Playing for Keeps (Honky Tonk Angels Book 5) (12 page)

“Name it.”

“Go with me to see him. I have to tell him.”

“He won’t know what you’re saying, honey.”

“But I will.”

“I’ll make the arrangements today.”

She nodded and sank willingly into his arms. Life was just full of surprises and for the first in a long time, she’d gotten a good one.

*****

“Was that the door?” Netta’s neck stretched taut and her head swiveled like a bird.

Nellie Mae pushed herself up from her chair at the kitchen table to go to the door and look down the hall. One look and she hurried back to the table, whispering, “It’s them, they’re coming. They’re coming.”

Netta’s eyes were glued to the door. When Roxie and Cade passed, they didn’t so much as cut a look into the kitchen. Netta and Nellie Mae, however, certainly  jumped up to dash to the front of the house and watch them get into Cade’s car and drive away.

“Well, what do you think about that?” Nellie Mae slammed her hands on her hips. “Having that man here all night.”

“I thought we were going to search her room?” Netta jerked her head to the side and motioned toward Roxie’s room.

“Oh, oh yes.”

Half an hour later they admitted defeat. They’d gone through every drawer, the closet and the bathroom and hadn’t found one thing that would lend weight to what Nellie Mae had heard Roxie say. Namely that she was a murderer. Nellie Mae was not happy about it, but she wasn’t about to let a little thing like failing to find a murder weapon keep her from sharing the word with friends.

“Let’s have breakfast at the diner. My treat,” she offered.

“Why thank you hon. I’ll drive,” Netta agreed.

By the time they arrived at the diner, it was packed. Only one table had vacancies. Cody Sweet’s table. Nellie Mae took hold of Netta’s arm and pulled her along.

“Well Cody Sweet, how are you?” Nellie Mae greeted loudly as they reached the table. “Are you alone honey? Do you mind if we join? Netta shove those dirty plates to one side.” Nellie took a look around and waved at a waitress. “Delynn, honey, could you clear this away? Thank you sugar.”

With that, she took a seat and looked at Cody. “So, I hear tell that your little sister is spending the weekend gallivanting in San Antonio.”

“You hear that, do you?”

“I do. Her and Pursell’s niece. What’s her name? Pricilla?”

“Pressley,” Netta corrected.

“Oh yes, Pressley.”

“And that oil man, Quinlan,” Netta added. “I hear he headed up to San Antonio as well. And everyone knows him and Hannah have been setting off sparks all over town.”

Cody put down her knife and fork, pushed the plate away from her and wiped her mouth with her napkin before placing it on the table. “Well, lucky us that we have a fire department, eh?”

Nellie Mae cackled. “Oh my, you always did have that quick wit, didn’t you? I imagine you need it, though don’t you, sugar? With all that carrying on your cousin is doing with that new waitress. Why I bet your sweet mama is about to have a fit at the way he’s carrying on with that…” She paused, looked around and then whispered loudly. “That murderer.”

“What?” Cody looked from Nellie Mae to Netta and back to Nellie Mae. “Have you lost your mind?”

“Heard it from her own lips, I did.” Nellie Mae made the motion of a cross over her chest. “God as my witness. She tore in last night like a bull in a china shop with your cousin on her heels and I heard it clear as day, her telling him she was a murderer.”

Cody crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “Right. You heard it clear as day because you were right here with them.”

“Well…well no I didn’t say—”

“And you better not, Mrs. Nellie Mae.” Cody stood. “I mean it. You and Mrs. Netta have got to stop spreading lies about people. I used to defend you because I know you’re both bored and need something to occupy yourself with, but this business about making up lies about people just has to stop.”

Nellie Mae looked around, seeing the curious eyes that watched. “Child, lower your voice, there’s no need—”

“Oh, there’s need. There’s been need a long time but no one wanted to hurt your feelings. I didn’t either, but it’s gone too far. Roxie isn’t a murderer and you can’t go around spreading lies like that. It’s mean spirited and spiteful and it has to stop.”

Cody snatched up her ticket and marched to the cash register. Nellie Mae watched her and then looked around. People looked away and she felt tears well.

Netta reached over and took her hand. “Let’s go, hon.”

“No. I’ll not be shamed into leaving. I said I’d buy you breakfast and that’s what I’m doing. Don’t you move, Netta.”

