A Place To Call Home @page { margin-bottom: 5.000000pt; margin-top: 5.000000pt; } A Place to Call Home� � � Christina James� � Passion in Print Press www.passioninprint.com � � This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.� � � Copyright 2010 by Christina James� All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.� � � Published by� Passion in Print Press� 3052 Gaines Waterport Rd.� Albion, NY 14411� Visit Passion in Print Press on the Internet:� www.passioninprint.com� � � Editing by Laura Garland� Cover art by Deana Jamroz� ISBN# 978-1-60820-238-6� First Edition 2010� Trademarks Acknowledgment� The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:� Band Aid: Johnson & Johnson Corporation� BMW: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft � Botox: Allergan, Inc. � Emeril: Emeril’s Food of Love Productions, LLC � Google: Google, Inc. � iPod: Apple Computer, Inc. � Mercedes: Daimler AG Corporation � Scooby-Doo: Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc. � Scrabble: Production and Marketing Company� To my mother, Bonnie Lynch, who shares my love of romance stories. � Thank for you for all the valuable feedback on my drafts.� � � Chapter One� Now, Hannah O’Leary had been in many dangerous predicaments in her twenty-six years, but nothing compared to the situation she found herself in at the moment. Her fingernails clawed the surrounding dusty plywood floor, desperately trying to pull her long, slender body from the hole through which she dangled helplessly.� The dank air in the old attic mixed with the inch thick grime that covered every foot of the very cluttered room. Her nose wrinkled every time she breathed, the smell reminding her of soiled socks and wet newspaper. Surely if she could grasp one of the many antique furniture pieces around her, she could crawl out of the gap she’d blindly fallen through while inspecting her new house.� Hannah reached with all her iron-will toward a large dresser but fell inches shy of success. Her legs flailed on the underside of the splintered hole and sheared lumber. Alone in this big, deserted house, she’d give anything to have even the boogeyman rescue her.� Exhaustion quickly settled deep into her bones�"her very sore bones. Her head throbbed from the stifling heat in the large, dark room. Her long hair shrouded her shoulders and back, its thickness providing a blanket of warmth she certainly didn’t need or want. The muscles in her arms twitched and spasmed in protest from holding up her body’s weight. Oh, how she wished to have solid ground under her feet again. And her poor leg burned from what she guessed must be one hell of a scraped knee.� A squeak penetrated the silence. What was that? She scanned the area, her ears strained to listen for the noise to come again. Slowly, she twisted to see behind her. Please don’t let there be rodents, or worse, creepy crawly things in here, she prayed. There was no one but her in the attic.� What could she do to save herself from dropping to the floor below? Daring to peek down where her waist disappeared through the floor, she surmised she had to be some fifteen feet in the air. Letting herself fall wouldn’t do.� Scream. That’s what she’d have to do. Someone would hear her from the street. Right? � Oh, please, she begged the gods.� Then she screamed. And screamed. And screamed. � Her parched throat, raw and painful, begged for water. Her voice cracked, but she promised herself she’d not stop until rendered mute.� �śWhat the hell is going on up here?” a man’s voice boomed through the room.� Help is here. Thank God! � �śOver here. Help me. Help,” Hannah yelled toward the doorway.� �śAll right already. Quiet down.” The massive man marched into sight, scowling. When his gaze found her, he stopped short. �śJust what the hell do you think you’re doing up here?” � �śGetting a manicure,” she said sarcastically, her nails digging into the floor deeper. Didn’t he know when someone yelled for help it was serious? �śWhat the hell does it look like? Now would you please get me out of here?”� He muttered an oath, dropped a plastic clipboard, and kneeled. �śWell, I certainly can’t leave you like this. Hold still. Moving around like a fish out of water ain’t gonna help you.”� �śJust please get me out of here,” she said, biting her lip to keep from sobbing. � His large, strong hands squeezed through the broken wood and slid over her waist, down her hips, and over her bottom. � �śHey! Must you do that?” she demanded, wiggling from his touch, wedging herself further.� He sat back on his heels, rested his hands on his knees, and leaned over her. �śIf I don’t touch you, how do you figure I get you out of this fine mess you’ve got yourself into?”� �śYou don’t need to cop a feel while doing it.” Embarrassment flowed through her from head to toe. Her cheeks heated with her mortification. It’d been years since a man had touched her, and this wasn’t exactly romantic.� His face rested inches from hers. In the limited light, Hannah could just make out the hard angles and planes of his features. Their gazes locked, a glint of amusement in those dark eyes of his. � �śNow as appealing as that sounds, sweetheart, I’m a busy man. But once we get you out of here, maybe I can adjust my schedule to cop a feel. Now do you want my help or not?”� �śOf course I do. Please. I can’t hang here all day.”� �śThen hold still.”� She jerked her head up, irritated by his demanding tone. Who was he to boss her around? �śWho are you anyway?”� �śLooks like your hero. Now quiet. Let me work here.” � He placed his arms through the hole and once again his hands roamed her waist, hips, and bottom. She bit down on an oath. She wouldn’t admit how good those strong arms felt maneuvering over her body. � �śPut your arms around my neck,” he commanded and cupped her bottom.� Shaking her head, she panicked. �śNo. I’ll fall through.”� �śNo you won’t. I’ve got a good hold of you.”� �śYeah. I’ve noticed.”� �śDamn it. I said put your hands around my neck. Now.”� She huffed and did what he told her. �śDon’t drop me,” she demanded nervously.� �śDon’t give me a reason to. And don’t hold my neck so tight. I like to breathe.” � With his face so close to hers, his warm breath tickled her cheek with each word. A tingle ran down her spine. Probably just a reaction from her fright.� �śJust hold on. I’m going to lift you up. When I tell you, hold your knees to your chest as high as you can. Got it?”� �śYes.”� �śOkay.” His fingers dug into the curve of her bottom where it met her thighs. � Oh, God, how embarrassing to have a strange man’s hands holding her in such an intimate fashion. And damn she didn’t want to notice, but he was so strong, his arms solid, his fingers long and brawny, and currently massaging her buttocks thoroughly, while he lifted her slowly, angling her through the jagged wood. Breathing heavily with fear, she pressed her face against the curve of his neck and inhaled his scent. She couldn’t miss the smell of his skin, the scent of soap and heat.� �śOkay. Now,” he ordered.� She raised her knees even though they felt as heavy as logs. And then she stood on solid floor again, held tightly around the waist by his arm. He bent, grabbed his clipboard, and hauled her with him, lifting her and carefully and crossing over the wooden planks. Just like she’d done�"before she’d lost her footing and crashed through the floor. Each stair creaked as the tall stranger walked her down to the second floor. Hannah squinted at the bright sunshine pouring through the dirty windows. � �śYou can let go of me now.” The demand was stronger than necessary, but she could no longer hide her embarrassment.� �śYou sure? I don’t mind helping hold you up. Well, until you can stand on your own.”� His smile should be outlawed for the danger it presented to a woman’s state of mind. To her state of mind. Between the heat, humidity, and him watching her so closely, she swayed not knowing which to blame. Southern men may be known for their manners, but never had she seen a smile that intoxicating. With his slow drawl, he must be born and bred Southern. � �śI think I can handle it now. Thank you.”� Slowly he removed his arm from her waist. �śSure now?”� Before she could answer, she staggered. � His hand grabbed her elbow. �śStay still.”� �śI’m trying. Don’t forget I just finished hanging from the damn ceiling. Have to get used to my feet again.” Her knees protesting her weight, she froze when his hands purposely roamed her body. She brushed him away. �śWhat the hell do you think you’re doing?”� �śChecking for injuries. Stay still.”� �śI will not. You did your good deed for the day. Now stop.”� He ignored her protests and continued to run his hands over her arms, legs, and back. �śYou’re dirty, but you’ll survive. You’re not injured. No broken bones.”� Before she knew what he planned to do, he grabbed his clipboard, lifted her into his arms, cradled her to his chest, and walked to the stairs.� �śHey! Put me down.” Why be so nice to her when he didn’t even know her? Accepting his help needed to be done earlier, but she could take care of herself now.� �śI will when I get you downstairs. Don’t think you should tempt fate with a header down the stairs on those wobbly legs. And the next time you inspect an attic, use a flashlight. If you had, then you would’ve seen that floor is riddled with dry rot.”� �śThanks for the lesson. I can walk fine. Now please put me down.” She wiggled against his hard torso needing him to stop holding her so close. Her body heated, and she knew it had nothing to do with the summer temps.� �śNo,” he said simply, starting down the winding staircase. �śHold still, lady. Unless you want to kill us both.” � When she turned to see how close they were to the bottom, he lost his footing, and they tumbled down the last of the stairs with her landing under him. � He called out a string of curses. �śWhat part of �Śhold still’ did you not understand, lady?” He sat up next to her and rubbed his lower back. � She sat up as well, her body smarting in too many places to console.� He continued to yell. �śI need my body in one piece to earn a goddamn living.” � She flinched, guilt consuming her. �śI’m sorry. It’s not like I planned to make us fall.”� �śHad you listened to me and stopped moving, I wouldn’t have tripped.”� He was right, of course. How did she tell him that being held in his arms had made her too nervous to think clearly? She sighed, wishing she could rewind the entire morning.� He stared, still sitting on the floor with her. �śOkay. Maybe you didn’t mean to nearly kill us. You okay?” � She shrugged and straightened her shirt, offering a shy smile. �śYes. Thank you for rescuing me from the attic.” � �śAnd you repay me by lying to me?” he said, frowning. �śYou’re hurt and won’t admit it. I know some first aid. Let me look at your leg.”� �śNo. I’m fine really. Just a little scrape.” She inched back from him. �śSo what are you doing here anyway?”� �śSorry,” he said, extending his hand. �śName’s Mac. You called me for a bid to renovate this place. MacDevin & Sons Construction at your service. It’s Ms. O’Leary, right?”� �śHannah.”� �śHannah,” he repeated, her name rolling off his tongue to serenade her ears.� �śDo you have a bid, Mac?” She let go of his hand.� �śI do. You’re not getting it, though,” he said and gestured toward her injured knee. �śNot until I look at that cut on your leg.”� She frowned. �śNow that’s not playing fair.”� He shot her that killer smile again. Thank goodness she wasn’t standing. Her knees would’ve weakened instantly. Damn, if a smile could have that kind of effect on her, then she needed to get laid.� She scooted up and sat on the bottom stair. Her injury throbbed, and when she glanced down, she found her pant torn and a jagged gash sliced across her knee. Mac’s large hand covered her calf and tugged until her leg straightened then he slid his callused palm up her shin. Dear God, why did that have to feel so good? � He studied the knee, released her, and stood. �śBe right back. Don’t move,” he directed and walked out the front door.� Too bad Mac didn’t know Hannah took orders from no one. She struggled to her feet, retrieved her purse from where she’d left it near the door, and grabbed a wad of tissues. However, trying to hold the tissues over her knee and hobble back to the stairs proved to be difficult. With her injured leg bare from knee to ankle, she eased back down onto the stair step and looked up when Mac returned.� He grimaced. �śThought I told you to stay put.”� �śYou did. I didn’t want to.”� �śYou have a hard time with listening, don’t you, Hannah?” Mac popped open the first aid kit.� �śYou’d be wise to learn I don’t follow orders or take demands.”� �śYeah? Even when your safety is concerned? That’s just being stubborn.” He reached for her, and she pulled away.� She held the makeshift bandage over her bloody skin. �śI’m fine, really.”� He ignored her, bent down to study her leg. �śThis is pretty banged up. Needs to be treated. Let me see.”� Did the guy ever give up? Never had someone paid this much attention to her. If he would just leave her alone, she could handle it herself. But no. He wanted to play doctor. �śI think it’s time you left.”� He pried her hand to survey her scrape. � �śWhy won’t you listen to me?” she demanded.� He grabbed her leg before she could pull away. �śI promise I won’t hurt you. Let me help you before you get an infection.”� �śSo, now you’re a doctor?” � �śHardly. More like I have plenty of experience with scraped knees.” � With a sigh, she relented. He only wanted to help�"no harm there�"and her leg did throb something awful. After she’d traveled ten hours from Tennessee and drove through the night, utter exhaustion consumed her since her arrival in town two hours earlier. She’d been too excited to see her new house, so she hadn’t bothered to get a hotel room. Her real estate agent had assured her the small apartment attached to the house remained habitable, so she could stay on-site and monitor the renovations.� Hannah studied the man leaning over her to clean her injury. He stood tall, at least six feet four and a solid two-fifty. His gray t-shirt fit snug over a muscular frame that boasted long arms and a narrow waist. Jet-black hair, short and thick, created a striking contrast with his tanned skin. His eyes held the deepest blue, bright and serious. � His firm thigh brushed against her leg. The simple touch unnerved her, creating delicious visions in her mind of her legs entangled with his. Decadent chills prickled her warm flesh. With him this close, the angles of his face shone clearly. The high cheekbones, the stern jaw, the slightly crooked nose, the freshly shaven skin, the thin lips now set in a grim line. � �śAre you done checking me out?” he asked.� Her cheeks warmed, and she turned her attention back to her leg. �śDon’t be so full of yourself. I wasn’t checking you out. Just thought I should be able to give the police an accurate description of you, should I need to.” � �śHow about you just thank me for saving your pretty ass?”� Did he just compliment her ass? �śI’ve said thank you.” Time to change the subject from her anatomy. �śCan I see your bid now?”� Those gorgeous eyes snapped up to meet hers briefly. �śWhen we’re done.” His voice didn’t hide his impatience. �śHold still, will you? I don’t have all day to play nursemaid.”� She wanted to slug him. �śI can take care of it myself.”� He chuckled. �śWhat with, your fancy tissues? All you managed to do was get paper bits in the wound.” � �śOw.” Pain caused her to pull away, but he held her calf in a vise grip and poured peroxide over her scrape. �śYou did that on purpose,” she accused.� �śNo, but I am going to keep doing it until it’s clean. Now hold still.”� Struggling proved useless with his strength. �śI don’t need your help.” � �śToo bad. You’re getting it. I’ve enough to worry about than a clumsy woman causing herself an infection.”� �śDon’t call me names.”� �śSorry.” He recapped the peroxide bottle. �śBut you have to admit you’re pretty clumsy. Not to mention stubborn,” he added. Using a cotton ball drenched in peroxide, Mac brushed across the wound, clearing away small white bits of tissue. His firm grip kept her still.� When he released her to separate gauze, she tugged her leg away. He eyed her before his large hand clamped around her calf and hauled her back toward him. �śDo I need to tie you down to finish?”� Something in his voice and his glare had her believing he’d do just that and take immense pleasure in it. The swine! �śListen, Mac. I appreciate your help. Really I do. But I happen to be a big baby when it comes to pain. And this hurts like hell. Please stop.”� He glanced up and smiled. His hand rubbed her leg with long, slow caresses. �śI promise we’re almost done.”� Dear God! Forget the fire in her knee. If he didn’t stop rubbing her leg like that, he’d set her entire body aflame. He smudged on some kind of antibiotic cream and covered the red, swollen area with fresh gauze, taping it in place. � �śOkay. So maybe it does feel better now,” she admitted when finally allowed to move her hostage leg.� �śTold you. Big baby.” Mac grinned and replaced everything into the first aid kit.� She smiled. �śHey, in my defense, you weren’t very gentle.”� �śI can be very gentle when needed, Hannah.” That slow, Southern drawl sang to her like a lullaby, the blue of his eyes twinkling with mischief.� When he stood, he offered a hand to help her stand, totally interrupting her thoughts of how gentle he could be. She couldn’t miss Mac’s long perusal of her body. This certainly had ended up being a better day.� �śIf you think you’ll be okay now, I do have to get going. I’m falling behind on my very busy schedule.”� She cleared her throat and wished she had some water. �śOf course. Thank you again.”� After picking up his clipboard and scribbling on the top page, Mac handed her his prepared bid. �śHere you go, Ms. O’Leary.”� � She accepted the papers. �śI’ll be in touch, Mac.”� He leaned down to talk softly into her ear. �śI do hope so. It’s not every day I get to rescue pretty ladies hanging from holes in the floor. Stay out of the attic, Hannah. And please listen.” � She laughed. �śPromise.”� With one last flash of that killer smile, Mac left her to admire his retreating back as he stepped out into the blazing sun. She considered it a treat to watch his hips sway in that rugged fashion of a man on a mission, his long legs eating up the ground to the driveway. � While getting into his truck, he looked back at her, his inviting smile holding promise. Now she would have to decide whether or not to accept the invite to what would definitely be a very interesting encounter.� But first, she needed to check his references. And while she did that, she’d have her head examined for considering anything more than business with the smooth talking, sexy Southern contractor.� Chapter Two� Three hours later, with the humidity rising and her silk blouse clinging to her sweaty body, Hannah stared at the bid in her hand. The two other contractors she’d scheduled had failed to show for their appointments. Hannah had bought the property, thinking it would be fun to restore an old Civil War era house to its original luster. But boy, had she been mistaken. After calling one of the no-show contractors and being told outright that it required too much work and wasn’t worth it, disappointment filled her.� Mac’s bid was all she had to go on. She admired the neat penmanship and professional appearance of the document. Compared to previous bids, which had taken her forever to decipher the writing and understand the construction lingo, Mac’s was a dream. Precise, legible, everything broken down into concise detail for each part of the job�"electric, plumbing, and carpentry. She had no trouble understanding his proposal.� She sat on the stairs, the same place where Mac had thoughtfully cleaned her wound. When memories of his large, strong hands on her slender legs surfaced, she quickly banished them. She would not, absolutely would not, be distracted by his outstanding physical appearance and sexiness when there remained business at hand. Although, the wetness between her legs said differently. � With each of her new business adventures, Hannah had gained measurable knowledge of the construction and renovation industry�"except obviously how to walk in attics, her throbbing knee reminded her. The layman terms Mac had used were easy to follow, so his proposal helped her understand what kind of massive project she actually faced. When she looked at his total price, pleasant surprise jolted through her. Mac’s proved more than reasonable, and he could start in two weeks. � Hannah looked around, trying to envision her new restaurant, but the house was in too bad shape. Holes covered the walls, the scratches marred the floors, the paint peeled from the ceilings. When she’d bought it, the realtor had advised her that the house hadn’t been looked after for years, but she never imagined this. No wonder it had been a steal.� Her belly growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten lunch. She’d go into town, find coffee and food. Then with her full stomach and caffeine-energized brain, she’d get back to work. � Hannah retrieved her luggage from her car and hauled it upstairs to the small apartment above the main house. The real estate agent had explained the apartment served as servant’s quarters years ago. At least it stood in better condition than the main house. While the apartment needed serious renovations, updates, and redecorating, it wasn’t falling down around her. � Hannah changed into denim shorts and a white cotton tee and enjoyed instant coolness. Opening the front door, the afternoon heat and humidity asphyxiated her once again. The air hung thick while heat rose from the ground. She trudged to her car and turned the AC on full blast, reveling in the icy air stream before she drove away. � Large, old houses lined the narrow streets. Beautiful gardens beautified many front yards. Seeing a gas station, Hannah stopped for fuel and directions to a decent place to eat. A few minutes later, Hannah entered the Daylight Café, which was crowded with lunch patrons. � The charming restaurant boasted large windows, allowing the sunlight to shower the inside with bright rays. The large u-shaped countertop situated in the middle of the single room filled the space, and smaller tables sat scattered around the remaining area. Tantalizing aromas of grilled meats and veggies clung to the air. The noise level astonished her with everyone talking, laughing, shouting. For something that appeared chaotic at first, the café turned out to be a well-run establishment with lively customers and an ambience that screamed Southern hospitality.� A plump waitress approached her. �śHoney, just take a seat. There’s room around the end of the counter.” � Trudging to where the woman had indicated, Hannah realized how exhausted she’d become, her legs feeling more like tree stumps. The only available seat sat between an elderly man and another guy with his back turned to her while he spoke with the person next to him. � A young waitress set down a menu in front of her along with a white ceramic cup and saucer, which she sloshed coffee into. Taking tiny cream containers from her apron, she dropped them next to the cup and walked away. � The man next to Hannah swung around. �śWell, my day just got a hell of a lot better.”� Hannah immediately recognized the voice. Turning toward the husky sound, she confirmed she’d parked herself right next to Mac. Her heart skipped a beat. �śOh, really? Why’s that?” � He leaned closer and whispered, �śBecause I didn’t expect to see you here.”� The way his warm breath tickled her ear sent a delicious chill down her spine. �śWell, it’s nice to be recognized. You’re the only one in town I know so far.” � When the waitress reappeared, Hannah turned her attention. �śCould I have a chef salad, please? And keep the coffee coming.” � The waitress scribbled in her notepad, took the menu, refilled the coffee, and disappeared. � Hannah couldn’t help but squirm from the heat emanating from Mac’s body. With him practically on top of her, she wanted to push him aside, like that would even be physically possible. She wasn’t used to such closeness, and when his hard thigh brushed against her leg and his elbow bumped her arm, she spoke up. �śCould you please move over? You’re squishing me.” � He raised an eyebrow and moved a millimeter away. A millimeter! The man was an ape! Couldn’t he see her distress at being overcrowded?� � �śIt’s no wonder you’re so skinny,” Mac said. �śYou can’t live on salads.”� �śJust how do you know what I live on? And by the way, it’s rude to comment on what a lady chooses to eat.” Why was his cologne so noticeable and sexy?� �śI’ll be sure to keep that in mind. You don’t know what you’re missing with the chicken salad club. Should have had that.”� �śI’ll take my chances, thank you. Has anyone ever told you how pushy you are?”� He laughed. �śYeah, quite often. It comes natural to me. Like your stubbornness does to you.”� �śYou know, for a contractor you sure have a lot of time on your hands right now or else you wouldn’t be sitting there leisurely. Thought you were a busy man.”� He frowned. �śI am. But I do like to eat. Unlike some people, I eat well to keep up my strength. I never skimp on my lunch time, my breakfast time, my dinner time.” He grinned wickedly, leaning closer to her ear. �śOr my bed time. A man needs to feast.” � She bit her tongue, refusing to be sucked into his sexually suggestive conversation. But she also didn’t miss the twinkle in those deep blue eyes when he sat back. His eyes fascinated her too much, so she worked on her PDA, a perfect distraction to his hot body. Ogling the man in public wouldn’t be wise.� To her relief, Mac said nothing else but greeted everyone who passed by, obviously a very popular man. At least two young women smacked his cheek loudly with kisses, which for some reason unnerved Hannah. She wouldn’t call it jealousy, precisely, but more a sense of missing out on something amazing. After all, she couldn’t help but remember his strength, being pinned under him briefly after their unfortunate tumble down the stairs, and how those hands had roamed over her body. It had been so many years since she’d been intimate with a man, she couldn’t remember how long. Too long. But her sex life had never been amazing, so how could she miss something she’d never had?� Her chef salad arrived, and the waitress topped off her coffee. She hardly realized how hungry she felt, but the first bite tasted heavenly. Mac continued greeting people and making small talk with everyone. The café started to empty when people finished their lunches and went about their business. When Mac turned his attention back to her, she’d just taken the last bite of her salad and sipped her coffee. � Oh, how those gorgeous eyes studied her the moment they landed on her face.� �śSo, what did the other bidders have to say?” he asked.� �śThey were no-shows.” Not to mention they’d wasted her time.� �śSo, does that mean I get the job?” � She shrugged. �śNot until I check your references.” � �śFair enough. You can ask anyone here if you’d like.”� She looked around the small café. �śYou provided some I plan to call this afternoon. I really do appreciate you placing a bid. Looks like you’re the only contractor around not afraid of a little hard work.”� �śIt’s one of the biggest projects I’ve worked on, but I do enjoy a good challenge.” His words drawled slow and sexy, and his lips curved slightly at one corner. � Damn, how would she ever work with him if she couldn’t even manage to sit on a lunch stool next to him without getting spikes in hormone levels?� �śI can give you a call tonight if that’s okay.” She watched him closely, hoping that her tone didn’t give away her desire for him.� �śSure. Call me any time, Hannah.” � Now, why did it sound like those words held more promise than she wanted to admit?� Clearing her dry throat didn’t help her voice, so she sipped some water then spoke. �śWould you mind telling me where I could find some industrial appliances to check out? I’m used to big cities with access to every kind of store.”� �śYou’ll get the same around here, but just got to travel a bit is all.” He wrote out some quick directions on a napkin and handed it to her. �śThis is where I suggest you order any appliances and fixtures. It’s only about a twenty-minute drive out of town. Tell them Mac sent you, and they’ll take good care of you.”� Hannah could think of some ways for Mac to take good care of her. They all involved their naked bodies, sweat, and lots of tongue action. Oh God, why did she want to fuck the one man able to help her with her restaurant? No way could she screw this up. Then she’d just be horny and stuck without a contractor.� �śThank you, Mac. You’ve been very kind to me. I think I’m going to like my stay in Charleston,” she said and smiled.� When he stood, the loss of heat from where his thigh had touched her leg was immediate. Looking down at her, his baby blues melted her on the spot. �śYou will enjoy your stay, Hannah. I promise.” � When his hand squeezed her elbow, she jumped. What was it about his touch that electrified her skin?� Mac bellowed goodbye to the remaining café customers before he walked to the door. �śIf any of y’all would like to do me a favor, I’d be mighty appreciative. It seems the lovely lady,” he said, letting his Southern drawl drag out the words, �śright over there is looking for some confirmation on my references as a contractor. Maybe y’all could enlighten her on my work ethics and save her some time. Have a good day.”� After that speech, he whispered to the waitress and then winked at Hannah. He left the café without another word. � All the customers stared at Hannah. She quickly busied herself with preparing to pay the bill, but when the waitress returned, she only cleared the dishes. � �śMay I please have my check?”� �śIt’s paid for.”� �śPaid for? By whom?”� �śBy Mac.”� �śOf course,” she sighed, shoving her money back into her wallet. He’d already done too much for her. That act of kindness had been totally unnecessary.� The old man sitting next to Hannah spoke. �śMac’s the best contractor in this part of the world.”� �śYou can say that again,” another man said from down the counter. �śAin’t nothing that boy can’t fix, and when he fixes it, it stays fixed.”� Suddenly, Hannah grew interested in the conversations surrounding her. � Another man spoke up. �śThey don’t make boys like Mac anymore. His mama beams when she speaks of him doing so good for himself and all by himself too. Nope. Boy was never one to take a hand out, not even when God knows he deserved one.”� Hannah sensed a tight-knit group. �śYou mean he’s legit?”� �śLegit? What’s that?” the old guy next to her asked.� �śWell, I, um, mean is he trustworthy? Is he a legitimate businessman?”� The crowd around her laughed and made inaudible comments. � The old man next to her responded. �śMac is too honest to be a businessman, but he is one hell of a contractor. He’s got the best prices in the state and works so hard and so quickly he makes the rest of us look like bums.” � �śYup,” another man confirmed. �śHe’s a man of his word. Very particular about keeping his reputation pristine. But he has nothing to worry about since he’s the most recommended contractor around. Hell, I don’t know where he ever finds the time to sleep. Seems he’s always working.”� �śBut you’ll never hear that boy complain.”� �śGot that right,” someone seconded.� �śIf you don’t mind me asking, pretty lady,” asked a guy seated down the counter. � �śThe name is Hannah O’Leary.” � �śOkay, Ms. O’Leary. What’s your business with Mac? You ain’t from around these parts.”� Everyone in the café instantly fell silent, all eyes fixed on Hannah.� �śWell, sir, I’m the new owner of the former Brigman house on Jackson Street. I’m opening a restaurant catering to breakfast and special functions, and well, Mac had stopped by to make a bid on the necessary repairs.”� �śThe ol’ Brigman house, huh? Everyone in town knows only Mac is capable of fixing up that heap of wood. He’ll do a mighty fine job for you, Ms. O’Leary. Just you wait and see.”� Hannah swallowed hard. Working with the sexy contractor appeared to be inevitable. She politely excused herself, and with flaming cheeks and a nervous belly, she stepped out into the blazing heat of the South Carolina midday. � � � Chapter Three� Mac managed excellent progress on the rest of his jobs. By five o’clock, he all but burst with thankfulness to be headed to his final job. His head throbbed, and he still had to figure out what to make for dinner for himself and his three ravenous boys. Since he’d forgotten to take the ground beef out of the freezer that morning, meatloaf was out of the question.� Driving down a long curvy road on the outskirts of Charleston, Mac squinted when he spotted a car off to the side of the road up ahead. Of course, if the driver needed assistance he would stop and help, but that didn’t keep him from sighing. He only had one more job to finish and stood dead tired on his feet. The last thing he wanted was to play Good Samaritan. � Eyeing the opened hood on the BMW luxury automobile, Mac cursed. There weren’t too many of those expensive cars around here, and he knew exactly who this one belonged to. The driver’s door stood ajar and something lay on the ground. Mac swung across the road to park in front of Hannah’s car but saw no sign of her. Where the hell was she? She wouldn’t have attempted to walk in this heat and in those flimsy sandals she wore, would she? � Mac focused on the lump next to the car. Drawing closer, he realized what it was. � �śHannah!” Mac slammed on the brakes and skidded to a stop. Jumping from his truck, he ran to where she lay in the fetal position. �śHannah! Can you hear me? Hannah!”� His hands roamed her face. Her cheeks were flushed and warm, and her eyes fluttered but didn’t open. With the back of his hand, he gently slapped her cheeks.� �śHannah, it’s me, Mac. Wake up, honey. Come on.”� Her eyes flew open and then narrowed. �śStop. Hitting. Me.”� Mac had never been so glad to see a woman’s temper. If she fought him, that meant Hannah would be okay.� �śStop falling unconscious on the ground, then.” He smiled. Not only because relief filled him but also because she looked more beautiful than he remembered. �śTold you to eat a better lunch.”� �śShut up,” she said, her voice hoarse and dry.� � Other than a few scratches and a slight bruise, which probably occurred when she hit the ground after blacking out, she didn’t appear to have suffered any serious injuries. Just a bit dusty but no blood. He carefully lifted her and carried her to his truck. � Hannah stirred in his arms but, unlike earlier when he’d carried her down the stairs, she had no temper now, looked weak and tired. The slender woman barely weighed enough to strain his muscles but his arms tightened around her anyway as his long strides quickly ate up the ground. He wanted to make her feel better, feel herself again.� �śWhat are you doing?” Her once husky voice sounded weak and scratchy, signaling her distress.� Glancing down at her cradled in his arms, he discovered she looked so fragile. �śSaving your ass once again for today, looks like. Think you can manage to avoid a third time? I’m pretty beat.”� She wore the denim shorts and white tee that had had driven him wild at lunch. The outfit showcased the curve of her ass and her perky breasts, the nipples erect thanks to the air conditioning in the restaurant. Damn, how he had tried not to get caught eyeing her tits and ass. However, his gaze, ruled by his dick, had had a mind of its own and had taken every opportunity to sneak a peek at her sexy body. � Mac placed her onto the passenger seat, secured her seatbelt, and stretched across her to turn the AC all the way up. Opening his lunch pail in the back seat, he retrieved a cold water bottle.� �śHere. Drink slowly, honey,” he said in a soothing voice, while holding the bottle to her dry lips. � She followed his instructions and took a sip. He forced the bottle into her hands and stepped back. � �śDon’t guzzle the water or you’ll puke. As thirsty as you are, you have to drink slowly. Okay?”� �śMy purse. It’s on the front seat,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.� �śWait here. I’ll get it.” His knuckles brushed over her cheek briefly. �śYou okay, Hannah? I know it’s a stupid question, but you didn’t hit your head or anything, did you?”� �śYeah, I think so. No need to play doctor again. Don’t worry.”� He stopped and stared, the image of removing her clothes to gently inspect her body giving him an instant hard on. With his hand, he discreetly adjusted his dick but achieved minimal comfort. � �śSmart ass,” he said, unable to tear his gaze from the emerald irises staring back. � Slowly, the frightened look finally disappeared, replaced with wariness. �śWhat the hell is your name anyways?” she suddenly asked with heat.� The simple demand brought a sigh of relief since this feisty woman now matched the one he remembered. He offered a slight grin. �śMac.”� �śThat’s not a name. I remember something else from your bid. Began with an A.”� He hesitated then said, �śAustin MacDevin.”� �śAh. So Mac’s just a nickname.”� He shrugged. �śHas been for years. Now can I get your things so I can get you the hell out of this heat?” � She answered by allowing her head to loll back against the seat, and Mac shut the truck door.� When he climbed back in the truck, Hannah looked better, no longer red and flushed. He handed over her purse then cranked the engine and swerved onto the road. �śI called a tow. Should be here soon. Secured your vehicle and left the keys on the front tire.”� �śNot like it’s going anywhere,” she complained.� He dialed his cell. �śAidan, order pizza for dinner. Tell Ray to deliver the pizza to the house and I’ll stop by tomorrow to pay him. Yeah, something came up. Warn your brothers I’m in no mood for fighting tonight, so when I get home everyone better be behaving. Got it?” He remained silent for a minute. �śI’ll make a deal with you, son. I’m taking care of something very important. If you can take care of things for me with dinner and all, we’ll talk about you going to Catherine’s when I get home. Shouldn’t be more than two hours.” He disconnected and dared to look at Hannah. �śHow you holding up?”� �śFine.”� �śDon’t lie to me, sweetheart.” � She faced him, green eyes glaring through slits.� �śI said how you holding up?”� �śI’m tired. But I’ll survive. You do a good job at rescuing me, Mac.”� �śThat I do.” He glanced at her slender frame sagged in the seat. �śOne thing you’ll learn is heat stroke can hit you quick around here.”� Mac stopped in front of a small brick building, turned off the ignition, and jumped from the truck to rush to Hannah’s door.� �śWhere are we?” she asked, her voice sounding stronger.� �śDr. Sherborne’s office. I think we’ll just about catch him before he closes for the day. Have him check you out. It’ll save you a trip to the Emergency Room if he can check you out.”� �śNo, that’s not necessary.”� He leaned in and lifted her and her purse, leaving no room for her to argue. �śIt’s necessary.”� Smiling, he carried a cursing Hannah into the office. The cool air humming from the air conditioner in the window of the small waiting room kept the humidity outside. No other patients sat on the metal chairs lined up along the walls, which meant Mac had just made it in time to catch the doctor before he left for the day. Pictures of flowers, cartoons, and Civil War soldiers adorned the soothing blue color of the walls. As always, the office smelled of bleach from sterile cleaning and berries from an air freshener puffing a fragrant cloud every five minutes from an automatic dispenser on the wall. At least Hannah would be safe now. � Immediately, Mrs. Sherborne, the doctor’s nurse and wife, stepped from behind her reception desk and showed them into an exam room. Then she shooed Mac out to the waiting area where he paced for twenty minutes like a caged animal.� When Hannah walked out with Dr. Sherborne by her side, she looked a hundred times better. � �śMac. Good to see you,” Dr. Sherborne said and offered his wrinkled hand for a shake.� �śDoc, how is she?” Mac spoke to the man but watched Hannah.� �śLittle bump on the head is all. She shouldn’t be alone tonight. Needs plenty of water.”� Mac glared at Hannah. He should’ve known she wouldn’t admit to hitting her head the stubborn little witch. �śShe won’t be alone. The boys and I will take care of her.”� �ż �ż �ż �ż� �śThank you, Doctor Sherborne,” Hannah said before allowing Mac to take her arm and walk outside.� Evening had settled around Charleston. The sultry air slightly cooler than the day’s heat, the fragrant scent of Yellow Jessamine filtered through the soft breeze that had developed. Keeping his hand on Hannah’s elbow, Mac guided her to his truck and opening her door. Still unsteady on her feet, she appreciated the assistance and the fact that he had remained with her since he obviously had family waiting for him.� �śThank you for your help, Mac. If you wouldn’t mind driving me home, I’d really appreciate it. I know you have to get home.”� �śMy boys have eaten dinner already. And I’m not driving you to your house. You’re coming home with me. You shouldn’t stay alone tonight. Doctor’s orders.”� �śThat’s completely unnecessary. I won’t intrude.” How could she ask him to help her any more than he already had today? However, the idea of having him take care of her appealed immensely to her exhausted body. But what would his family think of him bringing her home like a stray puppy? � �śI’m sure your wife won’t be pleased with you bringing home a strange woman.”� He glanced at her then back to the road. �śGood thing I don’t have a wife, then.”� �śOh.” She fidgeted, not quite sure how to respond. � �śI’m a single dad. Three boys you’ll meet in a few minutes. Aidan is sixteen, Ryan fourteen, and Luke nine. And Porkchop.”� �śPorkchop?” Just the name piqued her curiosity.� �śMy big but harmless dog,” he said, a chuckle escaping his lips. �śI promise you’ll be completely safe at my house. Doc knows you’ll be staying at my house tonight.”� �śI didn’t say I wouldn’t be safe. It’s just that, well�Ś”� �śSpit it out. It’s just what?”� �śWhy are you being so nice to me?”� He laughed. �śYou really don’t trust people much, do you?”� � � Chapter Four� Hannah sat pissed at herself while Mac drove through Charleston, leaving the center of town behind them. How could she have passed out? It’s not like she didn’t know how to handle these temperatures. Now she’d made a fool of herself in front of the one man who had piqued her interest in years. � Her head ached, and her body twitched in more places than she could count. Probably from a combination of falling through the floor, rolling down the stairs and landing under Mac’s muscular body, and later fainting with heat stroke. But somehow she didn’t think those were the only reasons her body felt funny. And how could she explain the butterflies in her tummy? � Daring to look at the hulking man sitting next to her, she found her other answer. Yes, Mac had indeed stirred her body in private places she hadn’t used in eons�"other than with her trusty vibrator. How did this one man possess the ability to heat her flesh faster than a sauna? Her brain screamed for her to steer clear while her body begged for a chance to feel all of him. After being placed on a concussion watch until tomorrow, how could she even think of his naked body covering hers? Oh, hell, thoughts like this only added to the pounding in her skull so she laid her head back onto the headrest again. � Mac parked in a driveway of a two-story, tan clapboard house. The property appeared well maintained, the lawn mowed, the shrubs trimmed, no peeling paint. � When Mac came around the truck and lifted Hannah into his arms to carry her inside, she wanted to protest but her bones felt like liquid and exhaustion overwhelmed her. She gave in to being cared for by this strong stranger who had now rescued her twice in one day. Her head rested on his shoulder when he made his way into the house.� Inside, noise overwhelmed her. A television blared, the dog barked, and three boys, all talking at once, surrounded them in the kitchen. Hannah quickly surveyed the spotless room with its stainless steel appliances, beige tile floor, recessed lighting, dark granite counter, and a large picture window facing the driveway. The open floor plan connected the dining room and parlor creating one large room. The dining room contained a long cherry wood table, six high back matching chairs, a chandelier with crystal raindrops hanging over the table, and nothing more. It appeared to serve only one purpose�"to feed the family, not to entertain. �śBoys, quiet. Turn off the TV. Porkchop, shut up,” Mac bellowed. � The middle child ran into the living room to shut off the television. From her vantage point high in Mac’s arms, Hannah tracked the boy’s movements while he obeyed his father’s instructions. He scurried past a long brown couch and two oversized brown armchairs, and arced around a cherry wood coffee table centered amid the furniture. The boy switched off the large flat screen TV and sped back to the kitchen. � By the time the child joined his siblings, silence filled the room. � Hannah stared at the kids, horrified to find three pairs of deep blue eyes identical to Mac’s locked on her.� With no sign of tiring, Mac continued to hold Hannah in his arms while he faced his kids. �śBoys, this is Hannah O’Leary. She’s new to town and had a really rough day. So we’re going to be quiet and let her rest.”� �śShe’s staying here, Daddy?” the youngest boy asked.� �śYes, Luke. For tonight. She’s a guest, so everyone’s on their best behavior. Aidan, go to Catherine’s. Be home by ten.”� �śThanks, Dad. Nice to meet you, Ms. O’Leary.” Aidan eyed her curiously. For a young man, he stood about six feet, she guessed. His athletic build showed tender muscles budding under his sleeveless t-shirt. With his short black hair neat and his blue eyes bright and bold, he looked like a young version of Mac. � �śHannah. Please just call me Hannah.”� �śSure,” he said. �śHannah.” Pivoting on his heel, he strode toward the front door. �śLater, dudes.”� �śTen o’clock!” Mac called to his son’s retreating back.� The front door slammed closed.� Mac faced the other boys. �śOkay, you two, put the pizza in the fridge and take Porkchop out.”� �śYou’re going to help us with the puzzle like you promised. Right, Daddy?” the youngest boy asked.� �śIf you do what I said. Now get to it.” He didn’t wait for a reply but turned and walked out of the kitchen.� Mac carried Hannah up the stairs, into a bathroom. Gently, he placed her on her feet, keeping his hands on her waist. He bent his head to look into her eyes. �śThink you can take a shower on your own, Hannah, without needing me to rescue you again?”� �śOh, God. I hope so,” she said softly. The thought of him having to help her while totally naked stirred erotic thoughts in her throbbing head. Her face heated. � He smiled slightly. �śI’ll be right outside the door if you need me. There are towels in that closet. But there’s only regular soap and shampoo. Sorry. No females in the house means no frilly soaps. You’ll have to make do.”� �śIt’ll be fine. Thank you.” � His hands slid cautiously from her waist as if he expected her to melt to the floor. �śOkay. Just yell. I’m right out here.”� �śMac,” she called when he reached the door. He turned, and her cheeks flamed. �śI don’t have any clothes to change into.”� �śI know. I’ve got that covered,” he assured her with a grin. �śJust enjoy your shower. You’ll feel much better.”� The instant he shut the door, Hannah stripped. She couldn’t stand being in those filthy, sweaty clothes anymore. � Stepping under the warm stream of the shower, she found the soap Mac had mentioned and scrubbed her skin. Ten minutes later and, finally clean, she turned off the faucet.� �śHannah,” Mac called from the other side of the door, after a gentle knock. �śAre you okay in there?”� She wrapped herself in a large bath towel. �śYes, I’m doing fine.” She wrapped another towel around her hair.� �śGood. I have clothes for you.”� She opened the door a crack and peeked out. How odd and interesting to be staring at such a virile man while only a strip of terry cloth covered her body.� He shot her that killer smile. The familiar feeling of butterflies in her belly returned. Why did she have to have such an automatic reaction to his attentions?