Whistlin' Dixie (Tempered Steel Book 1) (6 page)

“Jamie, we don’t have a dog.” Dixie laughed at him

“It’s just as well. He probably wouldn’t need this stuff either.”

As they finished their pizza, Jamie waxed on about the Coalson brothers and Dixie realized how much he missed having a male role model. She learned as much about Mac in the things Jamie didn’t say as in the parts he did. She knew he had a deep pride in this community. Jamie told her about Mac’s plans to rebuild the marina area and bring back the businesses. She knew instinctively that he wanted to rebuild the hopes and dreams of his community as well. It was a Herculean task, but Mac could do it.

She knew just from gossip alone that he was a very busy man, but he had taken the time to help Jamie get acquainted with the others he would be working with. He helped to calm the awkwardness that stemmed from the unusual circumstances of Jamie’s first day. But most importantly, he had given her brother a job based only on her word.

Her initial impression of his character hadn’t been wrong. Dixie knew it in her heart. He was a good man, even if he was a bit of a chauvinist. She was beginning to think that that was just a front to get her riled up. She hadn’t missed the twinkle in his eye. He valued the same things as Grandpa Harris had; family, friends and hard work. And pride in his community.

Dixie definitely wanted to get to know Mac better. And not just because he had a kiss that could curl her hair, although that was a good enough reason in itself. She hoped she would get the chance to see where a relationship with Mac could lead. But was it really smart to get involved with her brother’s boss? Just because he kissed her, didn’t mean he wasn’t just testing the waters. She breathed a heavy sigh. She’d just have to wait and see.

“Even if he has a temper to rival mine,” she grumbled to herself.

CHAPTER FIVE

Down the road, Chance and Mac decided to grab some sandwiches with the beers while they talked business, so they walked down the hill to Montana Mac’s saloon, a local bar that served dinner. They found an empty table by the bar and placed their order. Mac looked around the old place as they waited to eat.

The decor of the place left a lot to be desired, consisting mostly of mismatched chairs and scarred tables. The dark paneling that covered the walls was decorated with old beer signs and various pictures of local sports teams that the owner had sponsored over the years. A dilapidated jukebox leaned in a corner, broken over ten years ago and never fixed. But the crotchety old man who owned the place made a truly fabulous cheeseburger and the beers were only a buck.

Their food arrived and they began to discuss the various problems they had run into at the company today as they consumed the burgers and homemade onion rings. Chance took a sip of beer and asked what everyone wanted to know. “Care to tell me how the kid that allegedly broke into our houses is now working for us?”

“He didn’t do it. He said some guy approached him. His sister confirmed the story, so I gave them a break.” Mac reached for the ketchup sitting in the middle of the table.

“Was that what she was doing wrapped around you the other day… confirming his story?” Chance chuckled.

Mac shot him a fulminating glance that he hoped told Chance he didn’t care for his joke. “Don’t be stupid. Think about it. Kids who vandalize usually do so randomly. Why just us? And why only the houses that are ready to go on the market? Something more is going on here.”

“Got any ideas? Somebody we outbid, maybe? With all the damage the flood did to this area, there’s enough work here for everyone for years.”

Mac nodded in agreement. “I don’t know what’s going on yet, but I’m going to find out.” Mac drained the last of his beer and motioned to the bartender to fix another round.

Chance looked at him, then shrugged and accepted the proffered beverage. “It’s not like you to drink more than one beer with supper, but the way things are going around here lately, I can certainly understand why you need to unwind a bit. Personally, I think you take too much on your shoulders. You’ve always possessed an ingrained sense of responsibility, usually above and beyond the call of duty.” Chance took a sip of beer. “But I’m thinking this sudden interest in alcoholic beverages has to do with a sexy blonde.”

Mac flipped him the bird. “We aren’t talking about this. It was a mistake. One I don’t plan on making again.”

“Well, that’s a real shame. Of course, she will need a shoulder to cry on, since she looked to be quite taken with you.” He looked to his left. “Well, lookee here. I seem to have an open shoulder right here.”

“Touch her and you’re a dead man,” Mac growled.

Chance laughed and slapped him on the back. “Oh my! Big brother’s got it bad!” Chance smiled, then sobered. “Good for you. You deserve some happiness-more than most.”

Mac grunted. He knew what Chance was saying. He loved Chance, too.

They finished their meal and Chance threw some money on the table as he got to his feet. “Sorry I can’t stay, but I’ve got a hot date.”

