Southern Hearts Read online

  He didn’t put her down. Instead, he smiled at her, saying, “I’m not taking over, just taking her out for a short time. Trust me, I’ll be bringing her back as soon as she starts crying.”

  Donna almost laughed at the serious expression on McLean’s face. She had dated, but never had a man actually shown such care about her well-being. This sweet, thoughtful nature from a male was uncharted territory for her. Was she simply supposed to say thank you and go on her merry way? Or was a denial of the offer in order? Heck if I know. Games aren’t my thing. If she was going to allow him to do this, she needed to understand why, and right now that wasn’t clear. “Why are you doing this?” She didn’t want to hear she needed a shower. That was about to give her a complex.

  McLean took his eyes off Evie while he spoke to Donna. “Is there a problem with me doing something nice for you?”

  She wasn’t used to that, at least not from a man who knew who her father was. All they saw was a link to one of the richest families in the south. No matter how hard she tried to distance herself from that, it’s all they ever saw. But McLean was different. He was happy where he was, not looking for an out. Was it possible he saw her as Donna and not as Ryan Watson’s daughter? Maybe I’ve been wrong about him.

  She could feel the burn of tears threatening to flow as she became emotionally overwhelmed. His only agenda is being kind?

  She watched McLean put Evie back in her bouncy seat and knew her tears had made him uncomfortable. He’s leaving. I don’t blame him. I would too.

  When he went around the table, he didn’t walk out the door as she expected. Instead, he stood in front of her and opened his arms. Donna looked into his eyes. There was no sign of the hard-ass she’d come to know. She wanted to tell him she didn’t need a hug any more than she needed him to watch Evie. But the truth was she needed both desperately.

  Taking a step forward, she buried her face in his massive chest. When his strong arms wrapped around her, the tears broke free. She wasn’t even sure why she was crying. It’d been so long that she barely could remember what it felt like.

  So much had built up within her that she’d hidden from herself. There had been a longing, a time when she dreamed, and then one day it all stopped. She remembered exactly when that happened. It was the last time she’d seen her mother. They’d fought over their views on life and love. Donna had been telling her mother about a guy she’d met and how she thought he was the one. He wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a barber.

  She didn’t get the typical mother-daughter talk others did. Instead, her mother laughed and said love was a childhood fantasy. She wasn’t like her friend, and she should be thinking about stability; her little barber friend could never give her that.

  Donna told him what her mother said. She’d hoped he’d tell her he didn’t care about her money or what her parents wanted. But he agreed with them, and she never saw him again. Never let anyone close again.

  All these years she knew her mother hadn’t said that to hurt her, but instead to protect her. She knew there would be people who were out to use her. What her mother didn’t realize was her words built a brick wall around Donna’s heart. She knew her mother wouldn’t have wanted that to happen, but Donna couldn’t stop it. It was as though she’d put her heart behind the wall where no one could reach it.

  Yet here she was in McLean’s arms, and feelings she thought she’d never have again were resurfacing. Her childhood dreams flooded back to her. How was it possible she was in the middle of nowhere, and brick by brick McLean was taking down her wall? That wall was her only defense. Without it she was vulnerable. If this didn’t stop, he could hurt her, and she couldn’t bear that.

  She needed to break the connection before she was lost. It should be as easy as stepping away from him. Without the warmth of his touch, her inner strength should return. All would go back to normal.

  Donna did exactly what she needed to do. Squeezing her eyes closed, she pushed from McLean, turned, and ran from the kitchen. Each step was a battle, and she felt as though she was running from what she wanted most in the world. Love.

  Once inside her room, she threw herself on her bed and let her tears continue. This time it wasn’t for what she didn’t have, but she cried for what she might lose. It’s been so long since I let myself dream. I’m afraid to.

  The tears continued to flow until exhaustion overtook her. Only in her sleep was she able to believe what her heart yearned for. McLean.