� �śSorry. You have to open just a little more for me to squeeze these through.” � She did and he handed her the clothes. � �śT-shirt’s mine and will probably fit you like a dress,” he said. �śThe gym shorts are my oldest son’s. Socks are Ryan’s. Sorry but I have no under things to give you, so you’ll have to go without.” � Feeling her cheeks flame again, she dropped her gaze, taking interest in the clothes she held. �śThese will do. Thank you.” � She shut the door and dressed. The black T-shirt did go past her knees, so she knotted it at the waist and tied Aidan’s shorts tighter to keep them up. Gathering up her clothes, she opened the door to find Mac keeping his word and standing there waiting.� �śFeel better?” he asked.� �śYes. Thank you.”� �śGood.” � Before she knew what to expect, he lifted her into his arms again, cradled her to his chest and walked down the hall into a bedroom. She should have been frightened being carried into a strange man’s room, but she believed Mac would cause her no harm. After all, he’d been nothing but kind to her all day.� Mac gently placed Hannah onto the bed, took the dirty clothes from her hands and tossed them into the corner. He pulled up the sheets, tucking her in. Air conditioning cooled the room.� �śYou know this is completely unnecessary. I don’t need to go to bed this early.”� �śUh huh. Just like you’re going to probably tell me you’re not utterly exhausted and ready to collapse.”� �śOf course I’m not. I’m fine. Really.” She cut off a yawn.� He leaned over her, his arms on both her sides. �śI’ll make a deal with you, Hannah. Close your eyes, and if after two minutes you’re not asleep then I’ll let you get out of this bed.”� �śYou’ll let me?” she said and frowned. But the view? Oh, she so enjoyed him looking down at her with such purpose.� �śYou heard me. Two minutes. Deal?” His voice softened to a whisper.� �śFine. Deal,” she conceded, snuggling back into his pillow, and shutting her eyes before she could beg him to lay down with her.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� When Hannah opened her eyes, darkness filled the room and the clock on the nightstand glowed 9:32 p.m. She didn’t even remember falling asleep. Climbing out of bed, she crept to the door and opened it slowly. She followed the stairs down to where she heard male voices. Walking into the dining room, Hannah found Mac with two of his sons doing a big jigsaw puzzle.� �śHey, there, sleepyhead. Didn’t expect to see you for the rest of the night,” Mac said, standing and walking to her.� She couldn’t help but smile. �śIs that your way of saying I told you so? That I was exhausted?”� He smirked. �śMaybe. Hungry?”� �śActually, yes, now that you mention it. I’m starving.”� �śThere’s leftover pizza. I’ll warm it up for you.”� �śHannah, are you good at puzzles?” the youngest boy asked.� �śYou must be Luke, right?” � He nodded. The boy stood tall for his age and solid, his black hair short, his eyes bright blue just like his father’s. But unlike his father’s wary eyes, Luke’s were trusting. � �śI’ve never done a puzzle before, so I don’t think I’d be any good,” Hannah confided. �śSorry.”� �śWhat?” the other boy said. �śWho hasn’t done a puzzle before?” He too had considerable height but hadn’t quite filled out his stature. Wide shoulders on his thin frame would one day be complimented with plenty of muscles by the looks of him. He wore his black hair longer than his brother’s and thick black lashes shadowed his bright blue eyes. This kid would grow into a heartbreaker for sure. They all would. Just like their dad.� �śYou must be Ryan. I just never had the chance to do puzzles, I guess.” Hard to do when you’re hiding and scared.� �śHannah, sit down,” Mac commanded. �śBoys, make room.”� �śNo. Don’t move the puzzle. I’ll just sit here on the end.” � Mac placed the pizza and a glass of soda in front of Hannah then looked out the window.� �śYou waiting for someone?” she asked before taking a sip.� �śYeah, my oldest. Aidan. He’s at his girlfriend’s house.”� �śThought you told him to be home at ten?” She bit into the pizza and tasted heaven.� Mac looked at her. �śGlad to see you paid attention. Now let’s see if he did.”� �śCome do your puzzle.” She took another bite. �śWatching a clock doesn’t make it tick any faster.”� He grinned. �śAre you a natural born smart-ass, lady?”� She didn’t answer him, but studied the puzzle while finishing her pizza. �śOh! There’s a piece.” She placed the cardboard part into its spot. How much fun, seeing the picture growing before her eyes and having a part in making it. Feeling like a winner, she nearly jumped up and down. �śI found one!” � �śCongratulations. Now finish eating,” Mac ordered. �śYou need to get back to bed.”� She looked at him and smiled. �śOh, really? I’ll decide when I’m ready for bed.” She stood to take her plate to the sink unable to resist flashing him a smirk as she walked past him into the kitchen.� When she turned to head back to the table, she bumped into Mac. Without warning, he lifted her again in his arms.� �śPut me down. Just what the hell do you think you’re doing, Mac?” she protested.� �śTaking you back to bed now that you’re done eating.” � �śPut me down this instant. No one tells me what to do.”� �śLooks like I am, darling,” he confirmed, his expression a little mischievous with narrowed eyes and stern lips. �śBoys, you might as well tell her now that my word is law in this house.”� The boys giggled and Mac smiled. Hannah’s heart warmed instantly. No one had ever gone through so much trouble for her. Plus she couldn’t deny the pleasure in being toted around by such a strong man intent on caring for her, if only to see her get the rest she desperately needed after such a harrowing day. Wrapped securely in his strong arms, she felt safe and treasured.� Aidan walked through the back door and laughed when he saw Mac holding her. Hannah stilled, instantly mortified when the boy stared at them then winked at his dad.� �śGood. You’re home,” Mac said. �śOkay, boys. Get to bed.” He started up the stairs with Hannah. �śAnd brush your teeth.”� Mac carried her down the hall and back to his bed where he placed her onto the king-sized mattress, just as gently as he did earlier. A girl could definitely get used to this kind of treatment. Did he do this for all the women he met or was she special? Without a word, he left only to return a minute later with aspirin and a glass of water. He handed her both.� �śWhat’s this for?” � �śThe headache you won’t tell me you have.” � She stared at him then took the meds and swallowed them down with the water before giving him back the empty glass. �śHow’d you know I had a headache?”� He sat on the side of the bed, close enough that his thigh brushed her leg. Not wanting to appear like a prude, she fought the urge to shirk away. The intimate contact caused her traitorous body to react to his close proximity. Oh, how she enjoyed every subtle stroke of his thigh against hers. No way could the heat emanating from him be just from the summer temps with the house’s interior so cool. � �śI’m the father of three. I can usually tell they’re going to be sick before they get sick.”� �śOh.” She laid her head against his pillow. �śThat’s how you’re sort of a doctor, huh?” she said, remembering his careful attention earlier to her injured knee. � �śYup. You lucked out since my specialty is scrapes.”� �śWell, I’m sure no one ever accused you of having a delicate touch.”� He thought for a moment. �śNo. I guess not.”� �śThank you, Mac, for your help. I’m not used to relying on anyone but myself.” � �śThen I suggest you work on that because around here everyone relies on everyone. It’s how we survive and while we may not have fancy BMWs, or dress in fancy clothes and wear expensive perfume, we do all right.” � She smiled. She usually only used her primp sessions to look professional for work. If he’d taken an interest in her not-so-expensive but favorite fragrance, it appeared that hauling her around today had affected him too. �śYou noticed my perfume?”� His beefy hand waved the air in to dismiss the importance of such an admission. Obviously, he recognized his blunder too late to deny that he’d observed something personal about her. �śHell, yes. You bathed yourself in it enough for Texas to smell it.”� �śAren’t you exaggerating a little much?” she teased, the intimacy of sitting in his bedroom drumming up images of what they could be doing if alone in the house.� �śNo,” he said, his voice a little softer. He glanced down at the comforter for a moment before looking back up at her. �śWhen you sat down at lunch, that’s all I could smell.” � Interesting. She wouldn’t have taken him for a man so attuned to a woman, especially one he didn’t know. Here he sat on the bed with her having this ridiculously normal conversation like they did it every day. He seemed to be on a roll, so she kept her mouth shut and continued to listen.� �śBut you weren’t all tempered up at lunch like you were with me earlier, like the mad woman I found at your house.”� �śA mad woman? Really now.” Her lips formed an �Śo’.� �śReally now,” he confirmed, a hint of smile creasing the corner of his mouth. His tongue licked over those firm lips of his. And her tongue wanted to do that to him too.� Abruptly, he stood and looked down, the serious expression back. �śGet some sleep.” � He ambled to the door, and she leaned up on her elbows. � �śBut if I’m taking your bed, where are you going to sleep?”� �śThe boys each have their own room and that’s it, so I get the couch.” � She tossed the sheets aside prepared to bolt off the mattress. �śI can’t kick you out of your own room. I’ll take the couch.”� He stood at the door with his hand on the knob like he expected no argument, his decision final. �śPut one foot on that floor and you’ll regret it.”� She hesitated, met his gaze, and stood, arms folded over her chest. �śDon’t you threaten me.”� He sighed, shook his head, and stared at the floor for a moment then looked up. His eyes glowed with a determination, as though she’d given him the ultimate challenge�"one he gladly accepted. �śIt wasn’t a threat. It was a promise. And, darling, I warn you I’ve had enough of your temper today. Trust me, you don’t want to see mine. Get back in that bed.”� �śNo. I’ll take the couch or I’ll go back to my house.”� �śDon’t be stupid.”� �śDon’t call me stupid!” Oh, now he’s crossed the line.� �śI call it as I see it,” he said simply, stepping toward her, pointing a finger. �śThere’s no way in hell I’m driving you home. I need to get some sleep. I have to work early.” � Her mouth watered at the sight of him. God, he looked good enough to eat. His jeans low on his hips. That cool blue fire in his eyes. And there he stood, trying to be macho, when he’d already shown her the most care anyone ever had. � �śI’ll take the couch,” she repeated, matching his step with one of her own and advancing into his personal space. Unable to back down, she put her hands on her hips and stood her ground. � �śWill you now?” He frowned. �śI happen to have two teenage boys and a preteen boy. Do you really want to be caught sleeping on the couch if they decide to go downstairs in the middle of the night to rummage in the fridge for a snack? Believe me, my boys are known to do just that.”� Heat crept into her cheeks. �śOh, well. I didn’t think of that.”� �śThat’s right, but I did. Now you’ll stay in here where you can be afforded some privacy. And I’m not going to tell you again to get back in that bed.”� He did make perfect sense. She just hated to be told what to do. He apparently mistook her for stalling and moved toward her so quickly she only had a second to react. Shrieking, she jumped back into bed hastily pulling the sheets over her, and glared at him.� �śGood girl,” he said, his clipped tone irritating her. He opened the door.� �śMac?”� He hesitated before he turned and looked at her. �śWhat now? Want a bedtime story?”� �śYou’d be more comical if you smiled when you attempted to make a joke,” she quipped.� �śDid you want something?”� �śDon’t you want to know what perfume I wear?” she said and batted her eyes at him, hoping the playful teasing kept him standing there. She didn’t want him to leave just yet.� �śDon’t see why it matters,” he said curtly and shut the door behind him.� He could be such an annoying, bossy man, and just when she’d thought he might be somewhat human. She turned and punched her pillow a dozen times, much more than required, and only stopped since it didn’t make her feel better. � There came the faintest knock and the sound of the doorknob turning. Mac poked his head back in then slowly leaned through the opening. He spoke in his softest voice yet, a mix of frustration and curiosity lacing his words. �śWhat the hell is the name?”� She grinned, satisfaction dancing on her skin like tiny raindrops. He had come back. �śTrouble,” she drawled in a voice unnaturally husky for her. �śThe name of my perfume is Trouble.”� �śOf course it is.” He shut the door. � She smiled, suddenly feeling more alive than she had in years, if ever. Grateful for the privacy, she allowed herself to stretch long and lazy, like a giddy schoolgirl too nervous to sleep. Hannah snuggled into the plush mattress knowing Mac slept there nightly. Tonight, she would dream of how he had held her, cradled her, cared for her. How he had awakened something deep inside her that had been frozen over time. And how much she had enjoyed every second of it.� Too exhausted to ponder her thoughts or the events of the day any more, she slid her head onto his pillow, and dozed off to sleep before her lids fully shut.� Chapter Five� On the couch, Mac grew more restless with each passing minute. He glanced over his shoulder at the kitchen clock. Two in the morning. Shit! He had to get up at six. He stared at the ceiling. � Trouble. Hannah’s perfume was Trouble. She could’ve been talking about her middle name.� Today had been the day from hell, hadn’t it? He’d saved that redheaded woman from herself all day long. First, she falls through the floor. Then flails like a fish out of water in his arms almost killing them both on the stairs. That redheaded witch came out of nowhere, disrupting his life and wandering into his thoughts constantly. Now she lay upstairs, sleeping in his bed while he’d been forced to sleep on the couch with the dog snoring under the coffee table. � Porkchop usually slept with Luke, but tonight he’d stayed in the parlor, hoping he’d get a midnight snack out of the deal. When no food had been shared, Porkchop had finally fallen asleep. Now if only Mac could do the same. He’d worked on a few hours sleep before, especially after being up all night when one of the boys were sick, but would rather not again. Lying there, he stared at the ceiling, wide-awake and helpless to be anything but. � Trouble. Who the hell names a perfume Trouble? And why couldn’t he get the sexy, sensual smell out of his damn nose? � The sexy witch taking over his bed had been a real beauty. Mac admitted sourly, sighing loudly, placing his hand behind his head seeking some kind of comfort. She had the looks, the body, the eyes. Her long, curly, red hair flowed past her shoulders, wild and bright against her smooth, milky-white complexion. Her big and wide eyes, green like emeralds, shot daggers when that spicy temper flared. � Her average height, probably five-seven, caused her to look up at him in an adorable way, straining her neck, desperate to make eye contact or to stare him down. Her face, absolutely striking, showcased a small jaw, sharp cheekbones, and a delicate nose. A picture of elegance, and probably from being pampered her whole life. He knew that when a woman lived a certain way of life she could never be satisfied with the tranquil lifestyle he’d finally achieved. But that still didn’t keep him from imagining her naked. Her slender body provoked a mouthwatering response at first glance. Curves in the right places. Small, tight ass that begged for his hands to grab. Full breasts begging for his mouth to devour them, suck them, nibble them. � God, what a hot woman! But then she opens her mouth and poof! The beautiful image gets shot to hell. He’d heard redheads had a fiery side to match their hair color. Well, if she thought she could take her spitfire temper out on him, she had another think coming. Mental images of her caused his cock to harden with the need to see how feisty she would be in bed. He bet he could sap her energy and diminish that touchy disposition of hers. � Smiling, he remembered how she jumped back into bed when he’d moved toward her to ensure she did just that. She might have a fierce temper and terrible stubborn streak, but at least she had the common sense to get back in that damn bed and not tempt him to throw her back into it. Although, he would’ve enjoyed seeing her bounce on the mattress after he’d tossed her down. His cock grew harder as he imagined all that red hair, flying wild through the air. � God, how his hands had itched to grab her. Picking her up would have been easy enough. Hell, that toned body of hers hardly weighed anything at all. He also would’ve taken great pleasure in watching her tits jiggle without any under things to hold them firm. Christ, it was driving him nuts thinking about Hannah lying in his bed with no bra and panties and only borrowed shorts and shirt. � Damn it! He was trying his best not to touch her. He rubbed his eyes and sighed again. Touching her would be a mistake he didn’t need right now. She had already proved herself to be a handful, something he didn’t need in his busy life. But whenever he thought of her, he got this persistent hard-on, and it was annoying the hell out of him. It also happened to be the reason he hadn’t fallen asleep yet. � He squeezed his eyes closed and willed himself to fall asleep. But the image of those voluptuous breasts floated into his mind again. Two luscious mounds. Soft creamy skin. Tight pink nipples, straining toward his lips. � He growled low and turned onto his side, still not finding any comfort on the plush couch. He punched his pillow half a dozen times, the effort not relieving any of the tension building in him. Plain and simple, he wanted Hannah. In his arms. In his bed. Now. But that wasn’t going to happen tonight, so he squeezed his eyes harder.� Hadn’t he taken good care of her? He’d rescued her, taken her to the doctor, welcomed her into his home, let her shower, fed her, loaned her clothes, and had given her his damn bed. And what had the woman ended up doing? Argued with him, that’s what. Argued until he’d forced her go to bed like the little brat she was. � Jesus! He didn’t need this drama in his life. His kids gave him enough drama. He certainly didn’t need, or want, anymore.� He dared to glance at the clock again and groaned. Three in the morning. Didn’t look like sleep would come to him tonight. He would just have to�"� A woman’s screams interrupted his thoughts.� Instantly, he jumped to his feet, taking the stairs three at a time until he burst through his bedroom door to witness Hannah in the middle of his bed, weeping into her hands.� �śJesus! What is it?” he asked quickly. His heart pounded and adrenaline pumped through his veins.� She looked up, and in that one moment, she appeared so helpless, so young, so vulnerable, his heart broke. Before he could do much to help her, three bodies slammed him from behind, effectively shoving him farther into the room. He turned to face them, the hall light illuminating them.� �śWhat’s wrong?” Aidan asked while Ryan blurted out, �śIs she okay?”� �śDaddy? Was it a ghost?” Luke asked.� The last question caught Mac’s attention. He bent down to eye level with Luke. �śWhat? No. No ghost. Why would you think it was a ghost?” � But before his youngest son could speak Mac had answered his own stupid question himself. Knowing his oldest son’s bad habit of tormenting his younger brother with scary stories, Mac shot Aidan an angry warning that had the boy shrinking back. The kid knew he’d been busted.� �śEverything is all right. Now all of you go back to bed.”� �śCan we watch some TV?” Ryan asked.� �śWhat? No. It’s three in the morning. Get back to bed.”� �śBut I just figured since we’re up we could watch movies.” Ryan persisted. �śThey’re on twenty-four hours a day, you know.”� �śI don’t want to watch Scooby-Doo anymore since there are always ghosts,” Luke said sleepily, slipping his small hand into Mac’s massive one. � Mac looked down at his frightened son and made a mental note to give Aidan extra chores for a week for scaring his brother with ghost tales.� �śListen, Luke, buddy. There are no ghosts. Do you think a ghost would come into this house without Porkchop knowing? He never barked, so there are no ghosts. Aidan will take you back to your room and let you keep the light on so you can fall asleep.”� Mac hugged Luke before rustling a hand in Ryan’s hair. � Aidan slunk away but Mac kept his eyes on him. �śTake your brother back to his room, Aidan, and do exactly what I said. Screw it up and you’ll be grounded for the rest of your life. I promise.” � All three boys disappeared into the hallway.� Mac finally turned his attention back to Hannah, who sat in the middle of the bed, wrapped in the sheet, her arms around her legs. What was he suppose to do with her now? � �śYou all right?” he asked cautiously, feeling foolish since of course she wasn’t.� �śFine.” She looked up, tears drying on her cheeks and his heart broke. �śSorry I woke you and your family.”� �śDidn’t wake me any. I was still up.”� �śTold you to take the bed but nooo, you wouldn’t listen,” she said, threw her hands up, and rolled her eyes. �śHad to be a gentleman. Serves you right getting no sleep.” � His cock once again awakened. �śHey, I was only thinking of your privacy.”� �śDid I ask you to?” she said hotly.� He gritted his teeth and mentally counted to ten. � �śI’m sorry. I’m taking my temper out on you.” She shook her head wearily, pushing her hair back. �śI’ve done that a lot.” � �śI’d like to know why since you’re wearing me out putting me on the defensive so much.” He stayed safely away from the bed, standing in the middle of the floor with his arms crossed over his chest. � Her thin shoulders shrugged. �śBecause you’re a man. I haven’t had nice men in my life, so I’m overly cautious of them.”� �śSo I need to pay the price for that why?”� She offered a slight smile. �śYou don’t. But you do get under my skin the way you’re always giving orders like I have to listen to you.” � �śYou don’t have to listen to me unless I say so.” � At that, she laughed loudly, the sound tightening his gut. � �śThat sounded so ludicrous,” she said, the fire finally leaving her eyes, the bright green depths calming. � Without thinking, he walked to the bed and sat on the edge. His feet apparently had a mind of their own. So did his dick�"it strained against his jogging pants, happy to be closer to her. � Mac sat close to Hannah, their legs touching. �śCare to tell me what the nightmare was about?”� Green circles looked at him innocently. �śNo. I have them sometimes. I can never remember what they’re about but I wake up scared to death. I hope I didn’t frighten your kids.”� �śNah. They’ve done worse to each other. Here. Lie down.” His hands straightened the covers before she slid down to the pillow. He pulled the sheet up to her stomach, grasped it firmly while stealing a glance at her lovely face. For a moment, he struggled with the need to kiss those pretty lips and chase away her troubles. Mac dropped the blanket not daring to touch her. �śGo back to sleep,” he whispered. � When her gaze locked onto his, a bolt of electricity hit him in his gut and raced to his throbbing cock that now stood at full attention. If her leg moved, she would discover what she’d started�"and maybe they could finish. Did she want him to touch her? Oh, God, just say the word. He wanted so badly to hold her more than just carrying her around. When only silence filled the room, he forced the thought of sex from his mind, stood, and turned to leave. � �śAustin?”� He froze, that single word shocking him. No one called him that anymore. But she’d remembered. God, he almost didn’t even recognize his own name. He faced her without saying a word. � �śYou’re a great father from what I’ve seen so far. Your boys are great. They’re lucky to have you.”� He smiled and left to return to the solitude of the couch. Now that had been the best thing anyone had said to him in a long time. And from that fiery redhead of all people! � Lying back down on the couch, he closed his eyes and lulled himself to sleep with Hannah’s voice saying his name over and over. � Austin. Austin. Austin.� � � Chapter Six� Hannah awoke early, the new day shining its light through the curtains. Sitting up, she stretched, remembering where she had slept. She had snuggled comfortably in Mac’s big bed while he slept downstairs on the couch. � Without thinking twice, she lifted his sheets to her face and inhaled deeply. Yeah, they smelled like his pillow, of soap and shampoo. Man’s soap, the scent of clean, nothing frilly. She got up and opened the window needing to feel fresh air�"the AC had automatically shut off during the middle of the night. She crawled back into bed, for a moment just sitting in the middle hugging her knees and enjoying the sounds of morning with birds chirping and a warm breeze blowing honeysuckle-sweetened air in the window. � It amazed her that she actually sat in the same bed Mac slept in every night. The thought of his muscular body, strong arms, and stronger hands invoked a little thrill. Her body warmed in the private places she’d long since used, her craving for the male touch suddenly, ferociously, returning full force. � Did Mac sleep without clothes? In his briefs? With a regular woman? � Hannah sighed. A man as good looking and hard working as Mac would be off the market. Surely, some woman had her hooks in him and he wouldn’t be available. Oh, well, Hannah wouldn’t be around here for long. Once her restaurant opened, she’d move on. Like always. Still she couldn’t help but want to have a taste of Mac, no matter how temporary the fling.� The alarm clock beside the bed read 5:30. Hunger gnawing at her gut, she decided to pay back Mac’s hospitality with a big homemade breakfast. Bursting with pride, Hannah knew she did one thing well�"cook. � Scooting out of bed, she ignored her sore muscles and limbs and the scraped knee, and tiptoed into the hallway, not wanting to wake Mac while he slept. At the top of the stairs, the sound of running water reached her ears and she looked down the hall to find a faint light glowing under the bathroom door. It appeared Mac had awakened, confirmed by the empty couch. Good. At least then she would be able to cook in peace. � After utilizing the half bath on the first floor to freshen up, Hannah quickly started the coffee pot. She opened the fridge and, while not empty by any means, not a lot of choices for breakfast hid there. No sausages or bacon could be found and only four eggs filled the carton. Remembering the grocery store in town, she prayed it would be open this early. She would borrow Mac’s truck, get some quick supplies, and be back before he finished dressing. After running upstairs to grab her sandals and purse, she hurried out the door. � Twenty minutes later she parked back in Mac’s driveway, quickly jumped out and grabbed two bags out of the back seat. She scurried to the door, reciting recipes in her head and knowing exactly what she wanted to prepare. She would create Mac her special ham, cheese, and hash brown omelet. For the boys, she’d have pancakes with fresh blueberries and, of course, all would have bacon, sausages, toast, and orange juice.� Outside the porch door that led into the kitchen, Mac’s bellowing voice stopped Hannah in her tracks. � �śWhere the hell did you go?” � His massive body blocked the doorway, and she had no choice but to stop. � �śWell?” he said, standing with his arms crossed over his chest.� �śOh, get out of my way, you ox.” She attempted to push past him but got nowhere, and his solid frame jammed her in the doorway with him.� He stared down at her, his dark blue eyes serious, his expression ominous. � Here we go again.� �śGet out of my way if you want breakfast,” she ordered, standing her ground.� �śI didn’t ask for breakfast,” he hollered. �śI asked where you went with my truck.” � She looked at the grocery bags in her arms and back at him. �śUm, gee. Fresh blueberries, eggs, sausage, bacon. Hmmmm. Why don’t you figure it out?” She shoved past him and sauntered into the kitchen to unload the bags. � Hannah paraded around the kitchen, acting as though she’d been in it a hundred years, and organized her food. She poured a cup of coffee, handed it to him, and patted his cheek. �śNow be a good boy and finish getting dressed while I get breakfast on the table,” she mocked him.� He took the cup and sipped, watching her over the rim. �śYou don’t have to make breakfast you know. We do have cereal.”� Moving back to the counter, she sighed. �śSeems a shame to waste the food I just picked up.” � �śI didn’t ask you to pick it up, did I?” he said, slamming down his mug, coffee sloshing over the side onto the counter.� �śNope. You didn’t. Now run along,” she said sweetly, running the blueberries under water.� �śThis is my house. I’ll do what I want.” � She faced him. �śGrow up. Really a man of your size shouldn’t act so childish.”� �śIt must be the company I keep.” Crossing his arms, he didn’t budge.� She picked up the egg, examined it, and smiled. �śDon’t give me a reason to poison your breakfast.”� �śCan you even cook?”� She almost choked, and her fingers tightened around the egg, threatening to crack it. �śI run restaurants dedicated to breakfast. Figure it out.”� He turned to leave the room. �śIf you cook as good as you renovate it ought to be an interesting breakfast. Just don’t burn down my house.”� Burn his house down? Hannah reared back and launched the egg, watching with satisfaction as it flew past Mac’s head and slammed into the wall. Its gel oozing down in a sloppy trail. That’ll teach him to insult her cooking.� � When Mac stopped short, Hannah wasted no time grabbing another one, wanting to perfect her aim. � �śWhat the�"” Mac turned just as she hauled another egg. It smacked him right in the middle of his forehead. He reached up and wiped the goo while he faced her growling. �śYou little hellion!” � Calmly, she picked up a third egg, smiled, and moved behind the wooden center island, the only thing separating them. � Standing there, his eyes squinting, his nostrils flaring, he reminded her of a bull staring at a red flag, ready to charge for being provoked. � �śNow that wasn’t very nice,” he growled. He stomped to the counter, gathered a fistful of paper towels and proceeded to clean the wall before returning to the center island and tossing the dirty towels onto it. �śI warned you last night about tempting my temper. You’re not the only one around here with a hot disposition.” He crossed his arms over his chest and stood watching her.� �śGo get dressed and leave me to my cooking, or you’ll not only get this egg upside your thick skull but the rest of them and a slab of bacon too,” she warned. She raised her hand for good measure, egg secured in her palm waiting for launch. Did he think just because he glared at her that she wouldn’t pummel him with egg again? The fool. � Suddenly, the gentle roar of his laugher filled the room. At first, she tensed at the loud, deep, rumble as it echoed through the kitchen, but then she realized it sounded more like a signal for truce than any resemblance of a threat. His laughter put her at ease, their confrontation more friendly and playful than malicious. She set the egg on the counter and grinned. It seemed the skirmish had broken some kind of invisible wall of awkwardness, and deflating his temper by matching it with her own had been an adrenaline rush. His intense focus on her had created a tingling sensation throughout her body. � He leaned on the counter. �śGod help me but you’re the craziest female I’ve ever encountered and I’ve met some great ones. I’m going to finish dressing. Don’t even think about hitting me with that egg.” He turned and swaggered away slowly. �śAnd don’t think of poisoning my eggs, because you’re going to take the first bite,” he warned, never looking back.� Hannah just couldn’t resist. She shouldn’t, but since when did she ever listen to her good voice? She stretched her arm back and sent the egg flying so it purposely missed him but landed close enough.� Mac stopped, didn’t turn around. �śGo ahead, throw all the eggs you want. You’re the one who’s going to clean them up.” He walked upstairs. � Hannah smiled, unable to control the simple excitement she hadn’t felt in years. Alone in the kitchen, she howled with a deep laugh of her own, totally delighted with her morning activities so far. � It took a few minutes for her to regain her composure, even though she couldn’t lose the grin. Gathering her supplies, she hummed and replayed the events of yesterday and today in her head. It amazed her how Mac had captivated her senses without any physical intimacy. � And then she cooked.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Though it was normal habit for the boys, especially Aidan, to sleep in, Mac bet the aromas emanating from the kitchen that had teased his senses while he finished dressing upstairs had also awakened the kids. Because, one by one, he’d spied his sons dragging themselves down the stairs to the kitchen. And from the looks of things, it appeared Hannah had put them to work setting the table.� Unable to resist the wonderful smells of bacon and sausage, Mac couldn’t implement his original plan to skip breakfast just to spite Hannah. But he hadn’t expected this scene when he turned toward the kitchen. What he witnessed sent a shock through him. He hung back, leaned his shoulder against the doorframe, folded his arms, and watched. � His boys all helped out. Even lazy Aidan�"who, being the oldest, believed he was entitled to have his younger brothers do his bidding�"placed plates on the table while Ryan did the silverware and Luke the plastic glasses. None threw comments to each other or tossed insults, and more importantly none of them had another in a chokehold. All were still in the clothes they’d worn to bed and barefoot. When Ryan walked too close to Aidan in performing his assignment, Aidan took the opportunity, like Mac knew he would, to hip check him and sent him stumbling back.� Here it comes. Mac grinned. � If Hannah thought his boys could be tamed by her sweet smile while she whipped around his kitchen still wearing his T-shirt and Aidan’s shorts, her hair pulled back, then she would be sorely mistaken. All hell would break loose, like it always did when one of the boys irritated the other. Mac gladly stood back and observed this time instead of interfering and setting them straight. It’d teach Hannah a lesson in dealing with the MacDevin men.� �śAidan!” Ryan screeched. � Aidan smirked. Luke froze to watch the developing fight. Mac grinned.� Hannah whirled around, fast as a bolt of lightning. Pointing a stainless steel spatula at Aidan and Ryan, her eyes menacing, she called out a simple, �śHey!” � His three sons turned in her direction and froze. Three pairs of eyes widened and three mouths opened without a sound.� �śIf you want to eat then you’ll set that table without fighting. All of you. If you can’t manage to behave yourself like your father would expect of you, and surely has taught you, then you can have a seat in the parlor while the rest of us civilized human beings eat.” � All three boys answered with a �śYes, ma’am,” their heads slightly bowed, and returned to their tasks. � Mac’s jaw dropped. Where were their arguments? Where was the free-for-all that should have ensued until he, being superior in strength and height, separated them?� Hannah turned back to the stove, flipping pancakes without skipping a beat. �śOh, and, Aidan?” she said without turning around. � �śYeah?” he asked, looking shyly at the back of her head.� �śI think you owe your brother an apology and if you think you don’t want to give him one, well, then that’s your choice. But I promise you these blueberry pancakes will be worth the agony of apologizing.”� Did she just suggest his oldest and most stubborn boy apologize, say he was sorry, to his younger brother, admitting a wrongdoing and being humble? Silence filled the room for a long moment, and Mac held his breath.� �śOf course, if you choose not to apologize, Aidan, you can go sit in the parlor while the rest of us eat,” she said, her voice dripping with honey.� Aidan mulled the options over, his cheeks reddening.� Would his oldest son let his pride rule and sit out breakfast just to remain �ścool” to the younger boys? Mac would have bet money on it. � �śSorry, Ry,” Aidan muttered just loud enough to be heard. His sour face evidenced his embarrassment. � Mac stared in amazement.� �śOkay,” Ryan said, his mouth remaining open. � Luke giggled.� �śLuke?” Hannah called, turning to face them with a huge platter brimming with pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, and toast in her hands. � �śYes?” Luke said quietly, his smirk suddenly gone.� �śNow, you’re not laughing at your brother for apologizing, are you?” Her voice sounded the softest it had been so far. � �śNo,” Luke said shyly. � �śGood, because it takes a big man to admit when he’s made a mistake and own up to it. By apologizing for his momentary lapse in judgment, Aidan just proved he was man enough to take responsibility for his actions. And that is very commendable.”� Son of a bitch, she was good. Mac grinned his best shit-eating grin. Did she even realize she was a natural mother? Hell, the boys’ own mother didn’t even know how to be one.� Aidan stood taller, his expression relaxing, her soothing words obviously easing his embarrassment. � �śNow all of you take a seat. I’ll yell for your father.” � Hannah turned and Mac quickly stepped from the doorway, keeping her in his sights. She stared a moment then met his smile with a huge one of her own.� �śI’m right here,” Mac announced entering the room. �śWow. Doesn’t this smell good, guys?” He sat across from Hannah.� �śCan we dig in?” Ryan asked. � Hannah looked around the table and caught Mac’s eyes. �śDo you say grace or anything?” � �śNo. Should we?” Mac asked. � �śI don’t. I just thought if it’s something you did as a family...”� �śNah, let’s dig in,” Ryan said and grabbed for the food. � Quickly, everyone filled their plates and ate.� �śOh, I forgot the coffee.” Hannah started to rise.� �śI’ve got it.” Mac stood and walked to the counter. �śIt’s the least I could do for such a fantastic feast.” � Her slender body wrapped in his T-shirt drove him insane with the need to touch her. If they had some privacy, he would give in to his urge to talk her out of it.� �śMan, this is awesome,” Luke said. �śCan we have this every day?”� When he placed her coffee cup down in front of her, Mac’s gaze met Hannah’s. That damn perfume wafted through the air, teasing his nose�Śand his dick. Did she carry it with her or something? � �śSorry, buddy, there’s no way I’d ever cook this good. It’ll be back to cereal after today, so eat up and enjoy while you can.” � �śAw, man. Can’t Hannah come live with us?” Luke asked innocently. � Mac almost spewed coffee through his nose and mouth. � �śCan you, Hannah? Then you can make us breakfast every day,” Luke persisted.� Mac attempted to answer but Ryan cut him off, offering his fourteen-year-old insight. �śDon’t be such a dink. She can’t come live with us because they’re not married.”� �śThey can get married,” Luke argued. � At this Hannah laughed. Mac ground his teeth. � �śCould you marry my dad, Hannah? Pleeease,” Luke asked.� Hannah looked from Luke to Mac and smiled brightly. Oh, she loved this, didn’t she? � �śI don’t know, Luke. You see, your dad hasn’t asked me yet. Isn’t that right, Austin?” � �śAustin! Wow. No one calls him that,” Aidan said. � �śReally? Well, I happen to like the name.” � �śSo you’ll marry him if he asks you?” Luke then turned to Mac. �śDaddy, ask her. She can cook!” � Mac laughed, he just couldn’t help it, the whole conversation just so ridiculous but so lively. �śAll right, that’s enough out of all of you.” � Mac paid special attention to Hannah, giving her a warning glare in case she had any ideas of continuing the silly talk, though it had lifted his mood, made him happy. �śNo more talk at the table. Just eat. There’s no one getting married around here.”� �śExcept maybe Aidan and his girlfriend,” Ryan teased.� �śShut up,” Aidan responded. � Round two began. � �śHey.” Hannah only had to say it once and silence commenced. � Astounded, Mac studied all three of his sons who had continued eating without any further hostilities toward each other. How impressive for Hannah to be so sure of herself to wield authority over adolescent boys, gain their respect by treating them fairly, and prevent any outbursts. He’d ask her how she did that when they were alone. � Mac stuffed himself until he couldn’t breathe and sat finishing his coffee. Silence had never been a part of the MacDevin household but that morning had proved different when all four MacDevin men sat around the dining room table eating breakfast�"an historic moment that hadn’t escape Mac’s notice.� �śI have to be on a job at seven,” he said for Hannah’s benefit. �śI can drive you home first.”� �śThank you.” She stood. �śOkay, guys, clear the table. No fighting, right?” � The boys agreed in unison. � Yeah. Mac had to admit Hannah O’Leary had his boys under her spell for sure with her fantastic cooking and her feisty temper dispelling sibling rivalry. Mac glanced at the feisty beauty sitting across from him. Now, he only had to ensure he didn’t become enchanted as well. � Chapter Seven� When Mac parked in front of Hannah’s house, it saddened her that he had to leave. She could easily get used to having adult company. She sighed, and then inhaled his woodsy aftershave in the coolness of the morning air one last time before got out of his truck.� �śMac, thank you for all your help. What you did for me was incredible. No one has ever taken care of me that well.”� �śNo one, huh?” he said, sounding shocked.� She shook her head, fighting the sadness that always threatened to consume her when she thought of what she never had. �śI didn’t mean to impose by making breakfast this morning. I just wanted a way to thank you for your hospitality.”� �śI could’ve given you a suggestion or two,” he said, shooting her that killer smile she adored.� Goose bumps immediately covered her. A flurry of butterflies tickled her tummy at the sight, but she attempted to keep her concentration in line. �śI’m sure,” she agreed, her own smile coming easily. If he didn’t leave soon then she’d be so tempted to ask him inside. But why jeopardize a fledgling business relationship for a few moments of pleasure?� He reached over and twirled a long curl from her ponytail. �śYou must be kidding if you thought making breakfast was an imposition. You just raised the bar so high for me I’ll never be able to compete with that food. My boys will be disappointed tomorrow when they eat cereal.” � Hannah laughed, the slight tug of her hair reminding her of his touch, making her want to turn into his arms. �śI’m sorry I took your truck without letting you know but you were in the shower. I knew I had to hurry since you had to work.” She sent him a sideways glance. �śI guess you thought I stole it, huh?”� His mild grin spread slowly. �śThe thought did cross my mind. But I wasn’t too worried since I know where you live.” � �śWhere I’m staying temporarily,” she corrected. �śI won’t be living here.” � �śIs that so?” � �śYeah. I move around a lot. I stay long enough to open the restaurant, then move on to my next project.” � �śWhere are you from?” he asked, releasing the curl but keeping his arm close. �śYou have a slight accent. I just can’t place it yet.” � Hannah froze. Her breath hitched. The unexpected question caused her to become quiet for a moment. How could she explain her past without scaring him off? If he knew the truth, he’d run fast and far from her. � �śWell, nowhere in particular,” she managed with more calmness than she felt. � �śCome on. Everyone comes from somewhere.” � And some people didn’t want to remember where that somewhere was. Those memories were better left in the past. �śListen. I know you have a full day, so I’ll let you get going. Thanks for the ride.” � Intending to end the conversation, she stepped out of the truck and shut the door. She waved to Mac before turning away, her once steady legs threatening to collapse beneath her. As she rushed to her house in hopes of leaving Mac behind, her heart pounded. How else could she ward off his questions? Questions she didn’t want to answer.� He followed her to her door. �śOkay, so you don’t want to talk about where you’re from. I get it. Listen, I’m coming by later this afternoon to install new locks on these doors and hook up an alarm system.” � �śYou don’t have to do that.” She could focus only on the way his body shadowed hers. Not one spot on him didn’t display muscle. � �śI do. This house has been vacant a long time. Who knows how the locks work. I’ll take care of it today.” � �śThanks. I really appreciate that.” It seemed strange having someone want to help her.� He shrugged. �śThe alarm system will only have a siren until you arrange for phone service to tie it into the alarm company who will dispatch the sheriff. For now the alarm will sound, usually enough to scare off unwanted visitors.” � Would it be enough to scare off unwanted family members? �śCharleston doesn’t seem like a place where there’d be a lot of crime. Should I be worried?” � He shook his head and hitched his thumbs in his pockets. �śNope. Just need to be practical. Just the smart thing to do.” � She rubbed her temple to ward off the beginnings of a headache. �śOkay, if you think that’s the best to do then do it. Just give me the bill.” � �śI’ll stop by the hardware store in town, and with your permission, I’ll start an account for you. I’ll purchase the locks and you’ll have itemized receipts. Just pay the hardware store directly. The labor will be free.” � Her back stiffened. She didn’t want to feel like a welfare case. Those days had been left in the past. �śI don’t need handouts. I’m quite able to pay for the labor. Just give me a bill.” � �śDidn’t say it was a handout. Consider it a housewarming gift.” � �śBut it’s not my house. Just my business.”� �śWhatever,” he said, looking around. �śYou going to be okay here?” � She looked up at the dilapidated house. �śYeah, I’ve got to get settled and check on my car.” � �śI’m very good friends with the mechanic,” Mac said, placing his hand on her shoulder. �śI’ll call him. When it’s ready, I’ll give you a ride.” His fingers gave a slight squeeze before he pulled away.� She smiled while butterflies swarmed in her belly. �śI think you’ve done enough for me.” � �śGive me your cell number,” he demanded, entering it into his cell when she recited it. �śLike I said, I’ll give you a ride to pick it up.” � Folding her arms, she studied him. �śYou’re very pushy, you know?” � He grinned and strode toward his truck, his muscular butt displayed nicely in his worn jeans. � �śMac?” � He faced her and grinned. One look at him and her breath caught. Maybe it was a combination of exhaustion and his constant attentions, but she couldn’t remember a time ever being so in tune to a man’s presence. � �śI don’t need to check any references. You’ve more than proved yourself worthy of the job. It’s yours.” � He hesitated before he spoke. �śFine. I’ll be your contractor as long as you’re not here while I’m working.” � That was rude. �śWhy not? I won’t get in the way.”� �śLike hell. You’d be a distraction, Hannah.”� �śHow?” she demanded, hands on her hips where Mac’s T-shirt formed a knot.� His gaze raked her body from toes to head before stopping at her face. �śSexy body. Nice eyes. Great smile. If I had to watch you waltz around in front of me all day I couldn’t promise much would get done other than me having a constant hard-on.”� She closed the distance between them and ran a finger along his jaw. The freshly shaven skin invited her kisses, but she willed herself to behave. For now. �śWell, that works two ways. I’ll have to watch you play with tools all day.” � He cleared his throat, his eyes lighting with a sexy gleam loaded with promises of temptation and fulfillment. �śThis could be a lot of fun.”