“I won’t Nellie Mae. I’m here with you hon.”

Nellie Mae nodded and cut her eyes to see Cody leaving the diner. She could feel people watching her and was humiliated over the way Cody had behaved. Now everyone would think she and Netta were nothing but town gossips when the truth was all they were trying to do was to keep this town safe.

Cody purely hated having anger bubbling in her belly at Mrs. Nellie Mae and Mrs. Netta. Part of her regretted the way she’d spoken in the diner. The other part thought it was long past time that someone called those women out on all the rumors they spread.

It went way past gossip and into straight-up lies. Like them claiming that Roxie was a murderer. That was a load of bunk. Cade had her checked out and he’d have told Cody if there was something on Roxie’s record like that.

Besides, she’d gotten to know Roxie pretty well and she’d never believe that Roxie was a murderer. As Cody fished her truck keys out of her pocket, Dini Merrill hurried up. Dini was busy cramming something into her oversized purse and nearly collided with Cody. Cody sidestepped and Dini looked up.

“Oh! Sorry.”

“You headed in to work or eat?”

“Hoping to eat before I start my shift.”

“Place is packed right now.” Cody had an idea. “How about I treat you to a fresh pastry and coffee at the bakery?”

Dini put her hand to her stomach. “Oh, that sounds good. I’ve been trying to cut back on the sweets but…” She looked at the diner and then across the street. “What the heck. Thanks, Cody.”

“My pleasure.” Cody gestured and Dini fell in step beside her. They hurried across the road and into the bakery.

“Oh my god, this smells like heaven.” Dini closed her eyes and breathed when she stepped inside. She opened her eyes and grinned at Cody. “How did you and Hannah keep from being big as barns, growing up around this?”

“Don’t think we did anything special, to be honest,” Cody said, then smiled at her mother. “Morning, Mama. Have you met Dini Merrill?”

“Not formally,” Stella said and held out her hand with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you Dini. I’m Stella Sweet.”

“It’s such a pleasure.” Dini shook Stella’s hand, then looked around. “This is the prettiest place, and oh my god, does it smell good.”

“Well, let’s hope it tastes as good. I just took a fresh batch of bear claws and apple fritters out of the over. What say I dish you up some?”

“Sounds good. Thanks Mama,” Cody said.

“Sounds divine,” Dini agreed.

“Then you girls get something to drink and find a seat. I’ll bring them right out.”

Dini followed Cody to the coffee station. Once they had their cups, they took a seat at a small, two-person table by a window. Dini sipped the coffee and sighed in appreciation. “Oh god, if I’d known there was coffee like this in Cotton Creek I’d have been camped out here every morning.”

Cody smiled. “Mama’s pretty picky about her coffee. But hey, how are things going with you, girl? You still seeing Jasper?”

Dini sighed happily and smiled. “He’s just the dreamiest, isn’t he? I mean, he’s really hot, smart and hardworking and he loves his family so much. I don’t think I’ve ever met people any nicer than him and his family.”

“The Weathers are definitely good folks and Jasper’s a stand-up guy for sure. It’s nice seeing him finally fall for someone.”

“Finally?” Dini’s brows drew together into a momentary frown. “Oh, I bet he’s had dozens of girlfriends, as sexy as he is.”

“Yeah, probably so, but he’s never fallen for one of them. You’re the first.”

“I am?” Those delicate eyebrows of hers rose. “Are you serious?”

“I am.”

A blind person could have read the happiness on Dini’s face. “I’m just crazy about him, Cody, and I know it hasn’t been that long and I just broke up with someone but I’m really falling hard for him.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Cody said and looked up as Stella approached with two plates of pastries.

“Here you go, girls. Eat up while they’re hot.”

“Oh my goodness, this looks scrumptuous.” Dini eyed her plate. “My mouth is going to love it and my thighs will be cursing me.”

“You’ll burn it off at work,” Cody said, then added, “Which reminds me, I wanted to ask if you’re happy at the diner.”

“Sure, I guess. I mean, the pay isn’t all that great but the people are so nice and I get to meet a lot of nice folks so I can’t really complain. Why?”

“Just asking. If you decide you want to make a change, or just pick up extra cash, let me know. We could really use more help at the bar, and the tips there sure beat what you make at the diner.”

“Seriously? I mean, I like working at the diner, but I’d love to work for you. The Honky Tonk is such a fun place and I’m way more of a night owl than an early bird. Are you sure?”