  Chapter 4

  McLean thought he’d get back on task after he returned Evie to Donna. But that wasn’t the case. He had things to be done that would take him away from the main house overnight. Instead, he sent Bubba. Normally he wanted to be by himself, and he enjoyed sleeping under the stars. Yet, there was something, or more like someone, keeping him rooted right where he was.

  He chalked it off as her needing him, and Derrick would want him to stay close by in case something went wrong. That was only a small reason he was still at the barn. McLean knew Donna was very capable of handling whatever came her way. Although she was tired, she still managed to have everything under control. If he hadn’t offered to take Evie for a few hours, he was positive she wouldn’t have given up.

  He was shocked when she broke down crying. Normally that would’ve been his cue to get the hell away from any female emotions. But instead, he willingly walked right onto the slippery slope of her emotions. All he knew was she was hurting, and it’d felt like a knife in his chest watching her cry; he had to make it better. For a moment he’d thought he was, but then she’d bolted out as though his touch was the last thing she wanted.

  McLean got it. She’d been tired and for a moment forgot who he was. When she came to her senses, she didn’t want his calloused hands holding her. Why would she? She could have any man she wants. She’d be crazy to want me. I have nothing to offer her.

  His head could rationalize their differences. She was right for running from him. They didn’t belong together. That, however, didn’t stop the attraction he felt. He told himself it was just physical, but if that were the case, why did he reach out to her when she was crying? That implied a deeper connection, one based on something more than a physical need.

  McLean wanted to see her tonight. Their brief exchange earlier when he brought Evie back was far from enough. Donna had told him to come back for another treatment on his shoulder. That provided the excuse, but he didn’t get an invitation. When he’d showed up earlier that morning, it wasn’t because he’d been invited. He was there for one reason only, and it wasn’t the coffee. He’d wanted to see her before heading out for the day.

  He’d never thought he’d find Bubba in the house. Casey had always welcomed them into the Nash home. That didn’t mean they took her up on it. McLean frequented their home but only because he attended meetings in Derrick’s office. As far as McLean was concerned Casey and Derrick needed their privacy, not their employees coming and going like they owned the place. They surely didn’t need someone like Bubba, who at times got a bit too rowdy and his mouth filter seemed to stop working.

  Bubba didn’t make any excuses for himself; he told everyone that was how he was, take it or leave it. McLean had no choice but to ban him from going to the main house without him. Over the past year, McLean could count on one hand how many times Bubba accompanied him. All were brief visits. But this last one was out of character for him. Not only did he disobey and go alone, but he seemed to have made himself at home, sitting there all relaxed drinking coffee. He already had a list of reasons to be pissed off at Bubba, but honestly, it was his conversation with Donna that had McLean wanting to blacken Bubba’s other eye. Thankfully, when Donna turned and saw him standing there, the look in her eyes said she hadn’t been thrilled with Bubba’s company either. The only thing that prevented him from physically throwing Bubba out on his ass had been Evie and Donna in the room. At least he won’t be disturbing us for a few days.

  A small part of him felt bad
sending Bubba out to patrol the property line fencing. McLean knew the job would go easier with two men, instead of one. In fact, they probably could pull it off in one day. Most likely it would take Bubba a few days on his own; that was icing on the cake. Bubba was far from being competition where Donna was concerned, but McLean never had the opportunity to spend alone time with her at the Wild Sass. He wasn’t about to lose it now that Bubba found it amusing to hang around. Sorry buddy, but your annoyance just earned you a shit job.

  With him out of the way, McLean actually looked forward to tonight. Looking toward the house, he saw the lights in the living room. He wasn’t about to make the same mistake as he’d made last night and show up too late.

  Brushing the dirt off his jeans, he headed to the house. As he crossed the yard, he noticed headlights coming up the drive. They weren’t expecting any guest as far as he knew. Rushing across the path, he ran up the stairs and went directly into the house.

  Donna was sitting in the rocking chair with Evie in her arms. “Are you expecting anyone?” McLean barked.

