Destiny's Last Bachelor? (17 page)

Eating was the last thing she wanted to do right now, so she grabbed the bag and walked over to the small refrigerator. At the sound of the door opening, Snake appeared at her side. “Taking refuge in the bathroom again, huh? You are one smart dog.”

She gave him a treat and then placed the two sandwiches and the bottled waters inside the refrigerator before her hand caught on something inside the bag.

Pulling out a magazine, she sucked in a shallow breath. It was a tabloid! Those reporters her sister had brought to the auction had been from a celebrity tabloid!

For the second time in less than thirty days, Priscilla Lennox found herself featured in a clever headline that was only a prelude to what she was sure was a scintillating article inside. Unlike the first time, when she’d never bothered to look for the published report online, Priscilla flipped open the magazine and began to read.

Her knees buckled before she got through the first few paragraphs. When she got to the unnamed female source quoted as saying Priscilla had showed these country bumpkins a thing or two about putting on a fund-raiser, she collapsed to the carpet.

Snake whimpered and crawled into her lap. Priscilla petted him, certain her aching heart couldn’t take much more. She almost stopped reading, but then found a quote attributed to an unnamed male that could only be Dean as he described her high heels and twenty-four-karat words.

She tossed the magazine aside. It was only a matter of time before everyone in town read this article, and while most intelligent adults knew the difference between tabloid journalism and the real stuff, there were many who would believe it. As much as she hated to admit it, portions of what was written did have a ring of truth.

She was an outsider. She didn’t belong here and others obviously felt the same way. It was time for this fairy tale to come to an end. Still, she sat in that very spot for hours, waiting to see if her sister would return. Finally, she decided to pack her bags.

The sun was setting when she checked out of the inn, securing the cashbox in the main safe located in the office downstairs. Leaving like this, without telling anyone, was a cowardly thing to do. She tried to justify it by telling herself that she should be gone before word of the magazine article got around town.

“Are you sure you’re okay to drive?” Minnie asked as she gave Priscilla a hug goodbye. “You seem a bit upset, dear.”

“I’m fine. I just need to return to L.A. to deal with some unexpected family business.” Priscilla tugged on Snake’s, leash as the dog proved reluctant to leave the inn’s front porch. “Please thank the Major for me. I loved spending time here.”

It was hard to believe after all the crying she’d done today that she had any tears left, but when the sharp sting reached the back of her eyes, Priscilla scooped Snake into her arms, hurried to her car and headed for the West Coast.

* * *

The pounding on Dean’s front door matched the pounding inside his head, and Daisy’s barking didn’t help. He stumbled from his couch and blindly made his way to the foyer, almost tripping over his dog before yanking open the door.

Bobby stood there waving something in his hand, but Dean’s blurred vision, combined with the morning sun, made it impossible for him to see anything clearly.

“What?” he croaked. “What are you doing here so early?”

Bobby pushed past him and came inside. At least that meant Dean could close the door. He did so and then turned around, finding himself face-to-face with his best friend.

“Are you crazy?”

Bobby shoved something at him and Dean grabbed at it, but missed. The object landed on the floor with a light thump, and then he saw his own image staring back at him and realized it was that gossip rag. The sudden pain in his chest was worse than the headache slamming around in his brain. “Where in the hell did you get that?”

“I take it from your question you already know about that piece of crap. You want to explain?”

Talking was the last thing Dean wanted to do, but the look on his buddy’s face told him that arguing would only be a waste of breath. He pushed past Bobby and headed for the kitchen. Pouring two cups of coffee, he thanked whoever invented programmable coffeemakers, and downed two mouthfuls. Then Bobby entered the room with Daisy close behind, the magazine held tight in her jaw.

Dean had realized a few hours after their argument that he’d never talked to Priscilla about the article. He’d tried to call her a few times, if for no other reason than to make sure she knew the truth about what he’d said—and hadn’t said—but he’d never even reached her voice mail on her cell phone.

Bobby grabbed the second mug and then said, “Since you seem to be having a hard time getting your mouth moving this morning, I’ll start. Priscilla left town last night.”

Stumbling backward, Dean landed on one of his barstools. He grabbed at the wooden seat with one hand, praying it would anchor his suddenly spinning world. The news was the last thing he’d expected, even after everything that had happened yesterday.

“Leeann and I woke up this morning to an email sent around midnight that said she had an emergency in L.A. and she apologized for leaving so abruptly. The fact she included attachments of all of her fund-raising plans for the camp leads us to believe she’s not coming back anytime soon. If ever.” Bobby gestured with his coffee cup to the magazine, which Daisy was in the process of tearing up into tiny little pieces. “And I think that article, and you, have more to do with her being gone than anything else.”