“Do you have any other kind?” Mac asked dryly, tipping back his beer bottle.

“Not if I can help it,” Chance grinned. “Speaking of a hot date, maybe you should check on the kid’s sister. She seemed pretty upset when she left. I know why you rile her up. She’s fuckin’ gorgeous when she’s mad. All the passion could be put to better use if you ask me. Maybe you should go over and apologize… or something.” Chance wiggled his eyebrows and grinned.

Mac lifted his finger once again. Chance laughed and walked out the door.

Mac finished his beer and deliberated on the sensibility of yet another one. Perhaps he should just go home-to an empty house and a lonely bed. He could seek out any number of old girlfriends, but he didn’t want just any woman. He wanted one with bright blue eyes and golden hair. The woman with the face to rival an angel and a body to tempt the devil himself.

Hell.

Chance had said she’d been upset. Boy, was that an understatement. She’d been ready to blow. But he had been right. She had been fuckin’ gorgeous glaring at him with fire in her eyes and that magnificent chest heaving in indignation.

She just didn’t know her own appeal. It wasn’t her fault that Jeb Hawkins had tried his lines on her, but she needed to be more cautious. Perhaps Chance was right, Mac decided as he signaled for the bill. Perhaps he should go over and apologize… or something.

*****

Dixie was just getting out of the shower when the doorbell rang. She glanced at the clock with a frown. She wasn’t expecting company and it was after nine o’clock. As the doorbell continued to peal, she came to the conclusion that Jamie had forgotten his keys again when he’d gone night fishing. She made a mental note to hide one outside for future use.

“I’m coming,” Dixie shouted as she tighten the sash on her pale pink bathrobe and adjusted the towel on her head. She reached for the bolt and unlocked the door. “Did you forget your… Oh!” She stared dumbstruck as Mac filled the open doorway.

“Do you always answer the door half naked?” he growled.

Obviously, she had just gotten out of the shower. He could tell her blonde hair was wet hidden under a towel, and the bathrobe was haphazardly knotted at her waist. “Only on Mondays,” she snapped.

Dixie regained her senses after the shock of seeing him standing on her porch. She remembered she was mad at him for his earlier obnoxious attitude.

“Cute,” Mac said wryly as he stepped into the cottage, forcing Dixie to back up or be trampled.

She noted his perusal of her home as she closed the door. New leather furniture mixed with antique pieces. Built-in shelves on either side of a stone fireplace were lined with books and knickknacks, pictures and candles. A large floral wreath was centered on the chimney. The latest bestseller in romantic fiction sat on the coffee table next to a bowl of potpourri and an empty iced tea glass. It was a cozy room, filled with warmth and wholesomeness – at least that’s the way she hoped it appeared.

“Please come in,” she snapped as she walked behind him.

Mac raised an eyebrow and pinned her with his silver gaze. “Do I sense hostility, little girl? I came by to check on you and your brother. Where is he by the way? I need to talk to him about our carpool situation.”

“Don’t call me little girl, I hate that,” she snarled as she stepped even closer, tempting fate so near his body.

“I know. Jamie told me. Why do you think I did it?” Mac smirked in his slow sexy fashion.

Dixie’s frown deepened. She was almost sure he was laughing at her. “Jamie isn’t here. He went fishing. I can take a message if you like.” She tried to sound as cold as possible. It wouldn’t do to have him know the effect he was having on her senses. She could feel the blush steal right into her cheeks. When he just continued to stare at her, she lifted her chin and stared right back. He was not going to intimidate her in her own home.

Dixie noticed the subtle change in tension the minute Mac straightened his posture. He raked her from head to toe with a slow gaze. He was no longer content to lounge around and indulge in conversation. He was a man with a purpose. He wanted something. As his steely gray eyes deepened into a shiny pewter, Dixie realized with a start what it was.
He wanted her.
She could see the flames of desire leaping in his eyes. For an awful second she felt she’d been stripped naked and he had stolen her soul. He was definitely the Devil.

Much as she wanted to, Dixie just couldn’t hold his stare. It was time to cut and run. She suddenly felt uncomfortable with him so close. His size filled the room. The thought that she was alone, here, with this man, suddenly sprang to mind and she got scared. She wasn’t prepared for this. She could feel the heat building between her thighs as she remembered that she only had on a bathrobe. She was naked underneath. Pointing to the door, she silently pleaded for him to leave. She wasn’t scared of him personally, she was scared of what she really wanted him to do.

Mac shook his head in the negative in response to her demand. “I think I’ll wait. I like the view.”