“One hundred perfect. I need people every night of the week so you can pull as many shifts as you want.”

“Oh, that would be wonderful. But I’d like to keep working the lunch shift at the diner at least three days a week.”

“That’s up to you girl. Just give me a holler when you decide and we’ll work it you.”

“Thanks, Cody.”

“Hey, thank you. We’re scrambling to hire enough staff.”

“Roxie really likes it. She said you and Hannah are really great.”

“We like her. She’s a hard worker and a good friend.”

“Amen to that. She’s the best friend I’ve ever had and I’ve never met a more caring person.”

“Sounds like you and she have a real solid friendship.”

“We do and I’m grateful for that every day.”

“I hear ya, girl. Well, I best get a move on. Hannah is in San Antonio with Pressley Pursell shopping for furniture so I’m pulling double duty until she gets back. You let me know when and if you want to get started at the bar, okay?”

“I will, Cody and thank you.”

“You bet. See you soon.”

Cody stopped and paid for the pastries and coffee, despite her mama’s protests and headed outside. She crossed the street and got into her truck. Just as she was starting the engine, she saw Dini come out of the bakery. At almost the same moment, Jasper Weathers parked his truck at the curb.

Cody watched as Jasper got out of his truck and made a beeline for Dini. He picked her up and gently spun around, lowering her as he turned. Dini’s laugh floated in the air, her smile as bright as the sun as she sank into Jasper’s arms and accepted his kiss.

A smile took hold on Cody’s face. Love was definitely in the air in Cotton Creek. Dini and Jasper, Hannah and Cooper, and if she wasn’t mistaken, Roxie and Cade. Seemed like Cupid had decided to take up residence here because there was a whole lot of falling in love going on.

Except for her.

Jaxon Riggs’ face flashed through her mind and her smile faded. She’d been so sure when she saw him, felt it clear down to her toes that he was the one.

And yet, she hadn’t seen hide nor hair of him since that first night she met him. Apparently she’d been wrong. He wasn’t the one. Or didn’t want to be. Either way the result was the same. As always, she was alone.

Chapter Nine

“This has been the best weekend ever.” Hannah flopped down on the sofa in their suite and kicked off her shoes.

She and Pressley had enjoyed two days of non-stop shopping that had not been limited to furniture. Hannah had found linens and towels, things for the kitchen and bathrooms, along with new clothes and shoes.

Earlier in the day, she’d experienced a mild stab of panic over the amount of money she was spending but had told herself there was nothing wrong with her spending what she’d earned. She was getting things for her first home. And the clothing? Well, that was a special treat and she wasn’t going to feel guilty about it.

“It has been good but I’m pooped.” Pressley took a seat on the other end of the sofa. “And girl, if we buy anything else, we won’t get it in the truck.”

“God, I know.” They had rented a truck on Friday morning, which was now downstairs in the parking lot packed to the brim. “Are you sure you don’t mind driving it back?”

“Not at all,” Pressley answered. “But I wanted to run something by you. I was thinking I’d drive back today and see if I can get some people to help me unload either this evening or in the morning. That way, I can take the truck to the drop-off point in Rock Ridge tomorrow and arrange to take it at a time so you can pick me up on your way in.”

“Oh no. You can’t do that all alone. And I need to be there to help.”

“Sure I can,” Pressley argued, then continued, “Look, I know you’re the one with the head for decorating and I’m not about to do anything other than get the stuff in the house. I’ll set up my room but the rest of it is up to you. But I need to get back to work on Monday, so I really need to at least get my bedroom set up. Besides, you’re supposed to go out with Cooper tonight so it might work out for the best.”

“Pressley, I can cancel with Cooper.”

“No. No, I don’t want you to do that. I’m really ready to get back and it wouldn’t hurt for you to have the suite to yourself tonight. Just in case.”

“As if.” Hannah tossed a throw pillow at her. “It’s not like I’m going to end up sleeping with him.”

“Well, you never know and damn girl, he is fine.”

“I can’t disagree with that, but this is kind of an important date.”

“Okay, whatever, but still I think this is what we should do and I’d like to go ahead and get on the road.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am. We’ll be in touch and set a time to meet in Rock Ridge tomorrow.”

“Okay, but call me when you get back. And if you need, I’ll call my little sister KC and have her round up some boys from the high school to help you unload.”