� �śI’m hoping so.” � �ż �ż �ż �ż� The morning flew by quickly. Hannah spent most of it setting up her bedroom and unpacking her clothes. The tiny apartment needed to be gutted and remodeled like the rest of the house and not one appliance had been updated. The mildew stench had been unbearable until Hannah had bleached and scrubbed every surface. Now the place smelled like a toxic cloud. But at least now it shone clean, free of dust and germs, and her things could be unpacked without getting ruined.� She lugged six large trash bags down to the backyard, sweat covering her skin in the hot late morning summer sun. Outside she breathed deeply, not caring how hot and humid the air hung. Anything felt better than smelling bleach. As she walked through the overgrowth, Hannah noticed that the gardens had been neglected like the house. Bushes not pruned, trees roots not mulched, roses not pruned or weeded. But visions danced in her head of what the space could become with a little TLC. She’d ask Mac about laying a brick patio out here, so in the cooler months, her customers could enjoy dining outside.� When her phone rang, she ran around the kitchen searching for the chime, rummaging through the cluttered countertop to find it. She answered breathless.� �śPanting for me already?” Mac teased.� �śOf course. I like your tools.”� He laughed, the familiar deep rumble echoing over the line. �śJoin me for lunch before we pick up your car.” � She could listen to that Southern drawl all day and it’d still sound sexy. � Clearing her throat, she spoke softly. �śNo, I can’t, but thanks. I’m filthy. I’ve been cleaning all morning.” � �śWell, I’m heading over to you in half an hour, so get ready.” � �śI said I can’t,” she insisted. Was the man thickheaded? � �śYou still need to pick up your car and I need to eat. So I’ll be there in thirty minutes, and you can either eat lunch with me, or watch me eat. I don’t care. Don’t matter none to me either way. Just be ready.” � The phone went dead. � Thirty minutes. She looked in the mirror, dirty face, sweaty skin, dusty clothes. How could he expect her to be ready in thirty minutes? The man was an ape. � She quickly stripped, jumped in the shower and stood under its pitiful spray, still talking to herself. �śThirty minutes. How can a woman get ready in that little time?”� After fighting a losing battle with the showerhead, she gave up, dried off, and spritzed her body with the perfume Mac adored. � True to his word, he arrived in exactly thirty minutes, blowing his horn. Hannah grabbed her purse and stomped to the door. How dare he blow a horn to summon her?� Hannah climbed in the passenger door that Mac held open. Well, that showed he knew something about etiquette. When he jumped back in his seat, she spoke. �śYou know, I thought you Southern boys had manners.” � �śWe do. Didn’t I just hold open your door for you?” he asked, driving toward town.� �śThen you should know it’s not polite to blow a horn when picking up a lady. You should get out and ring the doorbell.” � He glanced at her. �śI’ll remember that next time I pick you up.”� Next time? Sweet! �śYou’re pretty confident there’ll be a next time,” she said with less bite.� �śYes, ma’am. At least this time you weren’t hanging from the rafters.” � She shook her head while glancing out the side window. �śGod, I’m never going to live that down.” � �śNot any time soon. Besides, it’s kind of cute. I’ve never seduced a woman I’ve met under such unusual circumstances.”� Her head whipped around, shock consuming her. �śYou haven’t seduced me.”� �śNot yet. Debating whether I should.”� She studied his profile. Confidence oozed from him. �śWhat’s that mean?”� He only shrugged. �śNothing other than I haven’t decided if romancing you is in our best interest with me working for you and all.” � She angled her head and shot him a sideways glance. Who was he to think he could call all the shots? �śMaybe I’m the one that will be seducing you, Mac,” she purred. � He laughed, the hearty sound filling the truck. �śWe’ll definitely see about that, Hannah. I like how you think, though. Not many women around here like to be so open.”� �śGet used to it. Where I come from it’s the norm.” � �śAnd where is that?” he asked, turning a corner.� �śOh, Christ. Are we back to that conversation? Don’t you let anything go?” � �śNot when I’m interested.” � �śWhy would you be interested in my past?” � He shrugged, entering the diner’s parking lot. �śI don’t know. Maybe I’d like to get to know the woman I’m about to work for. Try it. You may like talking.”� �śDoubt it. You have a better chance of seducing me.”� He looked at her briefly before parking. �śDon’t know if I want to kiss a lady I’ll be working for.” � With the confidence of a desired woman, Hannah leaned across the seat. She softly scraped her knuckles over Mac’s cheek and whispered in his ear, �śThen only kiss me after hours.” � � � � � Chapter Eight� They walked into the diner and were seated immediately, the waitress practically drooling over Mac. � �śHey, handsome. I was wondering where you took yourself off to.” She smiled at Mac then gave Hannah a once-over.� �śBeen working, Candy. You know me,” Mac said, smiling too brightly.� �śI’ve missed you coming in here. What’s a girl to do when the most handsome man in town disappears?” � Hannah wanted to puke at the adoration the waitress displayed.� Mac laughed, a slow, lazy laugh. �śYou think too highly of me, Candy. Could we please get coffee and I’m ready to order. Hannah, you ready?”� �śNot hungry,” she said. �śJust coffee please.”� �śOh, honey. Don’t be jealous. Me and Mac go way back.”� �śFar from jealous,” Hannah said, barely able to keep from gritting her teeth. As if. Anyone can tell from a mile away that hair comes from a bottle. And cleavage like that didn’t form naturally. If she leans over any farther, odds are she’ll topple over. Wouldn’t that be a sight? �śI’d like my coffee please.”� �śGive me the roast beef sandwich,” Mac said. �śAnd bring her the turkey and Swiss wrap.”� Hannah’s jaw dropped. �śAre you deaf? I said I’m not hungry.”� Candy looked back and forth between them, her pen hovering over her notepad.� �śJust bring it,” Mac said simply, watching Hannah. �śShe’ll eat it.”� �śWhatever you say, handsome.” Candy quickly disappeared. � Hannah mimicked her words and Mac laughed. � �śJealous?” he teased.� �śOf a waitress named Candy?” She rolled her eyes and laughed. �śPft. Hardly. You obviously enjoy it when a woman falls all over you.”� �śHardly.” � �śGive me a break. I watched you suck up every compliment she gave you.” Hannah stopped talking when Candy returned with their coffee.� �śI’ll leave you sugar, Mac, even though you’re sweet enough already.” Candy winked before leaving them alone.� Hannah stared at him. �śYou’re unbelievable.”� �śWhat?” he said, sipping his coffee.� �śYou’re sweet enough. You’re so handsome. If I had an appetite, I would’ve lost it by now.”� He laughed. �śI can’t help how someone else speaks.” � Hannah ignored him. � �śFor the record,” he said, a fire lighting his eyes. �śI’m much more interested in the women who I have to chase a little to catch.”� She crossed her arms and stared out the window, ignoring the silly conversation. How dare he flirt in front of her with a trollop named Candy?� Five minutes later, their food arrived and Mac dug in hungrily while he watched her. �śI’m the father of teenage boys, Hannah. I’m pretty good at dealing with the silent treatment.” � �śNo silent treatment going on. Just not interested in talking about the women in your life.” � �śWomen? Honey, there are no women in my life other than my family.” � When Mac’s hand covered hers, she jumped, all the fears and vulnerability of her past flooding back. While she enjoyed his touch, the unexpected contact startled her. She had long ago learned to fear human touch.� When she froze, his brow furrowed. �śHey, what is it, Hannah? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” � She certainly felt like she had. The past swept over her, bringing with it the fear of being powerless under the touch of a man, of being hurt or trapped by someone stronger than her. �śIt’s nothing. I’m just a little tired is all.” She snatched free her hand and placed it in her lap.� �śLike hell. Try again.” � She squirmed and grabbed the turkey Swiss wrap from the plate in front of her. �śCan we not talk about this anymore? I just want to eat.” � His eyes studied her while he chewed and swallowed. �śNow you want to eat, huh? Well, if that were the case then you’d have to pick the food up and put it in your mouth. Don’t expect it to jump in there by itself.” � She purposely took a big bite to prove she felt better, but when the food hit her tongue she wanted to throw up. She made a face. Why did he have to ask about her past?� He grinned mildly. �śServes you right, trying to force-feed yourself when you’re upset.” � How could he be so in tune with her? That drove her crazy. She didn’t like to be so transparent to people. Especially to him.� Mac and Hannah sat silently for a few minutes. To her relief, he didn’t force the issue. He continued eating, greeting people who passed their table, but glanced at Hannah every few seconds. His gaze interrogated her, the heat of his stare slicing through her like a laser, trying to unwrap the layers she had built up over the years. It was as though his eyes kept saying well? Like he expected her to blurt out everything she hid inside. Like she could feel comfortable doing that with him.� �śWhat is it, Mac?” she asked while picking at her sandwich.� With a napkin, he wiped his mouth. �śJust waiting for you to start telling me about yourself.”� Of course, she had already figured that out. �śFine,” she said suddenly, her voice low. �śWhat do you want to know about my past?”� Mac looked at her casually, sipped his coffee then said, �śEverything.” � She put her sandwich down and leaned her elbows onto the table. �śI’ve got to warn you it’s not pretty.” � �śNeither is mine. So what? Spill it.” He looked at his watch. �śTalk while you eat, since I need to get back to work. And don’t give me any crap about manners and not talking with your mouth full. In the real world we have to multi-task, so eat and speak. I’m all ears.” � Hannah hesitated. �śYou make me want to pour my heart out to you,” she said sarcastically and promised herself she wouldn’t do that no matter how laidback and easy to talk to he was. She swallowed a bite of her wrap, unable to look him in the eyes. �śI don’t come from a good family. My parents aren’t nice.”� �śOkay. That’s boring. Anything else?”� Her mouth opened, but she struggled to speak. �śThat was rude.”� �śNope. I’m just not in the mood to hear empty stories. I only like the truth.”� �śI don’t even know you.”� �śThought that’s what we’re trying to do here. Get to know each other.”� �śNo we’re not. You’re supposed to be taking me to pick up my car. But you had to feed your face first. If you want a story then you tell it.” No way would she tell her past to this man. He’d run away from her faster than ever. � �śMy story would take a hell of a lot longer than lunch.” His words dripped of pain, instantly easing her defensive nature. Suddenly, she didn’t feel quite so exposed. How could she remain angry at someone who might relate to how she felt about digging up the past? � She sighed, her shoulders slumping. �śMine too. I don’t like to talk about my past, Mac. Some things are just best left there.”� �śFine. Then tell me about the Hannah of today.”� �śNo.”� He laughed hard. �śI’ve got to say, your stubbornness is surprisingly appealing.”� She couldn’t help but smile. It would be so easy to bare her soul to him with those eyes and that smooth voice encouraging her. She smiled slightly, giving in a little. �śMy mother has many problems and my father is a violent man, Mac. I don’t like to talk about him,” she admitted, shame consuming her.� When she looked up, Mac stared at her with a thoughtful expression, not judging her like she had expected. � �śIf I don’t talk about him, then I can forget a lot of bad things. Okay?” She prayed he’d pry no further.� �śOkay.”� When memories of years gone by surfaced, she let out the breath she had instinctively held.� Mac’s face hardened and the dangerous look returned to his eyes. �śI can tell you that the sheriff and his deputies in this town won’t put up with him being a threat to you. All you’ll need to do is call them. I can also tell you I won’t put up with him trying any crap on you so he better hope the sheriff gets there before me.” � She smiled. That was the nicest thing he could have said to her. �śThere shouldn’t be a problem. Nothing I can’t handle anyways,” she lied, remembering the bruises her father had inflicted countless times before.� �śIf your dad comes around here, you give the sheriff a call. Then call me.” His curt nod offered reassurance.� She smiled, her heart warming. �śDon’t tell me you’re starting to care about me, Mac.” � �śNow I wouldn’t go that far,” he teased. �śJust don’t like to see women scared is all.” � �śYou care about me. Just admit it.”� He smiled and grabbed for the check when Candy placed it on the table but Hannah proved to be quicker. �śMy turn.” � He frowned. �śLike hell. Give me that check, Hannah.” � �śNo.” � �śI said�"”� �śI don’t care what you said, Austin,” she interrupted. �śYou paid the other day. Now it’s my turn.”� His grim expression told her he wasn’t used to sharing the bill. �śThat’s not how I do things.” � �śReally?” She glanced at him and continued to count out the amount written on the tab. � �śReally.” � �śToo bad because that’s how I do things.” She slapped the money and tab on the table between their dirty dishes and stood. �śNow let’s go. I have a busy afternoon and would like my car.” � He mumbled something incoherent and followed her out. Stepping from the diner’s air conditioning and onto the sidewalk simulated jumping into an oven. The sun beamed brightly, and a soft breeze stirred the humid air.� �śOh, Mac. How are you?” A small, thin woman practically flung herself into Mac’s arms and Hannah stepped back, the woman apparently another one of his groupies. � �śHi, Sandy. I’m doing fine. You’re looking as beautiful as ever.” He quickly pecked her cheek with a chaste kiss.� Hannah mimicked his words in his head. The guy oozed too much damn charm. � Sandy looked over to Hannah. �śOh, I didn’t mean to interrupt your date.” � �śIt’s not a date,” Mac and Hannah said at the same time and then glared at each other. � �śSandy, this is Hannah O’Leary. She’s just arrived in town. I was about to drive her to the mechanics since she’s had a bit of car trouble.” � �śYou’re always rescuing some helpless female, Mac, I swear.” Sandy glowed like a schoolgirl in her yellow sundress. � �śI’m hardly a helpless female,” Hannah injected.� Mac huffed. � �śWell, I’m not,” Hannah said with bite. � �śOh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded,” Sandy said. �śIt’s just that, well, I owe my life to Mac and, well, it’s a long story. You probably don’t have time.” � �śShe’s right,” Mac said to Hannah. �śI have to get back to work.” He attempted to take Hannah’s elbow and walk.� Hannah shrugged out of his grip. �śHold on a minute. I want to hear about your hero status.” � Mac groaned. � �śI’ll be quick,” Sandy promised in her cheery voice. �śMac’s best friends with my brother, Clay, and has been forever. Well, one hot summer day we were all at the lake. I was only seventeen. Mac and Clay were twenty-two. They never minded me tagging along. Well, I slipped off the dock into the lake and didn’t know how to swim. Mac was the closest. You should’ve seen him. My head was bobbing above water when he ran down the dock and dove in. Just like that his strong arms lifted me out of the water and saved me. I’ve never been so scared in my life. But he was so calm, I just couldn’t stay afraid for long.” � Hannah smiled at the bubbly lady and turned to Mac. �śYou’re just a natural born hero, huh?” � �śOh, hush,” he said with a friendly warning in his eyes when she laughed. Mac turned to Sandy. �śNow I think that story is getting old, Sandy. If I didn’t get to you then your brother would’ve only seconds later, so I’m not that big a hero. Now I really must say goodbye.” He kissed her cheek again.� �śOkay.” Sandy turned to Hannah. �śWe’ll have to get together for coffee some time. I could show you around town.” � �śThat’s nice of you,” Hannah said.� �śYeah, yeah,” Mac complained, waving his hand in front of him. �śYou can reach her at the old Brigman house. Now, Hannah, let’s go or you’ll walk to get your car. Sandy, bye.” � While Mac drove to the mechanic, Hannah turned to him and said, �śIsn’t she just the sweetest thing?”� �śShe is. Sandy is a very wholesome lady.”� �śShe’s got you elevated so high in the sky with your hero status I’m surprised you don’t have a nose bleed.”� Mac glanced at her then back to the road. �śDo you want to walk to the mechanic?”� �śYou wouldn’t do that, you ape, but nice try.” � He shot her a devious look. �śSo tell me about the Hannah who has grown into a very beautiful woman.” � Oh, he was a charmer. �śI’m done talking about me. Talk about you.”� �śTell me the damn story, Hannah.”� �śYou’re so bossy, you know that?”� �śMy kids tell me all the time. Now talk. How’d you get into the restaurant biz?”� She sighed, knowing he’d just keep at her. It’d be nice to brag a little about her accomplishments. �śI was on my own at fifteen. Worked at a grocery store as much as they allowed me. Put myself through school. Had rented a room in a rundown house that smelled of bad food and had lots of crawly things. Yuck.” She shivered. �śI can’t even think about what it was like but I had no choice. I stuck it out until I graduated high school then got a full-time job in a restaurant and moved to a better boarding house. At least it didn’t have crawly things.” � Mac stopped at a red light and looked at her. �śThat’s how you got into the restaurant business?”� �śYeah, sort of. I took a chef course while I worked in a five-star restaurant. I worked every shift I could, morning, afternoon, nights. People always came in looking for breakfast, no matter what time of day or night it was. So I got the idea that there was a market for such a restaurant that catered to brunch/breakfast only. I would stay late at the restaurant and taught myself to cook. I opened my first restaurant in Boston and never looked back.”� � �śAhh. Boston. So that’s where you’re from.” He drove into the mechanic’s lot. �śYou never did tell me. Now I recognize the accent.” � She sat stunned at how perceptive he could be. Men usually never paid enough attention to her to pick up on the little things about her like an accent. What a nice change. �śYou paid attention. Not used to men paying attention to me.” � �śNow that I find hard to believe with your looks. In case you haven’t looked in a mirror lately, you’re a complete knockout, Hannah.” � �śYeah,” she said sadly, reaching for the door. �śIt’s always the looks they notice and nothing else.” Like her brains, strengths, feelings. � �śMen are single-minded creatures by nature, but some of us are a little more advanced. I happen to be one of those men and can tell you that for a woman you have more guts and brains than most men I know. Don’t hide from your past, Hannah. It’s what made you what you are today.” � �śWhich is what?” she asked softly.� He stared before offering a sincere smile. �śI’d say one hell of a woman. Go see the mechanic. I’m running late for my next job. Talk to you later.” � Mac drove off and she couldn’t help but smile at the little flip her heart did. He was the first man to comment on something other than her boobs and he showed sincerity about it too. Who would’ve guessed? � Yeah, she reflected. My past is what made me the way I am today. But I’ll never live that kind of life again. I’m a survivor. So what if I don’t have a permanent address to call home? � She’d grown accustomed to keeping on the move. It had never bothered her, so why should it bother her now? Probably because the MacDevin family had showed her what it meant to have a real home and she wanted that. Didn’t she? � She walked toward the mechanic’s building. Her heart thumped with a small ache and she rubbed the center of her chest with her fist. A knot formed in her throat, making it hard to swallow. And her mind wandered to what she could never have but craved so much. Admitting her desires for a family and home would only lead to more disappointment, so she did what she did best-buried her feelings-and held her chin up. But yeah, she had to admit, it really did bother her to have no place to call home.� Chapter Nine� Mac shook his throbbing hand and cursed. He hadn’t hit his thumb with a hammer in years. His focus wouldn’t let that occur. But, of course, he didn’t have to look far for the distraction that caused the injury.� Hannah O’Leary. The redheaded, hot-tempered, sexy, brilliant, fascinating woman.� How foolish was he to still be thinking about Hannah two hours after he’d left her? Christ, had the little witch put a hex on him or something? Never had a woman’s face remained stuck in his mind every waking and sleeping hour like Hannah’s had. � Why did there have to be more to her than met the eye? Why couldn’t he just admire her sexy body and fantasize about taking her to bed? Why couldn’t he just imagine her naked and straddling him, riding his cock until he exploded deep inside her? No, instead he had to pry into her past and hear a compelling story of survival that earned his respect and admiration. And he knew she had hardly told him the whole story. He could only imagine what her life had been like if she lived on her own at fifteen. Christ, that was just a year younger than Aidan.� He hit the same thumb again.� �śGood, God!” he yelled and threw the hammer.� Mac gave up hammering the nail the old fashion way to repair the stairs at Mr. Loyal’s house. What the old geezer didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. Mac stalked to his truck and grabbed his nail gun. Mr. Loyal may have requested the nails be hammered but, with his thumb throbbing and his dick rigid with thoughts of Hannah, Mac used the nail gun.� After finally finishing the stairs, Mac drove to his next job at Mrs. Henderson’s to install her new washer and dryer.� Mac still pondered Hannah’s reaction toward him. Why wasn’t she falling all over him like every other damn woman in town? He shook his head. But hadn’t that always irked him, how women played cutesy with him, thinking only of getting him into bed and claiming him as a boyfriend? Of course, his mother had raised him to be a gentleman and his manners wouldn’t allow him to be outright rude, so he’d played the game and given compliments when he’d received them. � But not with Hannah. � No. She’d shown hardly any interest in him whatsoever. Instead, she’d argued with him, stood up to him, ignored his demands and had been outright hostile half the time. � He grinned. And he’d loved it, hadn’t he? Like a breath of fresh air. She was more interesting than any woman he’d ever met�"and he’d decided that before he’d known her background. Now she’d become so much more in his opinion�"a strong woman who’d overcome every obstacle sent her way. And so young too. How old was she? Mid-twenties? Hell, he felt ancient at thirty-eight, and while he had his own troubled past, he hadn’t been out on the street at fifteen. � He wanted to know everything about her. He’d never much cared about knowing more than what a woman liked in bed. Hannah was different and it irked him that he didn’t know why.� Mac arrived at Mrs. Henderson’s, grabbed his tools, and proceeded to her basement. Why the hell was he rushing? He was ahead of schedule for once. But while unloading the new appliances, Mac figured out the answer. � Hannah O’Leary. � He was friggin’ rushing to get to her house to install her locks and alarm. And not because he worried about Hannah living there by herself. But because he wanted to see her. God, what a desperate fool! She would no doubt torture him one way or another before he left her again.� He smiled. He’d welcome that. He liked interesting.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� �śWhat’s in this for you?” Hannah asked when Mac showed up late in the afternoon to install her new locks. Walking past her into the foyer, he smelled totally male, sweaty and hot. Delicious.� �śExcuse me? Listen, Hannah, if you want to insult me, fine, but get the hell out of my way while you do it. This is my last job today and I’m beat. I’d like to get home.” � �śI told you that you didn’t have to do this.” With her arms folded, she leaned over him. � �śAre you always this stubborn?” he demanded. � When he turned and shot those blue daggers, she swallowed hard, not missing the dangerous glint hidden in the depths. It did nothing to scare her�Śbut everything to excite her inner vixen. �śI’m not stubborn.” � �śNo. You’re difficult.” � � �śI am not,” she argued. The slight brush of his body against hers thrilled her while he set up his workspace.� �śThen hush, move out of my way, and let me fix these damn locks so you can be safe tonight.” His voice grew edgy.� �śAnd then you don’t have to worry about me?” � He sent her a withering look. �śYeah, so I don’t have to worry.” � �śAhhh, so you worry about me. Isn’t that interesting.” � A sound like a growl escaped him. �śNothing interesting about it. I’m a decent man, even if you don’t want to believe that. I don’t think you should be here by yourself without a functioning lock.” � �śI do believe you’re decent.” Walking toward the kitchen, she said over her shoulder, �śFace it. You care about me.” � A few minutes later she returned with a can of cold soda. Feeling confident about her assessment of him, she smiled and held it out. While Mac gulped the contents, Hannah perched on the stairs to observe him work. � �śDon’t do that,” he said after a few minutes.� �śDo what?” Leaning back on her elbows, Hannah watched his magnificent body flex while he stripped the small metal plate from the wood.� �śStare at me when I work. It’s like someone reading over your shoulder. Drives me nuts.”� �śDoes it now?” She didn’t budge, taking pleasure in making him squirm. �śI’ll keep that in mind.” � He sighed. �śFine. Get over here.” � �śWhy?” � �śBecause if you’re gonna sit and stare at me you might as well help.”� �śOkay.” She sauntered to him. �śWant me to show you how to use a screwdriver?”� He sent her a cocky look. �śFunny. You’re not touching my tools, darlin’. You’d probably break them or injure yourself.” � �śFunny,” she repeated. �śMaybe if I touch your tools you’d have a better attitude.” Teasing and flirting was new to her, but she so enjoyed it with Mac. The way his eyes clouded with lust and his jaw tightened, fighting whatever desires she ignited. Hannah might not have had much sexual experience, but she knew when she aroused a man.� �śHold this.” His short demand only confirmed the effect she had on him.� �śHold it yourself.” She turned to walk away. � Mac grabbed her arm and placed her hand onto the doorframe. �śI said hold it.” He removed his hands and got a screw gun from his tool chest. �śOkay. Hold still.” � She complied. � �śNow let go.” � She did. Then she pinched his arm. Hard.� �śOw! What the hell was that for?” His hand rubbed the spot.� With her hands propped on her hips, and her neck angled up to glare, she said, �śThat was for thinking you can just physically place me anywhere you want. I’m warning you, Austin. Keep your hands to yourself.” � He grinned. � �śI’m not laughing. I’m serious,” she said in a firm voice. � He continued working. �śDo you know you use my real name when you get pissed at me? It’s just so full of emotion when you do. Here. Come over here and hold this.” � Hannah didn’t budge. Didn’t he get it?� He glanced up to the ceiling then back. �śPlease hold this.” � �śFine,” she said and stalked back over.� After working together quietly for a while, Mac paused, his gaze scanning her face. � �śSo you think I’m doing this to get into your pants do you?” � With his embarrassing and to-the-point question, shock rattled through Hannah. �śI didn’t say that.” � �śNo.” He glanced back. �śBut you certainly implied it when I arrived. Come on. Back door needs to be done.” He handed her a small box. �śHere. Carry this.” He turned to her when she didn’t budge and rolled his eyes. �śPlease.” � She took the toolbox, surprised by its heaviness for such a small thing. He gathered the drill and other tools. They walked through the house to the back door. � �śI didn’t mean to imply that,” she said quietly.� His hands quickly unscrewed the old lock. �śWhat? The part about me trying to get into your pants?” � �śYes. That part,” she said, her cheeks blazing. � �śOkay. But what other way was there to take it?” � She remained quiet for a moment. � He studied her. �śNeed you to hold this now.” � When he gently placed her hand onto the striker plate, she held it for him. He screwed the part in place. � When he finished, she crossed her arms. Was she over reacting to his generosity? He hasn’t given her the impression that he would expect sexual favors for his work. Her cheeks flamed hotter, her embarrassment flowing freely through her. �śI’m sorry, Mac. You’re right. I did imply you’re only doing this for some reason other than just to help me.”� �śPraise the Lord, the sky is going to fall,” he hollered but smiled. �śDid you just say I was right?”� �śOh, shut up,” she said. With a laugh, she swatted him. � His grin widened. �śSay it again.” � �śNo.” � �śCome on. Just once.” His sexy voice registered barely a whisper. � �śWould you please zip it?” Smiling so much would give her damn wrinkles. But for such a great feeling she didn’t care.� He laughed. �śSo tell me about the guy.”� She whirled around, surprised by his knowledge of privy information. �śWhat guy?”� �śThe guy who screwed you over to make you hate all men.” � �śI don’t hate all men.” How did he read her so well? � He didn’t look up but dug through his toolbox while he spoke. �śYou certainly don’t trust men either. Given your past with your father that’s understandable, but tell me about the guy.” � �śWhat makes you sure there’s a guy? You just said my past is enough to make me not trust men.” � He didn’t respond, just worked. She couldn’t say why, but she felt compelled to talk. He was just a good listener she told herself nothing more. � �śI was taken advantage of by a conman.” Hannah sighed, hating to admit it out loud. �śMy first restaurant was a hit. I hired a manager while I prepared to open another restaurant. We became romantically involved then he took advantage of my trusting nature and robbed me while I was busy with the new restaurant. Every time I caught on to something, he played me like the young fool I was since I badly wanted him to stay in my life. I’d gotten used to having someone around and was lonely.” Unable to sit still, she paced and continued her story. �śThen when the restaurant failed to meet payroll, I had to face the facts. I never imagined exactly how badly he’d robbed me.” And how close he had jeopardized all I had worked for. �śHe even sweet-talked me with the thought of marriage someday. Me, married. That was something to think about since I never considered the possibility that someone would want to marry me.”� Mac glared, his gaze burning into her. � �śWhat?” she asked, surprised by his anger. � �śYou don’t think much of yourself, do you?” � �śI do.” No she didn’t.� �śYeah, it shows,” he said sarcastically and changed tools. �śSo go on. What happened to him?” Mac screwed the lock into place.� �śCriminal embezzlement charges were filed against him and I haven’t trusted anyone since.” � Mac stared at her. �śI’m going to start installing the alarm system. I need to get upstairs. I’ll put this alarm outside your bedroom door so you’ll hear it. It’s very loud, but I want it as close to you as possible when you sleep.” � �śI sleep lightly.” � �śI’d guessed that. Probably due to not wanting the nightmares to come,” he said. �śCome on. Follow me so you don’t fall through any more ceilings.” He carried a ladder with him. � Walking behind him suited her just fine since she got a great view of his awesome ass. �śWhat can I do?” � �śDon’t knock me off the ladder, that’s what. Just stand back while I work.” He drilled holes in the ceiling. �śI’ll need to finish this another day since I have to snake wires from the doors and windows downstairs. I don’t have enough time tonight. I’m going to put in a smoke detector, though. Just in case.” � �śSo you think I’ll burn down the place? Is that why you’re here helping me?” she teased. At least cooking was one thing she excelled at, so no worries there.� �śWith your luck, you never know,” he countered while he looped wires through the tiny new holes in the ceiling. � She laughed.� �śReally, though, I’m doing this because I want to. No other reason. I like to believe a good deed never goes unnoticed by the Man upstairs and maybe He’ll see fit to keep me working so I can raise my boys and give them a good life.” He looked up, caught her gaze. �śSo you see? No tricks up my sleeves�Śor down my pants.” � She giggled. �śSo you won’t be trying to get into my pants, Austin?” � He turned to her. �śNow I didn’t say that, darling. I said I wasn’t doing these renovations to get into your pants. But I do happen to like what I see. So I admit to giving a thought or two about how to get into your pants.”� �śAnd what is it you see that you like?”� He checked her over from head to toe then focused on her face. �śYour tits. I’m a tit man.” � �śMy, you have such a way with words.” She turned and walked away, needing some space between them. When his gaze had raked over her skin, her flesh had heated.� �śHey, Hannah,” he called, and she turned back. �śI like your ass too. You’ve got a great one.” � Flashing him her best smile, she pivoted on her heel and continued toward the stairs. Her knees wobbled and she wondered if she tottered like a penguin. If he laughed, she’d kill him.� Ten minutes later, Mac tromped down the stairs, tools in one hand, the ladder in the other. �śSince I see you’re not settled in yet, why don’t you come over tonight for dinner?” � �śWhy, so you can look at my tits and ass? Forget it,” she said with no heat to her words.� He laughed. �śDon’t be stubborn. You have to eat.” � �śTrue,” she said. It sounded innocent enough. �śWhat’s for dinner?” � He smirked. �śShow up and find out. Do you think you can find us okay?” � �śI remember.” Good Lord, she’d never forget. The route to his house would be emblazoned in her mind until she died.� �śOh, that’s right. When you stole my truck, you managed to find your way back,” he said and grinned. � �śOh, stop it.” She laughed. �śWhat time?” � �śLet’s say seven, gives me time to shower and cook.” � �śMac, don’t go through any extra trouble on my behalf.” � Gathering his tools, he smirked. �śDarling, I’m not Emeril, but we don’t starve either.”� �śOkay. Will your boys be there?” � �śThey’re the reason I’m going home to cook. Otherwise, I’d keep working.” � She bet he meant that too. �śI’ll bring dessert, then,” she said and caught the gleam in his eyes. � �śWhat will that be? You?” � �śNice try, Mac. Get out of here,” she laughed, and ushered him out the door.� Chapter Ten� For the third time that day Hannah showered, taking extra care to style her hair in a sexy, carefree upsweep, applying fresh makeup, and spritzing her skin. When done, she glanced in the mirror, assessing the thigh-length jean shorts and a pink V-neck T-shirt she wore. Pronouncing the outfit presentable, she tugged on white canvas sneakers without socks. � Glad she’d stopped at the market earlier, Hannah had planned to send over a special treat to the MacDevin boys, but now she could bring it for dessert. She placed a layer of pound cake in an aluminum disposable pan, spooned in vanilla pudding and whipped cream, and repeated the process. On top, she dropped fresh blueberries and strawberries, arranging them so her cake somewhat resembled the American flag. � Hannah found Mac’s house easy enough. She parked behind his truck, carefully lifted the dessert, and entered the porch finding the door to the kitchen open. She hesitated to walk right in, but the hum inside drove her curiosity wild. What she saw when she entered the kitchen warmed her heart like nothing ever before. � Country music blared from a stereo in the parlor. Mac busily cooked from various pots, opening the oven and peaking in, and yelling to his sons all at once. He’d changed out of his work clothes into jean shorts, black T-shirt, and sandals. His hair appeared damp and his face clean-shaven. When images raced through her overactive imagination�"tearing those clothes from his body, discovering every hidden muscle, kissing every solid inch of him�"her breath caught in her throat.� The dog sniffed around the kitchen floor. All three boys bounced between the kitchen and the dining room.� �śDad, I need another plate,” Aidan said.� �śSo get one,” Mac replied.� �śIs Hannah gonna sleep over again, Daddy?” Luke asked.� Mac turned. �śWhat? No. No, she’s not. Did you pour the drinks like I said to?”� �śNo,” Luke said softly.� �śThen go do it.”� �śBut you told Ryan to do it.”� Mac looked from Luke to Ryan, flustered. �śRyan,” he bellowed.� �śI know, I know,” Ryan said. �śI just spilled the milk because Aidan’s a butthead.”� �śCall me a butthead again, Ryan,” Aidan said. �śAnd I’ll shove my foot�"”� �śAidan,” Mac interrupted before his son could finish the threat. �śTalk like that again and I’ll be the one shoving my foot somewhere. Now for the last time I want all of you on your best behavior. Hannah doesn’t need to listen to y’all bicker and fight.”� �śDaddy, can you ask Hannah to sleep over?” Luke asked.� �śWhat?” Mac gave a fleeting look to his youngest son then turned his attention back to the stove. �śNo. She’s not sleeping over so stop asking.”� Luke pouted. �śWell, how come you don’t have any adult sleepovers? Danny’s dad has adult sleepovers with lots of girls.”� Mac swung around and stared at Luke. Then he glanced at his two older boys who were snickering. �śDon’t even say a word you two,” Mac warned, pointing a spoon at them. �śLuke, you can’t hang with Danny anymore.”� �śWhat? How come? He’s my friend. Is Hannah your friend?” Luke persisted.� �śOkay, okay.” Mac turned off the stove. �śYou can still be friends with Danny if you just listen to me and set the table.”� �śBut it is set,” Luke said. � Mac checked to be sure. �śThen wash your hands and face.”� �śAlready done.” Luke held his palms out.� �śDad! Tell Aidan to get�Śoff�Śof�Śme�Ś” Ryan gasped while Aidan held him in a headlock.� Mac’s face distorted as though he prepared to scream. Hannah took it for her cue to interfere and entered the kitchen holding her dessert up high. �śOkay. Who wants dessert?” � Four sets of identical blue eyes turned to stare. � �śOh.” She widened her eyes, feigning surprise. �śBut since you’re fighting, I’ll just give this to Porkchop.”� When she bent to place the dish on the floor in front of the dog whose tail wagged excitedly, the three boys yelled �śno” all at once and rushed to her side. � She straightened slowly and faced them, knowing Mac watched her as well. �śNo?” Her gaze wandered over their faces. �śBut, Aidan, didn’t I just see you hurting Ryan? And Ryan, I doubt Aidan put you in a headlock for nothing. And, Luke, weren’t you just grilling your poor father about me staying over?” � �śRyan keeps saying I’m getting married and it’s not true.”� �śWell, that’s a good thing isn’t it because if you were getting married, Aidan, there’d sure be a lot of girls’ hearts breaking around here.” � Aidan beamed.� �śAnd Ryan,” Hannah said, turning her attention on the middle boy. �śWhy are you worried about Aidan getting married when I’m sure the girls are chasing you around just the same?” � Ryan turned red but also beamed.� �śAnd Luke, honey.” She bent down and touched her finger to his nose. �śI don’t want to kick your dad out of his bed again so I can’t have another sleepover.”� She stood to face Mac who busied himself turning off the pilots under the pots and slicing the meatloaf. �śHi, need any help?” � �śNo. I think you helped enough. You stopped World War Three. Thanks.”� �śAnytime.” She set the cake on the counter.� �śHannah?” � �śYes, Luke.”� �śIf you sleep with Dad in his bed then you can stay over.”� Ryan and Aidan burst out laughing clutching their stomachs and being very dramatic. Mac turned white like a ghost and frozen in place. � Hannah turned to the oldest boys. �śSomething funny, boys?”� �śNo, ma’am,” they said and stopped laughing.� �śLuke, it’s nice that you’d like me to stay over again. Is it because you enjoyed the breakfast I made?” � �śYeah, and you smell pretty too.” � When Ryan and Aidan snickered Hannah shot them a glance that shut them up fast. Returning her attention to the youngest, she said, �śYou are a very nice boy, Luke. But just so you know, I have my own bed, and that’s where I sleep. So there’ll be no more talks of sleepovers, okay?”� �śOkay. But I still think there’s plenty of room in Dad’s bed for you.”� �śLuke.” This time Mac interjected. �śEnough. Sit down for dinner. All of you. Aidan, hold Hannah’s chair like a gentleman.” � His son listened without question.� Mac placed the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn, biscuits and French fries on the table. Then took his seat next to Hannah. He picked up the meatloaf and passed it to her and did the same with the rest of the food until their plates were full and everyone ate.� �śWhat’s for dessert, Hannah?” Ryan asked halfway through dinner.� �śYou’ll find out after you’ve finished eating.”� �śAw, man, can’t we have a hint?” Ryan complained.� �śSure. It’s sweet and delicious.” � �śThat could be anything,” Luke said.� �śEat your dinner and you’ll see soon enough,” she said, enjoying the lively meal. � The boys simmered down and ate in silence. � �śAre you married, Hannah?” Luke asked. � She turned, not expecting such a direct question from such a young boy. �śNo, I’m not married.” � �śWhy not?” � �śLuke, that’s being rude,” Mac said. � �śWell, she’s pretty and smells good and cooks good, so shouldn’t she be married?” � Hannah laughed. �śI just haven’t met the right man, Luke, that’s all.” � �śWhy not?”� �śLuke!” Mac scolded. � �śOh, for a lot of reasons, but I guess probably because I’m really stubborn and have a bad temper and not a lot of men like that quality in a girl.” � �śDaddy, do you like that quality in girls?” Luke twirled his fork in his plate while he stared at his father, totally focused on Mac’s every word.� Hannah dared to glance at Mac who kept eyes on Luke. Would he admit to liking her?� �śLuke, enough talk about girls and marriage and sleepovers.” He pointed toward his half-empty plate. �śFinish eating so you can have dessert, or you can go to bed without it.” � Luke did what Mac told him and ate heartily, scooping up an over-flowing bite. � Hannah’s stomach knotted. Mac had avoided Luke’s question even if she already knew the answer. He wouldn’t be interested in someone like her because she acted stubborn and her temper flared without warning. � As the night wore on, Hannah worried she wouldn’t be able to say goodbye so easily to Mac or his boys. They were a lively crew for sure. As Mac played Scrabble with his sons and Hannah, it seemed obvious the boys had placed their dad on a pedestal even if he didn’t know it.� �śOkay. I win. That’s bedtime for everyone except Aidan who gets to stay up another hour if you’re in your room being quiet and not on the phone.” � �śAw, come on, Dad. I’ll talk low.”� Mac hesitated. �śFine. But if you disturb your brothers, I’ll take your cell phone away for a week. That means no loud laughing, either.”� �śGot it,” Aidan said while walking to the stairs. � �śBoys, say goodnight to Hannah,” Mac instructed, his voice stern but his expression calm. � They did and she said, �śThank you for having me to dinner. Sleep well, boys.” � Aidan had already disappeared upstairs, but the other two boys gave Mac a quick high-five before slugging to the stairs. � �śWe’ll be on the deck,” Mac said, taking Hannah’s hand and walking through the parlor to the back of the house. �śI don’t want to be interrupted.”� �śOoohhh,” the two boys teased and ran up the stairs. Mac ignored them.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Outside the South Carolina night air settled warm but comfortable against her skin, the humidity bearable with a slight breeze that carried the scent of jasmine. The cleanliness of the deck impressed Hannah just as she’d been with the inside. The wooden deck appeared spacious and uncluttered. Four padded chairs sat around a rectangular glass patio table that held an unfolded umbrella in the center. There were no flowers. Glancing around, she decided this deck suited Mac. It seemed plain and simple, easy upkeep and quiet. � When Mac held out her chair, she said, �śYou have a really wonderful home, Mac. It’s very comfortable.” � �śIt’s even more wonderful with a beautiful woman sitting with me on my deck,” he stated, standing beside her looking down, the moonlight lightening his short black hair.� �śBeautiful, huh? Now I’m flattered.” She inhaled, enjoying the smell of the jasmines.� Mac flashed her his killer smile while he lit some bug candles around the deck railings. �śI was going to have a cigar if it wouldn’t bother you.” � �śNot at all,” she said, enjoying the ambience created by the candles while their flames danced in the dark night air.� He walked into the house and returned after a few minutes. �śWould you like a glass of wine? It’s a Merlot,” he offered, standing in front of her, his large hand holding a slender crystal glass filled with red liquid. � �śThanks.” � Mac sat in the chair next to Hannah and lit his cigar. He appeared very casual in his jean shorts and T-shirt, a big difference from his regular work clothes. His sandaled feet were sexy while stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles. His long legs displayed solid muscle covered sparsely in curly dark hair that disappeared under his shorts. � Exhaling smoke, he studied her. �śSorry you got grilled by Luke earlier. I swear that kid’s going to be a lawyer.”� She sipped her wine and spoke softly. �śHe meant no harm. Out of the mouths of babes, right? I think I said that earlier, didn’t I?”� �śYou know.” He lazily puffed the cigar sending plumes of white smoke slowly rising into the starry sky. �śI never answered his question.” � �śOh? And that was?” Hannah’s gaze caught Mac’s, the deep blue enhanced in the moonlight. Crickets chirped, filling the silence, and fireflies hovered around the huge maple trees in the yard.� � �śCall me crazy,” he said after a moment. �śBut I guess I’m finding out I do like stubbornness and temper in a woman. At least I like it in you.” � Her heart sped up, a delicious tingle crawled up her spine. �śWhy?” she said, her voice husky.� �śI couldn’t tell you because you manage to drive me straight up a wall faster than anyone and you’ve met my kids. You can imagine that’s a tough title to walk away with.” � �śOh, and you don’t drive me crazy? You’re just as stubborn, Mac.” � His eyes widened, his jaw dropped. �śThe hell I am. I’m the most easy-going guy you’ll ever meet.” � �śYeah, if everyone agrees with you, that is,” she said, setting the wine glass on the table. � �śThat’s not true.” He blew smoke rings that circled above his head.� �śIsn’t it? Since we met you’ve been telling me what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.” � �śSo? Maybe someone should since I’ve had to continuously rescue your pretty little ass,” he said matter-of-factly.� �śOh, you think?” She sat up straight, the smoke tickling her nose. How dare he suggest she needed anyone? Hadn’t her heart already suffered enough pain and misery for one lifetime? �śI’ve gotten this far on my own. I’m pretty damn successful, so don’t you think for one minute I need someone telling me what to do.”� His lips formed a grim line. �śYeah. God forbid you accept some help.”� �śExcuse me?”� �śNo. You just keep plunging forward, Hannah, working, working, working. It’s like you’re still trying to escape a past you haven’t figured out yet you’ve already escaped.”� �śYou jerk.” Rising from the chair, she narrowed her eyes, anger welling low in her gut. �śI confide in you and now you’re throwing it back in my face?”� �śHardly. I’m just stating my opinion.” He stood, too, placing his cigar in an ashtray.