His voice was smooth as molasses, dark, deep, and sweet. To the casual observer he appeared totally relaxed, but Dixie knew better. The fire in his eyes belied the relaxed stance. He was definitely a predator. And she was so very afraid she was his prey and he was ready to pounce. A shiver of sexual awareness coursed through her and she turned to walk down the hallway on shaky legs, determined to end this bizarre conversation before her body betrayed her.

Good God, girl! Get it together! You act like you’ve never had a handsome man in your home before.
Well, she hadn’t.

Dixie glanced over her shoulder to see if he would take the hint and leave, then flushed as she noticed his gaze had centered on her butt. This was a side of Mac she wasn’t sure she was ready for. She had smelled the beers on his breath, but his footsteps were sure and his speech wasn’t slurred. He didn’t seem to be drunk, just bent on seduction.

She tried to remain calm, but her heartbeat accelerated alarmingly as he continued to stare at her. She was penned by the twin fires radiating from his gaze. When it became obvious that he wasn’t leaving, she tried for a neutral tone. She would show him that she didn’t care whether he left or stayed. Then she would run like mad to her bedroom, hoping he wouldn’t follow.

“Please, sit down then. I’m not sure when Jamie will be back. Can I get you anything?”

Mac smiled the Devil’s own smile of satisfaction. “Now that’s a loaded question.” He gave her a slow, sexy wink.

Flushing now with anger, she turned to him and stammered. “You, oh, I meant anything to drink.” She advanced on him, her uneasiness forgotten. “Just because you caught me off guard with that kiss in your office is no reason to go think I’m easy ‘cause I’m not.” Her accent returned with a vengeance.

Mac grinned at her display of temper. Her eyes were flashing blue fire again, and she was so worked up, she wasn’t even aware that the knot on her robe had loosened. But Mac had definitely noticed. Desire slammed into his gut, taking his breath away. She was no longer cautious around him and he was thankful for that. He wanted her to want him with the same intensity that was running through his body right now.

He wanted her so badly, he was practically shaking with it. And she still didn’t have a clue. Or if she did, she was choosing to ignore it.

To hell with that.

“Easy?! Honey, the only thing easy about you is your looks. Did anyone ever tell you how pretty you are when you’re spitting mad?” He straightened from the wall and took a step towards her.

“Then I must be blooming beautiful right now,” she raged. “Just where in blue blazes do you think you’re going?”

Mac just smiled and kept walking.

“Stop! What is it with you and the whole stalking like an animal thing?” She ran around the coffee table.

Mac smiled at the thoughts that flitted across her face. She was so easy to read. “Maybe you bring out the animal in me, baby.”

She started to laugh. “Really? That’s the line you’re going with?” She snorted then clapped her hand over her mouth.

Mac smiled.
Yeah, where the hell did that cheesy line come from?
“Hey, you put me on the spot. I can’t think straight when you’re standing there all sweet and naked.”

Dixie blushed. “Much better, but I think you should leave.”

Mac wasn’t going anywhere. “Come here.” He crooked his finger at her as he took another step.

*****

Heavens, she almost did what he commanded
, Dixie thought. The sensual web he was weaving around her was pulling her closer to him, closer to the fire. A few more feet and they would be toe to toe. She needed to take a stand. She wasn’t going to make this too easy on him. “No,” she squeaked.

He nodded his head. “Yes.”

Dixie turned to run. Too late. He grabbed her around the waist and turned her around to him, hauling her up against his chest. She gasped at the intimate contact of her breasts against his chest.
Oh God, she was naked against him!
She pushed at his chest.

“Stop wriggling, you little hellion.” he mumbled as he wrapped his much longer leg around both of hers enveloping her completely with his body. “I came here to apologize for yelling at you today.”

Dixie looked into those twinkling gray eyes, searching for some clue of his feelings for her. She knew he wanted her, but she didn’t want to be just another woman. She needed to matter. But, on the other hand, these feelings he so easily aroused in her with his simple touch defied anything she had been brought up to think about. Boy and girl meet, fall in love, get married, have babies. No one had bothered to tell her about the feelings of wanting, the physical need consuming her without benefit of vows or even a declaration of love. Was it all just physical? Was there something more? It was all very confusing. She knew one thing for certain though, she didn’t want these feelings to end until she explored a little more. Dixie was lost and she knew it. She didn’t care. His scent, his taste, feeling his desire for her had turned her shyness into wanton abandon. She wanted him.