  She raised her fingers to her lips as though to shush him. Looking down, he noticed Evie’s eyes were fluttering; she was almost asleep. Ordinarily, McLean would take the hint and leave, but right now he needed to know what to do.

  “Answer me. Did you invite anyone?”

  She shook her head. “Why? What’s wrong?” Donna asked as McLean bent down, pulled up his jeans, and pulled his pistol out of his boot.

  “I need you to go upstairs with Evie right now. Look your door and don’t come out until I tell you to.”

  “McLean wha—”

  “Do it.” His tone was firm as he reached down, grabbed hold of her arm, and practically pulled her out of the chair. He could see the fear in her eyes as she held Evie close to her chest. “Make sure you have your phone with you. Do you have the number for Mark Collins in your phone?” She nodded. “If I’m not back in five minutes, you call him. Got it?”

  “And tell him what?” Donna asked.

  “That I told you to call. He’ll understand. Promise me you won’t budge until I come get you.” Donna nodded, and he watched as she rushed up the stairs. He knew she was scared. He was as well. Not for himself but for them. He had no idea who was approaching, but one pistol wasn’t going to be much of a deterrent if they weren’t friendly.

  McLean opened the front door and flipped the latch, so it locked behind him as he exited. He knew where the keys were to get in but wanted any barrier he could put between the uninvited guest and Donna. Scanning the perimeter for the first time, he wished he hadn’t sent Bubba away. The guy wasn’t much to look at, but he was damned good in a fight and an even better shot.

  McLean’s heart raced. When he’d been shot, it wasn’t much different than this. They’d approached in what looked like an everyday vehicle. Neither he nor Sheriff Bullard had expected an ambush. Once the shots peppered all around them, it was too late to figure it out. They were outnumbered, and all they could do was take out as many of those bastards as possible. Fortunately, the ones who lived fled instead of making it to the ranch.

  McLean had been in plenty of fights, but until that day, he’d never killed a man. Collins called him a hero. Said if he hadn’t managed the kill shot, it could’ve been a lot worse. He heard the words, but that didn’t change that he lucked out with a bullet in the shoulder while Bullard lost his life.

  He held his gun tightly in his hand and waited as the beat-up truck pulled up to the porch. He didn’t recognize it as a local. When it stopped, he noticed the plates were from out of state. It was too similar for his liking. Stepping off the porch, he walked over and barked, “What’s your business here?”

  A woman got out of the car, looking around nervously. “I’m looking for Bubba. Is he here?”

  McLean looked her over. She was probably twenty years younger than Bubba. She was too pretty to be his girl, and even then, he never had any visitors. Neither of them did. “What do you want with him?”

  “I want . . . need to talk to him. Is he here?”

  McLean walked closer to the truck and looked inside. Once he confirmed she was the only occupant, he said, “I’ll ask one more time. What do you want with him?”

  Her voice shook as she said, “I told you I need to talk to him.”

  “About?”

  “He’s . . . my father.”

  McLean was startled by the news; he was surprised he didn’t tense up and pull the trigger and shoot himself in the foot. Father? No way. Looking at the woman closer, he could see some resemblance around the eyes, but Bubba was ugly as heck, and she sure wasn’t.

  “Is this some joke? ’Cause it ain’t funny.”

  “No sir, it isn’t.”

  “Bubba’s never spoken of you.” He waited to see if that little tidbit of information changed her demeanor any.

  She stood there, twisting her hands nervously. “That’s because he doesn’t know I exist.”

  Oh, this keeps getting better. McLean wasn’t sure he believed her. She looked innocent enough, but he couldn’t allow her to stay and wait for Bubba. If she wasn’t who she claimed to be, Donna and Evie could be at risk. Woman or not, he’d do whatever he had to in order to protect them.

  “He’s not here.”

  “Can I wait for him?”

  He hated being an ass and could see this seemed awkward for her. The pleading in her voice didn’t sound fake, but there was no way she could stay on the ranch. Bubba was out for a few days, and he sure as hell wasn’t babysitting his supposed daughter.

  “You’ll have to stay at a hotel in town.”