“I may take you up on that.” Pressley rose and went into the bedroom. Five minutes later, she returned with her over-night bag. “Okay, so you have fun tonight.”

“I will. And don’t forget to call.”

“I won’t.” Pressley hugged her. “This was fun. I think we make a good team.”

“Me too. Drive safe.”

“I will. See you tomorrow.”

Once Pressley was gone, the suite seemed quiet and empty. Hannah supposed that was due to suddenly not being on the go. She thought about Pressley leaving, and her own reaction to the suggestion she might want the suite to herself. Her first reaction was to insist that she had no intention of being intimate with Cooper.

Why was that? If she were honest, she’d say she had been thinking about it since the first time she’d seen him. Yet here she was, at twenty-eight years old, insistent that a first date had to be the same as it was when she was a teenager. Why was she thinking that way when what she really wanted was to bring him back to the hotel and have mind-blowing sex?

There. She’d said it. Well, thought it. Even doing that made her nervous, as if someone would suddenly pop through the door and scold her for those lascivious thoughts. What the hell? Why couldn’t she be like Pressley? She’d be willing to bet that if Pressley went out with someone who turned her on, she’d have no problem bringing the guy home and into her bed.

So what was wrong here? Hannah lay back on the couch and stared at the ceiling. Why was she so scared to act on what she wanted? Like renting this house. Even now she felt that at any moment someone would step in and tell her she couldn’t. Why was she so afraid to take charge of her own life?

On impulse, she reached for her purse on the coffee table and pulled out her phone. Two rings later, Cody answered.

“What’s up?”

“Just thinking.”

“Thinking? I thought you were shopping?”

“I was. We’re done and Pressley decided to head back today.”

“So why’d you stay?”

“I have a date.”

“A date? With who?”

“Cooper. He’s in San Antonio on business.”

“Cool.”

Hannah didn’t detect anything in Cody’s voice to indicate she had a problem with the date. “The thing is…well, I wanted to ask—”

“Yeah, I think it’s okay for you to sleep with him.”

“What?”

“That
is
what you were going to ask, isn’t it?’

“Well…well, yes. But we haven’t dated that much and—and do you think he’ll think—”

“No, I don’t. I think if you want it and he wants it, then go for it. And from the way he looks at you, he definitely wants it.”

“You think?”

“I do. So, what time’s the date?”

“He’s picking me up at seven.”

“Then go start getting ready. And if you don’t have sexy underwear then don’t wear any.”

“Cody! I can’t go around without panties.”

“Sure you can. And like I said, sexy or commando. No granny panties.”

“Suddenly I’m not so sure about this.”

“Yes you are. And it’ll be fine. It’s just like riding a bike.”

“Says the woman who hasn’t been on a bike in about as long as me.”

“Well, that doesn’t mean I won’t remember how when the time comes. And this is your time, Hannah Jean, so get fixed up and seduce that man.”

“If I can remember how.”

“Oh, you remember. Now go. And enjoy. And tell me all about it when you get home.”

“I will. And you’ll come over and help me get my place set up?”

“You know I will.”

“Thanks. I love you.”

“I love you.”

The line went dead and Hannah put her phone on the coffee table. Maybe Cody was right. It was time for her to start living for herself.

Thinking about that had her heading for the bedroom. She had plenty of time, time to make sure she looked perfect to go on a date with the man who was the closest to perfect she’d ever met.

She shucked her clothes and headed for the shower. Forty-five minutes later, she was clean, shaved, shampooed and conditioned. Hannah had just wrapped a towel around her body when there was a knock at the door. Hurrying, she pulled on her robe and ran to answer.

“Yes?” She looked through the peephole and saw a bellboy with a large flat box in his hands.

“A delivery for Miss Hannah Sweet.”

Hannah opened the door and accepted the package. “Thank you. Oh, you want to wait and I’ll grab my purse for a tip?”

“No need, ma’am. Have a good day.”

She closed the door and took the package to the dining table. After she opened it and pulled back the tissue paper, her hands flew to her face. Hannah stood there and gaped for a few seconds before snatching up the envelope with her name on it.

Inside was a handwritten note.
The moment I saw this, all I could think was that it would look perfect on you. I hope you’ll wear it tonight. Always – Cooper

Hannah put the note aside and lifted the black lace dress from the box. This was the dress she’d been admiring in the window of the boutique in Cotton Creek one morning when she ran into Cooper. She couldn’t believe that he remembered, or that he’d gone to the trouble to buy it.