Bobby’s words left him feeling hollow. Dean explained everything that had happened in the past couple of days, including how the money had disappeared and then reappeared. By the time he was done, he felt better despite his raging hangover.

“That’s all you’ve got?” Bobby gave a disgusted sigh. “You need to fix this.”

“Really? That’s the only advice
you’ve
got?”

“You’re in love with this woman, Zip. Do I have to say that aloud? Fine, I’ll tell you again and maybe it’ll sink into your thick skull. You. Love. Her. You need her in your life, the camp needs her, the town needs her.” Bobby pointed at Daisy. “Your mutt even needs her. I can’t put it any plainer than that.”

Bobby was right.

Dean had to talk to Priscilla, to apologize for being the biggest idiot in the world and, if it wasn’t too late, tell her he loved her and wanted her to be in his life. He might not agree with her covering for her sister, but he understood all too well about loyalty, something he’d witnessed time and time again in the veterans he’d helped. They had each other’s backs both on the battlefield and off. “Where do I start? Los Angeles is a bit bigger than Destiny.”

Bobby grinned and pulled out his cell phone. “First, get yourself in the shower. The sooner you resemble a human being the better. Then pack a bag.”

Dean stood up and started for his bedroom, then paused and turned back. “I’m not just going to show up on her doorstep, am I? Or at her office?”

“No, you’ll need some help to do this right. I’ve still got some connections in L.A. Don’t worry, she’ll never know what hit her.”

Stripping off his shirt, Dean hoped his friend was right as he headed for the shower, praying it wasn’t too late for him to fix the biggest mistake of his life.

Chapter Fourteen

T
he mansion gleamed with candlelight as an orchestra played softly in the background. The crème de la crème of Beverly Hills were there, talking and dancing, the gentlemen clad in tuxedos and the ladies in long gowns. Priscilla’s was a floor-length pink chiffon, the strapless bodice setting off her diamond jewelry to perfection, but she felt pale and lifeless, wishing she was back in her jeans, running around Camp Diamond with the kids.

With Dean.

She’d been home for three days and had yet to speak with her father, who was traveling again, but she and Jacqueline had talked on the phone a few times. Priscilla had been surprised to find Elizabeth, her father’s secretary, waiting for her and Snake at the Beverly Hills house when she arrived on Tuesday morning with the news that her sister had voluntarily entered a treatment facility in New Mexico.

The news had been a shock, despite the alcohol she’d smelled on her sister’s breath the night of the auction. Priscilla was still coming to terms with all that her sister had done in the past month or so, but she was glad Jacqueline was finally getting the professional help she needed.

“Here, sugar, you look as if you need this.” Lisa joined her at the far end of the crowded ballroom, two champagne glasses in her hands. “Have I told you yet how beautiful you look tonight?”

Priscilla smiled as she took the glass, even though she wasn’t in the mood to drink. “Seeing that I am wearing one of your designs, you have to say that.”

Lisa clicked the edge of her glass to Priscilla’s and then raised it to her lips. “I don’t know why you just don’t call him.”

Her friend’s simple statement cut straight to her heart, but Priscilla pretended not to hear her as she looked out over the crowd, not really seeing any of them. No, what she saw were the people in a small ranching town who’d welcomed her into their lives with such friendliness, the amazing kids at the camp, the man she’d come to care for more deeply in a way she’d never felt before...

“It’s no use.” Priscilla looked down at the thousands of tiny bubbles shimmering in her champagne flute. “I already told you, he’s made up his mind that Destiny and I, not to mention him and I, are as natural a fit as...well, as...”

“As a cowboy in Beverly Hills?”

At the familiar low tones, Priscilla looked up, her fingers tightening around the glass, that same burst of warmth springing to life deep inside her that always happened at the sight of the man making his way toward her.

Dean looked amazing in a black tuxedo and a dark Stetson, causing many in the ballroom to turn and watch him as he walked the few steps to her side. He kept his gaze locked on her. When he finally stood before her, she realized she was alone with him, her friend having mysteriously disappeared. He offered her a smile that was one part sexy and the rest charmingly nervous.

Stunned by his sudden appearance, Priscilla said the first thing that came to her mind. “I thought you didn’t own a cowboy hat.”

His smile was now the irresistible one she’d grown accustomed to during their time together in Destiny. “I wanted to make sure I stood out in your crowd.”

Oh, he did that in ways he couldn’t possibly imagine.

“Is there someplace where we can speak privately?”

His question was almost the same one, word for word, that she’d asked him a week ago after the auction. Uncertainty filled his eyes as she remained silent, but then Priscilla nodded and pointed toward the gardens visible through the wide-open French doors all along one side of the room.

“After you.” He motioned for her to step in front of him. Priscilla did, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment when she felt the heat of his touch at her back as she walked out onto the enormous patio.

