CHAPTER 48
Frankie
If I wasn’t worried about being tracked down and murdered for witnessing a mob hit, I’d probably be having a great time.
Actually, I’m having a great time despite everything.
Emma whipped out a delicious meal like it was nothing, and now we’re lounging on the sofas, sipping tea and eating slices of her velvety lemon cake.
Pussy has hopped onto every lap she can locate, demanding affection, but it’s Jasmine she keeps going back to, and Jasmine is loving every second of it.
Though the details have been shared in bits and pieces—whenever Jasmine has been out of earshot—Special K’s sisters-in-law have given me the 411 on the dagger-throwing bitch I met on the road. She’s a Navy Captain named Harper, and she’s Special K’s ex.
Of course, I figured that out all on my own, but having it confirmed makes my blood run cold. That is, until they add that he hadn’t spoken to her in three years, up until she showed up here without an invitation.
“I think she wanted to work with StellaR Tech,” Phoebe says.
“That’s so not going to happen,” Victoria says with conviction.
“I think Harper wanted Special K back,” Emma says. “I get the feeling that’s the actual reason she came here.”
Summer snorts. “Also not happening. He can’t stand the sight of her.”
“She’s not a good-hearted woman,” Aunt Phyllis says with a shrug. “Certainly not good for our Kevin.” And with that, Phyllis glances over her teacup to give me a knowing smile.
No question that there’s an entire backstory here I know nothing about, but at least I can breathe a little easier. It sounds like whatever they had is long over.
Special K doesn’t want her.
I think he wants me.
After another hour of chatting and enjoying each other’s company, Special K shows up along with all of the male members of the MacLaine family. Finally, there are formal introductions, although I’ve heard enough about all of them that I already know who's who.
They’re all very kind—perfect gentlemen—but I get the distinct impression that Special K filled them in on my situation because I can sense a wariness about them.
I’m not angry about it. I accepted Special K’s offer to help me, and that means his family would have to be involved to some extent. I know they’re a team.
“Hello. My name’s Finn.” Emma’s husband holds out his hand for a shake, and I accept.
“Very nice to meet you,” I say. “I hear you like to game.”
“Uh…” Finn looks at Special K and back to me. “Yeah! You?”
“Absolutely.”
Finn grins at me.
“I’m Declan,” Summer’s husband says, also holding out his hand.
“Ah, yes. The pilot. Congratulations on your and Summer’s baby. It’s exciting.”
I think he actually blushes. “Thank you.”
“I’m Evander.”
Of course, he is. He’s dressed like he’s about to make closing arguments in court instead of rustling cattle. “Thank you for not throwing me out for trespassing. I appreciate it.”
He quirks an eyebrow at me.
“Cal,” the oldest one says. This is Victoria’s husband. He has such a wise face. The two of them make an exceptionally handsome couple. “Welcome to Yosemite Ranch.”
“Thank you. I’ve heard about you all and it’s wonderful to meet you.” I breathe out, hoping I made a decent first impression, the whole Harper thing notwithstanding.
Special K’s father has been hanging back, looking at me with an expression somewhere between shock and amusement.
“Hello again, Mr. MacLaine,” I say, walking to him.
It’s clear that all his boys have inherited his rugged good looks, thick hair, and otherworldly eyes.
At this moment, those eyes are crinkling up in a smile.
“Well, now, Frankie is it?”
“Yes, sir.”
He laughs and shakes his head, then grabs my hand in both his and gives it a squeeze. “An absolute pleasure, Frankie. We hope you can stay a while.”
With the MacLaines gathered around me, I get a sensation of déjà vu.
It reminds me of when I was a kid in Pine Haven with my dad, my grandfather, the Protectors, and their wives and kids.
It was a close-knit crowd. Found family, all of them.
And they would do anything for each other. It was their code of honor.
I had legitimate reasons for leaving, but this moment reminds me of all I’ve lost by walking away. I’m suddenly filled with deep regret. Maybe one day, if I get out of this alive, I’ll reconnect.
Special K touches my elbow. “You’re exhausted.” He says. “You need to get to bed.”
His mouth twitches, and I really hope his family didn't catch that.
“Can Pussy spend the night with me? Please, please, please?” Jasmine begs.
Normally, I wouldn’t want Pussy to be separated from me, but she’s so happy around the little girl that I relent. Besides, Special K’s right—I’m exhausted. And Pussy seems right at home.
“If it’s okay with your parents,” I say.
“Sure,” Emma says.
“You’ll have to take her outside on her leash to potty.”
“I can do that!” Jasmine squeals.
“Then I’ll come get her tomorrow.” I say this as a reminder that my cat is on loan. Pussy may be thrilled to be living in a mansion with her own little girl at her beck and call, but she’s my damn cat.
We say goodnight to everyone and though it’s not a long walk, I’m so tired that I lean against Special K as we make our way down the gravel lane. He slips his arm around my waist and tugs me close—so easy and natural. I look up at the spectacular display of stars above us and sigh with contentment.
It’s all very seductive, this place. Wonderful people. Great food. Comfort and laughter. Beauty everywhere I look. And the extraordinary man at my side, who’s transformed my world in just days.
But my mind and heart are still in turmoil. Can Special K and his brothers really find a way to keep me safe? Will Special K come to resent how complicated my life—and my problems—are? The last thing I want to do is drag him down with me.
I see houselights filtering through a stand of trees. We walk up a drive to a sprawling log home, and it’s just as I pictured it.
“Your rustic shack!” I say, laughing.