A small voice in the back of her mind asked if it was okay to accept the gift. Did a man you barely know buy something like this? It was an expensive dress. Yes, one she wished she could afford and was itching to try on, but still, what did it say that he’d bought it? And more importantly, what did it say if she wore it?

She went in search of her phone and placed another call to Cody.

“What’s up, little sister?” Cody answered.

Hannah quickly spilled the story. There was silence on the line when she finished. “Cody? Are you there?”

“Yeah.”

“So?”

“So, what?”

“So, what should I do?”

“Do you like the dress?”

“God yes, I love it.”

“So keep it. Wear it. It was obviously important to him that you have it, so no need to throw it back in his face.”

“But if I keep it do you think that says…I don’t know…that, that I’m for sale?”

Cody laughed. “Girl, it will take more than a dress to buy you, but no, I don’t think anyone—not even Cooper Quinlan looks at you like a woman for sale.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am. Now will you please go get ready, stop obsessing and have a good time?”

“I will. Thanks.”

“You bet’cha. Love ya.”

“Love you.”

Hannah tossed her phone onto the bed and picked up the dress again. She was going to wear it and she was going to have a great night. It was time to stop worrying about every little thing and start enjoying life.

*****

Cooper stood inside the hotel lobby, watching the elevators. He’d just had a desk clerk call up to let Hannah know he was there. He’d first thought about going straight to her room, but changed his mind. As silly as it was, he wanted this date to be perfect and it might mean more if she stepped off the elevator and saw him waiting with a single long-stemmed rose in his hand.

The limo was waiting outside at the curb, with chilled champagne for them to enjoy on the way to the restaurant. He wasn’t ashamed to admit that he’d planned the evening with the intention of impressing her.

How much he could impress her fled his mind as the doors to one of the elevators opened and Hannah stepped out. The black lace dress fit her like a glove, molding to the curves of her body from breasts to hips, then flaring slightly to end just above the knees. Her hair was worn up tonight, giving her a look of grace and sophistication.

She saw him and smiled, and that smile warmed him right down to the soles of her feet. She was stunning, a real traffic-stopping, heartbreaker and for tonight, she was his. Well, his date, anyway.

As he watched her approach, his mind considered more than having her as company for dinner and a show.

He extended the rose to her as she stopped before him. “You’re beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She accepted the rose, lifted it to her face to smell and smiled. “So are you.”

Cooper felt a warmth spread through him at her compliment and turned to offer her his arm. “My lady?”

Hannah took his arm and he escorted her outside. He saw the way her eyes widened as the limo driver opened the rear door. She glanced at Cooper and he smiled.

Once inside the limo, Cooper gestured toward the champagne. “Shall we?”

“Most definitely.”

He poured two glasses, handed her one and then raised his in a toast. “To a wonderful night. Every man we meet will be envious of me tonight.”

“My, you’re quite the flatterer.” Hannah touched her glass to his and then sipped. “Oh my, that’s good. So, where are we headed?”

“It’s a surprise, but I think you’ll like it.”

“I’m sure. Have you been busy since you’ve been here?”

“Quite. It’s been productive. And you? Did you find everything you wanted?”

“And then some.” She took another sip. “Pressley left just a few hours ago, with a truck laden to the brim. She wanted to get everything unloaded and into the house and meet me in Rock Ridge tomorrow.”

“Why Rock Ridge?”

“They have a drop off place there for rentals.”

“So, you’re alone tonight?”

“No. I’m with you.”

Cooper smiled, letting all sorts of delicious fantasies dance through his mind. It wasn’t that he didn’t have a place he could take her if she should surprise him and agree to spend the night, but chances were, she’d want to be in her own suite, with her own things.

And the chances of him seducing her into spending the night might be slim. So far, he’d only received a kiss on the cheek from her. It was a big leap from that to making love.

Making love?
Why had his mind even conjured up that phrase? It was sex. He wanted to have sex with her. It wasn’t like he was falling in love.

“Have you been to San Antonio before now?” she asked.

“Oh, yes. Quinlan Oil has offices here. My father started his business in Texas.”

“That’s what Liz told me. She also said that you’ve done extensive traveling. Where have you been?”