� �śWell, your opinion sucks.” � �śIs that so?” Folding his arms, he watched her.� �śYes. You don’t know one thing about me, so don’t think because I described a compact version of my past that you know me. You don’t.” � �śYou’re wrong. I was once you.” � �śWhat are you talking about?” Had he ever been scared like she’d been growing up? Had his father battered him?� Mac stepped closer, his hands in his pockets. �śI used to work myself into the ground because I thought I had to, just to prove to myself and everyone else that I was a good person.” � �śThat’s you, not me,” she said, her temper simmering. � �śNo.” He grasped her arms, his touch heating her skin. �śThat’s what happens to good people who get shit on. They try harder to prove they’re good. Look. I’m not trying to insult you.”� �śCould’ve fooled me. Let go of me.” She tried to twist free, but he held fast, pulled her closer. � �śI’m sorry, Hannah.” � Well, she had nothing to say to that, did she? Damn him. She wanted to keep arguing. It was easy to argue. Harder to just talk. His scent, the cigar smoke, the heat radiating off of him. Her mind became a jumble of thoughts.� �śYou should be,” she said. � He cracked a smile then laughed. � �śIt’s not funny,” she scolded.� �śYou are so friggin’ beautiful, Hannah. And then you open your mouth and fire comes out. It’s, well, just such an amazing package I can’t believe no one has scooped you up yet.” His hands slowly rubbed her arms, sending delicious shivers down her spine.� Worried about the boys upstairs, she kept her voice soft but her words stern. �śDon’t you dare patronize me.”� �śThink what you want, but I have no reason to fluff my words.”� He was too close. She lost her concentration. �śMaybe it’s your way of getting into my pants like you want to.”� His eyes darkened, became serious. �śDarling, when I want to get in your pants, I’ll seduce you like you’ve never been seduced before. I promise you. You’ll forget your name.” � God, she’d already all but forgotten it right now.� �śYou won’t get the chance,” she said with heat.� His grin was devilish. �śOh, I will. There’s no sense us fighting our attraction. It’s just a matter of when we end up in bed and who takes the lead.” His hands slid to her waist, his fingers kneading her skin ever so lightly. �śWhich, given both our personalities, should be quite interesting and something I must admit I’m looking forward to.”� She poked his chest. �śYou listen to me, Austin MacDevin. I’m not some game you can play. I’m a busy woman and don’t need to put up with shit from you. So let go.” She pushed out of his embrace and walked away, fighting her desire.� �śHannah,” he quietly called after her. � She stopped, hesitated, and turned to face him, his voice tugging her heartstrings. The dreaminess in his eyes revealed pure lust and hunger, and her temper lost its bite. She couldn’t deny she wanted him any more than she could live without air.� He sauntered to her, his tall shadow cascading over the deck floor. The desire in his eyes mesmerized her. His gaze roamed her face then rested on her lips. Those long fingers skimmed her jaw while his arm wrapped around her waist and gently held her against him. � �śAw, hell,” he whispered. �śI give in.” � Mac bent his head, his lips covering hers, the kiss as gentle as a butterfly’s wings brushing over her skin. His hesitation appeared obvious, the way his arms quivered while they circled her. Her own nerves electrified when her heartbeat quickened against her breastbone. � He smelled of soap and cigar, a wonderful mixture of clean and rugged. Her hands skimmed slowly over his chest, the ripples of muscles hard and firm under her touch. His heart thudded against her fingertips. When he pulled her up against him, lifting her until her toes barely touched the floor, his breathing deepened. � The kiss intensified, and his mouth moved harder over hers, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips, begging them to open. Giving in to her desires, she allowed him entry, his tongue darting into her mouth furiously. His hands slowly massaged her back, thrilling her all the way to her toes. Her mind went blank, her only interest on his exploration of her mouth. His tongue fiercely roamed the inside, teasing hers, brushing along her teeth to the roof of her mouth, and then started all over again, each time the pace becoming more frantic. He tasted of smoke, the bitter remnants of his cigar, but she didn’t care. She became dizzy with need. When he deepened the kiss further, he stole her breath away, the need to be taken erasing all rational thoughts.� When he finally removed his lips from hers, they both breathed heavily, her mouth gloriously swollen. His hands glided to her upper arms and slowly pulled her a few inches away from his chest, his gaze searching hers.� �śNow that’s a fine thing you went and did,” she scolded, keeping her eyes locked on his. �śMy life is complicated enough without throwing sex into it.”� �śIt was a kiss, Hannah. Just a kiss,” he whispered.� �śYou know it was more. Much more.” � Even with the balmy temperatures outside, goose bumps covered her heated flesh. Her belly seemed to do flips, and her mind focused only on Mac.� �śReally? Do tell,” he said, grinning wickedly.� �śLet me go.” She struggled, but he held her firm. � �śCan’t do that.”� �śWhat do you mean you can’t? You will. Now let me go.” She should be frantic being held so tightly by a man. But she believed Mac would never hurt her. At least he had made her feel comfortable around him, a feat no other man had ever managed.� �śOnly if you explain what you meant. Don’t pretend we haven’t been flirting with each other since we met, or haven’t been using sexual overtones.” His furrowed brow removed the lust his face held a few minutes ago. �śTell me how that simple kiss, which I happened to enjoy immensely, was more than just a kiss, more than just a man and a woman exploring their sexual attraction to one another.”� �śBecause you held me.”� He stared at her with a confused expression.� �śDamn it, Austin. You embraced me. You, you, well, you held back.”� �śOkay. I’m sorry but you’ve lost me. Start over.”� She sighed, not knowing how to explain her thoughts, not having much practice at intimacy. �śYou kissed me. Without groping me. Without dragging me to the floor to screw me. You kissed me. No one has ever just wanted to kiss me.”� He laughed. �śFor the record, I want to do more than kiss you, darling. But I’d like to think I have a little more class than to take you here on my deck while my children sleep inside. And you deserve better from me.”� �śExactly. You could’ve tried, but you didn’t. No one has ever respected me like that. I can’t deal with this right now.” She tried to pull away again unsuccessfully. The sensation of being trapped threatened to overwhelm her, and she realized she didn’t know how to address the strange feelings swirling within her. God, all she wanted to do was run away.� �śHannah.” His knuckles skimmed her cheek. �śYou kissed me back.”� �śYes. So?” Her heart still pounded.� �śSo you enjoyed it too.”� �śI never said I didn’t. I’m mad I enjoyed it.”� �śNow that’s one reaction I wasn’t looking for. Care to explain?” he said with a scowl.� �śIn case you’ve forgotten, Austin, I’m not staying in Charleston. I’m leaving as soon as my restaurant is completed.”� �śWhat’s that have to do with me kissing you tonight, after we enjoyed a lovely evening together?”� �śI don’t want to get attached. I’m not looking for a relationship,” she said, avoiding his gaze.� �śNow there’s something we both agree on,” he said lightly. �śIt was a kiss, Hannah. Can we leave it at that? We’re attracted to each other. Nothing wrong with that.”� �śNo there isn’t but can you stop at that kiss, Austin?” � �śFor tonight I can.” His hands relaxed on her waist. �śDo you know you drive me crazy when you call me by my real name?” � �śWhy don’t you use it? Austin is a nice name, you know.” � He shrugged. �śPeople started calling me Mac. I guess it was easier. Would you like more wine?”� �śNo.” She sighed. �śAustin, I have to get home.” � �śKiss me good night.”� She wrapped her arms around his neck, giving in to the moment, defeated by the emotions swirling through her, and needing help to hold herself up on her trembling knees. Touching her lips to his, she lingered for a moment, desire racing through her body. When she broke the kiss, she said, �śThat’s all you get. More just wouldn’t be a good idea.” � �śWe’ll soon see about that,” he said with a smile while he followed her into the house.� She grabbed her purse and they walked quietly to her car. He opened her door, and she slid in, rolling down the window.� �śGood night, Austin,” she said softly, taking one last look into those serious blue eyes before driving home. � Alone. Again.� Chapter Eleven� Hannah awoke early the next day even though she had nothing planned and could have slept in, a luxury in her busy life. The restless night she’d endured had been miserable. How many times had she rolled over in her bed reaching for Mac’s body after dreams of that sizzling kiss? How badly she’d wanted him to be there, to take her in his arms, kiss her mindless again, and take her hard and fast. Never had she wanted a man like she wanted Mac right now. The wetness between her legs proved useless without Mac here, so there was no sense lying in bed anymore, getting hornier, damper and not able to do a damn thing about it. And her vibrator just wouldn’t do. It couldn’t compare. � So she left her apartment and headed downstairs to the kitchen where she had jury-rigged a coffee pot the day before. Pausing at the foot of the stairs, she surveyed the large rooms. What a mess. She’d told Mac she would never live in filth again, yet here she stood, close to the squalor of all those earlier years. To top it off, she had little food in the house. Hardly had working plumbing. She couldn’t live like this. � Needing food and progress, she ran back upstairs and jumped in the shower. Afterwards, she dressed in pink shorts, a white T-shirt, and sandals�"appropriately dressed to pay Mac a visit after getting food and seeing if he had a start date.� Hannah found Mac’s office address on his bid. The old brick building had three stories with a gravel driveway leading to a large lot in the rear. As she walked to the front steps, Hannah glimpsed the construction equipment in the back where a dump truck, backhoe, and bobcat, had all been parked in a straight line. Reaching for the doorknob, she noted the neatly painted words on the glass that read simply MacDevin General Contractor. � When she walked in, he looked up but didn’t smile. � �śLong day?” she asked, sensing his bad mood by his scowl.� �śYeah. What do you want?” he snipped.� She raised an eyebrow. �śWell, that’s not a very nice greeting.” � Only a small, old black couch, file cabinets, a desk, and some chairs furnished the office. Some pictures of Mac’s kids dotted the room, but no wife. She waltzed around the office looking at the photos. �śThe boys’ mother, where is she?” � �śNone of your business,” he said curtly, continuing to write, not looking at her.� �śI’m sorry. Is she deceased?” � �śHardly.” � �śOkay. You don’t have to talk about it even if you know everything about me and I know nothing about you.” She leaned against a file cabinet.� He glanced up, those blue eyes dark. �śThere’s nothing you need to know. My kids have me. That’s all they need.”� Should she ask the question that had been burning her brain all night? She nibbled her lower lip, trying to decide. He’d kissed her and then he’d haunted her dreams all last night. Didn’t she have a right to know? � �śMac, do you have a girlfriend?” she blurted and held her breath, hoping to hear good news.� He raised his head and stared before answering. �śWhy? You looking to audition for the part? I’ll tell you now, sweetheart, it’ll involve a lot more than kissing, and we both know you couldn’t even get past that part.”� �śYou’re crude,” she told him. � He stood to walk to a file cabinet. With her hands on her hips, Hannah mentally counted to ten to keep from tearing him a new asshole for his cool retort. Keeping her temper in check proved difficult but necessary.� �śAnd you’re in my way,” he said bluntly. � With a huff, she stepped aside, and he filed some papers before returning to his desk to sit. As he moved past her, she smelled his woodsy cologne�"a tease to her senses, it only reminded her of their stolen kisses last evening. How the hell was that fair in the midst of his attitude?� �śAnd no, I’m not interested in auditioning for you,” she said, answering his boorish question. �śRight now I don’t have time for a man in my life.”� �śReally?” He shuffled papers around with no obvious purpose. �śExplains why you’re so uptight half the time.”� �śGo to hell.” Her temper appeared even after her best efforts to control it.� He wagged a finger, looked up with eyes glittering. �śUh uh. Watch that potty mouth. I have plenty of soap in the bathroom.” � She leaned over, palms flat on his desk, and leveled a stare at him. She smirked. �śI dare you to even try.” � He grinned evilly. �śBe careful, sweetheart. I actually like to be dared.” � �śBoy, somebody sure got up on the wrong side of the bed today,” she teased and sauntered around to his side of the desk, perching on the edge of the cluttered workspace next to him. � He slowly raised his head. �śIs there something wrong with the chairs over there?” � Her lips widened in a victorious grin, basking in the glory of getting to him. Triumph! Breaking through his stubbornness rewarded her with an adrenaline rush. Her gaze wandered to where he pointed and then looked back to him. �śI’m more comfortable here.”� Even though he held a pen in his hand he hadn’t written a word, just flipped pages without looking at their content. �śSuit yourself. Just say what you’re here for and leave.”� She toyed with the pens in his cup holder until he abruptly grabbed them, placing them out of her reach. She smiled and licked her lips, satisfaction threatening to distract her from her thoughts. �śI was in town and wanted to say thanks for dinner last night. The boys are great.” � He didn’t respond, only kept writing. � �śFine. We can just talk business, then,” Hannah said, leaning over his shoulder a little to view what he worked on.� He shrugged her away, half concealing the appointment book he had opened. �śWhat is there to talk about? I’ll have the plans drawn up by tomorrow to review with you.” He glared. �śGet off my desk. I’m working here.”� She only crossed her legs, content to remain where she sat. The man from last night had closed down his emotions today. Had she hurt his feelings in questioning their attraction and what it could be? Was he just grumpy after a long, hard day, or was there more hidden under that steely exterior he used as a shield for his heart? In the short time since they’d met, she’d had plenty of time to witness his softer side and now knew how well he used his moods to conceal his feelings. Without a doubt, Mac interested Hannah on many levels�"more so than any other man had ever done. � �śI think you’re worried we’d work well together.”� He huffed his breath. �śHardly. More like oil and water.” � �śOr fire and ice.” She caught his stare. �śOf course, I’d be the fire,” she said sweetly.� �śAnything else?” His face remained emotionless.� �śNope.”� �śThen leave. I have work to do and a full night ahead of me with the boys. Goodbye.” He started writing again.� �śOkay.” Scooting off the desk, she swayed her hips as seductively as possible. �śGuess a kiss is out of the question.”� That got his attention. � �śOffering kisses? That’s a big change from last night.” � At the door she turned to face him. Forcing sugar into her voice, she batted her lashes and said, �śWell, what’s a girl to do when she enjoyed such a great kiss?” � He came around the desk, his long strides narrowing the distance between them, his arousal outlined in the front of his jeans. Hmmm. Maybe that was why he had fidgeted so much in his chair while she talked and he tried to ignore her. � She bit her bottom lip to keep from smirking since he looked so damn cute right at that moment. � �śI’ll tell you what you can do,” he said when he stood in front of her. �śKiss me, then.”� Hands on her hips, her neck craned up, she said, �śMaybe the moment has passed.” � �śDidn’t know you were the type to be a tease, Hannah,” he said in a strangled voice.� Her finger jabbed him in the chest. �śIf I’m going to be your boss, then you need to have a better attitude.”� His blue eyes darkened, his jaw set. �śLet’s get this settled now. I’ll do the work for you on one condition. I’m my own boss. My price is final. If it costs more then I’ll swallow the added expense since I should’ve been smart enough to get the bid right in the first place.”� This close she could smell his soap from his shower and the hint of coffee. �śFair enough,” she agreed. � He grinned. �śDeal.” � Mac offered Hannah his hand. She shook it, the connection stunning her when those strong fingers pressed against her skin. The memory of how they had massaged her bottom while lifting her out of the hole caused her cheeks to warm. � �śI can start in ten days. I’ll start at seven and work until evening. I’ll have a crew there with me so make sure you walk around decent.”� She didn’t miss his lazy perusal of her body. This could be fun. �śSo I guess I shouldn’t walk around in my red lace nightie?”� He cleared his throat, his mouth twitching. �śNot if you want to make it out of the room.”� �śAre you talking about your men or you, Mac?”� A dangerous glint highlighted his eyes. �śStrictly about me. I’ll let my men know ahead of time that if they drool after you they can hit the road.”� Her hand rested on his shirtfront, the muscular chest beneath beckoning for her to massage. �śNow see you’ll take all my fun away.”� �śNot really. I usually get to the site first. If you insist on modeling your lingerie for me,” he said and shrugged, �śwho am I to stop you?”� �śHave I told you yet that you’re a great kisser, Mac?”� He smiled slightly, his eyes dancing. �śNo, but it may be worth mentioning. I like to get positive feedback on my work.” � She laughed. � He moved closer and placed his hand above her head on the doorframe. Boxing her in, he effectively held her captive. �śDoes that mean you really plan on kissing me again, Hannah?” � �śMaybe,” she said quietly. � �śYeah. Well, maybe you won’t have a choice. I can be pretty convincing. I can tell you now, darling, that I plan on kissing you again.” His knuckles skimmed her cheek, raising the heat level in her body. �śHead to toe.”� With her heart pounding, she swallowed hard. The image of his mouth slowly roaming her inch-by-inch made her want to beg for his touch. �śNow I’ll admit that sounds interesting,” she purred. � Before she realized it, he tugged her into his arms. He tilted her head back with a tug on her ponytail, and his mouth slammed against hers, hot and furious. She matched his power, meeting his tongue’s fury, and devouring his mouth. Oh, how she had missed the taste of him. The flavor of coffee, the smell of dirt and dust�"downright sexy in her book, and a little combination of good boy, bad boy. But right now, she wanted to play with the bad boy. Her hands had a mind of their own, traveling wildly over his chest, shoulders, back, and daring to rest at the top of his ass.� �śSomeone’s getting frisky,” he said against her lips.� �śHave I told you yet that you’ve got a great ass, Mac?”� He laughed and pulled away from her. �śIt looks a hell of a lot better naked.”� �śI bet it does.” She slid her hands over the arch of his hard ass, happy that she’d decided on stopping by here. However, admitting how much she enjoyed his flirting and attention could get her into trouble. How smart would it be to crave the touch of a man who infuriated her one minute and aroused her the next?� His head bent to kiss her again, but his cell phone rang from inside his front pocket. Instead of answering, he pressed his mouth against hers, his tongue diving in and out of her mesmerized mouth, his hands holding firm on her sides. � The cell continued its incessant ringing. � �śDamn it,” he yelled, breaking their connection. �śHello,” he growled. Seconds later he grabbed his temple and massaged. �śAidan, I’m finishing up here and will be home shortly. Tell Ryan and Luke I said to stop fighting and get their chores done or no fishing tonight.” Mac’s face grew disconcerted. �śAre you listening to me? Tell Ryan I can hear his smart mouth answer and don’t like it.” Mac remained silent for a minute then continued. �śRyan, who do you think you’re talking to? Yeah, well, when Aidan tells you I said to do something, then you do it without question. Understood? You better. Where’s Luke? Why is it so quiet there now? Put your brother on the phone. I want proof of life. That’s right, smart ass, I want proof you didn’t kill him.” Another moment passed. �śLuke, you shouldn’t have given Ryan a wedgie when you know, number one you can’t, and number two I’m not there to protect you. Now listen carefully, if I come home and you three are at each other’s throats and chores are undone then you’ll find yourselves in bed right after dinner. I mean it. Pass the message on to your brothers and tell them I’m on the way.” � He hung up and looked disheartened. �śJust another day in the MacDevin household.” When his gaze lingered on her mouth, it took all his willpower not to jump back into her arms. �śI probably shouldn’t kiss you again now that I work for you and all. You have my word I’ll be professional.”� �śLucky me,” she said sarcastically. �śAnd lucky for you I don’t plan to be professional.” � He grinned wickedly. � With her body humming in too many places to count, she savored the moment, enjoying the fact that she obviously had him highly aroused too. �śYou enjoy your night with your boys, Mac.” She left, but not before noticing the fiery look in his eyes, and his very apparent erection straining against his jeans.� Chapter Twelve� Later that evening, when the sun had just set, Hannah snuck onto Mac’s porch, creeping along through the darkness, carrying her goods, and feeling like a thief in the night, even though she came bearing gifts. Since they were probably still fishing, she would leave the basket of blueberry muffins on Mac’s kitchen table. � Porkchop met her at the door without even a bark, his tail wagging, his nose sniffing her hands and what they held. � �śGood doggie,” she said and surveyed the spotless kitchen. The house was quiet. Only a lamp from the parlor offered her enough light to see the shadow of the kitchen counter. Quickly, she placed the brown wicker basket with a dozen of her special recipe giant blueberry muffins on the counter and opened her purse to retrieve the note card she’d already written for the boys. � Porkchop continued to smell the air. Hannah adjusted the basket, making sure the contents were displayed nicely, and obsessed over placing the card just right. Stepping back an inch, she surveyed her work and smiled. Yeah, that looked really nice. The boys were sure to be surprised. � She picked up her purse and turned to leave but instead smacked hard into a solid male chest. She screamed and jumped back holding her hand on her heart. �śWhat the hell are you doing, Mac?” she yelled, breathless.� �śFunny. I was just going to ask you the same thing,” he said, arms crossed, staring. �śHave you graduated from vehicle theft to breaking and entering, Hannah?”� �śDon’t be a clown,” she said, and hitched a thumb toward the basket. �śI just, well, I made some blueberry muffins for the boys. I wanted them to have them for breakfast and I remembered you said you’d be out fishing and, well, what the hell are you doing here anyway?”� �śI live here.”� �śDon’t get smart with me. You scared me.”� �śThen don’t break into my house and I won’t scare you.”� Her breath escaped her lungs in a long sigh. Butting heads at the moment proved too tiring to do. �śWill you make sure the boys get these, please? I didn’t mean to bother you. Sorry.”� �śIf you leave them there,” Mac said softly and not in his usual sarcastic tone, �śthe only one who’s gonna get them is Porkchop. He looks very interested right now.”� �śOh, well.” She grabbed the basket. �śWhere can I put them?”� �śGive them to me.” He took the basket and placed it on top of the stove. �śHe can’t reach it there.” � �śHow come you’re not fishing?” She looked past him for the boys. Surely if they heard her they’d come out and say hello.� He shrugged, his shoulders suddenly appearing to weigh a ton. �śThe boys didn’t finish their chores and were fighting so I had to punish them. That meant no fishing. And bed after dinner.”� �śUh-oh. I guess you really are a man of your word, huh?” � He looked so miserable. His eyes had lost their usual brightness, his mouth set in a firm line. His expression reflected his solemn mood, the seriousness etched on the angles of his handsome face. � �śYeah. I’m not really liked right now around here so please don’t add to it with one of your tantrums.”� She frowned. �śNow why would I do that? And what do you mean �Śone of my tantrums’? I don’t have tantrums.”� �śThe hell you don’t.” He sighed and stared at his feet. �śI’m sorry. I’m just not in the mood for any more arguing.” � Her hand angled his chin up so she could look in his eyes. His steady gaze couldn’t hide his heartbreak or the fact that he believed himself defeated. �śWow. The boys did a number on you tonight, huh?” � He shifted his gaze to the wall. �śYeah. It wasn’t pretty. They think I’m mean.” He looked at her. �śToo bad you weren’t here. You could’ve agreed with them.”� Her hands moved to her hips�"an automatic response when riled. �śNow that’s not fair. I think you’re a wonderful father and that’s what I would’ve told them.” � Standing within arm’s length, she could smell his soap, the sharp, tangy scent of clean. He’d showered since she saw him in his office. She bit her bottom lip. It was that or eat him alive.� �śThey’re gonna love the muffins, Hannah. It beats the hell out of cereal. Why’d you do it?” Those blue eyes stared into hers. � It broke her heart to see him so down. �śBecause I wanted to. I was home alone. Bored. Usually I have contractors in place by the property closing. But purchasing this property happened so quickly I didn’t have time to plan properly. So now I have time on my hands and don’t know what to do. I found old muffin tins and still had blueberries left over from the dessert last night. I thought of the boys. Before I knew it I was baking my special muffins.” She flashed him a wide smile in hopes of cheering him up. �śI was glad I picked up flour and eggs when I shopped.” � He returned the gesture with a smile of his own, relaxing. �śYou’re something else you know that, Hannah?”� �śWhat?” She looked at him innocently.� �śYou come out here in the dark to break into my house in your pajamas�"those are PJs, right?�"to surprise my boys, who don’t deserve anything after tonight, with homemade blueberry muffins.”� �śSo?” She shifted her feet around, the awkwardness hard to dismiss. When he put it that way, she sounded desperate for company. � �śSo,” he said and pulled her against him. �śI think that was pretty damn nice of you. I’m sorry, Hannah. I’ve been a complete ass toward you.”� Shock jolted her at his apology. She raised a brow and stared him down. �śOh? Would that be ass with a capital A?”� His lips pressed into a thin line. Leaning against the breakfast nook, he rested his hands on her hips. �śA bold capital A,” he said. �śCan you forgive me? I’m not usually like that.”� �śYou mean you’re not usually pushy, bossy, demanding, conceited, arrogant�"”� �śOkay, okay,” he said with a chuckle. �śI get the picture. And no, I’m not usually all that, at least not at once. But apparently you bring out the worst in me.”� �śSo I guess what you’re saying is that we get on each other’s nerves without even trying, right?”� �śYeah. Why is that?” His soothing voice rolled over her.� �śI bet it has something to do with sexual tension.” � When he stared, heat raced through her belly.� �śThere’s a good chance of that,” he said. �śAnd the fact that you’re one stubborn lady with a temper that can scare a grown man.”� Her fingers walked up his chest. �śI don’t scare you, though, do I, Mac?”� �śNah. I can handle you.”� �śOh, you think so?” She leaned away from him but he held firm. �śJust you try and handle me and see what happens to you. I’ll make sure you’re at the top of the stairs next time before I make you fall down them.”� He laughed and squeezed her sides. �śSo you admit it. You tried to kill me that day.”� �śLet’s just say the thought did cross my mind. A dozen times or so.”� �śSee. I knew I should’ve paddled your bottom when I had the chance at the foot of those stairs. That’s what you need. That’ll tame your temper.” � The twinkle in his eyes warmed the spot between her legs, her pussy creaming after only a few moments of being close to him.� �śIf you’d tried I would’ve clawed you limb from limb.”� He laughed. �śI have no doubt about that, sweetheart, and it’d be worth the risk. But still�Ś” He rubbed his cock against her. ”You do tempt me.”� �śIs that so?” she said, her voice husky. �śWell, I admit the idea of an over-the-knee spanking is appealing.” She laughed when he growled.� She envisioned herself pretending to struggle against his grasp, the feel of his strong hands holding her firmly over his legs, igniting her desires until she begged him to spank her harder. � She took a deep breath. Wow, she never expected to view a physical threat in such a positive light.� �śThere’s something damn kinky about having a beautiful woman across my knee for an intimate spanking,” he said, his voice low.� She tilted her head up to study him. �śNever thought of it like that before,” she said, her bottom tingling, curiosity consuming her. Her pussy reacted immediately, throbbing like a fast drum beat.� �śGod, now I want to spank you so bad,” he said. � His body heat warmed her already flushed skin in the close embrace. The power of having a man at her mercy, mindless of all else, proved to be a natural aphrodisiac. � �śI see nothing wrong in having a healthy sexual appetite and the willingness to push the erotic boundaries,” she said and bit down on her lip to keep from howling when his arms tightened around her and he mumbled inaudible words into her hair. � With her past, she should be scared shitless of his threat, but he didn’t frighten her at all. How could he? This was so much different. The way his eyes danced with excitement when he admitted wanting to paddle her bottom. � �śMaybe I’ll try to think of ways to tempt you into spanking me,” she said, keeping her voice to a whisper. Oh, yeah! Receiving a spanking by Mac just moved to the top of her Things-To-Do-Before-She-Died List. � �śHoney, you don’t have to even try. You do all the time with that damn hot temper of yours.”� She laughed. Never would she have guessed that the threat of a spanking would arouse her immensely. �śGood to know.” � �śGod, all I can picture is you naked,” he whispered. �śKeep talking like that and you will be.”� She giggled. �śWe can’t possibly. The boys are upstairs.”� He growled low. �śThey sleep soundly.”� His mouth crushed against hers, the kiss unexpected but welcomed. She easily melted into his embrace, allowing herself to linger in the moment, to enjoy the way his lips slanted over hers as his tongue searched deeper and deeper into her mouth.� How could a simple kiss arouse her so damn much? Why were her defenses useless around this man? Although, it appeared she’d had an affect on his as well. The way he ground his cock into her pelvis showed his arousal matched hers. � Hannah broke the connection first. She spoke, struggling through breathlessness. �śThey can’t possibly be asleep yet, Mac. We should stop�Śfor now.”� He growled again, but this time it sounded more feral and desperate than earlier.� Removing his hands from her waist, a strained smile stretched across his lips and he looked at the stove. �śYou know those muffins smell too good. I don’t think they’ll make it to breakfast.”� �śDon’t you dare eat them on the boys.” She swatted her hand at him while he still held her in his arms.� �śWhat’s the note say?” � �śYou’ll have to ask them after they open it.”� His gaze caught hers, held. �śI’m their father. I can open it now and read it. I don’t have to wait for them.”� She glared. �śI wrote it to them. Not you. You’ll wait for them to share it with you. Besides, it just says to be good and enjoy the muffins.”� �śThat’s all?”� �śYeah. Did you think I wrote a book?”� �śThat’s real sweet, Hannah. They listen to you. It must be that redheaded temper. Or the daggers you shoot from those emeralds in your eyes. But they listen to you. I’ve never seen anything like it. You speak and they practically salute.”� She laughed. �śIt’s all in how they were raised, Mac. You have yourself to commend for that. You’ve obviously taught them to be respectful of women.” � �śThey better be if they know what’s good for them.” His hands traveled up and down her hips excruciatingly slow.� With her hands resting on his chest, she spoke softly. �śRemember. We shouldn’t start anything tonight that we can’t finish.” She kept her voice soft. �śYou wouldn’t tell me about their mom, and I won’t pry except to say if it’s her choice not to be here with them, then she’s a fucking fool.”� He stared for a long moment. �śYou know. For the first time I don’t mind hearing you curse. Because you happened to hit the nail right on the head. You’re right. I have great kids. She’s a fucking fool to be missing out on them. But she is and there’s nothing I can do about it.”� He tensed under her touch. Grimacing, he looked away, a hint of pain in his eyes. � �śMac, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I should be going. I just wanted to drop off the muffins. I only ran out in these old PJs because I thought I wouldn’t see anyone. Then here we are and I’m dressed like this and, well, I got to go.” It may be warm outside, but her skin tingled under his touch forming goose bumps and reminding her how easily he aroused her. God, it felt so good to be this close to him.� He didn’t let her pull away. �śI think you look sexy as all hell right now.”� She smiled, rubbing his arms with her hands. Something in his eyes told her he was very vulnerable right now. She remained quiet, to give him the time he needed to decide to talk. She’d respect his privacy if he didn’t want to re-hash his past.� �śI’m divorced,” he said unprovoked. He took her by the hand and walked outside to the deck. Sitting on the stairs, he gently tugged until she sat beside him. � �śI come from a good family with money, but I’ve always refused handouts,” he said. �śI wanted to work and support my family myself. My ex-wife decided after three kids she didn’t like being a mother. She found herself a rich sugar daddy to travel the world with until he died. Now she’s super rich living somewhere in the Mediterranean. She sends the kids money for birthdays and Christmas but usually to the wrong kid for the wrong birthday. We don’t see much of her, but she is cold and vindictive and enjoys busting my balls. She shows up a few times a year to play mother, but I know it’s not out of affection for the boys. She doesn’t do anything unless it benefits her.”� �śSorry, she sounds like a bitch,” Hannah said. With her mouth open, she shook her head. Nothing good could be said about this type of woman.� �śWhen you’re right, you’re right. She’s a sick woman. She doesn’t want anything to do with her kids, yet when she comes to visit she acts like she’s calling the shots. So I end up putting her in her place and she leaves in a huff.” Mac leaned over and picked up a small branch from the ground. His fingers toyed with the teardrop leaves sprigged on the end, his gaze fixated on his hands. � �śI want to hear more.” She nudged him with her elbow. �śAll of it. I want to hear about who Austin MacDevin is, where he came from.”� It took him a moment, but he spoke slowly, his Southern accent pronounced in the quiet tepid night air. �śI was a star football player in high school and college. After I earned my bachelors degree in business, my ex-wife was my girlfriend at the time and had gotten pregnant, so we married. I was happy. I attended trade school to learn general contracting so I could open my company. I busted my butt to build my business especially after my son, Aidan, was born. I wanted to give him a legacy. So I built my business and raised my boys while my ex complained about how boring her life was.” � � When he quit speaking, silence surrounded them. He stopped fidgeting with the branch and just held it. His eyes narrowed, and he stared straight ahead into the darkness. He appeared to be deep in thought. When he spoke again, the words came out slowly. �śAfter Luke was born, she never let me touch her again. That wasn’t a problem for me since I’d long since stopped wanting her. My life was so busy I’d learned to go without sex. Then, she’d go on trips to New York saying she needed a vacation. I didn’t care that she went but the boys missed her terribly. And we never knew when she’d come back. Each time she left the trip was longer and longer. Then she called me one day and said she wanted a divorce. She’d met someone who had tons of money and could afford to give her the lifestyle she deserved.”� �śWhat about the boys?” Hannah asked, her heart breaking.� �śMy words exactly,” he said somberly. �śI had given up on our marriage years earlier knowing she didn’t love me, but I stuck with her because of my boys. They loved their mother.” He stopped for a moment and took a breath then stared straight ahead again. His profile showed his hardened features, his mouth turned down at the corners. He tossed away the branch after snapping it in two. �śShe crushed their hearts. Without blinking an eye. She said they were big boys and would be fine. Christ, they were only three, seven, and nine. They were just babies and she fucking abandoned them. I never wanted to kill someone in my life, but had she been in front of me, there’s a good chance I would’ve.”� Hannah wound her hands through his arm. �śThen that would’ve left your boys without any parents. You did the right thing, Mac. Kids handle things better than adults sometimes. And from what I can see you’ve gotten them through the tough times. They are great kids. Just like their dad. They idolize you.”� �śTry telling them that. Tonight they think I’m the biggest asshole around.”� �śYeah, well, I bet they’re feeling a bit guilty themselves for disappointing you.”� He snorted. �śHardly. They banded together and ganged up on me like I was destroying their lives by sending them to bed right after dinner. The friggin’ sun was just setting. Aidan was completely mortified having to go to bed that early at his age, so he got the other two going.”� She offered her warmest smile. �śOf course. That’s his job as the oldest, I suppose. Getting the others on his side is typical teenager mentality.” � Mac laughed slightly without humor. �śWell, he did it awesome tonight. They called me mean and I lost it. I yelled at them and marched each one of them to their rooms and slammed the doors. I haven’t heard from any of them since.”� �śThen you can get to bed early yourself. You’re going to need your rest when you start my renovations.” She stood dragging him up by his hand. With the privacy of the night surrounding them, she raked her eyes over him before settling her attention on his face. �śAnd you’ll need your rest for when I decide to take you to bed.”� �śOh? When you decide?” His smile came easy now, his eyes soft, humorous, despite the sad story he’d just confided.� �śYes. Goodnight, Austin.” She leaned up and placed a brief kiss on his lips and stepped quickly away before he could hold her there any longer. She wouldn’t have resisted his touch. She would have melted into his arms and done anything he asked. Her body craved his caresses, begged for his nakedness. Every inch of her skin heated from his closeness and the desire dancing through his eyes. Yes, without a second thought she would’ve succumbed to any pleasure he suggested. � But timing was everything and tonight just wouldn’t be ideal to get naked with the very handsome and virile Mac�"not after his ordeal with the boys. She had no regrets leaving, knowing that plenty of opportunities lay in her future. No way would Mac lose interest any time soon. She certainly wouldn’t.� Getting into her car, she drove away quietly while he stood there, hands in his pockets, moonlight glinting off his black hair, his silhouette etched in her memory. � Chapter Thirteen� �śJosh, shouldn’t you be working to keep the good people of Charleston safe instead of in here busting my balls?” Mac asked his younger brother, who currently sat with his feet perched on the corner of Mac’s desk. �śIsn’t that what a deputy for the Charleston’s sheriff’s office should be doing?”� �śTold you. I’m on lunch,” Josh said, running a hand through his short black hair. �śNow put down the damn pen and join me.”� �śI have work to do. Get lost,” Mac said. � �śFine.” Josh rolled his eyes�"the same deep blue irises as Mac’s�"stretched his long body, grunted, and spoke again. �śGuess I’ll just have to rope off your office as a crime scene. Then you’ll have to leave and have lunch with me.”� Mac eyed him and grinned. �śTry that and it really will be a crime scene.”� Josh erupted in laughter. � A knock on the door caught Mac’s attention, and a moment later, Hannah entered the office.� �śOh, sorry to interrupt, Mac. But you said to come by to sign the building permit and�Ś” She stared at Josh and her smile disappeared. �śIt’s you,” she said, angrily. �śAnother friend of yours, Mac?”� �śHe’s my brother.” Mac looked from Hannah to Josh. Mac imagined Hannah in Josh’s arms and jealousy kicked him in the gut, whooshing the breath from his lungs, when. His jaw tightened, fists clenched. Damn it! He didn’t want there to be a history between his brother and the woman who had haunted his dreams for the last few nights. �śYou two know each other?”� �śI should’ve known you’d be related,” she said. Crossing her arms, she remained near the doorway.� �śHow the hell do you two know each other?” Mac demanded.� Josh laughed. �śRelax, bro. It’s not what your dirty mind is no doubt thinking. Let’s just say I welcomed the lovely lady into town with a warning instead of a ticket for driving dangerously.”� �śShocker,” Mac said, his shoulders relaxing. Thank God their acquaintance had been nothing more. � �śOh, hush up,” Hannah spit at Mac.� He held up the papers that required Hannah’s signature, and she stomped over to his desk, her gaze keeping track of his brother. � �śYou know, you can find trouble anywhere, can’t you?” Mac said and handed her a pen. He pointed to the place on the building permit for to sign and then faced his brother. �śYou should’ve given her the ticket.” � �śNah.” Josh rose, holding his deputy hat in his hands. �śI believe in giving a break every now and then especially to pretty newcomers.”� After signing the papers, she straightened and thrust the pen back into his hand. Thank God she’d retracted the tip or else he’d have ink poisoning right about now.� �śWhat you should’ve done is lock her up then I wouldn’t have had to rescue her from the damn ceiling.” � She pointed her finger at Mac. �śI swear, Austin MacDevin, if you so much as mention that stupid story one more time I’ll�"”� �śOh, my. What did I walk in on?” A tall, slender woman holding a small child said from the door. � Mac threw his pen down on the desk and leaned back in the chair. �śChrist, what is this, a family reunion? I’m working here, if anyone hasn’t noticed.” � The other woman ignored Mac and walked to Hannah, extending her hand. �śHi. I’m Mac’s older sister, KelliAnn.”� �śHannah O’Leary. And who’s this angel?”� �śThis here is my daughter Shelby,” KelliAnn said. Her deep blue eyes opened wide and perky. �śSay hi, Shelby.”� The blonde child waved her small hand to Hannah. Everyone, including Mac, laughed. How could he not? She was so adorable.� Mac came around his desk, took his niece from his sister, and held her high above his head to the child’s delight. �śWho’s my favorite girl?” he asked in the silly voice he reserved only for babies. � �śMe,” she squealed, pointing her thumb toward herself. � �śThat’s right, baby girl.” Mac cuddled the child while his sister turned to Hannah. � �śSo tell me, what’d you do to him?” KelliAnn inquired.� �śWhat?” Hannah asked. With wide eyes, she glanced back and forth between Mac and his sister. � �śWhen I walked in, I think you were on the verge of threatening bodily harm.” � �śKelliAnn, drop it,” Mac warned. � � �śGo on,” she said to Hannah. �śI’m listening. I want to hear what you’d do to our Austin here.” � �śI think he can figure it out,” Hannah said, frowning at Mac. �śBut it would involve loss of certain body parts.” � Josh laughed even though Mac shot him a vicious look. � His sister giggled. �śOh, I like you.” � Mac ignored them and played with Shelby. �śSee why you’re my favorite girl, princess? You can’t talk a lot. Now the rest of you, out. Only Shelby can stay.” He held the girl up, raspberried her belly, and the child shrieked in delight. Mac forgot about the aggravating adults in his office, his mood lightening. Playing with babies always softened his heart. � �śCome on, Shelby,” KelliAnn said. �śUncle Mac has to get back to work and we have to go shopping for pretty things. We just stopped in to say hello.” � Shelby protested and held her arms out for Mac, who kissed both her hands. � �śYou go with Mama now. I’ll see you later.” He opened her tiny hand, kissed the palm, and closed her little fingers. �śYou hold on to that kiss until I see you again. Okay?”� Mac caught Hannah smiling from across the room and winked.� KelliAnn turned to Hannah. �śMy mom heard you were new to town, Hannah, and bought the old Brigman house. She wants to have lunch with you some day. She’s head of the Town Arts Council and will probably want to draft you into joining the next town fair.” � Mac’s mouth dropped. She what? �śYou can’t have lunch with my mother.” � Hannah faced him. �śI didn’t know I needed your permission to do anything, Mac.” � �śWhen it comes to my mother, it’d be nice for me to have a say,” he answered sarcastically. � KelliAnn and Josh exchanged inquisitive glances. � �śDon’t worry. I won’t make her divulge any family secrets, if that’s what you’re worried about.”� �śI’ve nothing to hide. Just tell me if she contacts you.”� �śGiving me orders now, Austin? Try that and I swear I’ll show you a part of my temper you won’t like.”� �śOh, and I so much like the rest of your temper,” he said, sarcasm dripping from his words. �śStop being a brat and get out of here.” � �śA brat? How dare you call me a brat when you’re a stubborn ass?”� �śI call it like I see it.” � Hannah made an unintelligible sound and clenched her fists. �śYou’re impossible.” She grabbed her purse. �śIt was nice to meet you, KelliAnn and Shelby. As for you two, well, I have nothing nice to say, so I’m not going to say anything.” � �śThere’s a change,” Mac said. � �śHey, what did I do?” Josh asked innocently. �śI only gave you a warning and not the ticket.” � KelliAnn looked around confused and then spoke to Hannah. �śWould you like to come shopping with me? I think we’d have a lot of fun and could have some girl talk.” � �śNo, KelliAnn,” Mac said, firmly. � �śI could use some girl talk as a matter of fact,” Hannah said, moving to KelliAnn’s side. � �śKelliAnn�Ś” Mac protested louder. � �śListen, I have to get back to work now that I know Hannah’s on the roads,” Josh said and smiled. � Hannah hoped he caught a glimpse of the green daggers she shot his way.� KelliAnn walked over to Mac and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. �śI’ll be by tonight to give you and the boys haircuts. Come on, Hannah. Mac’s got more bark than bite.” � Hannah followed his sister out the door, and said over her shoulder, �śToo bad, since I do like a man with bite.”� �ż �ż �ż �ż� When Mac arrived home, he found KelliAnn giving the boys haircuts. She had finished Ryan and Luke and worked on giving Aidan some cool new hairstyle that required gel. � �śDon’t put that crap in my son’s hair, sis,” Mac bellowed when he walked into the kitchen. �śHe’s a boy for Christ’s sake.”� �śIt’s okay, Dad,” Aidan said. �śIt’s the style.”