  “She had Peg wait tables last night.”

  Peg? She’s more likely to be dancing on tables than waiting on them. It was crazy that she was jealous of not being missed. She had to remind herself that Sissie had been running the saloon for longer than Donna had been alive. Why would I think she needed me?

  Putting up a front, not that she thought Bubba was capable of noticing, she said, “I can see why you had such a good time last night.” Peg was probably drinking with you.

  “Hell yeah, I did. Check out this shiner.” Bubba pointed to the discoloration around his left eye.

  “What did you do this time to earn that?” It was common for Bubba to be in a brawl or two. When he was drunk he became a bit too mouthy. That was another thing she liked about McLean. He could throw back a few and kick back, but he always appeared to be in control.

  “Let’s just say I ain’t gonna be allowed back in the Wild Sass for a while.”

  No matter how rowdy anyone got, Sissie never banned anyone. She was the one who actually broke up the arguments. This conversation was waking her up better than coffee could. She poured his and held it out, then brought the cup back toward her as he started to grab it. “Only if you give me details.”

  Bubba shook his head. “I’m not sure coffee’s worth it.”

  “I’ve seen you drunk plenty of times. What are you afraid of?”

  “That my right eye might end up matchin’ my left.”

  Donna arched her brow. Maybe he’s still drunk. Holding the cup to her nose, she inhaled and said, “Smells mighty good.”

  She knew she had Bubba where she wanted him. Mostly because he was easy pickings. Strong coffee or beer could get that man to do almost anything.

  Sure enough, he started talking. “I guess I was drunk and dancing.”

  “The norm.”

  “Yeah, but I made the mistake of grabbing one of the ladies, pulling her into my arms, and giving her a great big Bubba kiss.”

  Gross. Donna could only picture the woman’s husband getting pissed off. “So I take it that didn’t go over well with her fella.”

  “Nah. He wasn’t around.”

  “So how did you get the shiner?”

  “Sissie.”

  Donna’s eyes widened. There was no way Sissie hauled off and hit a guy more than twice her size unless she was very pissed off. “Who’d she sic on you?”

  “No one. She did this,” Bubba said with a look of embarrassment on his face.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” Donna asked as she handed him his coffee.

  He took a big gulp and then answered, “Sissie’s the one I kissed. Before I could tell her I thought she was some hot, young filly, she planted a right hook here. She nearly knocked me on my ass. Then she dragged my butt to the sheriff’s office. She was madder than a wet hen. Can’t believe it.” Bubba shook his head. “She told me I ain’t allowed back until she forgets.”

  “Forgets that you kissed her?”

  “Not exactly what she said.”

  Sissie wasn’t a pushover, so the choice of words was endless. “What did she say?”

  “Ain’t allowed back till she forgets the feeling of my skinny, slimy fish lips against hers. Now that was just plain uncalled for. How’s a guy supposed to get another gal to kiss him if she goes around sayin’ junk like that?”

  She could very well picture Sissie slugging him. Heck, I’d do the same. Bubba wasn’t a bad guy, but looks and manners weren’t things he could claim to have. There’s not enough alcohol in the world to help me recover from a kiss from him. Donna wasn’t sure if she found this entire conversation hilarious because of lack of sleep or what, but she was laughing so hard she almost fell off her seat.

  Holding her sides, she said, “Okay, stop. I don’t think I can handle any more this morning.”

  “See what I’m sayin? Bet ya don’t want a kiss from me now either.”

  “Trust me, Bubba; she didn’t want one from you before,” McLean’s deep voice chimed from behind her.

  With Bubba, she didn’t care what she looked like, but McLean was an entirely different story. Just because he wasn’t all that interested in her, that didn’t mean she was willing to look like a hot mess either. The last time she looked in the mirror was about three in the morning. Her hair was wild with curls going in every direction but the one she wanted. Any attempt to smooth them out before turning to greet him was a waste of time.

  Painting a smile on her face, she turned and asked, “How’s the shoulder?”

  He rubbed it then answered, “Don’t know what you put on it, but it worked great.”