  The woman’s shoulders slumped, and she said, “I understand. Please don’t tell him I was here. I’d rather be the one that—”

  “I won’t.”

  As he watched the woman get back in her truck and drive away, he was filled with guilt but also relief that all was well. Once the truck was out of sight, he went back into the house. The last thing he needed was Donna calling Mark for no reason. At least there doesn’t appear to be one.

  He knocked on her door, and only after calling her name, she opened it. “Who was it?”

  McLean wanted to tell her, but he didn’t know if it was the truth. For now, he’d give as little detail as he could. Good thing I don’t have much to share. “Someone looking for Bubba.”

  Donna let out a sigh of relief, then with Evie in her arms, she came up to him and wrapped her free arm around him, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, McLean.”

  “For what?” he asked, not letting her go.

  “You had no idea who was there, but you went out anyway to protect us.”

  McLean reached his hand out and tipped her chin up to face him. “I’ll never let anyone hurt you.”

  Her eyes softened as the fear from earlier subsided, but her bottom lip trembled. “I know.” Her voice was so low, he barely heard her whispered words.

  McLean knew he shouldn’t. They were both coming off a high emotional adrenaline rush. She wanted him because he’d protected her, but in a few hours, he’d be only the ranch foreman again. Nothing between them had changed, nor would it.

  Somehow his body wasn’t listening to his brain. With his free hand, he pulled her closer, leaving plenty of room for the now sleeping Evie. Her sweet lips were calling out to him, with a force unlike anything he’d ever known, and he didn’t understand it. Their kiss was gentle yet filled with more passion and need than any kiss he’d experienced before. He knew he should end it quickly before either of them had regrets, but he couldn’t stop himself.

  Her hand pressed against his back, and he kissed her deeply. How he wanted to part those lips and explore all she had to offer. But there were a few obstacles they couldn’t deny, and one was literally between them.

  Bringing the kiss to a halt, he heard her soft moan escape as he raised his head. That’s not helping, darlin’. “That shouldn’t have happened.”

  He saw the hurt in her eyes immediately. That wasn’
t his intention. He figured she’d regret it later, and he might as well take the blame now.

  Stepping away, Donna said, “You’re . . . right. I shouldn’t have—”

  McLean reached out and grabbed her hand. “You didn’t. I did.”

  All she did was nod. “Thank you again. If you don’t mind, I’m going to put Evie to bed. I’m sure you can show yourself out.”

  McLean had made her feel uncomfortable. Although he knew she enjoyed the kiss, he had no right taking it. He was there to protect, not maul, her. “Good night, Donna.”

  He turned and headed down the stairs. Before he left, he walked through each room and made sure all the windows and doors were secured. Leaving her wasn’t easy. Not only did he physically want to be with her, but he wasn’t at ease after that little surprise visitor. He wished he had a clear gut feeling about the visitor, but he didn’t. She looked harmless enough. But if she was part of that terrorist cell, all hell could be about to break loose.

  This wasn’t how he’d planned the night. He’d gotten rid of Bubba, so there was no excuse except for the ones in his own head. Now he was about to have another sleepless night, but this time it wasn’t going to be spent on his mattress thinking of holding Donna. It was going to be with his rifle, loaded and ready.

  As he made his way back to the barn, he had no choice but to call Bubba.

  “Miss me already?”

  “Need you back tonight.”

  “Haven’t even started working on the north fence.”

  “Leave it. And Bubba, keep your eyes open for anything suspicious.”

  There was a pause then Bubba asked, “You see something?”

  “Might just be my gut, but something is off.”

  “You calling Nash?” Bubba asked.

  “Only if we have to.” Right now he wanted to keep everything to himself. If there were any more unexplainable incidents, he’d reach out to both Collins and Nash. But McLean wasn’t going to tell Bubba anything more than he already had, and definitely nothing about that woman. If she truly was his daughter, he’d be happy for Bubba. If she wasn’t and was here trying to hurt Donna or Evie, she’d be answering to him.