� �śStyle my ass. Men don’t wear hair gel and hairspray.” � �śOh, Mac, quit your complaining. A little gel isn’t going to kill his manhood. See how you like that, Aidan.” KelliAnn held up a mirror. � �śCool. I like it.” � While Mac sifted through mail, he spied her slipping Aidan the bottle of gel. � �śKeep it out of his sight, or he’ll toss it out,” she whispered. � Mac glanced up. �śI heard that. Make sure I don’t find it.”� �śOh, leave him alone,” KelliAnn said, �śSit down. You’re my last customer.” � He fingered through the mail, tossed it on the counter, and removed his T-shirt. He sat in the chair and she quickly draped the smock over him, tying it at the back of his neck. � �śI’ve got to warn you, sis. I smell. I’ve been sweating my ass off for the last two hours.” � �śI’ll just spray you with some cologne, is all,” she said, giggling. � �śDon’t you dare,” he warned, moving to avoid the spray.� �śSit still.” She grabbed his head and positioned it face-forward. �śI won’t be responsible for clipped ears if you move like that again.” She buzzed him with hair clippers. �śYou’re awful cranky today, Mac. What gives?” � �śNothing.” � �śWould you like to hear how my day was with Hannah?” � �śNo,” he said simply. Nothing good at all could come from his nosy sister spending the day with the woman he wanted to fuck more than he wanted to breathe. Hadn’t his ears rung all day knowing they would be discussing him? He may be still getting to know Hannah, but he knew his sister very well. Without a doubt his sibling would have battered Hannah with question after question until she positively squeezed every juicy detail out of the unsuspecting woman about her relationship with Mac.� KelliAnn talked anyways like he knew she would. � �śWe did a lot of shopping. Hannah has amazing taste and a good eye for a bargain. She told me of her plans for her restaurant and showed me some pictures of her other ones. Oh, my God. They are simply amazing. She’s amazing. So successful and so young. And she’s so beautiful. I wish I had her legs.” � �śYour legs are fine,” he said gruffly, feeling a matchmaking session beginning. � �śYeah, but hers are so shapely. After three kids, I’m lucky my legs look like legs at all.” � �śSis, you know you look amazing, so shut up. And stop trying to sell me on Hannah. I’m not interested.”� �śAren’t you, though?”� �śNo,” he said louder. �śSo stop trying to set us up. I mean it.” � �śDon’t know what you’re talking about, Mac. We hardly talked about you at all. We had much more interesting things to talk about. She even let me cut off all her hair and give her a nice short haircut to keep those curls under control.”� He swung around and glared. Aw hell. Why would any woman with Hannah’s beautiful hair think of changing it? He never even got the chance to grab a fistful and bend her head back to devour that delicious mouth of hers. Damn it!� �śYou cut her hair off? What the hell were you thinking?”� �śOh, please, it was just hanging there. I gave her something with style.” � �śShe had style. Her hair was gorgeous. Jesus, why would you do a thing like that, KelliAnn?” His voice thundered through the room, his heart rate doubling. He wanted to curse his sister up and down and bit his tongue not to. � KelliAnn giggled, then laughed uncontrollably. � Mac blinked, his thoughts scrambled. �śYou just baited me, didn’t you?” Damn, he should’ve been more on guard with his prying sister. �śYou didn’t cut off her hair. You said that because you know I love long hair on a woman.” � �śWhy, Mac, darling. I don’t know where you get these ideas from.” � �śKelliAnn, you are such a manipulative wench sometimes.” � �śNow that hurts me, Mac.” She smacked the back of his head.� � �śI’m sorry. But you shouldn’t have baited me.” � �śBut you got to admit she’s beautiful.” � �śNever said she wasn’t.”� �śI did cut her hair. Just a trim, so relax. She looks even sexier now.” � �śGreat,” he mumbled. He sure the hell didn’t need her to be any more glamorous. He could hardly keep his hands off of her now. The last thing he needed was any more visions of her beauty.� �śSo what are you going to do about her?” � �śThere’s nothing to do. I’m fixing up her place. It’s a great deal for me, I’ll make decent money, and then she’ll move on to another state and restaurant.” � �śNow you can lie all you want, Mac, but this is me you’re talking to, and you can’t sit there and tell me you’re not attracted to Hannah.” � �śSave it, sis.”� �śShe’s had a hard life, that’s for sure.”� Now that piqued his interest. �śWhat did she tell you? Hell, she remained tight-lipped with me.”� �śShe didn’t have to say anything. It’s in her eyes. Poor thing is lonely. Almost scared.”� �śScared?” Mac snorted. �śHannah is anything but scared. She’s scary, maybe, especially when that damn temper gets going. But not scared.”� �śShe’s frightened, Mac. She has many ghosts in her past. But I didn’t want to pry.”� Now Mac howled. �śSince when don’t you pry?”� �śHush. Just don’t let this one go, sweetie. She’d be real good for you. Keep you on your toes. Add some spice to your dull ways.”� �śDull ways, my ass. Are you done yet?” he asked, refusing to discuss his love life with his sister. � She finished shaving his neck. �śYeah,” she sighed. � �śThanks,” he stood, shaking hair off his neck. He bent to kiss her cheek. �śI need to hit the shower and make dinner.” � �śOh, Mac,” KelliAnn said, putting away her styling tools. �śJust so you know, I’m having Mom throw a barbeque and I’m inviting Hannah.” She smiled sweetly, but he knew better than to trust that look. � �śNo, don’t do that, KelliAnn.” Having Hannah anywhere near his nosy family would be a recipe for disaster. They’d all try their hand at fixing them up as a couple before the end of the day. He just wanted to do things his own way, on his own terms.� �śSorry, but you should’ve given me the dirt when I asked for it. Now you pay the price with an entire family event.” � �śYou’re pure evil sometimes, KelliAnn. You know that?” he growled.� She laughed. �śMy husband tells me that every now and then.”� � � Chapter Fourteen� Mac sat at the dining room table working on his bills�"his regular Wednesday night ritual. But he couldn’t concentrate. He dropped his pen and rubbed his palms into his eyes. The bills could wait another day. Hell, he always paid everything ahead of their due date. There was plenty of time. � His problems had Hannah O’Leary written all over them. Why was she stuck in his head? Yeah, he wanted to take her to bed, but shit, he wasn’t in high school anymore, so he shouldn’t be so pre-occupied with her�"especially since he would end up in bed with Hannah anyway. Adrenaline shot through his veins when images of thrusting inside that sweet body of hers raced through his mind. Oh, hell yeah. As sure as the sun would rise tomorrow, he would fuck Hannah O’Leary before she blew out of town. His cock hardened, and his balls ached just thinking about it. He wanted her like he’d never wanted any other woman. � So what the hell was he waiting for? She was hot for him. The way she kissed him back indicated that it would take no effort at all to lay her on her back and pump his seed between her legs. So why not just do it? � Hell, he knew why. Because she was trouble. � But God help him, he wanted a taste of her. She’d be potent and he’d need to have her more than once to get her out of his system. What he should do is go over there right now and take her hard and fast in every room of that dilapidated house. � What would she be sleeping in tonight? Those silly old pjs that made her look like an innocent maid or that red lace nightie she claimed to have that no doubt would make her look more like the vixen she was. He rubbed his temples. God, pajamas or lace, she still was the sexiest woman he’d ever laid eyes on. The vision of her continued to float through his mind when he sensed someone watching him. Probably Porkchop hoping to get a snack. � When he heard the child’s snicker, he knew he’d been busted by one of his boys. He dared to look up and found three sets of his own eyes stared back from behind the couch.� �śYou all right, Dad?” Aidan asked cautiously.� �śYeah,” Mac said quietly. �śWhy?”� �śYou’ve been sitting like that for ten minutes.”� �śSo you’ve been watching me for ten minutes and are just now checking to see if I’m all right?”� He shrugged. �śDidn’t want to bother you.”� Mac huffed a breath. �śI’ve just got a headache. Ryan, get me the aspirin and some water, please.” � The boys gathered around him. Aidan put a foot on a kitchen chair, rested his arms on his knee, and watched Mac. Ryan hustled to the counter, doing what Mac said. � Luke, his most clingy son, stood beside him, leaning on the table, and staring at him. �śWant us to call Hannah?” � Mac looked at him. �śNow why would I want you to call Hannah?”� �śSo she can cook you something to make you feel better.”� Mac scooted Luke onto his lap. �śYou know what would make me feel better? If you guys got along and helped out around here like I ask you to. I need you guys to follow my rules because I hate to have to punish you. We missed out on a great fishing trip because you didn’t follow the rules. And all three of you hurt my feelings last night when you said I was mean for sending you to bed after dinner. I gave you fair warning what would happen if I came home to a mess and fighting, did I not?”� All three boys nodded, their gazes cast downward. � Mac swallowed the aspirin and water. �śI don’t want us to fight. Okay, guys? You’re all old enough to know better.”� �śEven me, Daddy?” Luke asked. � Mac bounced him on his leg and smiled. �śYeah, son. Even you.”� �śWell, tell them that since they call me baby all the time,” he said thumbing toward his brothers.� Aidan and Ryan both looked at Mac, shock lacing their eyes.� Mac shook his head. �śDon’t even bother to deny it, boys. I’ve heard you call him baby. And from this point on I don’t want to hear anymore name-calling. You’re brothers. You need to have each other’s backs. Hear me?”� �śYes, sir,” they all said.� �śRyan, what’s in your hand?” Mac asked.� �śOh, almost forgot. Dad, could you give these to Hannah tomorrow?” Ryan held up a bouquet of wild flowers.� �śWhere did you get those?” Mac asked.� �śFrom the yard before you got home from work,” Ryan said. �śThey’re from all of us. A thank you for the muffins.”� �śDo you think she can make us more?” Luke asked.� Mac laughed, took the flowers, and scooted Luke off his lap so he could put the flowers in a glass of water. �śWell, I’ll let her know how much you enjoyed them. Maybe she’ll bake some more again when she can. She’s going to love these flowers. That was very thoughtful of you guys. Just when I think there’s no hope for y’all to have manners you go and do something like this.” Mac leaned his back against the counter and crossed his arms.� �śDo you like Hannah, Daddy?” Luke pried.� Put on the spot by his youngest son Mac avoided eye contact with all of them. Instead, he stared at his bare feet. �śOf course I like Hannah. She’s a nice person.”� �śNo, Dad,” Ryan said. �śWhat Luke means is do you like her? You know. The way Aidan likes Catherine and Cheryl.”� �śWho’s Cheryl?” Mac asked, looking at Aidan who turned red.� �śShut up, Ry. No one, Dad. Just a friend.”� �śUh huh.” Mac eyed him suspiciously, wondering what game his son played with the ladies. He made a mental note to talk with Aidan privately.� �śWell, Dad. Do you like Hannah?” Ryan asked.� �śOoohh, Daddy, do you have a crush?” Luke giggled.� Mac had never lied to his boys. How could he now? Then again, how could he be honest about his feelings for Hannah when he couldn’t even admit them to himself? Maybe the neutral route was the only way to go.� �śI think Hannah is a very nice lady who is beautiful, smart, and cooks great. But we’re only friends.” � �śWhat’s wrong with you, Dad?” Aidan asked sounding disgusted.� �śExcuse me?” Mac sat stunned by the unusually blunt tone, even for his sixteen-year-old.� �śHannah’s awesome. So how come you’re not, well, you know?”� Mac hadn’t thought it possible to be any more embarrassed in talking about his dating habits with his sons. Seems he was wrong. �śNo. I don’t know. How come I’m not what?”� �śDating her,” Aidan said, his cheeks turning redder, his gaze avoiding Mac’s.� There lay the question of the century. His own kids knew what he should be doing before he did. �śBecause I work for her.”� �śSo what?” Ryan said.� �śYeah, so what?” Luke echoed.� �śSo that means we have a business relationship and, well, Hannah, isn’t staying here long so there’s no need to date.”� �śMaybe she’ll stay if you date her,” Luke said.� The philosophy of a nine-year-old boy would be hard to argue with and Mac quite honestly didn’t have the energy.� �śYou know what, guys? It’s bedtime. Now. I’m not dating anyone. I’m too busy and right now I’m going to bed myself. Brush your teeth and hit the bed.”� The three of them walked away and up the stairs. Mac overheard Aidan speak to his younger brothers. �śTold you guys talking to him is useless. He’s never going to get together with Hannah because he’s chicken.” � �śDaddy’s not a chicken,” Luke said defensively. � �śHe is if he doesn’t make a move on Hannah,” Ryan confirmed. � �śYou guys make no sense,” Luke complained. � �śJust go to bed,” Aidan said.� Mac sighed. How could he explain to his boys that getting together with Hannah was complicated? When he heard the three bedroom doors close, relief flooded him. The conversation had ended�"at least for now. But sooner or later, he’d be forced to figure out just what the hell to do about Hannah O’Leary.� Chapter Fifteen� The late afternoon sun beat down on Mac’s back while he dragged sheetrock into Hannah’s house. Impressed with how much Hannah had managed to clear out the day before, he noticed all of the old and broken appliances had been tossed out. No more piles of old newspaper and other crap lined the floor. Some of the broken furniture that had been left behind by the previous owner had also been dragged outside for the dumpster.� Surveying the area, Mac glanced around for Hannah, expecting her to crawl out of a room and be covered in dust.� With her cleaning efforts, he now had space in the parlor to store some of the supplies. At least the majority of supplies would be delivered directly here. That’d save him some backbreaking work.� Where could Hannah be? He glanced toward the ceiling. Upstairs? � God, he didn’t want to think about it. A moment later, Hannah appeared in the parlor, her shoes clacking on the hardwood floor.� �śHey, Mac,” she said, sweetly.� Placing the next to last batch of sheetrock against the wall, he turned and faced her. His breath lodged in his throat at the sight of her all dressed up, wearing baby pink Capri pants, a sexy white tank top, and two-inch pink sandals. Thank God she’d busied herself fastening a bracelet on her wrist and hadn’t seen him drool as his gaze roamed her body from head to toe. With her hair swept up in an amazing ponytail, it showcased her long, slender neck and the gold loops swinging from her earlobes. The urge to kiss her became intense. The urge to fuck her overwhelming. � When she finished her gaze met his, a smile quickly forming on her lips. She walked to him, angling her head up.� �śThis is a nice surprise, Mac. But I’m afraid I was just leaving.”� �śI figured that the way you’re dressed. Got a hot date or something?”� She grinned wickedly, and his cock strained in his pants. � �śAs a matter of fact I do with a nice young gentleman.” � His heart pounded, his muscles tensed. Oh did she now? �śDidn’t know you liked them young, Hannah.” There was that damn perfume of hers again. He inhaled deeply without being obvious.� She glared. �śYou’ll have to let yourself out. I have to pick up something special he requested.”� �śLike condoms?” Jealousy did the talking, but damn it, he didn’t want to let her go. How could he stop her? He had no claim to her.� �śGo to hell,” she snapped. �śIf you must know, he asked that I bring whipped cream. Seems he’s a big fan of the kind that comes in a can and lucky for him, I am too. You know, it’s more versatile that way.”� Mac had always considered himself a reasonable man, but standing there, listening to her all but admit she would use the whipped cream for sex, dismantled his control. Date, his ass! Talk like that persuaded him to tie her up and lock her in her room. Forever. � �śMy, my. It’s not every day I see you rendered speechless,” she said, her pretty mouth set in a smirk, her eyebrows raised. �śI’m running late and don’t want to keep him waiting so I’m sorry I have to pass on listening to any more of your attitude. See you soon.” She turned and waltzed from the room with a seductive sway of her hips� Mac ground his teeth, counted to ten, and then stomped out the front door after her. He arrived just in time to see her car disappearing around the corner. Cursing, he grabbed the last load of sheetrock, dropped it inside her house, locked up, and followed after her. How the hell did she get away that fast?� Of course, he wouldn’t catch up to her. She’d be long gone the way she sped in that fancy luxury sedan of hers. And what would he do if he caught up to her? Beg her to ditch her date and go back to her house with him? Hardly. He’d never beg. But then again she was one hot lady and his balls ached like hell. He shook his head to clear the image of her in that pretty little outfit. Shit, he didn’t need to be wound like an eight-day clock over one lone female. He could have any woman he wanted. It just happened the only woman he desired presently had gone out on a fucking hot date.� Mac pulled into his driveway and slammed the truck into park. When he looked up, he noticed the BMW parked in his yard and smiled. He got out of the truck, and the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders. So Hannah had pegged him for her hot date after all, had she? Well, hell, she didn’t need to be so secretive about it. � He walked into his kitchen to find dinner being prepared. Hannah smirked, and those green eyes danced with amusement. She had gotten him good. She’d probably concocted her little white lie to punish him for something he’d done. And he didn’t give one damn. She was here with him.� Luke lit up, all smiles too. �śDad, I’ve got a date,” he said, slipping his hand into Hannah’s.� �śOh, really?” Mac said. He looked from Luke to Hannah. �śHow come I didn’t know about this date?” He remembered his rudeness minutes earlier and cringed inwardly. He’d acted like an ass. � �śBecause I wanted it to be a surprise. It’s movie night, Dad. Did you forget? I said I wanted to invite Hannah someday and you said sure. So here she is.”� �śYeah,” Mac said slowly, keeping his gaze locked with hers. �śHere she is.”� �śYes, here I am,” she said huskily.� �śDid you make dinner, too, Hannah?” Mac asked.� �śNo. I just supervised.”� �śLook, Dad. They’re pigs in a blanket, but not really.” He giggled. �śThey’re hot dogs.”� Mac leaned down to be eye-level with Luke. �śHey, buddy. Since when did you stop calling me Daddy? What’s with this Dad stuff?”� �śDad,” Luke said low. �śI’m a big boy now. I can call you Dad like Ry and Aidan.”� �śSure you can, buddy, but I just happen to really like the daddy name. The others never called me Daddy as long as you have, so I guess I’m just used to it is all.”� Mac straightened and looked back to Hannah. �śI reek. I need a shower then I can help with the rest of dinner.”� �śI got it, Dad,” Luke said. �śHannah’s helping me, right?”� �śRight,” she confirmed, shaking her hand in his hair.� Mac turned to walk away when Luke called out. �śOh, Dad?”� He paused, looked back. �śYeah, son?”� �śIf you eat all your dinner, you’ll get a big hot fudge sundae with lots of whipped cream. I told Hannah you loved whipped cream, so she picked up extra just for you.”� �śShe did, huh?” Mac grinned wide and looked at her, not missing the mischief in those beautiful eyes. A hot thrill shot through him, straight to his cock. Whipped cream on Hannah? Definitely yummy.� �śShe did,” Hannah confirmed.� Mac’s cheeks flamed like they hadn’t since high school and left them to finish dinner. Two minutes later he stepped into the shower and beneath an icy stream of water. He shivered and groaned. The freezing cascade still didn’t do enough to cool him down.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Jealous. Mac grit his teeth. How could he sit there and be jealous of a nine-year-old boy? � Christ, help him. � Luke snuggled against Hannah on the couch, her arm around him, her shoeless feet tucked up under her legs. God, her slender feet were sexy. He could picture nibbling those painted little toes. No. Stop. I can’t think like that. Especially with my kids in the room.� Luke’s head rested on Hannah’s shoulder, his eyes drooping then opening wide only to droop again. His youngest son fought exhaustion, but it was a losing battle since his bedtime had passed an hour ago.� Mac sat in one of the armchairs alone, not caring what the movie was about. Taking care not to get caught staring, Mac peeked at Hannah every chance he got. After all these years, having a female in his house made for an odd evening. Awkwardness consumed him while Hannah sat comfortably on his couch, blending in with him and his boys. Mac struggled to just enjoy the night, but thoughts of the cozy scene caused him to question just how involved he should become with Hannah.� On the other side of Hannah sat Ryan who slowly inched closer to Hannah, absolutely pissing Aidan off. His oldest son sent vicious looks to Ryan, who slouched, too engrossed in the movie and Hannah to notice�"or if he had noticed he didn’t care.� Every few minutes, Hannah bent her head to check on Luke and adjusted him in her arms before returning her attention to the movie. That simple motherly gesture warmed Mac’s heart down to his toes. Even if she hadn’t had a good role model, Hannah would make a great mother some day.� �śRyan, why don’t you give Hannah breathing room?” Aidan said between gritted teeth.� Ryan turned bright red and glared. �śWhy? You want to sit on her lap?”� �śHey,” Mac warned sternly. �śEnough.” � �śYou scared, Ry?” Aidan teased, ignoring Mac’s warning. � Ryan’s leg lashed out and kicked Aidan. �śShut up, butthead.” � Aidan flew at Ryan, both boys toppling to the floor. � �śYeah. Now who’s the butthead, you chicken shit,” Aidan said, his taller frame twisted around his brother, both rolling around the tight space between the couch and coffee table.� Ryan’s elbow landed in Aidan’s ribs forcing a whoosh of air. �śThat’s what you think, dickweed. You fight like a girl.”� �śLike hell,” Aidan said, punching Ryan’s chin.� Hannah stayed in her seat and cradled Luke, who continued to doze, too sleepy to care what his brothers did. She watched the boys grapple for the upper hand, her eyes wide with horror.� Mac bolted to his feet and hauled the boys up by the backs of their shirts, each only getting in minimal punches to the other. � �śKnock it off.” He gave them a little shake, keeping a grip on them. �śYou’re acting like fools. You two owe Hannah an apology, and if you want to be able to sit down in the near future, it better sound sincere.”� They both mumbled sorry.� �śNot good enough,” Mac growled and, still clutching the boys’ shirts, headed for the stairs, dragging them with him. �śExcuse us, Hannah. We need to have a refreshment course on manners.”� Hannah’s eyes grew larger. �śOh, Mac. Please don’t punish them,” Hannah said, her voice filled with worry. �śI’m sure they’re both just tired and meant no harm.”� Mac stopped and looked at her. Did he just hear her right? �śYeah. I’m sure that’s what it was. I know how to handle my boys, Hannah, and it’s about time they realize they’ve finally gone too far.”� Mac pushed the boys ahead of him and walked them quickly to Aidan’s room, his heart banging hard against his chest. Christ, his blood pressure must be sky-high right now. How dare they embarrass him like this? Acting like animals when he had a guest over. And not just any guest�ŚHannah. Hell, right now she had to be ready to run far away from his house. He couldn’t blame her one bit if that’s what she decided to do after watching these two knuckleheads act like five-year-olds. � But as mad as he was at the two teenagers standing in front of him, looking scared to death, he worried more about Hannah’s reaction to a simple act of parental discipline. Shutting the door to deal with his delinquent sons, Mac couldn’t shake Hannah’s terrified expression from his head. � � � Chapter Sixteen� Hannah cradled Luke in her arms. She expected to hear yelling from upstairs, but only silence clung to the air�"and that proved worse. Not knowing was what happening. The poor boys. � Hannah cringed, the memories of her childhood flowing through her mind. Oh, what would Mac do to the boys? He wouldn’t beat them. She believed that. But he had lifted the boys so easily, their height and weight not even a factor, as he dragged them to their feet and carried them off with him. She glanced back to the stairs again. � �śHannah?” Luke said sleepily. �śWhere did Daddy go?” � She rubbed his head and kissed it softly. �śHush, honey. He’s just talking with your brothers. Go back to sleep.” � Hannah wanted to go to the boys’ defense, but she couldn’t interfere with Mac’s parenting. Oh, but she didn’t want to see Aidan and Ryan punished because of some silly crush Aidan had. And now it appeared Ryan did too. She sighed. Mac had said it before. She caused trouble everywhere.� The movie had ended, and the television screen became black. The house remained silent except for Porkchop’s snoring and the tick of the kitchen clock. What was taking so long? Why couldn’t she hear anything? Oh, this waiting tortured her. Aidan and Ryan were in trouble because of her and there was nothing she could do about it.� Mac finally strolled back into the parlor about twenty minutes later with a sober face. He looked at Hannah then bent down to pick up Luke.� Mac cradled his son in his arms. �śGive me a minute, Hannah.” He disappeared up the stairs.� When Mac returned to the living room, Hannah glanced up from where she sat on the couch. � �śLuke said to tell you goodnight,” Mac said, his voice calm, almost sweet. � She smiled but didn’t speak. � �śAnd just so you know, Hannah, I didn’t kick my other sons’ asses like they deserved. They only have you to thank for that.”� Relief filled her. �śI’m glad you didn’t.” She stood and slid her feet into her sandals. �śYou’re right, Mac. I do cause trouble everywhere I go. I’m sorry. Good night.”� He grabbed her arm gently when she passed him. �śHold on a minute. You can’t blame yourself for the way those knuckleheads acted tonight. Hell. They’ve been acting like that since they became teenagers.” � She sighed. �śI just don’t want to be the cause for them getting in trouble.”� �śYou’re not. They are. They both just got grounded for two weeks and I had a long talk with them.” His fingers lifted her chin bringing her gaze to his. �śI don’t hit my kids, Hannah. Though, God knows they could use a swift kick in the ass. But I try to talk to them instead. Do you want to go check on them?”� �śNo. Of course I believe you. It’s just, well, I’m sorry.” She looked down at her hands. �śI got scared.”� �śWhy would you get scared?”� �śIt’s a long story.”� �śI’ve got time. You never did tell me any more about your past.” He tugged her down to sit with him on the couch. �śTell me, Hannah. Make me understand.”� She took a deep breath. Could she talk about it? She dared to glance at Mac and the compassion in his eyes convinced her she could.� �śMy mother is a druggie and a lunatic. I’ve long since given up trying to change her, so I just support her by paying her rent when she doesn’t or her medical bills when she attempts rehab for the millionth time. She suffers from mental illness and doesn’t have any self-esteem. She lets the men in her life�"and I use the term men loosely since they’re all pieces of shit�"run her life and destroy it.” Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she stared at his chest. He remained quiet, so she continued. �śMy father is a very violent man. He’s managed to chase me down in every town I’ve happened to be in to get what money he can from me. Since he scares me to death, I just give him what he wants so he leaves me the hell alone.” � �śFor some reason,” he said, the Southern drawl evident in his slowly spoken words, �śI can’t picture you scared to death.” � Her eyes met his. She had to get him to understand how volatile her father could be without provocation. �śI am. Of him. He’s a vicious man. That’s why my mother and I were always on the run. He used to beat us and steal her money�"what little she had. Then when he found out about my restaurants he gave up on my mother for handouts and haunts me.”� �śYou’re an adult now. Use that temper of yours and tell him to hit the road. There’s no more handouts,” Mac said sternly. � �śI wish I could be that brave. But whenever I see him, it takes me back to when I was a little girl and how much he hurt me. The last time he showed up for money I was in Tennessee. I tried to tell him no, but as soon as his hands came around my throat and squeezed, I gave in.” Her shoulders drooped. �śHe took the money and left.” � A dangerous look filled his eyes while they darkened to the deepest blue she’d ever seen them. �śYou have no problem standing up to me.”� �śBecause I know you’d never hurt me like he would. With you and other people, I don’t hesitate to speak my mind because I know not everyone solves their problems with fists. It took me years to realize not everyone acts like a bully and torments those smaller than them.” She sighed, her belly tied in knots remembering how it felt to be so vulnerable. �śIt’s just easier to give him the money. He never sticks around. Just takes it and leaves. I always tell myself that some day I’ll have the courage to stand up to him. But that’s easier said than done.”� �śYou know you’ll always be on the run until you stand up for yourself and I don’t mean by you fist fighting him. Call the authorities next time and let them handle him.” � She nodded. �śHeard enough of my past now?”� �śNope. I said I want to hear everything.” � She looked at him a moment, his eyes staring into hers. �śWhy?” Surprise consumed her. Most men had never taken the time to get to know any part of her. And any mention of a troubled past had sent them running in the opposite direction.� �śWhy not?” � Hannah sighed. She could do this. Hell, she had already explained half of her life. No reason to stop now. �śMy mother tried her best to take care of me, but it was more of the other way around for as long as I remember. We would bounce from shelters to her boyfriends’ houses. I never attended school long in any one district. My mother would sleep with anyone as long as they supported her drug habit and fed us. Then as I grew up and started to, well, blossom, Mother got mad at me because her boyfriends started to look at her daughter instead of her. Mother needed to be the center of attention and was very immature. In fact, she wouldn’t let me call her Mother. I had to call her by her name, so she could pass me off as her younger sister instead of her daughter. She was only sixteen when she had me, so it was a believable lie. Then one night while my mother and I were staying at her creepy new boyfriend’s apartment, I was sleeping on the couch when I awoke to a hand moving up my thigh.” She stopped talking, the memory too difficult to tell. Her stomach clenched, threatening to toss up its contents.� After a long moment, Mac said softly, �śI’m still listening if you want me to, Hannah.” � His steady gaze and warm eyes strangely comforting to her, she continued. � �śI wanted to scream but he covered my mouth with his hand. I fought him off before he could molest me but just having him touch me skeeved me out.” � �śSo what happened? I hope your mother stomped his head in for that attack.” � �śI wish. Instead she blamed me.” � Mac’s brow furrowed. � �śI was fifteen.” Hanna continued. �śAnd Mother believed the boyfriend when he said I came on to him. She threw me out saying I was cramping her style and was old enough to take care of myself. I didn’t hear from her until I opened my first restaurant and a news article on me appeared in local papers. Then my mother came looking for a handout. I’ve been unable to shake her since. I’m not afraid of her like I am of my father, though.” � �śThen why give her a handout?” Mac asked. � Hannah shrugged. �śI guess because she’s my mother and a girl only gets one of those, good or bad. I feel better if I help her out. She really can’t take care of herself.” � �śNothing wrong with helping out your mother as long as you do it because you want to and not because you feel threatened.”� �śThe money means nothing. The peace and quiet between calls is priceless.”� His fingers inched her chin up until she gazed into his eyes.� �śI’m not your father, Hannah. I don’t get kicks out of beating up women and children.”� �śI know.” Her eyes watered. �śDo they hate me?”� �śWho? Ryan and Aidan? You’ve got to be kidding. They’ve got you on a friggin’ pedestal. You do no wrong in their eyes.”� She smiled. �śMake sure you tell Luke thanks for inviting me for movie night. I really did enjoy myself. Believe it or not, I never had anything like this,” she said, gesturing around and then back to him. �śYou’re giving your kids some great memories, Mac.”� �śYou look like you’re going to cry.” His hand massaged the side of her neck, his expression warming her heart.� �śNo. I just, well�ŚI had a great time.”� �śWe enjoyed having you. I know I did.” � He wrapped his arm around her waist, his hand pulling her head forward for his lips to meet hers. Gently, he kissed her, his tongue tracing the outline of her lips. When she opened her mouth, he slipped in easily and she tasted his warmth, his tongue caressing hers until she thought she’d be mindless with lust. When he pulled away she stared at him. Her cheeks flamed and her wet lips parted, begging to be kissed again. � �śMy kids think we should date,” he said softly.� Her heart pounded. This was all moving way too fast. She couldn’t think straight. �śI don’t have a lot of luck with men. We’d be doomed. We’ll just have to see where this goes.” � She slipped from his embrace, took her purse from the counter, and accepted his hand as he walked her to her car. She kissed his lips, lingering for a moment, wanting so badly to explore intimacy with Mac, maybe give a relationship a chance. But reality reared its ugly head reminding her of what she could never have. � Stepping back, she avoided his gaze and slipped into her car.� � � Chapter Seventeen� Mac stood in Hannah’s house and cursed his tape measure for not working properly. When the front door opened behind him, he turned and faced Hannah. � �śOh, Mac. Hi. I didn’t see your truck outside,” Hannah said, holding two large paper bags that Mac immediately grabbed from her.� �śGot dropped off for a bit. Where do you want these?” he asked, his head motioning to the shopping bags.� �śJust leave them on the counter, please. What brings you here?” Hannah asked, walking back outside to her car. � � �śTaking measurements.”� �śI can do this, Mac,” Hannah said, stopping in her driveway. �śI don’t want to interrupt your work day.” � He smiled wide, and thoughts of stripping her naked raced through his head. �śDarling, I never complain when a beautiful woman disrupts my job.”� Her smile lit up her face. It hit him in the gut hard, taking his breath away. When the fuck did a smile affect him like that? Shit.� �śGuess you Southern boys are very good at flirting,” Hannah said, passing him bags.� �śThat and other things,” he said with a wink when she squinted at him. He glanced inside her car. �śJesus, Hannah. What’s all this food for? I feed the boys and myself and buy less in a week.”� �śI haven’t decided what to bring to your mother’s house tomorrow for the barbeque,” she said and shut the trunk.� �śI could’ve saved you a lot of trouble. Nothing.” Mac walked behind Hannah, enjoying the sway of her hips before leaving the last of the bags on the counter.� When Hannah slammed a can on the counter, Mac’s gaze snapped up to meet hers. �śGive me any grief and I swear I’ll bop you off the head with something,” she said.� �śJust try, sweetheart,” Mac said sternly, hoping to head off one of her tantrums. By the gleam in her eyes, she itched for one.� �śJust what is your problem with me cooking something for the barbeque, Mac?” She held her palm out. �śOn second thought, I don’t care. Be in a pissy mood. I have to put this food away.” She marched around her kitchen. � �śCome here and hold this,” Mac ordered.� She looked up at him. �śDid you not just hear what I said? I’m busy if you haven’t noticed.”� �śYeah, doing nothing that can’t wait a minute. Now get over here and hold this.”� Those green eyes shot daggers and she made no effort to move. Instead, she cleared off the counter.� He lifted his eyes to the ceiling. �śGive me strength, God. Just give me strength.” � She stared at him but didn’t say a word. The pissed-off look on her face said enough.� �śPlease,” Mac said as calmly as he could since she’d been home only a matter of minutes and was already at his throat. �śHannah, please come hold this for me.” � Putting down the box in her hand, she sashayed to him, her hips swaying seductively in baby blue shorts. She held the tape measure and glared. �śIt’s amazing how well I respond when you ask nicely. Isn’t it, Austin?”� �śBe careful,” he warned, looking into her eyes. �śYou know how much I like it when you say my name. You’ll find yourself in trouble. Maybe even having an afternoon session between the sheets.”� She laughed. �śOh, is that it? You’re horny so you’re cranky?”� He ignored her, holding his breath not to smell her intoxicating perfume. �śAll set,” he said. �śThanks for the help,” he added, sarcastically.� �śLet me give you a piece of advice, Austin,” she said, facing him, hands on her hips. �śUse your hand and stroke it back and forth like this.” She made the motion of a hand job. �śAnd poof. In a matter of minutes your problem will be solved.”� His jaw dropped as he watched her walk back to the counter. Did she just tell him to go jerk off? And did she just show him how it’s done? Like he, a full-grown man, didn’t know how to jerk off? Jesus, she was the most ornery woman he’d ever met. Well, if she thought she could embarrass him, she thought wrong.� Mac stalked over to the kitchen, his pride wounded. �śYou know, you did that very well, Hannah. Have a lot of practice?” � The instant the question left his mouth, he regretted it. He hadn’t meant to be so blunt and vulgar. He had only meant to taunt her. By the look on her face, the way her eyes darkened and narrowed to thin slits and her pretty little mouth set firmly in place told him he’d just awakened a sleeping volcano. Damn, wasn’t she sexy?� He recovered quickly. �śI’m sorry, Hannah. That was totally uncalled for. I didn’t mean it.”� Before he could get another word out, she raised the can in her hand. He stepped back but not far enough and caught the sauce she hurled toward his head.� �śJesus, Hannah! Stop it. I said I’m sorry.” He snagged a jar of olives next but a box of rice bounced off his arm. �śDamn it! I said stop!”� �śI’ll stop when I run out of food,” she yelled. � A quick glance at the counter and he could see she had plenty of ammunition. Christ, he didn’t need this crap right now. He had other jobs to complete and being wounded wouldn’t help.� �śI said I’m sorry. What else do you want?”� She hurled boxes quicker and with better aim. Oh, she was in a good temper now. Great! Just what he needed.� �śHannah, if you don’t stop I’ll start throwing this stuff back at you,” he yelled, raising the can of sauce and hoping she wouldn’t call his bluff�"he’d never throw the can at a woman. � She stood flushed and breathing heavy. �śMaybe you should just come over here, Austin. Let me show you how a hand job is done? Huh? Come over here.” She looked evil and sexy all at once.� He smiled. �śNo way. I like my manhood attached and in one piece thank you.” He stomped to the counter, set the cans down, and held his hands up in surrender. �śI’m truly sorry.”� �śDon’t you have work to do?” She turned her attention back to her groceries. �śAnd where is your truck?” � �śI got dropped off and sent my assistant to the store to pick up supplies. I’m multi-tasking. Thought I could get the measurements done while he did that. Forgot I needed someone to hold the damn tape.” His brain had gone on vacation replaced by constant thoughts of Hannah and those sexy shorts she had on weren’t helping.� �śAnd you call me stupid?” Her eyes shone light green again, the darkness and temper gone.� �śTouché. Okay. I deserved that one.” Bending, he continued cleaning up the floor and picked up the groceries that she’d used as missiles, placing them near the sink. �śAnd my mom wouldn’t want you to go through any trouble. She’d just want you to come and enjoy yourself.”� �śI always cook a dish,” she stated, moving some of the canned goods to the cabinet and stacking them neatly.� �śSuit yourself.” He gave up and leaned against the counter.� She smiled. �śFind me that sauce I threw at you, or I can’t make the meatballs.”� He handed her the jar, the brief touch of his fingers on her hand sending a heated flash up his arm, like a jolt of electricity. With a snap of his wrist he yanked her to him, holding her hostage against his chest. �śI can smell Trouble.” He buried his face into the crook of her neck and inhaled the scent of her perfume until he thought his lungs would burst. �śMy God, Hannah, you smell good enough to nibble.” � When Mac slowly ran his teeth along the sensitive hollow of her neck, her squeals of laughter filled the kitchen. Her fingers danced across his back, clawing at his shirt. His cock raged against his jeans, demanding to be seated deep inside the wetness of her pussy. When her hands shimmied down to unzip his pants he almost came on the spot. Her slender hand caressed the bulge where his cock lay nestled painfully in his jeans, begging for freedom.� �śOh, Austin.”� Her soft moans unglued him. His hand cupped her breast while his tongue traced along her jaw before plunging into her mouth to swallow her cries.� �śBoss?” Mac’s assistant yelled from the front room.� �śShit,” Mac said, breaking the connection with Hannah and using his body to shield her. �śBe right there. Wait for me in the truck, Harry.”� �śYes, sir.”� �śSorry about that. Forgot he was coming back to pick me up.”� Hannah placed a quick kiss on his lips before moving back to the counter. �śIt’s okay. We both have things to do. Sex will just have to wait, I guess.”� He bit off a curse. He sure the hell couldn’t wait much longer. �śI’ll pick you up for the barbeque tomorrow. Okay, brat?”� �śOnly if you want to, Austin. I can always call your sister for a ride.”� �śYeah, right. So she can tell my mom and I get my ass chewed out for not picking you up. Dream on, sweetheart. Be ready by 11:30.”� �śSure will.”� �śI mean it. If you’re not ready when I get here then I take the food and leave you behind.”� She laughed. �śGet out of here before I throw something else at you,” she warned, her smile softening her face, her pretty skin flushed and scraped from his kisses.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� As promised, Mac stopped outside Hannah’s house blowing his horn at precisely 11:30. Hannah looked out the window, saw his impatient face and how he kept glancing out his windshield. She stepped back into the kitchen and busied herself with little chores. If Mac wanted her to go with him then he could very well come to the door like a gentleman and ring her bell. � The horn blew again. � She smirked. He must be getting so mad. Good. Served him right to think she can just be summoned by the honk of a horn. � A pounding on the front door declared her victorious, getting him to use his manners. �śI’m coming,” she hollered nicely. � Hannah opened the front door to find Mac standing there, brows knitted, eyes dark, arms crossed over his chest. Dressed in light blue jean shorts and a white T-shirt snug enough to see his rippled abs, he filled her doorframe with that tanned muscular body. Her mouth watered, when she imagined kissing him from his chiseled jaw down that sexy body until she uncovered the package straining against his jeans. � �śDidn’t you hear the damn horn?” he bellowed, interrupting her thoughts.� �śYes, I did. Come on in, Mac. I just have to get the food.” � He followed her to the kitchen. �śWell, if you heard it why didn’t you come out?” � She picked up a large pan and handed it to him then placed two more pans on top. �śI told you before. Ladies don’t respond to horns. You want to pick me up then you come to my door. Let’s go,” she said, slipping past him and grabbing her purse. �śWe don’t want to arrive late.”� �śIf we do,” he complained, �śit’d be your fault.” � She opened the front door for him and he stomped through it to the driveway. � �śAidan,” Mac yelled. �śGet out and open the door for Hannah while I put these in the back of the truck.” � Aidan jumped out quickly, offering her a shy smile. � �śThank you very much,” she told him when he opened the passenger door and she slid in. She faced Ryan and Luke while Aidan climbed back in. �śHello, boys.”� �śHi, Hannah. Did you cook again?” Luke asked excitedly.� �śI sure did. I hope you like it.”� �śDad skipped breakfast because you were cooking and he wanted to save room for your food,” Luke confessed when Mac got back in the truck.� �śOh, he did, did he?” Hannah beamed and glanced at Mac. � He sent her a withering look.� �śListen up, guys. Last warning before we get to Grandma’s. If any of you act up then we all leave. Got that?”� The three boys mumbled �śyes”.� �śDoes that go for me too?” Hannah teased.� �śThat especially goes for you, brat,” he confirmed but cracked a grin. �śThe food smells great, by the way.”� �śThank you,” she said sweetly.� �śDaddy called Hannah a brat,” Luke said, giggling.� �śSon, sometimes you just call them as you see them.”� �śAhh,” Hannah said, turning in her seat so only Mac could hear her. �śI see someone is still a bit cranky. I guess you didn’t take that advice I gave you for relief.”� He shot her a cynical glare. �śI don’t need self-help. I have other ways,” he said low.� Suddenly, jealousy rose like a bitter pill in her throat. She’d find out what he meant by that.� When he arrived at his parents’ house, the boys opened their doors, jumping out before Mac even stopped the truck. They disappeared to the back of the house. � Hannah turned to face Mac. �śListen, you. I know I have no claim to you, but I won’t have you kissing me while you screw other women.”� He grinned wide, his blue eyes lighting up with amusement. �śGood thing I’m not screwing other women, darling. The only pleasure I’ve gotten is from my hand.” Illustrating, he raised his arm and wiggled his fingers.� The sinful twinkle in his eyes caused heat to spread across her cheeks.� �śFeel better now, brat?”� �śYes,” she said softly. � �śAnd that works two ways.” His gaze remained on her. �śWhile I’m kissing you, there better not be another man.”� �śAgreed.” She nodded and then her stomach knotted. What had just happened? How did they make an unofficial commitment over a bit of jealous temper?� �śWe’d better get in there before the clan comes looking for us,” Mac said. He turned off the engine, removing his keys. �śHannah.” She looked at him. �śI hope you’re as good in bed in real life as you were in my fantasy. I must say I do feel much better today.”� She smiled widely. �śJust wait until I let you have me. You’ll feel fantastic.”� He grinned. �śCome on, you little brat.” � � � Chapter Eighteen� Two hours after their arrival to the barbeque, Hannah found herself alone with Mac in his parent’s kitchen. She stood in front of him. He towered over her so much that even with her heels she had to crane her neck up to see into his eyes. � His hands caressed her arms. �śAre you having a good time, Hannah?”� �śYes, you have a lovely family. They’ve made me feel very welcomed.”� �śThat’s because they want to know all about the woman who has blown into town like a hurricane and disrupted my very orderly, quiet life.” � �śNow I’ve done no such thing.” � He cocked an eyebrow. � �śHave I?” she asked innocently.