  “Good. Then I’ll see you again tonight?”

  McLean eyed her up and down and she felt self-conscious. “Didn’t I bring in your bags yesterday?”

  She was puzzled by his question. “You did. Why?”

  Shrugging he replied, “Just checking.”

  Donna looked down and realized she was still dressed in the same clothes he’d picked her up in yesterday. Yeah, add that I didn’t shower or brush my teeth, and I’m only a step above Bubba.

  “It was a . . . long night.” It would’ve been much less so if she’d slept instead of taking care of McLean, but she was glad to have helped him. Heck, I’d do it every night if it meant rubbing my hands on that lovely chest of his. She felt her cheeks warm at her wicked thoughts.

  “Wait, I get to spend the night in a jail cell, on a cot, and you get to sleep—”

  “No!” Donna exclaimed. “No one slept anywhere.”

  Bubba laughed. “Now that sounds like a better story than the one I told ya.”

  Donna blushed again, and she wasn’t even guilty of anything. Only in my dreams. From the look on Bubba’s face, he believed otherwise. She was going to set him straight. “Bubba, I—”

  “Don’t you have work to do?” McLean barked.

  Bubba got up, put his cup in the sink, and said, “Thank ya kindly ma’am for the best coffee I’ve had in a long time.”

  “Glad you enjoyed it, but I better not catch you screwing off again. Got it?”

  Bubba nodded to McLean then turned back to Donna. “Don’t think you’re the only one who didn’t sleep last night.” He gave her a wink before leaving.

  She looked at McLean. He did look tired, but he was showered and changed. And you’re only going to work with horses. “Is there something you need?” Donna asked, trying to change the subject.

  “Yeah, but I think you need me more.”

  “Excuse me?” She thought she’d done quite well on her own so far. And if anything he needed her.

  “You look like you haven’t slept.”

  “Is that your way of saying I look—?”

  “Tired. That’s all,” McLean said with his hands up defensively.

  Add grumpy to that too. Donna knew he was only trying to be nice
, but she didn’t want him seeing her like this. She was attracted to him, but she wasn’t getting any signs that her feelings were reciprocated. That doesn’t mean I want to look like shit around him though.

  “Evie didn’t sleep much at all last night.”

  “And neither did you, I take it.”

  Donna shook her head. “But I’m sure she’ll be ready for a nap anytime now.” Please, Evie. I need a shower at least if not sleep.

  McLean walked over to the bouncy seat and picked her up. Donna was shocked because he didn’t seem like the baby type, but at the same time, her heart melted at the sight of this strong, gruff man holding a tiny, fragile baby. She waited and expected Evie to start crying. But McLean made some weird faces to her, and in the cutest voice she’d ever heard he asked, “What do you say, Evie? Want to come see the horses with me and let Donna get some rest?”

  It wasn’t that Donna didn’t trust him, but she couldn’t let him take Evie to the barn. It was no place for a baby. Especially one that’s not mine. “I’m okay. Really.”

  “I know you are, but a few hours won’t hurt any. Besides Bubba deserves to handle the workload today after what he did to Sissie last night.”

  She couldn’t agree more. As far as she was concerned, he’d gotten off lightly with a shiner. If her father had been there, it wouldn’t have been pretty. Ryan had become very protective of Sissie. Anyone who didn’t treat her like a lady or got out of hand dealt with him. You’re one lucky SOB, Bubba. “Did he tell you?” Donna asked.

  McLean shook his head. “I think you forget how small Honeywell is.”

  That was the one drawback of that place. If someone sneezed, the entire town knew about it. Bubba was going to have a hard time living that mistake down. Part of her wished she was there to witness it, but at least she enjoyed Bubba’s expression as he relived it.

  “I’ll have to call her.”

  “Later. Now go shower and sleep.”

  She’d spent so much of her life with her father ordering her around and trying to control her that it didn’t matter what the reason, Donna couldn’t stand anyone telling her what to do. Her knee-jerk reaction would be to tell him where he could go. But she bit her tongue and forced a nicer, more reasonable response. “Really, McLean, watching Evie is not your responsibility.”