Pausing to leave her glass behind on the ornately carved stone wall that separated the patio from the well-manicured green lawn, she chose a private path hidden among defined boxwood hedges and flowering bushes dressed up for tonight’s festivities with row after row of twinkling lights.

She finally stopped near a stone bench and turned to find Dean had removed his hat. “Not used to wearing that?” she asked.

“It was making it hard to see you and I’ve missed seeing you.” His voice was low as his gaze roamed over her. “You are so beautiful, and if you don’t mind me asking...”

His voice trailed off. She had no idea what he was going to say next.

“What kind of shoes are you wearing?”

Priscilla laughed, his silly question making her feel all bubbly inside, no champagne required. She lifted up the hem of her dress and pointed to her toes, showing off the high-heeled sandals that were nothing more than a few straps of light pink material decorated with rhinestones.

“Hmm, very nice, but I think I like you better in those work boots you wore at the camp.”

His words set off a flutter in her heart. “So do I, actually. These beauties aren’t as comfortable as they used to be.”

A brightness filled Dean’s eyes as he grinned and tugged at the collar of his shirt. “Me? I’ve never felt more out of place in my life.”

“Well, you look amazing.”

His smile softened. “Thanks.”

“What are you doing here?” she finally asked. The small talk was driving her crazy and she was unable to hold back her curiosity any longer. “How did you know where to find me tonight?”

“Through Bobby and a few of his friends, one of them being your assistant, who is a big racing fan. I arrived in Los Angeles this morning and spent the rest of the day being buffed and shined and stuffed into this monkey suit, but it was all worth it because I needed to see you again. To talk to you.”

Priscilla opened her mouth to speak, but Dean stopped her by gently pressing his finger to her lips.

“To tell you how sorry I am...for everything.” He dropped his hand and placed his Stetson on the bench before turning back to her. “You must’ve seen that magazine I left in your room. Please believe me, I didn’t say those things. Well, I didn’t say them the way they reported it. You were great with the kids at the camp, and the ideas you came up with made it a better place for them. Not to mention how you got the whole town behind your auction.”

Priscilla blinked hard. The tears were back again, but this time they were happy ones.

“And I was a complete jerk about your sister, too. I should’ve been more understanding. I’d do anything—okay, just about anything—for my brothers and sisters.”

Priscilla reached out and took his hand, loving how his fingers instinctively laced with hers. “No, you were right. I was only trying to cover up a situation instead of facing it head-on. I don’t know if you even care, but Jacqueline is getting help, professional help, and I’m so hoping that it works for her.”

He gave her a gentle squeeze. “Of course I care.”

“And I should’ve known better about that article. Lord knows I’ve had enough experience with the tabloids, but the timing of it all...”

Dean took a step closer and brought one hand to her cheek. “I know all about timing. When I woke up Tuesday morning and found out you had left town, I wanted to hop on the first plane that would get me here to you.”

Priscilla swallowed against the hope that caused a lump to form in her throat. “Why?”

“You haven’t guessed? I don’t want to lose you.” He lowered his brow until his forehead rested against hers, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. “I need you in my life, Priscilla. I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. I want to find a way to make this work, to make us work, even if it means my staying here.... If you feel the same way about me, that is.”

Dean’s words thrilled her and that tiny flutter expanded into a joyous elation. “What if I don’t want to stay here?” she asked, trying to hold back her happiness and wishing he would ask her to return home with him.

He straightened, and his brows dipped in confusion. “What about your job? I want you in Destiny full-time, as does Daisy, but if you need to be—”

“I need to be where you are!” Priscilla flew at him, loving how Dean enveloped her in his strong arms, the world melting away as he lifted her so her high heels weren’t even touching the ground. “Beverly Hills doesn’t feel like home anymore, not like being in Destiny.”

His handsome face broke into a dazzling smile. “Are you sure that’s what you want, princess?”

“I want you, Dean Zippenella. I love you and if Destiny is your home, it’s going to be my—and Snake’s—home, too.”

He slowly lowered his mouth to hers and she met him halfway in a kiss that spoke of the passion and promise of a shared future, in a small town where fate had brought them together.

* * * * *

If you liked Dean and Priscilla’s story,
Don’t miss any of
USA TODAY bestselling author
Christyne Butler’s
WELCOME TO DESTINY
series.

THE COWBOY’S SECOND CHANCE
THE SHERIFF’S SECRET WIFE
A DADDY FOR JACOBY
WELCOME HOME, BOBBY WINSLOW
HAVING ADAM’S BABY
FLIRTING WITH DESTINY

Available from Harlequin Special Edition.

Keep reading for an excerpt from THE SINGLE DAD'S SECOND CHANCE by Brenda Harlen.