� �śLet’s see.” He wrapped his hands around her waist. �śIn a week’s time, you’ve managed to need to be rescued by me numerous times, have thrown eggs at me, thrown cans of food hard enough to cause a concussion, infiltrated my tight-knit family, made my two teenage boys starry-eyed with their first love, gave my youngest boy his first date and have made me dizzy with lust.” He shrugged. �śNo, you little brat, you’ve done no such thing.” � �śAustin,” she whispered, resting her hands lazily around his neck.� �śHmm?” he said, his breath tickling her cheek.� �śI really like your family.” She leaned up and placed her lips briefly on his. �śAnd I really like you.”� �śReally?” His hands tightened around her waist. �śNow I’d hate to see what you’d do to me if you disliked me.” � She laughed, the heat from his touch whipping through the thin material of her shirt, driving her desire out of control. � �śI’d probably be in a body cast.” His expression softened while his eyes searched hers and the corners of his mouth stretching into a crooked smile. �śWhy do you do that?” � �śDo what?” she asked, puzzled. � �śCall me Austin.” � His eyes mesmerized her, and she shrugged. �śI don’t know. It just happens. I like the name. It’s sexy.” � �śIs it now?” � �śUh huh.” This close, the scents of the soap from his shower and the cigar he’d enjoyed with the other men created a clean and rugged smell that suited him and sent her senses into overdrive, filling her with the need to have his body cover hers. �śWhy does it affect you so much when I call you Austin?”� �śBecause no one calls me that anymore and I always liked my name. But people got used to calling me Mac when I started the business. Guess it was easier or something. I don’t know. But I missed my name. I missed my identity. Then you came along and gave it back to me. Just like that.” His knuckles skimmed her jaw, sending shivers clear down to her toes. �śDo you remember the first time you called me Austin?”� �śUh huh. It was when I slept over your house.” � �śYeah.” He twirled the hair in her ponytail. �śThat’s how I finally fell asleep that night. With your voice in my head saying my name. My real name.”� �śAnd then I stole your truck.” � He laughed, a truly relaxed, heartfelt laugh. �śYeah. Then you stole my truck.” � �śShouldn’t we get back out to your family? I don’t want to be rude,” she said, needing to put space between then before she got any hotter�"or wetter.� �śNah. Don’t worry about it. KelliAnn probably has them thinking we’re having hot, steamy sex right now, so no one is likely to come into the house.”� Hannah’s cheeks flamed. �śAustin MacDevin! You better get out there and make sure no one thinks that,” she ordered, slapping at his chest.� �śNow why would I want to do that when I can be the envy of every man here if they think I’m scoring with a hot lady like you?”� �śHot lady, huh?” � �śI call them as I see them.”� He leaned down and kissed her lips, scorching her while administering a thorough exploration of her mouth. She melted against his upper body, allowing him to deepen the kiss, and steal her breath away. � �śDaddy!” Luke cried, the kitchen screen door slamming. � Mac and Hannah instantly separated. � �śDaddy!”� �śIn here, Luke. What’s wrong?” Mac leaned down to his limping son, tears streaming down the boy’s dirt-stained face.� Hannah’s heart pounded when she saw thick, red blood oozing down the boy’s leg. With a gasp, she knelt beside him and rubbed his back while Mac inspected the injury.� �śI�ŚI�Śfell off the tree,” Luke cried. �śDaddy, it hurts.” He wrapped his arms around his father’s shoulders. Mac slowly lifted him, cradling him in his arms, paying extra attention to holding the injured leg still. Luke looked so small in Mac’s massive arms.� �śI know, buddy. Let’s put you up here.” He placed him on the counter. �śLet Daddy look at it.”� �śNooo, it hurts. Don’t touch it.”� Mac stared for a moment and kept his voice soft. �śHow am I supposed to help it feel better if I don’t touch it?”� �śNooo. I don’t want it to hurt�Śowww.”� �śLuke, now listen to me,” Mac said, his voice a little sterner.� Hannah cut him off. �śHere, Luke. If you let Daddy look at your knee, you can hold my hand. All Daddy’s going to do is look.” � Luke sniffled, his tears flowing. �śNo, he isn’t. He’s going to want to clean it, like he always does, and that hurts.”� �śThen why did you come in to see Daddy if you knew what would happen?” she asked rubbing his hair.� Luke slowly stopped crying and just shrugged his shoulders. � She bent to be eye level with him. �śYou don’t believe Daddy would hurt you on purpose, right?” � Luke shook his head. � �śI thought so. I bet you know your daddy will take good care of you and make you feel better, right?” � Luke’s watery eyes stared at Mac. �śCan you make it feel better, Daddy?”� �śI’m sure going to try, buddy. Can I?” � Luke nodded and took Hannah’s hand. Gently, she held it and kissed his knuckles. Mac looked from Luke to Hannah then focused on the knee. He grabbed a dishtowel, wet it then held it gently on the knee for a moment. � �śOw!” Luke yelled. Hannah wrapped her arm around his shoulder and he let his head rest on her shoulder, rubbing his hair with her free hand.� �śWell, son, once again I think you’ve avoided stitches. You can bend it, so it’s not broken.” Mac opened a First Aid kit.� �śDaddy, don’t use the stinging stuff. Don’t.”� Hannah smiled. �śOh, I bet I know what that is.” � Mac looked at her. � �śIt’s what your daddy used on me when I hurt my leg.”� �śDid it sting?” � �śOh, yes, a whole lot.”� �śYou know, you’re not helping the matter,” Mac whispered. � Hannah ignored him. �śBut you know what? When it was all done, my cut was bandaged so it couldn’t get hurt anymore. And the best part was I got to have ice cream.” � Mac eyed her. � �śReally?” Luke asked, glancing at Hannah instead of watching Mac apply pressure to the cut with the wet towel.� �śYup,” she said then whispered to Luke, �śI bet your daddy will do the same for you if you hold still and let him do what he needs to so you can get back to playing.”� �śWill you make me more blueberry muffins?”� � �śAbsolutely, sweetheart.” She kissed the top of his head. � Mac made quick repair of Luke’s injured knee, cleaning it with the dreaded peroxide while Hannah occupied Luke with talking about everything from cartoons to his cousins. Mac applied antibiotic ointment and wrapped a tight bandage around the knee. Luke was laughing with Hannah before he finished. � �śThanks, Daddy. Hannah was right. It feels better already.”� When Luke would’ve jumped down, Mac caught him, keeping him on the counter, and placed both massive arms on either side of his son. �śWhat have I told you about climbing trees, Luke?” he said in a stern yet calm voice.� �śThat I’m not a monkey and not to do it.” � �śSo you disobeyed me. Right?” � �śYes, but I wanted to�"”� � �śDoesn’t matter what you wanted to do,” Mac said, cutting him off, his voice full of authority. �śI told you not to do something and you disobeyed me outright and injured yourself doing so. Now you force me to punish you, Luke.” � Hannah’s heart sank. Her eyes widened, focusing on the boy and man, and she wondered what to expect next. � �śBut, Daddy�Ś” the boy whined, his shoulders sinking.� Mac cut in. �śI don’t want to hear another word, Luke. You were wrong and you’re grounded along with your brothers. You’ll have extra chores to do as much as that bum leg allows and no cartoons. Now go play while you still can and no more climbing anything.”� Luke shuffled out the back door away, head hung low. � Mac cleaned up the counter and glanced at Hannah. �śJesus, Hannah. Would you stop looking so frightened every time I have to punish one of my boys? Believe me. It happens a lot. And I already told you I don’t hit them so stop looking at me like I’m a monster. Shit. I feel bad enough when I have to hand out discipline. You looking horrified don’t help.”� Hannah offered a weak smile, her stomach in knots. �śI’m sorry. I’m just not used to seeing a man so gentle with his kids.”� �śYeah, well, I’m gentler with them than they are with each other.” He closed the First Aid kit and washed his hands before turning back. �śYou know, Hannah, you were great with Luke. I’m not used to having an assistant. You were very helpful.”� �śHe’s a great little kid, Mac.” � �śYou’re a natural mother, you know. You’ll make a great one someday.” � Her heart swelled and a lump formed in her throat. Never had she thought about having a family of her own. Not that she wouldn’t be absolutely overjoyed with kids of her own but she’d never imagined that as part of her life.� �śCome on. Let’s go outside since if I try to kiss you again we’ll only be interrupted by someone,” Mac said softly, taking her hand.� �śWhatever you say�ŚAustin.” � � �śThat’s not fair,” he complained, wrapping his arms around her waist. � �śI don’t believe in playing fair.” � �śYou are such a brat, you know.” His lips landed on hers.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� When Mac pulled into her driveway, Hannah glanced into the backseat. All three boys sat sleepily in the truck. Aidan rested by the window with his arm on the door resting his head. Ryan crouched by the other window sitting in similar fashion to Aidan. And Luke slumped in the middle of them, yawning, his eyes barely open.� �śGoodnight, boys,” Hannah said softly.� �śGoodnight,” they said in different tones.� �śBoys, I’ll be right back. I’m just walking Hannah to her door,” Mac said to them over his shoulder.� �śTake your time,” Aidan said with a grin. � Mac glanced back and didn’t respond to the three sets of eyes watching his every move. � Walking up her front steps, Hannah unlocked the door and turned to Mac, who stood arm’s length away. �śThanks, Mac. I had an absolutely wonderful day. You’re lucky to have such a large, wonderful family.”� He looked down at her, his thumbs hitched in his front pockets. �śI’d kiss you good night, brat, but I’m afraid we have an audience. Probably not a good idea,” he said, disappointment ringing in his voice.� She looked past his shoulder to see the boys watching curiously from the truck. Her gaze returned to Mac. Tenderly she placed her hand to his cheek, feeling the stubble forming, and spoke softly. �śI understand. Goodnight�ŚAustin.”� �śNow that’s not fair.”� �śTold you. I don’t play fair.” She stepped inside and shut the door.� Chapter Nineteen� Monday morning couldn’t come quick enough for Mac. No matter what he did, he hadn’t been able to come up with an excuse to go by Hannah’s yesterday to see her. Christ, only a day had passed since the barbeque and he missed her. What the hell had gotten into him? He scrubbed a hand through his hair, already knowing the answer. � Sex. � He needed to fuck Hannah soon or he would lose his friggin’ mind. Never�"even as a horny teenager�"had he been so obsessed with fucking a woman. Once he got Hannah into bed, he’d get his hormones under control and then his brain would have a blood supply again, giving him back his IQ.� But the thoughts of Hannah’s slender body, with her beautiful face framed by all those long, wild, red curls drove him crazy day and night. Damn. He couldn’t work with a hard-on straining against his jeans. And that was another thing he couldn’t wait for. Once he fucked Hannah, he would walk comfortably again without the constant reminder from his cock of just how badly he wanted the little brat.� Cursing, he got back to work.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Hannah and Sandy walked into Hannah’s house carrying bags from their all day shopping trip. � �śHannah, it was nice to spend the day together. I’m so glad you were home when I stopped by,” Sandy said breathlessly. �śI don’t have a lot of friends. My money scares people off.”� �śReally?” Hannah said, sitting on the stairs, still not sure if she should kick herself for opening the door to the bubbly lady earlier. �śNow I think that’s not true at all. Look at all the people who said hello to you today. I swear if we didn’t have to stop every five seconds for you to greet someone then we would’ve been home hours ago.”� Sandy’s face drooped into a soured look. �śI’m sorry.”� �śStop it.” Hannah took her hand and tugged her down beside her on the step. �śThat was a compliment. You’re a very popular woman, Sandy. How many parties did you get invited to? How many teas? I didn’t know people still had teas,” Hannah noted, and laughed. She could imagine Sandy sitting with a tiny teacup, sipping it daintily.� �śWell, it is the South, you know. Traditions die hard down here.” Abruptly Sandy sat up straight with a starry-eyed expression and excitement in her voice. �śOh, you’ll have to come with me to some of the teas, Hannah. You’ll just love them. We sit around and gossip,” Sandy finished quietly as if the world could hear her.� As sweet as Sandy was Hannah needed to get rid of her new self-appointed best friend since Hannah needed a nice long bath and a big glass of wine. Hannah could only take so much Southern sweetness for one day and Sandy oozed with sugar. Enough that Hannah wished to hear her curse just once or talk bad about someone. She’d never met someone so angelic. No wonder she didn’t have many friends. Who wanted to compete with perfection?� �śHannah? Did you hear a word I said?”� Caught daydreaming, Hannah sighed. �śI’m sorry, Sandy. I had a great time today, but I’m beat.” � �śWe need to do it again soon,” Sandy agreed.� �śDo what again soon?” Mac asked, appearing out of nowhere to stand in the kitchen doorway.� Hannah jumped and whirled around on the step to face him but remained seated. �śWhere’d you come from?” She hated how quietly he could walk into a room.� �śI was setting up sawhorses in the back yard. The crew and me will be here tomorrow to start the job as planned.” He turned and acknowledged Sandy. �śHi, sugar. Didn’t expect to see you here.”� �śOh, we just got back.”� �śBack?” Mac leaned against the wall, crossing his arms.� �śWe had a girl’s day out.” � Hannah cringed. Sandy was too damn excited about it.� �śYou seem to be having a lot of those lately,” he said to Hannah.� �śDidn’t know I needed permission,” she said, sarcastically.� He shoved away from the wall. �śHardly,” he said, holding his palms out. �śHopefully she didn’t manage to get you in any trouble, Sandy. She’s known for that.”� �śOh, go to hell, Mac,” Hannah said, offering a short giggle to hide her embarrassment of him catching her off guard. Oh, my God. What if she had been divulging her secret sexual fantasies about him? A quick glance at pristine Sandy and Hannah admitted that wouldn’t have happened�Śbut still. �śAnd don’t you tell me not to swear. I’ll swear if I damn well please. This is my house. And shouldn’t you be working instead of walking in on a private conversation?” She tried to keep her voice calm and not show how much he frazzled her just by standing so close.� He smirked. �śActually I’m done for the day. Was just heading out, brat.”� � �śYou know what would be fun, Hannah?” Sandy jumped up with an obvious attempt to change the subject. �śYou and I should go out on the town some time. You know, a girl’s night out.” She giggled.� Before Hannah could answer, Mac spoke. �śSandy, that probably wouldn’t be a good idea. Since you’re a sweetheart, Hannah’s not the type you should hang around with.”� �śWhat?” Hannah practically screeched. �śWhat the hell is that supposed to mean?” � �śFor one thing you’re trouble and Sandy’s not. I won’t have you corrupting her. She’s one of the last honorable women around.” � The Southern belle beamed like a schoolgirl.� �śReally?” Hannah turned to Sandy. �śI’m free still. How about a girl’s night tonight?”� �śReally?” Sandy clutched her hands together. �śThat would be wonderful.”� �śHannah,” Mac said, his voice dripping with a warning.� She ignored him and spoke to Sandy. �śHopefully we’ll get lucky tonight. You know, meet a couple of cowboys.” � Sandy dismissed the idea. �śMaybe you but not me.”� �śNonsense. I’ll do your hair and makeup. It’ll be a blast.”� �śHannah,” Mac said, his tone firm, warning of his displeasure. � �śYou were leaving, weren’t you, Mac?” Hannah said with faked politeness and gestured toward the door.� �śCan I talk to you privately?”� �śNo. I have company.” She turned her attention back to the sweet woman.� Did he just growl? She almost laughed.� �śNow, Mac, Hannah is nothing like that,” Sandy said, floating across the floor like a ballerina to entwine her arm in Mac’s. �śTonight is about a couple of ladies getting together for girl time. You don’t have to worry about me, you silly guy.”� Mac kept his eyes on Hannah’s. �śSweetheart, you’re not the one I’m worried about. You’re not trouble with a capital H.”� �śWhy don’t you leave now, Mac?” Hannah said, opening the door, standing with one hand on her hip. �śI’d like to relax before getting ready to go out.” � �śNo problem.” Mac walked by her to the door then turned back. �śYou ladies have fun tonight. Stay out of trouble, brat.” He winked and then left. Just like that. � �śOh, the nerve of that man. I don’t know why I let him get to me the way he does,” Hannah said, pacing. � �śNow, Hannah. Mac is the sweetest man I’ve ever known. Don’t be hard on him.”� �śThen you don’t know too many men, Sandy. The man is rude, obnoxious, arrogant. Argh! I must be insane to have hired him. We’ll kill each other for sure.” � Sandy paled. � �śOh, Christ, Sandy. I’m only speaking out of temper. It’s a joke.”� �śOkay.” Her wide eyes showed disbelief in the way they searched Hannah’s face. �śDo you still want to go out tonight?”� �śAbsolutely. We said we’re having a girl’s night and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. If Mac thinks I’m trouble then I guess I better just go out and cause some then.”� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Six hours later Hannah had caused a lot of trouble. At ten o’clock at night, she sat in the sheriff’s jail cell. Her cellmate, Sandy, had just been sprung by her brother. Now Hannah awaited the one person she didn’t want to see to pick her up. Could her night get any worse?� When she and Sandy had walked into the Rodeo Bar & Grill for their ill-fated girl’s night out, Hannah had been looking forward to blowing off steam and having a good time. Sandy exuded too much sweetness for Hannah to worry about getting into any trouble with, but then again, Hannah had only ever needed herself to get into trouble. And tonight had been no different.� When Hannah had invited two cowboys to join her and Sandy, it had been in hopes of getting poor Sandy laid, since the girl obviously needed to have some action between the sheets. Sandy had been widowed two years earlier, and Hannah was sure she’d not had sex since. So in an attempt to get her new friend laid, Hannah invited over the cowboys who had already sent two drinks to their table. Hannah had made it clear she had no interest in them but her adorable friend could use some male companionship. All had occurred according to plan since one of the cowboys had indeed been infatuated with Sandy.� Thirty minutes later Hannah had become bored to death of listening to Sandy’s sugar-sweet life stories.� �śWanna dance?” a deep voice said from behind her.� Hannah had turned and gladly accepted the man’s offer. Unfortunately, Mr. Cowboy Number Two had decided to cut in, but the man refused. How was Hannah to know all hell was about to break loose?� When the fists flew Hannah heard Sandy scream, �śHannah, help!”� �śChrist,” Hannah said, and ran to her side. But when Hannah’s ass got pinched she turned around to find the culprit, Mr. Cowboy Number Two. � �śHey, knock off the shit,” Hannah yelled over the commotion.� �śMake me, darling,” the jerk said.� Now maybe she’d taken her temper out on him�"the very temper Mac had put her in earlier�"but at that moment she hadn’t cared. She’d hauled off and let her fist split the loser’s lip. � Hannah had ducked in time to miss a chair that flew over her head. � Sandy screamed some more. �śHannah. Hannah, help me.” � God, her squeaky, sugary voice could be heard over the hustle and bustle of the melee. � Hannah had climbed over men pounding each other bloody. When she had finally reached Sandy’s side, the poor girl had been crying and hysterical. Holding her hadn’t helped to calm her.� The sheriff and his deputies had arrived and quickly brought the scene under control. As luck would have it Mac’s brother Josh, of course, had been on duty. At least he’d personally taken care of her and Sandy.� �śNow I don’t want to see you ladies in handcuffs,” Josh had said, grinning at Hannah. � Oh, how he’d loved her predicament, hadn’t he? �śBut I still have to place y’all in the back of my cruiser.”� �śWhy?” Hannah asked, her temper brimming to the edge with heat.� �śWell, the bartender pointed you out as the cause of the trouble, so I’ve got to bring you in,” Josh said. � �śHe what? I didn’t start anything,” Hannah said before he drove them to the sheriff’s office.� Hannah refused to speak to Josh on the ride but when the sheriff met them at his department she had plenty to say. Once again she had worked herself up into a good temper. �śSheriff, this is inexcusable. Your deputy here took the stupid bartender’s side. I did nothing wrong.”� The sheriff walked her to the back. �śYou need to calm down, Ms. O’Leary. Or else.”� �śOr else what?” she demanded. � He tossed her into a cell and slammed the door. � Her chin shot up. �śI can see you have nothing better to do around here than arrest innocent women.”� �śDon’t recall saying you were under arrest, my dear,” the sheriff said and walked back to his desk.� �śThen why did you lock me up?” she’d said through gritted teeth.� �śTo cool that temper of yours down some. Now sit tight. And behave yourself.” The sheriff had plopped his fat ass into the chair.� Josh had just laughed, walking out of the holding area. �śMac don’t know what a lucky sonnova bitch he is.”� So now here she sat in the jail cell, having found out what the �Śor else’ had been.� Male voices caught her attention, breaking her reverie. She cringed. She would recognize that Southern drawl anywhere.� The sounds got closer until Mac’s gaze caught hers from the other side of the metal bars while a deputy walked him back. �śWhat seems to be the problem, Sheriff?” Mac asked, glancing at Hannah sitting in the cell. � �śSeems she caused a ruckus.”� Mac turned to Hannah. �śCausing ruckuses, are you now?” he charged sarcastically and scowled. His accusatory tone held not an ounce of sympathy. � �śShe caused a brawl,” Sheriff Greely explained, his bald spot barely covered by a comb-over that only made him appear older.� �śA brawl? Are you shitting me? Where’s Sandy?” Mac whipped his head around searching the room, his frown deepening.� �śYou heard me right,” the sheriff said. �śSandy’s brother picked her up a little while ago. Seems Hannah was her ride and since Hannah wasn’t able to drive at the moment, Sandy had to call for a ride. I’ll have her car towed back to her house.”� �śI told you this was a bad idea,” Mac said, those blue icy eyes blazing into her soul. � �śHannah claims she was an innocent bystander. Bartender says differently.” The sheriff laughed, a deep gut kind of laugh.� �śThis isn’t funny! Mac!” She stood at the bars holding her captive. �śSheriff, are you going to let me out of here now?”� �śWell, that all depends, pretty lady.”� �śOn what?” she said, her voice rising to a frantic plea. �śYou said if I had someone come pick me up then I could go.” � �śWell, hold on now, Ms. O’Leary. I have to make sure Mac knows what he’s getting himself into, picking you up and all.”� �śOh, I think I get the picture.” Mac sent a stern gaze her way. �śWhat’s the bail, Sheriff?”� �śThere’s none. I just wanted her to cool down but since she wouldn’t, I couldn’t let her drive.” � �śOf course,” Mac agreed.� �śSo you want to take her with you, Mac?” The sheriff licked jelly donut off of his stubby fingers. �śIf not, then she can sit there until she wears off her temper and can quiet down.” � Mac hesitated as if thinking. � �śMac!” she shrieked. Panic settled deep in her bones. Of course, he had no reason to help her. Just because they had a physical attraction didn’t mean he had to bail her out of jail. Oh God, he damn well better. �śYou can’t leave me here!” � �śI can and I should but, fortunately, I have a better idea on how to get a handle on that damn temper of yours.” � �śOkay, then, Mac. She’s all yours.” His keys jingled as he opened the cell.� �śLucky me,” he said. � Mac grabbed her hand and held it firmly like a child. How dare he? Just wait until they got outside. She’d be sure to get her hand back!� �śNow, Mac. I’m releasing her into your custody. That means you’re responsible for her actions. Well, at least for the rest of tonight.” Another stupid laugh. �śJust make sure she doesn’t cause any more trouble.” � Mac looked from the sheriff to Hannah. �śNo problem, Sheriff. I can pretty much guarantee she’ll be no more trouble�Śtonight.”� They walked outside�"actually he dragged her, but she kept up with those long legs as best she could. He opened the passenger door of his truck and placed his hands on her waist. Without any effort he lifted her and dropped her on the seat. � �śWell! I can’t believe�"” she sputtered.� He slammed the door shut, cutting off her protests. Her mouth gaped while she scrutinized the way he stomped around his truck to the other side. When he climbed inside and started the engine, she lit into him. � �śHow dare you treat me like a child? And how dare you practically throw me into this truck?”� �śShut up, Hannah,” he said casually. �śIf you know what’s good for you you’ll shut up this instant.”� �śDon’t you think you can threaten me.” From this angle, she could only see his profile, the intensity of his eyes while they stared out the windshield, the firm line of his lips, the twitch of his jaw muscle. � Keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, he quickly glanced at her. �śPut your seatbelt on.”� �śNo.” Swinging around in her seat, she folded her arms and stared out into the darkness.� Without warning he swung the steering wheel, pulled over to the curb, and slammed the gearshift into park. He quickly leaned over her and seat belted her himself. �śI know a damn good way to deal with that damn hot temper of yours, so watch it.”� �śGo to hell.” Never had she been so angry. Her temper boiled. She hated when she let herself get this worked up. After all, she called him to pick her up. And he didn’t have to come. And on top of that, he was the one who’d put her in this damn temper to begin with�"by slandering her name and saying she was trouble, warning Sandy to stay away from her. � He drove glancing at her every few seconds. � �śYou got something to say, Mac, then say it. If not, keep your eyes on the road and off of me.”� �śTomorrow you’re going to apologize to the bar owner for that brawl.”� A long laugh escaped her throat. �śYeah, right. There’s no way I’m apologizing. I did nothing wrong.”� He shot her an angry look. �śYeah, and I believe that.”� �śMac? Who’s watching the kids?” she said suddenly remembering the late hour.� �śI called my mother to watch Ryan and Luke so I could come get you. Aidan was out with his girlfriend and not due home for another half hour. Didn’t want to keep you waiting, darling.”� �śAnd here I thought you were prepared to leave me there.” If he wanted to have an attitude with her then she sure would give it back.� �śThat I should’ve done.”� �śThen why didn’t you?”� �śGuess I’m a sucker for a pretty woman in distress.” � She sulked. How had this nightfall to pieces so quickly? One minute she’d enjoyed dancing and the next she sat in jail. Now she had to deal with Mac’s sarcasm, which she had no patience for at the moment. She should’ve saved them both the time and trouble and just choked him earlier when he had set her bad mood for the night with his insinuations with Sandy.� His voice broke into her thoughts. �śSo do you promise to apologize tomorrow and calm down now?”� Christ, did he always want his way? �śI said no. You’re not telling me what to do.” � His eyes flashed a blue streak of lightning before his attention returned to the road. �śI’m warning you that you’ll calm down or else. You have about one minute to do so.” � �śJust drive me home. I’ve already heard that line from the sheriff. Believe me, he didn’t impress me and neither do you.” The briskness of the AC had done nothing to cool off her irritability and now, sitting this close to Mac forced her to inhale his fresh-from-the-shower scent with every breath. Mixed with the green pine tree air freshener dangling from the rearview mirror it continuously reminded her of the outdoors, wild and rugged. Getting turned on right now just wouldn’t help things. She needed her pillow not wet panties.� �śNo,” he said simply, his gaze glued to the road that twisted and turned into the darkness.� �śNo?” Her eyes widened at his defiance. �śWhat do you mean no?” � His head swiveled, his face emotionless. �śHannah. Last warning. I’m not putting up with your temper any longer. I’m not driving you home until you get it under control. If you can’t, well, darling, I’m sure as hell going to help you.”� �śI knew I shouldn’t have called you.” With nothing better to do with her clenched fists, clearly not wanting to kill them both by knocking him upside the head while he drove, she crossed her arms and stewed.� �śThen why did you?”� How could she tell him the truth? That she had been afraid, alone, and she could count on him. Her temper, still raging, wouldn’t let her come anywhere near the truth. And why did he have to act all macho now when her body hummed for his touch, every time he spoke? Using an authoritative tone only added to her arousal. She wanted nothing more than to unwrap the beast within him, channel that power to bring them both pleasure, and rise to the challenge of temper meeting temper. �śBecause you’re the only one I really know around here. Why do you think?”� �śOh, and here I thought you called me because you couldn’t stop thinking of me.” He stopped in a deserted parking lot abutted by massive trees. Killing the ignition, he turned, his long arm stretching along the back of the seat. �śYou ready to promise to apologize and cool down that temper of yours right now and stop being a little witch?” � Did he just call her a witch? The arrogant bastard. �śNo. Where are we?” she asked, glancing around, recognizing the area from driving to Mac’s house. � �śFilbin Creek. Nice little place to cool off.” He got out and walked around to her door. Before she knew what was happening, he dragged her out of the truck by her arm then hauled her over his shoulder and strode toward the water. The quiet lap of water hitting the shore told her they were close to it. � �śPut me down. What are you doing?” She punched at his back, not even causing him to flinch.� He dropped her easily onto her butt on the cool sand. She cursed him.� Staring down, he grinned, his lips parting to show straight white teeth that right now were taunting her. Why did he have to be so sexy when she wanted to hate him?� �śLast chance, Hannah. Are you going to apologize to the bartender for tonight?”� Ignoring him was impossible. Perhaps the silent treatment would prove effective. So she sat there, leaning back on her palms and didn’t speak. He dropped to the sand, sitting next to her, and yanked her across his lap with little effort.� Hannah lay face down in the sand by the time she realized what the odd position implied. But it proved too late. � Mac’s hand landed hard on her jean-clad bottom.� �śOw!” she protested. �śWhat the hell do you think you’re doing, Mac?”� He whacked her butt again, hard. �śI thought it was obvious but if you need an explanation. Spanking you. I warned you not to push my temper over the edge. I’ve had all of yours,” he said sternly, his hand landing on her bottom again, �śthat I’m going to put up with.” � His hand landed on its target again. She tried to wiggle free with no success.� �śYou can’t spank me,” she yelled. Another stinging smack landed on her wiggling bottom. �śOw!”� �śLooks like I am,” he said so matter-of-factly she wanted to choke him. �śI’d say it’s about damn time someone spanked you.”� �śOw. Stop! I’m twenty-six years old!”� �śWell, you’re acting like you’re six.”� Another spank landed soundly on the middle of her rear end. Her tender flesh was on fire. What was this beast of a man thinking? And would those obnoxious insects stop their stupid humming! � �śHow dare you do this? Stop!” She attempted to use her hand to cover her bottom but he quickly held it captive behind her back then rewarded her efforts with a hard swat that meant business. �śLet me up,” she demanded. �śMac! Mac!”� Ignoring her, he continued spanking her poor bottom, landing that meaty hand across her fiery backside with regular rhythm.� Chapter Twenty� Hannah’s fists clenched, the gesture useless while she remained upside down. Oh, if he thought she’d shown him her temper before just wait until she got free from his iron grip. Using every bit of strength she possessed, she shoved against his thighs. But with her confined hand held snugly at her back, the effort to break his indestructible hold proved useless. She kicked her legs but couldn’t lift them more than a few inches off the sand in this position. She twisted her body, unable to avoid the stinging swats. Mac simply held her in place, firmly and easily, and continued laying one wallop after another on her wincing bottom.� Exhausted and resigned to her fate, Hannah finally lay helplessly across Mac’s lap while he thoroughly spanked her.� �śWell, brat? I’m still waiting for your answer.” His voice appeared calm, but there could be no mistaking his seriousness. He meant to have a reply.� The swine had the nerve to talk now after at least a dozen swats? But she had quickly become unglued. Her temper had departed, and her bottom smarted from each new slap. � �śI’ll apologize,” she agreed, her pride bruised, temper deflated.� When he stopped the paddling, relief flooded her. Then he surprised her and massaged her ass for a minute. Instantly, she became motionless. The way his large hand traced the curves of her butt delving deeper and deeper between her cheeks, and his fingers slipping between her thighs had her swallowing hard and searching for her voice to demand him to stop. But his hands kneading her hot flesh felt just too damned good to speak up. � By the time he finally lifted her from his lap, her breaths came fast and furious, yet his remained his calm and steady. Of course, he hadn’t just been punished like a naughty child. Her eyes stung with the tears that threatened to run down her cheeks, not from the pain�"because it really hadn’t hurt much�"but from how foolish she felt. Why did she always allow her stupid temper to rule her brain? It was like pent up frustration or something.� Admitting only to herself, she definitely could’ve, should’ve, handled tonight much better. Could she honestly blame Mac if she purposely drove him over the edge with her terrible disposition? After he’d done her the favor of picking her up at the sheriff’s office, he’d warned her over and over he wouldn’t deal with her temper, hadn’t he? � For a moment, Hannah sat, the sand a cool compress on her flaming bottom, and stared in shock at Mac. He seemed satisfied and pleased. The swine! Who did he think he was? First he spanked her for her errant temper then had the nerve to stroke her, turning her on when she really just wanted to remain mad at him. But then he stopped touching her, leaving her aching and ready to beg for more. If she could find her voice, she’d scream. � He kept his eyes on her while he removed his work boots and socks, tossing them carelessly onto the ground.� When he stood, she swore she could make out the outline of his long erection against his tight jeans but the dark of night could have been playing tricks with her eyes. When he picked her up and cradled her in his arms, she didn’t know what to expect. Quickly, he walked into the lake. � �śYou need to chill that temper off now, brat.”� Figuring out what he meant to do, she attempted to latch onto his neck. �śDon’t you dare!” � But he dropped her into water. The cold rush of waves hit her hot rear end and then covered her head, fully submerging her. She sank to the bottom. � When her feet touched the creek bed, she stood up and burst through the shallow water, gasping.� Mac stood in front of her, arms crossed. He stared at her, the moonlight glistening off his black hair. She let go of a string of curses, her temper returning full blast.� �śDarling, I’ve got some really good hand soap in the truck. Commercial grade. Smells like shit but does the job. Probably wouldn’t taste that good but you’ll find out if I so much as hear one more curse word out of you,” he said, his voice quiet and angry.� She didn’t doubt him since he was in a fine temper himself, so she only glared.� Like earlier, he grabbed a hold of her hand like a child, and strutted toward the shore, dragging her behind him, water dripping from her whole body. It may have been eighty degrees out but she shivered in the gusty breeze that swept through the trees. � When they arrived at the sand, he retrieved his boots and socks and continued walking. At the parking lot, Mac released Hannah’s hand and leaned against his truck to put his boots on. � When he finished, he said, �śStrip.”� �śW-what?” She stared at him. Did she just hear him right?� He looked at her. �śDid I stutter? I said strip.” He opened the back door to rumble through a gym bag and pull out a T-shirt. � �śI’m not stripping.” Her long, damp hair blew into her face, fanning her wet skin. A shiver raced through her body.� �śYou’re not sitting in my truck soaking wet either.” His authoritative stance demanded he be obeyed. � It just so happened she didn’t take lightly to being ordered to do anything. �śThat was your bright idea.”� �śAnd your fault. I have a spare T-shirt that’ll fit you like a dress. Now are you going to remove those wet things, or am I? The bra and panties too.” He perused her entire body. �śI want everything off.”� Oh, did he? She glared. �śYou wouldn’t dare.”� When he only looked at her, she inhaled sharply. �śYou are the most obnoxious, horrible, swine, jerk�"”� �śUh uh uh. Watch it.” His finger wagged in front of her face. �śYou wouldn’t want to curse and end up with a mouthful of that tasty soap.” � �śI hate you!” she screamed, her clenched fists held defiantly at her sides.� �śI’m sure you do and your time is up.” � His large hand snaked out, grabbing her. She jumped back but he moved quicker, managing to catch her forearm. � �śAll right! I’ll take them off.” Shrugging free of his grasp, she stepped back a foot. �śGive me the T-shirt and turn around.” � �śShy are we? Now with that mouth and temper I wouldn’t have taken you as a shy woman, Hannah.” His mocking stare only pissed her off more.� �śTurn around,” she said through gritted teeth.� Giving her his back, he leaned his shoulder against the truck. �śMake it quick.”� Shooting daggers at his very muscular shoulders, she removed the soggy clothes. It was a weird feeling to stand naked in the open night air with Mac three feet from her. Even with him turned, she couldn’t help but feel like he was watching her.� She quickly tossed his T-shirt over her head and once again stood decent. She balled up her wet clothes, looked at the back of his head, and even though she knew she shouldn’t, even though her sore bottom warned her not to, she flexed her arm back and sent the wet clothes flying into the back of his head.� The accompanying thump had her giggling until he turned around and glared. � �śSorry. I couldn’t resist,” she confessed sheepishly.� �śDo that again and I’ll�"”� �śYou’ll what, Mac? You’ve already spanked me.” � Teasing him, she caressed her bottom over the fabric of the old T-shirt. Heat flashed in his eyes�"and it had nothing to do with temper and everything to do with desire. She’d seen desire in enough men’s eyes to know Mac was full of it right now.� �śNot good enough it seems,” he growled. �śIf you don’t pick up your clothes they can stay there. Get in the truck.”� She barely had time to gather her clothes again before he snatched the pile and tossed it into his pickup bed. Then he opened her door, his aggravation radiating off him in waves.� �śMy, what manners,” she purred. �śEspecially after spanking me.”� �śGet in the damn truck, Hannah.”� Barefoot, since her sandals had joined her clothes for the ride in the truck bed, she scooted in before he slammed the door shut.� Getting into his side, he latched his seatbelt and glanced her way. She sat with her arms crossed. He stretched across her to place her seatbelt on her without a word. The bristle of his strong arm over her belly sent heat shooting deep within the center between her legs. She’d never admit to him how lying across his knee had aroused her, the feel of his hand landing on her ass exciting her.� While he drove, she stared out the window absolutely refusing to talk to the brute. She couldn’t wait to get home, if that’s where he finally took her and not on another excursion. Every minute she sat on the hard leather seat reminded her of what just happened. � A few minutes later, he broke the silence. �śI’m not apologizing for that spanking. You earned it and have been tempting me to give you one since our little trip down the stairs.” � Choosing to ignore him had been for the best since she had nothing nice to say so she was better off just keeping her mouth shut for once. Oh, but she wanted to tell him to go to hell just one more time. � When he laughed, her head swung around to face him, forgetting she wanted to ignore him. She narrowed her eyes. �śGlad you think this is funny, Mac.”� �śActually I think you look adorable right now.”� �śWhat?” she asked, stunned. Was he insane?� �śYou’re adorable sitting there, hair wet, mascara smudged, wearing nothing but my old T-shirt, squirming in that seat because your pretty little bottom hurts, and watching every word you say so as not to swear when what you really want to do is let go of a string of curses.” � �śWhich I may just do any second. Soap or no soap.”� �śAgain. It’ll be you’re fault, darling. The consequences that is.”� �śYou don’t scare me, Austin MacDevin!”� He sighed. �śI know, brat. I know.”� Turning into her driveway, he killed the ignition before walking to the rear of his truck to retrieve her wet clothes. She’d already started to walk to her front door before he caught up. Grabbing the clothes from him, she sent him a dangerous look. � �śThanks for nothing.” Her fingers fumbled through her wet jeans pocket for her house key since she didn’t have a purse with her. �śYour duty is over. You can leave now.”� �śNot yet seeing that I’m responsible for you.” His breath tickled her ear. In her search for her keys she hadn’t realized how close he’d gotten. Now he stood behind her, his chest to her back. �śThat means I need to make sure you get into bed.” � Her neck dared to crane back, her lips at his chin. There could be no mistaking the look on his face. The swine had just brutalized her rear end and now he wanted sex? Well, fine time to offer when she wanted to stay mad�Śor at least pretend to be. Could she have sex with him and still remain mad? Yeah, she could. � And would. � � � Chapter Twenty-One� With a breathy voice reserved for flirting, Hannah spoke slowly. �śThanks but I really don’t need to be tucked in.” � Mac’s arm circled her waist, his chest against her back, while his hand slid over hers and his fingers took her keys. Staying in position, he leaned her forward with him, inserted the key and opened the door, then motioned for her to enter. He followed, shutting the door behind him. Dropping her wet clothes on the floor at her feet, she faced him, the desire in his eyes burning even brighter in the soft light of her hallway.� �śTomorrow, Hannah, you’re going to call the bar owner, who happens to be a friend of mine�"”� �śOf course he is. Everyone’s your friend,” she accused, her words holding no heat. Those wicked blue eyes of his captivated her.� With one step forward he ate up the space between them. He looked down at her and spoke quietly, �śAnd you’re going to apologize. See if you owe him any compensation for damages. If you don’t call, I’ll make tonight look like a picnic, sweetheart. I promise you.” � Hannah’s mouth opened in shock. �śYou know there are laws against hitting women.” � Mac rolled his eyes. �śOh, for Christ’s sakes! I spanked you and not even hard. It was more to get your damn attention through your stubbornness. Don’t act like I beat you.” He lifted her chin, keeping his other hand on her waist. �śAnd I wasn’t talking about spanking you again. Maybe I’ll arouse you to the point of insanity and not allow you release until you agree to take care of things at the bar.”� �śMaybe I’d enjoy that.” Her pussy agreed, aching with a need she’d never experienced.� �śYou’re adorable when you pout.” � �śI’m not pouting.” � �śAren’t you? But I’d say it’s more from embarrassment than pain. Believe me. I went easy on you.” � �śCould’ve fooled me.” Her hands rested on his hips. Didn’t he look so sexy, standing in her ramshackle house, trying to be menacing when his words didn’t reach his eyes? � His laugh sounded genuine enhanced by a smile spreading across his face. �śMaybe if you didn’t try to push my buttons every chance you got you wouldn’t cause me to regress to a Neanderthal state.”� She gasped. �śTypical male. Blame the victim.” � His laugh echoed the empty house. �śOh, now you’re a victim?” � She shrugged. � �śWhat I think you are is one heck of a feisty hell cat who takes the world on with her temper and finds herself lashing out at those around her. And since you arrived in town I’ve been the lucky recipient of most of your temper. So, given that, do you think it not fair I finally paddled that pretty little ass of yours?” � She grit her teeth, not wanting to admit he was right. � Still laughing, he gathered her into a hug, those burly arms circling her, holding her against his chest, his heart thumping under her ear. �śI’m glad you called me to pick you up.”� She looked up at him in shock. �śWhy? I seem to be a lot of trouble for you.” � He stared down at her. �śThat you are, brat. Trouble with a capital H. But I don’t think I’d change a thing.” � �śReally? Even my bad temper?”� � �śMaybe I’d tone it down a bit.” His knuckle skimmed her cheek, sending tiny firecrackers along her skin. �śDo me a favor?”� �śWhat?” She wrapped her arms around his neck and fluttered her lashes, relishing the desire in his eyes. � �śKiss me.” His hands glided over her bottom, gently caressing it through the T-shirt. � She smiled, his hands doing wonders at massaging her sore bottom, and doing more to heat her pussy. Staring into his eyes, she stood close enough to see the gray specks hidden in the bright blue. �śAustin. You’re so damn sexy.”� �śSexy, huh?”� Her fingers danced in small circles on his chest. �śUh huh. And very handsome.”� �śHandsome too?”� She bit her bottom lip. �śUh huh. But most of all you have a great heart.”� �śNow that I can honestly say I’ve never been accused of before.”� �śStop it. You love your kids and your family. Everyone in town is your friend. I’ve never heard a bad word about you.”� His body swayed ever so slightly with hers. �śExcept from you.”� �śYeah. Except from me but that’s only when you get me into a temper.”� �śWhen I get you into a temper? You are such a little brat. I’m glad I spanked you,” he teased and grinned.� �śYou lie. Right now, because you have a heart, you’re feeling pretty bad about spanking me. Right?”� His shoulders rose and fell in a half shrug. �śMaybe. But I know you deserved it. It was inevitable. It was going to be tonight or some other night in the very near future.”� She laughed. �śYou wouldn’t be rubbing my bottom right now to make it feel better if you didn’t have a heart, Austin.”� He studied her for a moment, a wicked look coming into the depths of his eyes. �śMaybe I just like the feel of your very fine ass. Ever think of that?”� �śNope. That’s not it and you know it. That’s why you’re still here. To make sure I’m okay. Face it. You hated spanking me.”� �śHell, no. I enjoyed every second your pretty little ass warmed under my hand. I’m glad you tempted me to paddle you tonight. The way you wiggled in my lap drove my cock crazy.”� �śMust mean I really do have a fantastic effect on you.” Her laugh shook her body. Or was that a shudder from the effect of his hands on her ass?� �śGo ahead and laugh. You’re the one with the sore bottom.”� �śNot anymore. You made it feel all better, Austin.”� �śHannah.”� �śYes.” She leaned up and took his mouth, giving in to the wildness of the evening, and to her trembling body. Needing to share the warmth emanating from him, she snuggled closer to his chest until they were one. � His hands lingered on her bottom, his fingers gently kneading her tender flesh. Giving her entry, his mouth moved across hers, their tongues wrestled, explored, tasted.� Eagerly her mouth crossed over his, needing to feast, needing to devour. He tasted of man, hot and spicy. Succumbing to her desires, she pulled away, eager to enjoy all of him.� �śI’ve been a naughty girl tonight, Austin. Wouldn’t you agree? Tell me why that spanking excited me more than anything.”� His only sound released in a guttural growl, his eyes bright and concentrating on her lips.� �śI think I should show you just how naughty I can be, Austin.”� Her hand grabbed the back of his head and dragged his mouth back down to hers. When he inched her T-shirt up to slide over her bare bottom and gently stroked her from her lower back to her thighs, she squelched the urge to cry out at the pleasure his touch sent pulsating through her body. She caressed his shoulders, her fingernails dug into the hard muscle. Tasting him again, her tongue moving at record speed with his, she found heaven. Her mind threatened to void of all thoughts, a stunning effect he had on her. When his fingers cupped her bottom and picked her up, she wrapped her legs around his waist. Then the one little brain cell still receiving oxygen kicked into overdrive. She broke the kiss in a panic.� Wearing only a T-shirt and clinging to his fully clothed, aroused body, Hannah glued her hands behind his neck while he held her to him. �śThe boys. They’re probably home alone by now, Austin. You’ve got to get back home.” � �śAidan’s there. He knows how to reach me. Right now I want to make love to you and plan on carrying you up those stairs unless you tell me no.” � �śIt’s probably not a good idea, tonight. It’s already late.” What was she afraid of? She needed to get laid and Mac would be damn good in bed. His scorching kisses said so.� �śIf you tell me to leave, Hannah, I will.” His voice sounded emotionless, unlike his breathing that remained heavy. � She thought about it. �śYou should leave, Austin.”� His expression remained blank when he slowly placed her on her feet. Walking to the door, he stopped and looked back at her, said, �śGoodnight, Hannah,” He walked out into the night, shutting the door behind him.� Her feet danced in place while she bit her bottom lip. Don’t be afraid to take what you want. She had needs and Mac had been one of the biggest ones. Without another second of hesitation, she scurried out the door. �śAustin!”� Mac stopped just before he got to his truck door and stared back. Running across the driveway, she stopped at the front of his truck, did her nervous foot dance for three seconds then bolted and jumped into his arms, kissing him feverishly. � �śI’m sorry,” she said breathless against his lips. �śI got scared. I want you too much for my liking.” She slid out of his embrace and hooked a finger into his belt loop, tugging until he followed her inside.� Mac shut the door behind him then gathered Hannah into his arms, his lips landing on hers, moving to her jaw, her neck. His hand snaked up the front of her T-shirt to find her breast, her nipple already perked for him to pinch and rub. He looked into her eyes for a long moment, squeezing her breast, an exquisite tingle of pleasure pulsed through to her belly. � �śYou’re not scared of me, are you, Hannah?”� �śNo.” Her voice sounded needy, and she cringed inwardly. �śI’m scared of me. I’ve never wanted a man like I want you. There’s never been a man I’ve met that could compete with a vibrator.”� Mac laughed. �śYou’re so friggin’ amazing, Hannah.”� Without warning, he scooped her up into his strong arms and made it upstairs in seconds, evidently as needy as she was. He lowered her to the bed and lay on top of her, capturing her mouth in another delicious kiss. � His cell phone rang.� �śShit,” he complained, jumping up, and fishing the phone out of his jean pocket. �śI have to answer it. The kids,” he said. �śHello?” he said breathless. Glancing at Hannah, he mouthed, �śIt’s Aidan.” He rolled his eyes. �śLet him sleep in your bed until I get home. Give me ten minutes and I’ll be there.”� Disconnecting, he ran a hand through his short, black hair, clearly as flustered as she. �śLuke woke up with a nightmare and won’t go to bed without Daddy. Hannah, I’m so sorry. I have to go home. I want to stay.”� Hannah crawled to the end of the bed and leaned up on her knees, softly kissing his lips quickly. �śGo, Austin. You have to. Luke needs you.” � �śAnd I need you, Hannah.” For emphasis he squeezed her breast through the thin cotton of the T-shirt.� �śWe’ll have another time.” Was she purring now? Jesus, he was ungluing her.� �śPromise?” Desperation coated his voice.� �śI think that goes without saying�ŚAustin. Go home to Luke. He needs his daddy.”� �śOkay.” With one final kiss, he pulled back. �śNo hard feelings about tonight?”� �śAustin, you’re the first man that has ever paid attention to me. Truly paid attention. I brought on tonight all by myself. And it’s probably not the last time, I warn you.”� �śGod help me.” � His smile was so sweet she melted. � �śBut I respect you,” she said. �śNo hard feelings.”� �śI like you being a brat, you know. Makes life interesting.”� �śGo home and take care of your boys, Austin.” She leaned up and stole one more deep kiss. �śI’ll take care of their daddy another night.”� �śNow that is the best offer I’ve had in a very long time.” His knuckles skimmed her jaw, his fingers touched her lips where she’d planted a kiss before he turned and left.� With Mac’s T-shirt fitting her like a nightgown, Hannah wrapped the sheets around herself. Scooting into her bed, she fell asleep dreaming of Mac’s kisses and caresses.� Chapter Twenty-Two� Hannah discovered that six thirty in the morning came early after her restless night of trying to sleep. But all she found herself in had been a miserable horny state and dreaming of being in Mac’s arms. They had almost made love last night. God, she had never wanted something so much in her life. And now the very man who had stolen her breath away with every kiss had just let himself into her house, preparing to start the project that, when finished, would take her away from Charleston for good. Well, except for the quarterly visits she performed for each site. � Still wearing Mac’s old T-shirt, Hannah hugged her pillow and listened to the male voices emanating from downstairs. Mac wouldn’t be alone. Of course not. She sighed and stretched long and hard. He did tell her his crew would arrive by seven so it must be Aidan down there with him. If Mac had arrived by himself, he wouldn’t waste any time jumping in her bed and making love. She knew when a man wanted her and Mac definitely wanted her.� She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. It probably didn’t prove a good sign how they always got interrupted from making love. Maybe the gods thought they shouldn’t. Maybe it wouldn’t be in the cards for them to be intimate.� Hannah jumped up. To hell with the damn cards. She wanted Mac and she would have him. Soon.� If she couldn’t wear off her edginess with good hot sex then she’d do the next best thing. Go for a long hard run. � After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she regrettably removed the T-shirt, remembering how Mac’s hands had massaged over her bare bottom, remembering the jolt of heat that had shot through her blood when his hand closed over her breast. Thinking of last night would definitely not help her horniness, so she needed to focus on something other than Mac and sex.� She donned a baby blue sports bra, short black bike shorts that clung to her curves, and her favorite white running sneakers. She hooked her iPod into its armband on her upper arm and adjusted her headphones. She walked down the stairs slowly, her belly fluttering like a thousand butterflies jostling to get out. Halfway down she noticed Mac putting his crew of six men and Aidan to work. Dust flew everywhere while the men spread throughout the room, some holding large power tools, others simple hand tools, but all attacking the walls. It was noisy and busy. � As though he sensed her presence, Mac turned to look at Hannah when she stopped at the bottom of the stairs. He walked to her, his smile lighting up his face, and her heart did somersaults.� �śHey there,” he said, his Southern drawl very sexy. �śSorry, if we woke you. I probably should’ve warned you that you wouldn’t be sleeping in from now on.”� �śThat’d be good to know.” The smile that creased her lips came easily. �śGuess I better not get in the habit of staying up late.”� His eyes sparked, but he kept cool, perusing her up and down. �śHannah, with your hot body you can’t be walking around my worksite with hardly any clothes on. The guys won’t concentrate.”� She giggled, glancing at his men and back to him. �śThe guys? What about you, Mac? Will you be able to concentrate?”� �śPut it this way. If you walk around here half dressed I’ll just send the crew home for the day and have to take you upstairs and show you my tools. Don’t complain if the project never gets completed.”� Hannah stepped closer, stood on her toes, and whispered in his ear. �śGuess I’ll have to re-think my wardrobe. I think I’m wearing too much.”� A low moan escaped his throat while his hand grasped her waist, his fingers digging in. �śHannah.”� �śAustin.”� �śDon’t do that,” he commanded, his eyes serious.� �śWhy whatever are you talking about, Austin?” She feigned innocence, overly blinking her eyes.� �śYou are such a little brat.”� She laughed. �śSo you’ve told me a dozen times. I’ve got to go.”� �śGo?” he asked and followed her to the door.� �śRunning. I’m going for a morning run. Thought the outfit gave it away.”� �śYou’re going running like that?” His voice filled with shock and nervousness. So cute.� She studied herself after his exasperated tone, glancing down over her outfit. She stared back at him. �śWhat’s wrong with how I’m dressed?”� �śOh, nothing except the fact you’re hardly wearing anything at all. Put something else on, Hannah.” His body towered over her as usual but he couldn’t intimidate her. She had grown used to his bossy ways by now, just like he’d better be used to her defiant ways. � �śLike what?” The question seemed more to tease than to look for alternative attire.� �śA snowsuit.” Those huge arms crossed in front of him, the muscles clearly visible and clearly solid.� Tilting her head back, she laughed. �śKnock it off.”� �śHi, Hannah,” Aidan said, walking up to them. � �śHi, there, Aidan. You excited about helping your dad out on this project?”� Aidan stared at Hannah’s body for a long time before Mac elbowed him. �śYeah. This is the best job I’ve ever had.”� Mac snorted. �śIt’s the only job you’ve ever had. Did you want something?”� �śUm, ah, yeah,” he said, dragging his attention from Hannah. �śI’m done with putting up the plastic barrier between the hall and kitchen. Now what?”� �śYou’re done? Okay. Go back in there. I’ll be right there.”� Aidan did followed instructions but not before sneaking another peek at Hannah.� �śJesus, Hannah. See what I mean. You just made my son forget his name. You can’t go out like that. You’ll cause a car accident or something.”� Smiling, she pulled his head down to her lips and kissed him gently and quickly. �śAustin, darling, I have to do something to wear off all this energy I have built up inside me. You only have yourself to blame for that. You shouldn’t have started something last night you didn’t finish.”� When she turned to leave, he followed her out the door. �śShit, Hannah. That ain’t fair. You know why I had to leave.”� Stopping, she faced him, admiring the steely look of passion in his deep blue eyes. �śI know. But you still started something you didn’t finish. Now I have to go work off some frustration like I trust you’ll be doing when you run your crew ragged today.”� He tugged her close and kissed her hard, his lips warm, his hands sliding over her bottom offering the same caress he did last night. Slowly, he lifted his head. �śHow’s this feeling this morning?” His voice was so serious, concerned.� Her lips tingled from his touch. �śIt’d feel better with your attention.”� He growled. �śStop it, brat. You know I have to work.”� �śThen get back to work and let me get running.”� �śYou know, when I make love to you it’s going to be more than once.” With hesitation, his hands slide from her waist.� �śPromises, promises,” she whispered, leaning up to kiss his lips. With her headphones on her ears, she ran down her stairs, and up the street.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Mac surveyed his plans and was pleased with the first day’s work. Hannah was right. He’d worked his crew hard but ending the day early rewarded them. They’d busted their butts and were ahead of schedule. No sense starting another phase with only an hour left to the workday.� They had knocked down the walls between the parlor and dining room to make a large open room that would be the main dining area. In the back of the house, the four bedrooms would be split to make one large function room and one smaller one. The kitchen would be gutted totally and refurbished for restaurant appliances. Hannah had already chosen the refrigerators, stove, dishwashers, cabinets, sink and faucets, and countertops. Now he had to fit it all in.� The front door opened, and Hannah entered. �śOh, good, Mac. You’re still here.”� �śI’m happy to see you, too, darling,” he said, his gut tightening while she walked toward him, those long legs shapely as hell.� �śGet your mind out of the gutter. I wanted to make you and the boys’ dinner tonight. I have some new recipes and could use some feedback from kids since it’s for a kids’ menu.”� �śAh. I have to warn you, Ryan and Aidan no longer consider themselves kids.”� �śThey don’t?” Her face didn’t hide her confusion.� �śNope. Not since they turned into teenagers. They think they’re men,” he advised, rolling the remodeling plans neatly and placing them near a toolbox.� �śOh,” she said, her voice soft, concerned.� �śYeah. Oh.” He eyed her, hating to deflate her hopes. �śSo if you come home with me and ask them to give feedback on a kid’s menu, well, I think you might just fall off that pedestal they have you on.”� Her lips curved into a feline smile. Damn she was sexy. �śWe can’t have that now, can we? Okay. I’ll figure out something to get their feedback. But would you mind if I did that?”� �śWhat cook dinner?”� �śYes. Tonight.” Her hands rested on her hips, her complete attention focused on him. �śNow.”� �śKnock yourself out, sweetheart. Who am I to pass on that?”� Excitement glowed in those green eyes, like he’d given her a present. �śGood. Because I just came back from the store and have the groceries in my car.”� �śSo you were confident I’d say yes?” Needing to touch her, he moved slowly to her side and wrapped her in his arms.� �śWell, that and if you said no I was pretty confident I could persuade you.” Her fingers walked up the front of his shirt, her nails leaving jolts of electricity in their path.� He wrapped his arms around her waist, his hands hovering near her lower back. �śThen you should persuade me.”� �śUh uh. You already said yes.” Pushing free from his embrace, she danced out of his reach. �śI’ve got to go before the food spoils in this heat. Is anyone at your house right now that can let me in?”� �śWhat’s the matter? Don’t feel like breaking in again.”� �śHa ha,” she said, sticking her tongue out at him. �śYou’re so not funny.”� He grinned. �śI’ll be there. I called it a wrap for today. We made good progress,” he said, inspecting the room.� Hannah stepped past him and noticed the room for the first time. �śOh, wow. Mac, this is awesome. Taking down those walls really opens it up. And it’s so clean in here.”� Taking his attention from her hot ass, he cleared his throat. �śNumber two rule on a job. You clean up before leaving for the day.”� �śWhat’s the number one rule, then?” She turned, her breasts heaving against the low cut yellow striped shirt that matched thigh-length yellow jean shorts.� �śStay safe.”� �śYes. That’s important.” Waltzing past him, her masses of red curls neatly subdued in a long ponytail swayed in time with her great ass.� Mac grabbed her hand before his mouth watered any more. �śCome on. We’ll put your groceries in my truck and I’ll drive.”� Chapter Twenty-Three� In Mac’s kitchen, Hannah found herself surrounded by three eager boys willing to help with any task she assigned. She was impressed with how well they were getting along. And they all wanted to learn how to cook, which she gladly showed them while she tested her new recipes.� Mac entered the kitchen freshly showered and shaven, wearing tan jean shorts, brown T-shirt, and sandals. His short black hair still wet, small droplets of water gleamed when the light hit them. � Swatting his hands through the air, he issued orders. �śOkay, guys. Back off. Stop crowding Hannah.”� �śOh, they’re fine, Mac.” She checked out his muscular body when he walked through the kitchen to lean against the counter, facing her. The urge to nibble him head to toe overwhelmed her. Feeling her cheeks flush, she concentrated on her dinner prep.� �śYeah, Daddy. We’re learning how to cook,” Luke said.� �śYou are?” He looked around the kitchen and Hannah read his mind.� �śBoys? What’s the second rule of cooking?” she asked while she broke eggs into a bowl and beat them.� �śClean up after yourselves,” Ryan said.� �śYeah, so don’t worry, Dad. We’ll clean this up,” Aidan confirmed.� �śWhat’s the first rule?” Mac asked, his focus on Hannah, his stare broiling her blood with desire.� �śStay safe,” Luke said confidently.� �śYou don’t say.” Mac sent her a smirk.� Hannah smiled at him. �śSeems our jobs have a lot in common, Mac. We both create things.” Then she turned to the kids. �śYou know I wanted to ask you gentlemen if you could help me with something.”� Even though breadcrumbs and beaten eggs coated her hands, the three boys hovered around Hannah.� �śNow you don’t have to do this if you don’t think it’d be cool enough or whatever,” she said. �śBut I’m in a big jam. You see, part of opening this new restaurant involves developing a menu for kids as well as adults. Now since I’m an adult I know what adults like to eat. But I’m having a big problem figuring out what the younger crowd, you know like your ages, would like to eat and think would be cool. I really want this to be a success but I don’t know how to figure out what the younger crowd likes.”� �śWe could help you with that,” Aidan said with a shrug. �śRight, guys?” � The other two agreed. � Making sure she showed her excitement, she faced them. �śReally? You guys would do that for me?”� �śOf course,” they all said. � �śThat would make me so happy. You have no idea.”� �śNo sweat,” Aidan said casually.� �śWell, with what we’re cooking tonight maybe you guys can tell me if it’s cool enough for the kid’s menu. And as a thank you for helping me out I’ll even name your favorite item on the menu after you.”� �śReally?” Luke said, his eyes lighting up. �śI can tell you now I’m going to like those chicken fingers.”� �śThen we’ll have to call them�Ślet’s see.” Hannah thought for a minute then bent down to Luke. �śWe’ll have to call them Luke’s Dinosaur Fingers. How’s that?”� �śThat’s way cool.”� �śI like the potato skins. They’re always my favorite,” Ryan said, his tall body leaning against the counter.� Hannah took another moment to think then turned to Ryan. �śWe’ll call them Ryan’s Turtle Shells since they looked like them. What do you think?”� �śI like that.”� Hannah turned to Aidan. �śYou know I think I’d like to name something special after you, you know since you’re the oldest.” � Aidan blushed. �śI like the baby back ribs. They’re smelling really great.”� �śNow I agree with you there, son,” Mac said. � Hannah had been so caught up in the conversation with the kids she’d forgotten Mac still watched them, evidently paying close attention. �śThen how about we call them Aidan’s Smackdown Ribs?”� Aidan snorted. �śYeah, I like that. That’s pretty cool. You’re good at this, Hannah.”� �śThat’s what my business is about. Making it appealing to customers.” She finished the last chicken finger and scrubbed her hands in the sink.� �śWhat about Daddy?”� �śWhat about Daddy, Luke?” Mac asked casually.� �śAren’t you going to name something after him?”� Hannah’s cheeks flushed again when all four pairs of identical blue eyes stared at her, each with a different grin on his face. �śUm�Śwell�ŚI guess we could think of something once we know what he likes.”� �śHe likes whipped cream,” Luke said. �śRemember?”� Now Hannah’s cheeks flamed. When she looked at Mac she wanted to throw something because he wore the biggest shit-eating grin she’d ever seen. Okay. Two could play this game. She wasn’t going to be the only one with pink cheeks.� �śUm, I do make this amazing dessert with whipped cream and strawberries. I could call it Austin’s Brat Cake.” � When Mac’s eyes glinted with a dangerous look, she knew she’d nailed this one. The lust in those blue depths boring into her couldn’t be mistaken.� �śTouché,” he said.� �śSorry, Hannah. That sounds lame,” Ryan said, disappointed.� �śNot to me,” Mac said. �śI’m actually looking forward to having a piece of that brat cake�Śof course covered with lots of whipped cream.”� Damn, he was good at this too. Time to draw a truce since there were kids around. �śOkay, guys. Let’s finish dinner,” Hannah commanded, daring a quick glance at Mac who still smiled, watching her.� A moment later, Mac stepped forward and whispered in her ear. �śWhat can I help with?”� �śYou’ve been enough help already.” God, he smelled so good, clean and fresh, with a hint of spice.� He laughed, his breath tickling her ear. �śI think I want dessert instead of dinner.” He spoke so only she could hear. With him standing so close behind her, his very presence weakened her knees�"even if he hadn’t touched her. She elbowed him softly in the ribs, purely as self-defense against his sensual declarations.� �śOops. Sorry, Austin. Didn’t see you there,” she said and stepped away from him. �śAustin, why don’t you get out of our way? Make yourself useful setting the table.” The simple order would allow her some space before she melted on the spot.� �śYeah, Dad. Set the table,” Ryan said.� �śYeah, Hannah’s the boss, Daddy,” Luke said.� �śReally?” Mac eyeballed her. �śSince when?”� �śSince she’s cooking.” Aidan smirked. �śNow stop crowding Hannah, Dad, and set the table.” � Mac shot him a withering look, walked to the cabinet, and grabbed dishes and silverware. So with his task completed, he did something he hadn’t done at dinnertime in years. He sat down in the living room and watched the news until Hannah called him to eat.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Thirty minutes later, they all sat for dinner and the boys filled their plates. � �śAh, we’re eating on the deck. Come on, Ryan and Luke,” Aidan said, and the other two followed him toward the backdoor.� �śYeah, Daddy, this is a date,” Luke announced with a big giggle.� �śOh?” Mac faced Hannah. �śYou in on this, too, brat?”� Hannah shrugged. �śNot at all. It’s news to me too.”� �śDaddy,” Luke whispered. �śDon’t blow it. When you’re on a date you need privacy.”� �śYeah? And what do you know about being on a date?” Mac asked Luke but looked at Aidan.� �śHe knows nothing.” Aidan’s hand covered Luke’s shoulder. �śCome on, guys.” Aidan quickly shuffled his brothers out the door.� �śI guess they told you,” Hannah said, taking her first bite. How adorable to have such young matchmakers. Pride surged through her with the boys’ acceptance of her not only in their dad’s life but theirs too.� �śYeah. I think I’ve just been put in my place by my own kids.” Mac ate as well.� �śI agree.” She stared at the back door. �śYou know they’re all really smart kids. And quick learners. I only had to show them how to do something once and they caught on.”� �śYeah. Aidan’s making great progress with me on jobs. He’s really good at plumbing. Knows the tools. Likes to be hands on. He works quickly too. Better than my entire crew.”� �śSounds like his father.”� Mac grinned and took another bite. �śI’m enjoying working with him.”� �śHave you told him?”� �śWhat?” He swallowed and looked up at her. �śOf course.”� �śOh. It’s just that you’re not the best person to express his feelings,” she said, peeking at Mac’s oldest boy through the window. �śAnd, well, you need to tell Aidan how good a job he’s doing.”� �śI just said I do tell him.” Mac cut apart the baby back ribs.� Hannah sighed. �śNot what he told me. When I complimented him on doing good with the chicken fingers he said his dad should take lessons from me on how to compliment good work.”� Mac stared. �śHe said that?” � She nodded, forking salad into her mouth.� �śOkay. I’ll talk to Aidan about work.”� �śHe’d like that a lot. I’ve noticed how much he helps run things around here. When you’re not around, he knows what needs to be done, and maybe he takes his time doing it, but at least he knows. He’s pretty responsible for a sixteen-year-old.”� Mac finished the last of his chicken fingers. �śAlmost seventeen-year-old. His birthday’s in two weeks.”� Her eyes opened wide with excitement filling her. �śReally? Do you have a birthday party?”� �śWhat with cake and ice cream?” He frowned. � She nodded. � �śGet a grip. He’d be mortified. Besides, boys aren’t into parties. Maybe girls are but not us boys.” He eyed her through narrow slits. �śWhat are you thinking, Hannah?”� �śNothing,” she lied and pushed food around her plate.� �śDon’t give me that. I can see the wheels turning from here. Spill it.”� Her eyes met his. �śWell, I was just thinking maybe, I don’t know, I could make him a cake. Something simple. Like chocolate with butter cream icing and we could surprise him with it after dinner on his birthday.”� Mac grinned. �śDid you not just hear a word I said?”� She scowled. �śI did. But doesn’t mean I have to agree. Birthdays are special and should be celebrated. I never had a birthday cake,” she said suddenly.� He frowned, holding his fork mid-air. �śReally? Never once?”� She shook her head and toyed with her food staring at her plate.� �śDoesn’t surprise me,” he said matter-of-factly. �śWith your asshole parents nothing surprises me. Make the cake, Hannah.”� Oh, my God. He agreed? She smiled wide from across the table. �śReally?”� �śSure. But I’ll have no part of it. You make sure Aidan knows that cake’s all your idea.”� Cake recipes ran through her mind. �śNow you’re just being dramatic. A cake won’t mortify him.”� Dropping a rib bone on his plate, Mac wiped his hands on a napkin. �śYou’re probably the only person who can get away with giving a seventeen-year-old almost-a-man kid a birthday cake.” � Smiling, she realized she’d never felt at home anywhere like she did right now. Not even when she worked in one of her bustling restaurants did she feel more comfortable than she did while at the MacDevin household. Planning a birthday party for Aidan seemed like the most natural thing in the world to her. � �śYou know I’ve got to hand it to you, Hannah. I never thought you’d get my boys to test your kid’s menu, especially Aidan. But you were pretty slick back there.”� �śI was, wasn’t I?”� �śYou have a good way with kids. It comes natural to you when you speak to them. You’re never fake. If you were, my kids would pick up on it instantly and that pedestal of yours would be dust.” His voice, that Southern drawl most notable when he relaxed, romanced her ears, the sound sizzling her skin with the need to have him naked and sweaty lying over her.� �śIt was sweet of them to set us up on a date.”� The blue of his eyes darkened, the telltale sign of desire. �śYeah. The first time they collaborate on something without killing each other and it turns out to be about Dad’s love life.” � �śWell, this is the best date I’ve ever had.” � Never could she remember enjoying male companionship so much or simply having a casual conversation with the opposite sex. And here she sat, across from a very sexy man who kept eyeing her when he thought she wouldn’t notice. She became mesmerized by the way he studied her face, her body, and finally her lips. � �śI want that dessert, Hannah. Austin’s Brat Cake sounds like something I’d have to enjoy slowly, nibble by nibble.”� God, he thrilled her. She’d never been turned on by just words. The look in his eyes seared her soul, the way lust mixed with those blue depths. Any second, she would cream her panties if he kept it up. �śI’ll make it special for you some night.”� �śSome night soon,” he said, his voice edgy, bordering on desperate. �śSoon.”� �śI don’t know what I like more, cooking you dinner or breakfast, Austin.”� �śI prefer you cook me breakfast. You realize you’ve been calling me Austin more than Mac.”� Had she? �śNo. I hadn’t noticed. Want me to stop?”� �śHell no. I told you before I like my name. The nickname just kind of stuck. And I happen to really like how you say Austin.”� �śIs that so?”� �śUh huh.”� She simply couldn’t take much more of his sexy voice and undress-me eyes without dragging him to the floor and straddling him, riding him like she’d been dreaming. Since they couldn’t act on their passion at the moment it would be best to let it rest until they could.� �śWe should call the kids in for dessert.” She pointed her finger at him. �śAnd don’t get any ideas. I made brownies earlier in what’s left of my kitchen.”� His eyes widened. �śAre you insane?”� �śWhat?” She rose to clear the table. � He carried his plates to the sink. �śYou can’t give boys sugar at night. They’ll be off the wall.”� �śThey’re having brownies for dessert, Austin,” she said shooting him a firm look while standing in front of the sink.� His hand closed over her arm gently and spun her. With her back against the counter, he leaned in, resting his arms on both sides of her. �śAre you trying to overrule me, my little brat?”� �śNo. I’m telling you I am overruling you. They worked hard cooking dinner and I’m giving them the brownies I baked them.”� Towering over her, he stared into her eyes. She stared back refusing to budge on the issue. She may be trapped in his embrace but she had no doubt her stubbornness would win over his brawn with this matter. � �śAre you forgetting I’m bigger than you?”� �śOoohh. Scary guy,” she mocked.� �śAre you forgetting I’m stronger than you?”� �śOoohh. Now I’m shaking,” she mocked again.� �śAre you forgetting this is my house?”� �śOoohh. Tough guy.”� Mac laughed strong and hard. �śYou don’t care how much bigger the opponent is do you, Hannah? As long as you think you’re right you don’t care who you challenge. You’re just prepared to fight until you win.”� �śIs there any other way?”� �śWith you, no I guess not. Okay. The kids can have the brownies.”� �śI already told you that,” she said, pressing her palms against his chest. God, how she wanted to run her hands along those solid muscles. � Before she knew it, he took her mouth hard, kissing her breathless. His hand squeezed her waist until a hairy animal forced himself between them. � �śPorkchop! If you ever want another scrap you better get the hell out of the way,” Mac growled.� �śLeave him alone,” Hannah protested. �śHe’s looking for the boys.”� �śYeah, well, I’m looking to cop a feel.” � Laughing, she peered around. �śI wouldn’t do that if I were you,” she warned, her gaze back on his.� �śWhy the hell not? You going to tell me you don’t want me to touch you now?”� �śHannah!” Luke ran into the kitchen.� �śNo. That’s why,” she said, throwing him an I-Told-You-So look, then pushed away from him to turn to Luke. �śYes, honey.”� �śCan I have some more of the Luke’s Dinosaur Fingers? They’re really good.”� �śAbsolutely. And tell your brothers if they continue to behave then there’ll be homemade brownies for dessert.”� �śReally?” Luke faced his father. �śDaddy, we can have brownies tonight?”� Mac smiled, leaning against the counter. �śIf Hannah says so.”� �śI’ll tell them. But can I eat in here? They’re mad I interrupted you.”� �śOf course you can, honey,” Hannah said and placed his plate on the table where he sat and ate.� �śI’ll talk to them.” Mac edged away from the counter. �śWe’re going to pick up where we left off,” he whispered to Hannah, his hand caressing her ribcage before walking to the deck. � With nothing to do with her pent up energy, Hannah turned to tackle the pile of dishes she and the boys had accumulated in their cooking efforts.� Chapter Twenty-Four� When the boys had stuffed themselves with milk and brownies, they camped out in front of the TV while Mac drove Hannah home.� �śInvite me in, Hannah. I’ll tuck you into bed.” That Southern drawl filled the truck.� �śDon’t you need to get home to the boys?”� Mac shrugged. �śAidan’s got everything under control. Just give me an hour with you, baby. I need to feel you.” He pulled into her driveway, turned off the ignition. �śAnd I sure as hell can’t wait a second longer.”� Could this really happen tonight? Now? Oh, she was ready to beg for intimacy with Mac. Her body couldn’t wait any longer for his touch either. �śYou never need an invitation, Austin. My door will always be open for you. Come on. I need to see if you’re as good in bed as you claim to be.” She stepped out of the truck and headed toward her house.� �śSmartass,” he said and followed her inside. �śThose are words you’re about to regret, babe.”� �śWe’ll see,” she teased, letting them into the house. Once in the kitchen she placed her purse on the counter.� From behind her, he gathered her into his arms, turning her to face him. �śI must be crazy for being here. I’m afraid I won’t want you to leave your bed after I’ve tasted you, touched you, filled you.” � Now he could’ve said anything and not surprised her more than that admission. �śAre you playing me for a fool, Austin MacDevin, because if you think you can I’ll�"”� His mouth closed over hers, cutting off her tirade. �śSorry, but you know that drives me wild.”� She stared at him then smiled wickedly, whispering in a sultry voice, �śAustin MacDevin.” � Mac’s mouth returned to hers, his hands gripping her sides, drawing her body against his. The kiss was so tender, so delicate, with every movement of his tongue mimicking hers. When he pulled away, she moaned.� �śI’m finding out that I happen to like a little trouble. Makes life interesting.” His fingers brushed her cheek before pushing her hair back. � �śAustin. Make love to me. Right now. Make love to me.” She couldn’t hide the desire in her voice. Her belly did somersaults in anticipation of sharing intimacy. But then nerves struck her, and she swallowed hard, fighting to breath normal.� �śWait here. Don’t lose that thought.”� �śWhere are you going?” Her body ached in many glorious private places, between her legs, her breasts, her belly.� In the other room, Mac rummaged through his toolbox and returned to Hannah. �śI put some condoms in my toolbox. I knew we’d eventually need them. They’re not something I generally carry on me.” � She circled her arms around his neck. �śI like a man who plans ahead.” When he lifted her, she wrapped her legs around his waist. � �śChrist, Hannah. I want you so bad.”� Hannah nibbled at the corner of his mouth. �śProve it. I want to ravish your very hot body, Austin. I want you. Now.”� His eyes smoldered while his mouth claimed hers, his kiss gentle and short. Trailing his demanding mouth down her jaw to her neck, his hands worked feverishly to undo her bra. He yanked her shirt and bra free of her body and leaned her against the counter, her legs tight around his waist. � He lowered his head, his mouth finding her breast, taking the pink tip deep into his mouth, sucking hard, greedily. She gasped, the intimate touch sending molten lava running through her veins. Every inch of her body flamed wickedly. When he gave her other breast the same treatment, Hannah’s bones melted until she lay limp in his arms, the greedy lap of his tongue over her stiff nipple driving her insane. Burying her face into his hair, she inhaled sharply, smelling his soap and the wonderfully male scent of heated flesh. His rough hands gripped her back near her spine, holding her close to him. She arched to meet his mouth, her breasts swollen and glistening from his kisses.� �śHannah,” he said, breathless, his eyes staring into hers so intensely.� �śAustin,” she purred, leaning her head back, offering him her slender neck. God, his mouth worked wonders over her body. His meticulous attention to her pleasure drove her wild with lust. She wanted his kisses everywhere.� With a dangerous growl, Mac’s teeth bit into the side of her neck, nipping, teasing, sucking. The room spun when she opened her eyes long enough to realize he’d moved them over to the large butcher-block table in the middle of the kitchen. Without taking his mouth from her skin, he placed her on her back on the cool wood. � Her body quivered. She couldn’t wait much longer. She needed to be taken, hard and fast. To be shown how sexy she really was, how tempting her beauty was, how special she was.� Mac wasted no time stripping them both naked, his fingers skimming her skin and leaving a trail of fiery goose bumps behind. When he tore open the condom package, the ripping sound was the most erotic she’d ever heard, knowing the enclosed latex would soon sheath him. She admired his solid erection, its length and thickness awesome, and her heart pounded and her belly tightened. The anticipation of him drilling into her with that powerful cock built. Her pussy clenched, wanting to experience his movement within her. Without hesitation, her hips bucked toward him.� �śNot yet, darling,” he whispered. � His voice thick with need washed over her like warm sunlight. � She could think of nothing else but the need to feel him inside her, taking her, loving her.� �śNow, Austin. Now.”� �śPatience.” � His mouth landed on hers again, his tongue taking control of hers. He kissed her breath away, and then left her lips to trail down her neck to her breasts where he feasted. His engorged penis jutted against her slick opening, her legs held tightly around his waist. Oh, how she wished she could feel him without the latex. She lost control of her thoughts, clawing his back, his shoulders, wherever she could latch on to keep his body close to hers, needing, wanting, to slide him into her.� �śHannah, open your eyes and look at me,” Mac whispered. � Hovering somewhere over her, his voice the only sound in her world, his words soothed her, commanded her.� Hannah did what Mac bade, her heavy lids opening to stare into bright blue circles, smoky with desire, masked by a possessive glint. The deep stare he shared with her shook her to her very soul, the way he studied her like only she existed and nothing else. With one thrust, he entered her, halting when she cried out. � �śNo, don’t stop,” she said, the sensation of his cock stretching her, thrilling her.� �śI don’t want to hurt you,” Mac said, holding his weight off of her. �śChrist, you’re so friggin’ tight, Hannah. I should’ve taken more care.”� With her lips resting against the side of his neck, the thudding in her chest echoed inside her ears. �śNo. I�ŚI just need a moment.”� His cock stretched her more than she had expected. He filled her to capacity, her delicate and unused muscles surrounding his cock accommodated his girth but not without tenderness. She loved every moment. Closing her eyes, she clung to his hard body, her fingers digging into his shoulders.� �śYou take as long as you need,” he whispered close to her ear. The weight of his body pressed her into the table, but she didn’t care. Feeling him naked and on top of her, brought to life all of the fantasies that had existed only in her dreams, thoughts of what intimacy would be like between them. � It had been so long since she’d had sex that she’d all but forgotten the feel of it. But this proved to be more than just sex. This was different somehow. The need to connect with Mac, the need to touch him, to taste him, had been so powerful at times it took all of Hannah’s strength just to think of anything else. And now her body ached gloriously while broadening to accept the length and thickness of his cock, finally experiencing all that had existed only in her deepest desires.� �śI want to feel you moving inside of me,” she said.� When he resumed his thrusts into her slick pussy, her breath hitched. He’d given her the time needed for her body to adjust to him. Now, she needed him to make love to her, to show her how desirable she was to him.� His powerful hips plunged his huge cock deep into her wetness in a slow determined movement. Each time he buried his erection deep inside her, he lingered a moment before slowly pulling back. Never fully leaving her pussy, he only allowed enough retreat to plunge his thickness back inside of her over and over again. God, she thought she’d died and gone to heaven�"surely the only place this exquisite pleasure existed. Never had she’d known such contentment in her life. Her hands clutched his shoulders, his arms steady on either side of her, holding his body off of hers again, helping to propel him deeper inside her. � �śOh, my God, Austin,” she said, her voice echoing within the empty house.� The heat from their joined bodies created a thin band of perspiration along their skin. Soon, the slapping of wet flesh enveloped the room.� �śOh, baby, I wish you could feel how tight you are,” Mac said, his tone roughened with lust.� She could feel the tightness within her vagina, the way he filled her, the way her wetness squeezed him. When he thrust deeper and deeper and held himself inside of her for seconds at a time before pulling back to start over again, she could feel the pulsing of his cock. The wide head spread her muscles until she lay mindless of anything other than the building pressure within her vagina.� �śThat’s it, baby. Come for me,” Mac said through ragged breaths. �śI want to feel your pussy wrap tighter around my cock.”� Each stroke of his engorged cock along her sensitive walls heightened her pleasure, and the slow build of delicious aches consumed her.� �śI can’t come, Austin. It’s too much,” she said, her head whipping side to side on the table.� Why her body fought against the rising pleasure she couldn’t say. Never had sex been this intense or this rewarding and she hadn’t even come yet. Riding the wave that formed, she searched for its peak. Her breathing came hard and fast while tension formed deep within her pussy.� �śI’ve wanted to fuck you since I first laid eyes on you, Hannah,” Mac said, his gaze focused on her.� �śTook you long enough,” Hannah said, her body vibrating in too many places to count.� He laughed. �śSmartass.” � Without warning, he leaned down and covered her mouth with his. Gone were the gentle kisses, replaced with desperation so raw she swore he trembled trying to hold his weight off of her. His lips raked over hers, laying claim to her, branding her with their heat. Her tongue fought his, brushing it aside to search the depths of his mouth, needing to taste him, to devour him. � �śShow me how bad you’ve wanted to fuck me, Austin. Make me come,” she said, hoping the challenge in her voice coerced him to give her the relief she craved. If she didn’t find her release soon, she expected to implode from the heat circulating through her.� �śMy God, Hannah. Talk like that and I’ll come too soon. I want longer with you.”� �śNo. Now. Please.” � But he made no effort to increase his thrusts. Did he wish to drive her mad with lust? Well, she certainly was on her way. Only thoughts of how his cock filled her and how much it teased her with no end in sight consumed her mind.� The sharp throbbing began deep inside her belly. Somewhere in the dark depths of her most private place rose the slow drumbeat that quickly formed into a rolling howl barreling through her. Aches and spasms grew stronger. She wanted to topple over the edge and bask in the pleasure waiting just over the horizon.� �śCome for me, Hannah. Come hard for me, baby,” Mac urged.� She gasped for air, his powerful hips pummeling into her, and all she could do was beg for more.� �śOh, yes, Austin. God. Don’t stop. I’m gonna come. Oh God!” Her nails dug into his shoulders, desperate to hold onto him to keep from falling off of the table when her body twisted and turned.� Her climax devoured her after one powerful, deep thrust. She yelled out, �śAustin!” Then words eluded her and she surrendered to the moment.� His body tensed, his arms shook, his hips continued pumping when his own release wracked him. Holding himself deep inside her, his breath caught while he lifted his chin up toward the ceiling, standing over her with his massive body shuddering.� The orgasm, one peak after another, shattered every nerve in Hannah’s body. Her vulnerability seemed to be on display when she whimpered. How could she handle the intensity of this kind of pleasure? The way her body trembled uncontrollably proved she had gone too long without sex. This couldn’t be a normal reaction. The pounding of her heart scared her by the way it slammed against her breastbone, her lungs fighting for breaths.� And yet, she floated on air. Her surroundings a blur. Her head barely finished spinning, and her traitorous body wanted to start all over again. Insanity had surely claimed her. Another lovemaking session like this one and she’d lose her mind all together.� The musky, heated scents of sex clung to the air. The only sounds she could identify came from her and Mac’s heavy breathing and soft pants. How long they had stayed there, she didn’t know or care. Being smothered by his naked body had been decadent in itself.� Hannah rested dreamily with Mac collapsed on top of her, his breathing still fast and furious. Lazily, she danced her fingers up and down his back, outlining the muscles there and staring at the kitchen ceiling. She’d never enter this kitchen again without remembering what it had been like to be filled to the hilt with Mac’s delicious cock. � Barely able to breathe under the weight of Mac, and the magnificent orgasm sapping all her energy, Hannah basked in the aftermath of the best sex she’d ever had. Inside her pussy, Mac’s erection grew limp, and he rose. Towering over her, his body highlighted awesome eye candy but she’d rather run her hands over it than stare at it. � After disposing of the condom, he returned looking like a kicked puppy.� �śAustin?” She pushed up on her elbows and fixed her sights on him.� �śI’m so sorry, Hannah.”� Unable to take her gaze off of him, she frowned. �śYou’re sorry?” � �śYeah.”� She sat up. With her naked ass on her kitchen table and no way to cover it, she could only stare at him. �śWell, I guess saying sorry is better than wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am,” she said through gritted teeth, her temper rising.� �śWhat? No! Oh God, Hannah, no.” With one movement, he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her so fiercely she gave in to the caress. �śI’m not sorry about making love to you but about where we did it. On the damn kitchen table. I should’ve at least got us to your bed so it’d be comfortable for you.”� �śDo you hear me complaining?” His dark chest hair tickled her cheek � �śNo.” He pulled away but kept his hands on her arms. �śAnd no complaints here.”� �śThat was pretty amazing.”� �śAnd long overdue,” he said, kissing her lips and cheek.� He scooped her clothes up and handed them to her before pulling on his shirt and pants. �śGet some things together. You’re coming back to my house for an adult sleepover.”� With her clothes back on, she brushed her hair back, the unruly mass unwilling to cooperate. �śOh, really? Why?”� �śBecause we just made love and I want to hold you in my arms tonight.”� Did she just hear him right? He didn’t just want sex with her but wanted to hold her? Wow. Maybe she needed to pinch herself to make sure she hadn’t dreamt this up. �śWho knew you were the romantic type?”� His grin flashed across his face. �śNo one. So keep it that way.”� She laughed. That was one secret she didn’t mind keeping. She cupped his face, taking immense pleasure in the warmth of his smile. �śA sleepover sounds like just what I need. But how are you going to explain to your kids why I’m in your bed with you when they wake up in the morning?”� He ran a hand through his disheveled hair. �śConsidering my kids set us up on a date tonight I think they’ve already figured that out.” He kissed her, lingering before pulling away. � Her pussy quivered. Could she already be getting hot for him again? �śI need to take a quick shower.”� �śOkay.” He lifted her and carried her up the stairs. � �śAustin, what are you doing?” � �śI need a shower too,” he said, a devilish grin playing across his mouth.� Her body tingled all over. Thoughts of taking a shower with this sexy man highlighted erotic images in her mind of them standing under the hot spray, soaping each other’s body. � �śAustin!” She smiled, his frisky behavior thrilling her.� �śAnd you need someone to wash your back.”� �śAustin!” � His taking control of the situation proved to her how much he desired to be with her. The closeness she needed from him appeared to be the same he needed from her.� �śJust trying to be a gentleman, honey.”� �śLike hell. You want to get laid again.”� Mac laughed, entering the upstairs bathroom with her. �śIf you want to reward me for my efforts then by all means feel free.”� �śWait! We can’t.” Hannah’s hand bumped his chest. �śYou forgot the condoms.”� Smiling, he took a spare out of his jeans and held it up. �śBelieve me when I say, I’ll never go without carrying a condom on me from now on.” � An hour later, Hannah had an overnight bag packed and stood pleasantly sated. �śAustin, it’s midnight. You’re going to be exhausted,” she said when he walked her to his truck.� �śNah. It’s not too late.” He climbed into the driver’s seat.� After stowing her bag in the back, she leaned over the console to kiss his lips. �śFor what I have planned for you when we get to bed, you’re going to be exhausted.” � �śNow I could be wrong, darling, but that sounded like a challenge.” His smile widened, touching his eyes, lighting up his face.� �śNope. It’s a promise.”� �ż �ż �ż �ż� And since Hannah liked to fulfill her promises, she made no exceptions tonight. � She stood with Mac at the foot of his bed. Leaning up, she laid a gentle kiss on his lips, wanting to taste him again. With her hands running through his short hair, she kept his mouth on hers. She needed to take her time right now, needed to enjoy every moment with him.� �śHannah, I want you,” Mac whispered, his strong fingers holding the sides of her neck sending long shivers down her spine. �śI can’t get enough of you.”� �śMmm.” With a decree like that, her belly did delicious somersaults. �śI haven’t gotten my fill of you either.”� Her hands inched his shirt over his head revealing a wide muscular chest that she never tired of viewing. With her palms against his abs, she leaned up again and kissed his neck. He groaned, his head tilting to offer her his throat. � She scraped her teeth along his heated flesh, giving tiny nibbles, enjoying the flex of his fingers on her waist. When she undid the button on his jeans, he wasted no time shrugging out of them and his briefs. � �śI like you naked, Austin. I think this is your best outfit,” she said, her hands cupping his ass while she stared up into his eyes.� �śSomeone’s showing off her naughty side a little, huh?” he said while removing her shirt and bra.� �śOh, sweetie. You haven’t seen nothing yet,” she said, dragging her nails over the hard swell of his buttocks.� �śGood God, Hannah. Are you trying to make me come before I even get inside of you?”� She couldn’t help but giggle at the desperation in his tone. It amazed her the effect she could have on him even with all his strength, he still crumbled beneath her touch.� �śNo, Austin. I much prefer you to come inside me.” � �śChrist.”� When the blue depths of his eyes darkened, Hannah melted into his embrace. His strong arms circled her, enclosing her against his chest. With his devil of a tongue, he teased her ear lobe, licking, sucking, nibbling, until she squealed and wiggled in his grasp.� �śNow we’re even, darling,” he said, his grip loosening, his hands exploring her body. His touch lingered over her breast, massaging the mound until her knees weakened. Rolling her nipple between his fingers created exquisite torture. Steady streams of fire sprawled throughout her body and settled in her womb. � Her body had never responded to a man’s caress the way it did to Mac’s. Just one glance from him and places deep inside her threatened to explode into a firestorm of passion.� �śI’ll say when we’re even, Austin,” she said, pushing him back onto the bed. �śI do believe I promised to exhaust you.” � The low growl that emanated from his throat caught her off guard with the intensity of it. � �śHannah.” The warning in his voice should have scared her, made her think twice about seducing him and having the upper hand, but it only thrilled her and encouraged her onward. � Once Mac lay flat on his back in the middle of the comforter, Hannah straddled his hips, leaning over to place light kisses along his shoulders to his jaw before claiming his mouth with a deep kiss. She ran her hands ran along his muscular torso, enjoying the hard flesh under her fingertips. Determined to drive him insane with desire, she set out to slowly torment him. � Her long hair cascaded over his chest before he gathered it in a fistful and pulled back far enough to suck on her neck.� �śOh, God, Austin. You’re not playing fair.” Her pussy pulsed, her wetness skimming the outer edges of her lips. � �śNeither are you. You’re driving me wild. I need to make love to you, Hannah. Now.” Without waiting for her answer, Mac rolled over and opened his nightstand, careful not to topple her over the side of the bed while he did it. Removing a condom from the drawer, he quickly unwrapped it and sheathed his long erection.� Hannah relished the words he’d just used. Making love. He wanted to make love instead of just fuck. The simple statement swelled her heart with the most tender emotion she had ever experienced. � The need to rush to climax simmered down. Every sweet ache in Hannah’s body begged for Mac’s touch. But she’d be patient if it meant reveling in ecstasy that much longer. For now, she’d learn to slow down and enjoy life, forget about everything except Mac’s warm body under hers.� �śI want to watch your face, baby, as I enter you,” he said, his words strangled. When Mac lifted Hannah and positioned her over his cock, she kept his gaze. � He arched upward, pushing into her wet slit. When his cock parted the soft folds of her pussy, Hannah swallowed hard and accepted the thick head of his cock. A rush of air escaped her lungs once he thrust inside her and held himself, allowing her time to adjust to his intrusion. She leaned her head back, the sensation of being completely filled overwhelming her. God, how she loved the feel of his cock stroking her pussy. She feared this could very well become an addiction for her having to have Mac’s intimacy more than she wanted to breathe.� �śHannah,” he whispered. �śOh God, sweet Hannah.”� She gazed down at him. The way his eyes smoldered with desire, the way he stared at her in amazement like he couldn’t believe she lay in his bed, built her self-esteem. Never had she felt sexy like she did at that moment. The wonderment in his eyes, the adoration and lust, thrilled her beyond reason.� �śAustin,” she whispered back, taking his hands and placing them on her hips before she rode him, each movement slow and purposeful. � His body shook, quivered, yet she didn’t increase her speed, just allowed him to linger in the same pleasure he had shown her earlier in the night. Permitted him to bask in the glory of their lovemaking for the time he needed before he exploded with her name on his tongue.� His expression turned fierce, like he readied for battle. His fingers gripped her sides harder with each buck of her hips taking his cock deeper inside her heated pussy. The quiet slurping sounds of their connected bodies filled the room along with the gentle squeaking of the mattress.� �śDamn, Hannah, I’m about to come,” he said through ragged breaths. �śCome with me, Hannah.”� Without giving her time to respond, his hips shot up and ricocheted against hers over and over until he screamed out, �śHannah! Oh, fuck. Hannah!”� The slow build of her orgasm took a drastic change with his forceful movements. While he pumped his cock into her pussy, the tender aches within her channel exploded, the pressure rising through her until her slick walls clamped over his shaft, the throbbing pulses spiraling through her body. � Flashes of bright lights erupted behind her closed eyelids with the power of her orgasm, and she sensed every movement Mac made without having to see it. How his hips thrust up into her, how his fingers possessed her, how he held onto her with a gentle yet firm grip. Both clinging to each other, rocking their bodies together. His shaft pulsed within her wetness, the erection subsiding, giving her tender muscles much needed relief from his engorged cock.� While his hands roamed her body, the tender caresses soothing her tingling flesh, he said, �śI don’t want to stop touching you, Hannah.”� �śThen don’t,” she whispered, collapsing onto his sweat slicked chest, needing to suck air into her deprived lungs. � �śJust need a sec,” he said, scooting out from under her, disposing of the condom and pulling a shirt over her head before cradling her in his arms under the covers.� After such a wild lovemaking session, Hannah dozed in Mac’s arms in his bed, in his house, wearing only his T-shirt, completely sated. Mac chose to sleep in the buff with no complaints from her. Their legs were entwined and the sheet hung loosely off their hips.� �śAustin?” she whispered through a yawn.� �śYeah?” he answered, his voice revealing signs of sluggishness in the way he drawled his words. His fingers ran up and down her arm drawing lazy circles.� �śYou’re really good in bed.”� �śRight back at you.”� �śAustin?” � �śYeah?”� �śThe next time, just wear your tool belt to bed.”� Mac laughed, a slow, devilish sound. �śGoodnight, you little brat,” he whispered, holding her against his chest and wrapping his arm around her tightly. � Mac kissed the top of her head and she dozed off.� Chapter Twenty-Five� The next morning the smell of blueberry pancakes filled the MacDevin house. The boys rushed down the stairs and ran eagerly to the kitchen where Hannah scooped the last pancake off the griddle and onto the platter. � Aidan spoke first. �śDidn’t Dad drive you home last night?”� �śGood morning, gentlemen,” she said cheerfully. �śYes, he did. But we decided I should stay here last night instead.” Hannah attempted to make light of the matter, uncomfortable with discussing her sleeping arrangements. �śUnless you guys want to eat cold pancakes you’d better sit down.” � Not having to be told twice, they all took a seat around the table. Mac carried two steaming cups of coffee, placing one in front of Hannah and sipped the other. Soon plates were piled high and everyone started eating.� �śHannah, when did you get here?” Ryan asked. �śI got a snack in the middle of the night and didn’t see Dad on the couch.”� Hannah’s cheeks flamed and she looked to Mac. �śWant to field that one?”� He caught her stare, grinned, then looked at his plate. �śNot really. Just eat, everyone.”� �śShe slept in Daddy’s room.” � Everyone stared at Luke. Hannah’s eyes widened and stared at Mac whose gaze darted between hers and Luke’s.� �śAnd how do you know that?” Mac asked sternly.� Luke hesitated but spoke quietly. �śI had a bad dream so I came into your room. I saw you holding Hannah and you were both asleep. I’m sorry.”� �śYou did nothing wrong, Luke. You didn’t know I had, um, company. But you should’ve woken me up.” Mac leaned over and rustled his large hand in the boy’s short black hair, earning an impish smile from him.� Hannah was never so grateful that she had slept in Mac’s T-shirt.� �śI didn’t want to get in trouble.” � �śYou wouldn’t have been in trouble with me, buddy.” Mac sipped his coffee, looking at Hannah over the rim. � She knew her cheeks grew red as fire. � �śNot with you. With Aidan and Ryan,” Luke admitted daring to glance across the table at his older brothers.� Mac looked at his oldest boys, confused, then looked back to Luke. �śNow why would you be in trouble with your brothers?”� �śBecause I interrupted you again when you were with Hannah. You know. Having a private date.”� Hannah laughed. She couldn’t help it. She was totally embarrassed, but little Luke was so angelic she had to laugh at his innocent perception of the situation.� �śWell, Mac. You seem to be digging yourself into a bigger hole.”� �śOh, really? You wanna give it a shot, then, brat?”� �śDon’t mind if I do.” Taking a sip of coffee, hoping it would calm her nerves, she looked up to see the boys watching her. �śOkay, gentlemen. Last night since your dad and I had such a lovely dinner he invited me to stay here, so I wouldn’t have to be alone at my house.”� �śDid you have another bad dream and have to sleep with Daddy?”� �śUm, yes, I guess so.” Okay, so she was allowed a small lie. �śSince I didn’t want to sleep alone, he let me sleep in his room and held me all night so I wouldn’t have any nightmares.”� �śHe does that for me too,” Luke said, continuing to eat.� Aidan and Ryan snickered. � �śThis is different, Luke,” Aidan said.� �śYeah, way different,” Ryan confirmed.� �śOh, really?” Hannah said to them. �śNow unless you two think a nine-year-old needs a better explanation then I suggest you drop it. You know, especially since you’re both men and can understand the situation better.” � Both boys turned bright red and Mac laughed. � �śSo are we agreed discretion is appropriate here, Aidan and Ryan?” Hannah asked, her voice firm.� �śYes, ma’am.”� �śWhat’s discretion mean?” Luke asked to no one in particular.� Aidan answered before Hannah could. �śIt’s when people don’t always need to know all the details about something. Especially when it doesn’t concern them.”� �śI couldn’t have said it any better, son,” Mac said. �śGood job. Thank you.” � Aidan beamed. � �śThese are great pancakes aren’t they, boys?” � They grunted in approval. � �śI think Hannah out did herself this morning.” Mac winked. �śNow I keep a lot of food in the house but not usually fresh blueberries.”� Hannah just smiled and sipped her coffee.� Mac watched her. �śDid you steal my truck again, brat?” His smile shone soft and warm. � �śI sure did,” she confirmed. �śCouldn’t walk to the store.”� �śI never heard you get out of bed.”� She glanced at the boys who were busy eating. �śYou were sleeping like a baby,” she whispered. �śNow finish your coffee. I need to get home and get back to normal.”� �śHannah, are you sleeping over again tonight?” Luke asked.� �śYes,” Mac said.� �śNo,” Hannah said.� �śWhat do you mean no? You don’t have to stay in that house alone,” Mac chastised. � �śAnd you’re not telling me what I’m doing.” She rose and took her plate to the sink. �śRyan and Luke, you get to do the dishes since Aidan has to work. Ryan washes. Luke dries.” � The boys agreed.� �śDon’t be stubborn, Hannah.” Mac said standing next to Hannah by the counter.� �śChoose your words wisely, Austin.” She poked him in the chest.� �śDamn it! You know you can stay here. Now we can spend all day arguing but this is one argument I plan to win.” His warning bounced off her with little weight.� �śWell, I wish I could spend all day arguing, but it just happens my day is full and you have a project to work on.” And she couldn’t discuss changing her living arrangements in front of his family. Why would he want her to live with him? It’s not like they wouldn’t see each other even if she lived at her own place. The last twenty-four hours had moved too fast for her. To have someone like Mac care for her so much and then ask her to move in had to be given some thought. Why spoil a good thing with the complication of a commitment?� �śI know what I have to work on.” He cornered her at the counter. �śWe’re going to your house, Hannah, and when I leave for the day, you’re coming back here with me. You can either pack some clothes or not. I don’t care. I happen to like you in my T-shirts. But make no mistake about it, you are coming home with me tonight.”� �śNow you listen to me, Austin MacDevin�"” � �śHannah,” Aidan said interrupting her, his voice loud enough to be heard over her rising tone.� Mac and Hannah turned their heads to find Aidan standing in front of Ryan and Luke. Hannah scolded herself for forgetting the boys were still in the room witnessing her argument with Mac.� �śYou’re staying here tonight,” Aidan told her, his arms crossed, his face serious.� Hannah’s eyes widened. �śWhat?”� �śIt makes sense. What Dad says. How you shouldn’t be alone there.” Aidan sighed. �śHannah, I mean no disrespect but if you don’t agree then I guess we’ll just have to come sleep at your house.”� Mac grinned wide.� �śPorkchop too,” Luke said, tugging on Aidan’s arm. � Aidan looked down at him then back to Hannah. �śYeah, Porkchop too.”� �śYou can’t sleep at my house. It’s under construction.” She stared at each of the boys.� �śI know,” Aidan said calmly. �śThat’s why you’ll sleep here. Where we can keep you safe.”� �śWe?” A knot formed in her throat.� �śSure.” He shrugged. �śAll of us. We’ll help Dad keep you safe from your nightmares, right guys?” � His brothers agreed.� Now Hannah had a lot happen in her life, but never had she felt so treasured as she did at that moment, facing the MacDevin men in their united stand against her stubbornness. Giving in seemed to be her only option. And she wanted to do it before the tears burning her eyes spilt over. How sweet for the boys to band together with their dad and offer her comfort? Whatever she had done in life to deserve the company of these fine men, she’d gladly do it all over again. Emotions swam through her, her heart swelling with love for the MacDevin men. Living here with them would prove difficult when it came time for her to leave. Oh, well, there would be plenty of time to dwell on that another day. She’d just live for the moment, seize the day.� �śWell, since you put it that way,” she said. �śI guess I could stay another night or so.”� Aidan smiled and Ryan and Luke cheered. Porkchop barked.� Mac tossed Aidan his truck keys. �śStart the truck. We’ll be right out.”� When they were alone again in the kitchen, Mac, who had refused to back away from Hannah, looked into her eyes. �śNow why was that so hard for you to agree? All that arguing and my sixteen-year-old convinced you.” � �śHe was very nice about it. Better than you acting all macho.”� �śThought you liked macho?” � She sighed, her shoulders sagging. �śAustin, this can’t possibly be a good thing with me staying here.”� �śNow that I disagree with. I’ll have great sex and great food. Tell me what’s the bad part.”� �śThe kids could get attached to me.”� His devilish grin spread to his eyes. �śNewsflash. The kids are already attached to you. Remember your pedestal?”� �śI’m serious, Austin. I just don’t want to play house and then they get hurt when I leave.”� �śAre you worried about them or you, Hannah? Maybe you’re worried you’re getting attached. Hard thing for a woman who moves from state to state to do. Kind of puts a kink in your plans.” � Obviously, her hesitation had edged him into a bad mood. She hadn’t meant to appear ungrateful for his offer of more suitable housing than her place but the truth had to be faced at some point. She wouldn’t be staying and residing together, for however short a time, just didn’t seem like the best decision.� �śThat’s not fair. How I live my life is my business. Not yours.” Wanting to avoid his inquisitive stare, she couldn’t keep eye contact. She focused on Porkchop who sat at her feet, and tried to ignore Mac’s closeness.� He straightened. �śAs you wish. Come on. We’re running late. Get what you need and get in the truck,” he said and turned to leave then stopped and turned back. �śPlease.” � �śThat’s better,” she said and stalked past him to go to his bedroom to get her purse.� Chapter Twenty-Six� Snuggled against Mac in the comfort of his air-conditioned parlor, Hannah couldn’t remember a time when she had felt more relaxed�Śor more at home. Hadn’t it been easy over the past week for her to fall into a surprisingly easy routine at the MacDevin house? Life moved along. While Mac wouldn’t let her cook dinner every night since he said she couldn’t slave over them, she at least had been elected to cook breakfast every morning. He made sure she had the supplies she needed, so she didn’t need to steal his truck. God, she’d never live that down.� The sultry Friday night had been ideal to stay in with Mac and relax after the long week of renovations. They had settled in to watch a movie with Luke while they waited for Aidan and Ryan to get home from hanging with their friends. Luke had fallen asleep after a gallant effort to keep his eyes open, but Hannah didn’t want Mac to put him to bed yet. With his soft snores and sleeping cradled against her, she had enjoyed the closeness, the feeling of being needed by someone. � �śIt was nice of you to forgive the boys’ groundings, Mac. They have tried to be good,” Hannah said after standing to take a long stretch when the movie ended, while Luke remained asleep on the couch.� Mac also stood, placing the remote on the television. �śYeah, well, they better get home on time tonight, or they’ll be grounded again.” His words held no heat.� � �śWell, I know I could never punish anyone. I’d give in too easily.” She smiled, knowing she would be a big pushover.� His laugh surprised her. �śAre you kidding me? You don’t have a problem punishing me.”� Her mouth opened in shock. �śI don’t punish you.” � �śLike hell, brat. You argue with me every chance you get. You use canned goods as weapons. You let that temper explode on a whim. You curse me up and down, although that has gotten better.” A slow grin edged across his lips. �śMeant to tell you that.” � �śSo why did you open your home to me?”� His head bent, and his lips roamed over hers, kissing her sinfully when she opened her mouth to his exploration. After he ended, he didn’t move far away.� �śBecause you are the most interesting, amazing, beautiful, woman I’ve ever known. One thing’s for sure, there’s never a dull moment with you around.” � �śOh, and speaking of that�"” � �śNow why does that scare me?” he said, cutting her off. He leaned back and stared.� She swatted his chest. �śShush. Tomorrow night I’m cooking dinner. We’re having company.”� �śWe’re having what?”� �śFor Aidan’s birthday. Remember you said I could make him a cake. So I plan to and we need to eat so I’m cooking dinner.”� �śAnd who’s the company?”� �śYour family.”� He smiled. �śYou’re busting my balls, right?”� �śNope. They’re coming for dinner and cake,” she said with a poke to his chest. �śAnd it’s a surprise for Aidan so don’t blow it.”� He laughed. �śYou’re giving my seventeen-year-old-man-in-the-making a birthday dinner?”� She raised a brow. Uh oh. Did he want to change his mind? �śWhy? Is there a problem?”� �śOh, hell no. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” His arms circled her, embracing her in a solid hug. �śMake sure you have a camera. I’ve got to capture Aidan’s face for this one.”� �ż �ż �ż �ż� From across the room, Mac watched his newly seventeen-year-old eldest son squirm when he arrived for his surprise birthday party. Now it could’ve been the fancy dinner leading to his embarrassment. Or maybe the frilly chocolate cake taking center stage on the dining room table. Or the wild atmosphere created whenever the MacDevin clan got together. Yeah, any of those things could’ve put that wide-eyed expression on Aidan’s face. But Mac didn’t think so. In fact, Mac would bet any amount of money that what had really surprised Aidan had been to find both his girlfriends in the same room at the same time, here to celebrate him.� Oh, Hannah was slipping off that pedestal of hers and fast.� Mac noted Catherine clung to Aidan’s arm and Cheryl had turned red. The three of them were in the corner of the parlor with Aidan, evidently speechless while the two girls shouted at each other. Mac searched around for Hannah, caught her stare and laughed. She hurried over to him.� �śOh, Mac. I didn’t know Catherine wasn’t supposed to know about Cheryl and vice versa. Oh, what a mess I’ve made. Aidan’s going to hate me.” � Now Mac would’ve liked to seen how his son got himself out of the mess he’d gotten himself into by two-timing two girls, but Hannah’s haunted face convinced him he had to intervene. Her sad eyes cut straight through to his heart.� �śAidan only has himself to blame for this one, darling. Those kids all go to school together. If his escapade wasn’t exposed tonight then it would’ve been on the first day of school. Frankly, I’d rather deal with it here than at school.” He kissed her forehead and shuffled toward the trio of screaming kids.� �śCatherine and Cheryl,” Mac said in a gentle tone. �śI couldn’t help but overhear my son has not been acting like a gentleman where you ladies are concerned.”� �śHe’s been acting like a loser,” Cheryl yelled. �śYou told me you broke up.”� �śDid you sleep with her, too, Aidan?” Catherine asked, tears in her eyes.� �śHe slept with you?” Cheryl yelled. �śAidan, you said you didn’t. You said I was special.”� �śI said you were hot, Cheryl,” Aidan said.� � Mac cringed. The kid certainly didn’t help himself except to dig his hole deeper.� �śSo you did sleep with her,” Catherine screamed.� �śOkay. Enough. There are children around. The three of you outside now,” Mac growled. �śHannah? Would you please join me?”� �śWhat?” she said, surprise ringing in her voice. �śWhy me?” � But he didn’t give her an answer, just led the trio outside. Hannah followed him into the humid night air. Mac looked at her then to his son.� �śAidan, I don’t expect an apology will help this matter, but I better hear one from you to these young ladies right now. And it better be more than two words.” Mac towered over all of them, standing still, his arms crossed.� Aidan stared at the ground for a few seconds then at Cheryl. �śI never meant for us to get involved, Cheryl. But you can’t just blame me for it. You kissed me and when I said no, well, you didn’t believe me. So things happened. I couldn’t help myself.”� �śCouldn’t help�"?” � �śCatherine,” Mac said, interrupting her. �śI promise you’ll have your say, but please let Aidan speak now.”� She folded her arms and shot Aidan killer looks.� �śCatherine, I told you I didn’t want to go steady. I told you I was too young to be with one girl. Christ, I just started getting laid and you want me to pledge my undying love to you, but I can’t and you knew that. I told you to date others, too, but you wouldn’t. So I had to sneak around and I hated that. So I’m glad this is out in the open. Because I’m going to continue to date both of you if you want me to. If not then I’ll just find someone else.”� Mac sighed. �śLadies, what I think my son is trying to say and didn’t say quite with the tactfulness he should’ve is that you’re all way too young to be in a serious relationship. You can spend special time together but you’re all going to be seniors in high school. That’s too young to be stuck in a serious relationship.”� �śYeah, that’s what I meant. I like both of you,” Aidan confirmed.� �śWell, you can forget about me,” Cheryl told him. �śI have other guys who like me and won’t use me.”� �śI didn’t use you, Cheryl,” Aidan said with some heat.� �śHe’s not like that, Cheryl,” Catherine said, calming down. �śHe may be a jerk for not telling us about the other one but he’s right. He never agreed to go steady with me.” She faced Aidan. �śI just like you a lot, Aidan, and didn’t want to share you.”� �śYou can have him. I’m leaving,” Cheryl said, and stomped off but not before throwing some F-bombs back to Aidan.� Mac glanced at Hannah. �śSee how it sounds when a pretty woman has a mouth like that?”� Hannah glared.� �śWhat a bitch,” Catherine said. Then looked at Mac. �śSorry.”� Mac smiled. �śI think you of all people are allowed at least one curse word tonight, sweetheart.”� �śWhat did you ever see in her?” Catherine asked when Cheryl peeled out of the driveway. � Aidan turned to her. �śNothing, really. She was just hot.” He cursed under his breath. �śI’m sorry if I hurt you, Catherine. Believe me I never meant to. I do like you a lot but, well,” he stopped and glimpsed Mac and Hannah watching them. �śDad, could we have some privacy, please?”� �śSure,” he said and grabbed Hannah’s elbow to hurry inside.� �śWhy’d you want me out there, Mac?” Hannah asked stepping onto the porch.� �śAs backup. I never liked getting between two women brawling. It’s suicidal.” � Hannah laughed. � �śYou think I’m kidding,” Mac said, stepping into the kitchen. �śI learned my lesson trying to break up KelliAnn and another girl when she was a teenager. KelliAnn ended up grounded and I ended up with the black eye and sore privates.” � � � Chapter Twenty-Seven� �śHannah, that is the most delicious dinner I’ve had in a long time,” Mac’s dad, Jim, said. �śNo wonder my boy, Mac, is so smitten with you.” � Hannah blushed. �śThank you. But I really do love cooking. I think of it as creating masterpieces.”� �śThat lasagna was a hell of a masterpiece,” Jim confirmed. �śYou know, Hannah, I haven’t seen this house so full of life for as long as I can remember. You sure have made a home for yourself here.”� Hannah almost dropped the pan she carried to the sink. What did he say? A home for herself? No. No. That’s all wrong. I’m not here forever.� �śDad, stop bothering Hannah. Mac’ll get jealous,” Josh teased, walking over to them. He placed a hand at Hannah’s back and bent to kiss her cheek. �śYou’ll find out we’re a hugging, kissing, can’t-mind-our-own-business kind of family, honey. Truce?” He offered her his hand.� She laughed. �śOf course. Truce,” she said, shaking his hand. � �śBoy, you give her a ticket?” Jim asked menacingly.� Josh raised palms up. �śNo, sir.” He turned and winked at Hannah. �śJust helped welcome her into town with some directions.”� Jim grunted at his answer and left them alone to go join his wife.� �śThanks for not ratting me out. Dad would chew my head off if he ever found out I almost gave you a ticket.” � �śYou were just doing your job. Josh, do you want any more to eat? There’s plenty here.”� Josh rubbed his flat belly. �śNo, ma’am. I’m stuffed. But I can say I can’t wait for your restaurant to open. I think I’ll live there.” He laughed, reminding her of a younger version of Mac.� �śI’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”� �śThat I am but not as much as my big brother is by playing house again. It’s good to see a female around here. You’ve got the four of them hooked, Hannah,” Josh confirmed. He lifted her hand and kissed it quickly. �śAnd I must say, they have great taste.” � �śHands off, little bro,” Mac said from behind him. �śYou have your own.”� �śWho is probably still discussing wedding plans with Mom and KelliAnn. I swear if I hear one more thing about flowers, or invitations, or the other million wedding items, I’ll scream,” Josh said.� �śThat’s what you get when you pop the question.” Mac said walking away with Josh.� Hannah panicked. Oh God, what had she gotten herself into here? Did his family think they were in a serious relationship? She couldn’t stay in Charleston. When she moved, she left her problems behind. Started fresh somewhere else. A place where no one really knew her. She couldn’t stay in one place. � Could she?� The festivities drew her away from her alarming thoughts. The present time wouldn’t be suitable to wallow in her worries, not when everyone smiled and celebrated Mac’s oldest son. The family gathered around Aidan and sang Happy Birthday, watched him blow out his candles, and clapped like fools. Hannah couldn’t help but smile. It had turned out to be a decent night after all. Hannah leaned forward to cut the cake but stopped when Aidan stood in front of her, placing his hand on her shoulder. � �śThank you, Hannah, for tonight.” � When he gathered her into a hug, surprise filled her but she hugged back, the odd embrace so tender it touched her heart. Over Aidan’s shoulder, Hannah caught Mac’s gaze as he stood with Ryan and Luke, and tears threatened to fill her eyes. Crying was useless since it solved nothing. She’d learned that many years earlier the hard way.� But the tears swimming in her eyes reached her soul and awakened a vulnerability she didn’t want. � �śDad’s cakes are never this good,” Aidan whispered in her ear. �śBut don’t tell him I said that.”� When he released her, she shook but did her best to put on a smile. �śI won’t.”� Trying to steady her hands, she took the knife and sliced into the cake. �śOkay. First piece goes to the birthday boy.”� �śOh, man, no fair,” Ryan complained.� �śWhen it’s your birthday then you’ll get the first piece,” she said.� �śSo you going to make me a cake for my birthday too?” Ryan asked.� �śSure,” she agreed without hesitation. �śWhen is it?” She continued to cut cake and pass it out.� �śNot for seven months.”� Hannah froze. �śOh, but I won’t be here in seven months,” she said softly, not wanting to admit it even to herself.� �śHow long will you be here for?” Luke asked when she handed him cake and kept slicing.� �śJust as long as it takes to get the restaurant up and running. Probably three more months tops.” She handed cake out around the table and smiled when Shelby skipped the spoon and used her fingers.� �śIf we speed up the schedule, your restaurant can be open in less than two months,” Mac said, picking up a piece of cake and staring into her eyes, his brow furrowed. �śThat way you can hurry up and be on your way.”� She didn’t miss the sarcastic tone but refused to get sucked into an argument when the entire MacDevin clan studied them.� �śThat’s the best news I’ve heard all day,” she said with a forced smile, her hand tightening on the knife’s handle. The nerve of him using that tone with her when he’d known all along she wouldn’t be staying.� �śI think you should live here,” Luke said.� � �śNow, Luke,” Mac said but kept his gaze locked on Hannah. �śShe has a lot of places to go and people to meet. That’s what she does. That’s her job. Ain’t that right, Hannah?”� She pretended not to hear him. She finished serving the cake and while she didn’t feel like eating, she took a piece for Aidan’s sake.� �śHannah, don’t you ever get lonely?” Luke asked still eating his cake. His big blue eyes filled with innocence, focused solely on her like he expected her to agree. A small smudge of frosting dotted the corner of his mouth, and his little face beamed while he licked his fork. God, she hated to disappoint him.� She glanced from Luke to Mac who smirked. Then she gave Luke her attention, shrugging her shoulders. �śSometimes. But I keep myself busy.” � �śThat’s her job too,” Mac said, his clipped tone too obvious to go unnoticed.� What the hell was his problem? Hadn’t she made the evening a success? All right, she’d had enough. She put on a big smile and turned to Mac. �śSeems I need something at the store. Care to drive me, Austin?”� �śNo.”� �śIt wasn’t a question,” she said, her voice firm. She grabbed his arm and tugged him with her out the door. � �śMaybe I should’ve mentioned earlier in this affair that I don’t take lightly to being dragged out of my own house to have a pissing contest,” Mac said, his voice thundering over the night air. He slammed the door behind him.� She turned. �śWhat? Would you rather have it in there with all your family present?”� �śYou invited them, not me.”� �śFor your son’s birthday party. Was that so friggin’ bad?” � �śWhat got your panties in a bunch, brat?”� �śYou know damn well what did.” She pointed her finger at him. �śAnd now you can deal with my temper.”� �śTrying to scare me, Hannah?” He grinned, raising his eyebrow, the arrogant stance pissing her off even more. � She balled her fists beside her thighs. She didn’t need to stand for this. Without further thought, she whirled and stomped into the darkness then stopped. No, she couldn’t run from her problems this time. After all, she’d be in town until he completed the project. They had to find a way to get along and keep their arrangement working. She marched back to where he remained standing with his arms crossed.� �śAnd what the hell do you mean by affair?”� �śWell, it can’t really be a one-night stand, darling, because we’ve fucked every night for weeks. So what would you call that? A one-month stand?” Sarcasm dripped from him like Spanish moss.� Oh how she wanted to smack that evil grin from his face. But she kept her hands glued to her sides. No way she could match him physically. And since he was in a fine temper himself, he probably would not look lightly at getting slapped. Oh, but she would be so very satisfied.� �śWow. Nothing to say, brat? That’s a first.”� �śGo to hell.”� �śMaybe someday, but for now I think I’ll just continue to enjoy fucking you until you run out of town. If I haven’t said it yet, Hannah, darling, you are one hell of a lay.”� That did it. � She raised her hand and swung hard, catching him flat against the cheek with a loud smack, his head snapping sideways. Pulling her hand back she clutched it, the palm and fingers hot. She stood paralyzed in front of him, her anger reverberating throughout her body causing her to tremble. Her heartbeat sped up, and visions of Mac returning the slap brought back memories of her childhood when she lived with her father’s unmerciful ways. � Mac turned to look at her again, the dangerous gleam in his eyes pinning her in place. And even though he’d never been capable of hurting her, deep inside her head a little voice told her to run. But her stupid feet wouldn’t listen and remained planted firmly in front of him.� �śI’m sorry,” she whispered, her gaze searching his face for some kind of understanding. She inched forward but didn’t touch him.� �śReally?” he growled and with one quick movement he hauled her by the arms and held her against his chest, her feet barely touching the ground. � Surrounded by darkness and the sultry night air, Hannah stared up into Mac’s hard eyes.� Then his lips landed on hers for a kiss that stunned her more than pleasured her. Her breath hitched, her mouth froze against his. What did he think he was doing? As he crushed her lips, his tongue explored her mouth. Just when she thought she’d lose her breath, he ended the kiss, and stared down into her eyes.� �śAustin. You’re hurting my arms.”� He eased his vise grip on her but he kept her in front of him. At least her feet at least rested on the ground once again.� �śYou shouldn’t have done that, Hannah.” � �śYou shouldn’t have said what you said. You were mean.”� �śI know.” � She stared. Now how did he expect her to respond to that? She wanted to continue arguing�"at least then she could hide her feelings with her temper. She didn’t like the way her heart ached with all of these emotions swirling through her and not knowing what to do about the situation.� �śBut you slapped me before I could apologize for letting those words out.” � �śLetting them out?” Christ, why didn’t he just shove a dagger through her heart? It’d save her the humiliation of facing his pity. �śSo you meant them but didn’t want to say them? That’s no better, Austin.”� �śJust thought I should emphasize I’m taking this affair as lightly as you are. No hard feelings when you bolt from town, right?”� �śYou knew I wasn’t staying. This is exactly why I said me staying at your house was a bad idea.”� �śWell, I said it was a good idea and meant it. I’ve had great sex and great food so I can’t complain.”� Her voice shook. Disappointment consumed her. Sex and food, that’s all he could think of, huh? �śReally? Because it sounded like you were complaining a few minutes ago.”� � �śWell, don’t look for me to complain in the future,” he said in an all-too-reasonable voice. �śI’ll just concentrate on keeping the schedule in line so you can leave town soon for your next adventure.” � She leaned up on her toes, closer to his face. �śFine.” � She wanted to tell him where to shove his damn schedule, but if he insisted on acting like an ass then she had better ways to spend her time than dealing with the likes of him.� He glowered down at her. �śFine.”� She struggled to get free from his grasp with no success. �śAnd after all the teasing you gave me about making a cake for Aidan I find out you do give your men-to-be-sons birthday cakes.”� �śOf course, what kind of father would I be if I didn’t?”� �śMy father,” she said softly.� He sighed. His shoulders slumped and his grip on her loosened. �śShit, Hannah. I didn’t mean it that way.”� A huge knot formed in her throat but she refused to allow the tears to form. �śSo why not just tell me you have cakes instead of making me believe I’d mortify the poor kid?”� �śBecause there was no really nice way to tell you I don’t want or need you playing mommy to my kids.” � Now that was a straight hit to her heart. �śIs that what you think I’m doing? Playing mommy?”� His eyes remained unreadable, no emotion. �śMaybe. Just telling you I’m not going to put up with it. We’ve survived on our own this long, no reason we can’t continue this way.”� She shrugged free of him. �śYou know, Austin. We’re alike more than you care to admit. We’re both running from our pasts, but I’m just able to admit it unlike you who thinks he can use being abandoned by his wife as an excuse to live life in a fucking bubble.” She marched off down the driveway to the rear of the house.� �śOh, is that so?” he yelled after her.� She turned back. �śYeah, it is. I think I was an easy target for you to get into your bed. I’m not sticking around so there’ll be no commitments so it makes it easy for you to get involved, and then when I leave you can go back to your life. You knew all along I was here only temporarily. If I had actually moved into town you wouldn’t have made a pass on me. Great tits and ass or not.”� She stormed back into the house and found the family mulling about, pretending to be uninterested in her argument with Mac but their expressions revealed the truth, the curiosity, the need to know. � She grabbed dirty plates off of the dining room table and with a big smile, faced her guests, and in a calm, smooth voice said, �śAnyone up for coffee?” � Without waiting for replies, Hannah strutted to the kitchen and prepared to get through the remainder of the evening. With any luck, she wouldn’t be facing a murder charge before the night ended.� Three hours later, the house empty of family at last, Mac turned to the boys and said, �śOkay, guys. Bed.” � Ryan’s shoulders slumped. �śAw, Dad�"”� Mac shot him a look, cutting his protests short. � Without further objections, the boys climbed the stairs.� Hannah cleaned up with Mac’s help. They worked in silence. When they finished, she left the room and returned with his pillow and flung it at him. � �śYou’re sleeping out here with Porkchop.” She turned to the dog. �śSorry, Porkchop, but I’ve had enough of him tonight.”� Mac threw the pillow down and followed her into the bedroom, his hand opening the door when she would have slammed it shut. �śMaybe I don’t want the couch.”� She whirled on him. �śThen maybe you should try sleeping in the truck.”� �śOr maybe I’ll just sleep in my own damn bed.”� �śThe hell you will.”� He grinned and inched closer. �śThink you can kick me out of my own bed, brat?”� �śI just did.”� �śI don’t think so.” He his shirt. � �śGet out of here,” she said, pointing at the door, on the verge of stomping her foot. �śI’m not sleeping with you.”� He edged closer to her. �śI don’t care if you sleep. Just fuck me.” The Southern drawl in his voice had its usual effect on her libido, charging it, revving it. Damn him!� �śDream on,” she snapped. God, he wanted her now? After the words they’d crucified each other with?� Bare-chested, he inched toward her. �śI always do after you fuck me.” Those bright blues bore into her, hot lust simmering on the surface.� �śThere’s no need to be cruel, Austin. Or lewd.”� He unbuttoned his jeans, kicked out of them and his briefs, and climbed onto the bed. He lay on top of the covers, his erection jutting out from his body, inviting her to touch him. �śWant to join me? If you sleep in here, I’m going to fuck you.” He spoke while stroking his cock. �śAnd don’t try to say you don’t want me to.”� With her hands on her hips, she stared at him, biting her lip and ignoring the tiny pulses within her pussy. Fucking him would make him happy right now just like it would her. But he didn’t deserve to be pleasured. Only one option remained.� She left.� �śFine. You take the couch,” he said. � She slammed the bedroom door. She planned to do better than that. She grabbed her purse and Mac’s truck keys and stomped outside. Squealing the tires, she laid on the horn and had the immense satisfaction of seeing his bedroom light come on when she turned out of his driveway.� Chapter Twenty-Eight� An hour later, Hannah sat in the same jail cell she had on that fateful girl’s night out. She paced back and forth in the seven by ten cage hating the male species right now. The sheriff, lucky her, had been covering for one of the deputies who called out sick.� �śYou know, Ms. O’Leary, I still can’t believe you’ve graduated from starting bar room brawls to stealing trucks,” Sheriff Greely said while eating a donut.� �śI didn’t steal Mac’s damn truck for the hundredth time. I’ve been staying there and I needed to run to the store.” So what if she stretched the truth a little. She had every right to use Mac’s truck. She lived in his house after all.� �śMac says differently. And ain’t no stores open around here at eleven at night, ma’am.”� �śHow was I supposed to know that?” she huffed. �śAnd what are we waiting for?”� �śMac to come. He needs to pick up you and his truck.” He bit off a big chunk of donut. �śSaid he’ll be here shortly as soon as his brother can give him a ride.”� �śWell, he can pick up the truck but not me. I want to be let go right now, sheriff.”� �śSorry. Can’t do that.”� �śArgh!” she screamed trying to pry the stupid metal bars apart and break out of the place.� Then Mac appeared.� �śYou jerk,” she yelled as soon as she saw him. �śYou called the sheriff on me?”� �śSure did,” he said, shooting her a withered expression. �śThanks, sheriff, for picking her up.”� �śYour truck’s out back, Mac. You taking her too?”� �śDo I have a choice?” He smirked.� �śOf course you do,” the sheriff said. �śBut think wisely. She’s madder than a hen in a mud pit.”� �śOh, you people and your stupid sayings. Can you even hear yourselves talk?” She tossed her hands in the air. �śYou make absolutely no sense.”� Mac half laughed. �śI’ll take her with me and save you a headache.”� She backed away from the bars, keeping eye contact on the sneaky devil. �śI’m not going anywhere with you.”� �śOh, yes you are,” he said firmly. � The sheriff opened the cell. � With her arms crossed, she stepped back until she’d backed into the corner. �śI’d rather stay in jail than go anywhere with you.”� The sheriff faced Mac. �śYou know, if you press charges then she’ll have to stay here until her arraignment, which will be some time next week when we can get her in front of a judge.”� Hannah’s mouth dropped. �śYou wouldn’t.” She stared at Mac.� �śNot at all, brat. Remember, I know how to deal with your temper.”� She glared at him for that implication.� �śLet her out, sheriff. She’s coming home with me.”� Once unlocked, the door swung open. Mac simply grabbed her by the hand and led her out like he had the last time. Oh God, was this déj� vu, or what? If he thought he could spank her again he was dead wrong.� But when they pulled into his driveway after a silent drive home, Hannah breathed a sigh of relief her bottom hadn’t experienced his temper this time. While she had enjoyed the last spanking, she couldn’t be so sure about now. His bad mood continued although he hadn’t complained anymore. The idea of him spanking her had turned her on when she wanted to remain mad at him. With their fiery history, she couldn’t totally dismiss receiving another paddling. She may just have to entice him into giving her one. She got out of the truck and followed him inside where he took her hand again, shut off the kitchen lights, and led her toward his bedroom. Mindful of the sleeping children, she didn’t resist or speak.� Once inside his bedroom, Mac stripped and got into bed. �śI took out a T-shirt for you. It’s over there.” He motioned to the top of his bureau. He leaned back against the pillows, put his hands behind hi s head, and stared at her. �śWhat are you waiting for? Strip.”� She took the T-shirt and went to the bathroom to change. Anger still consumed her and she refused to let him see her naked even if he had already seen every inch of her body and more. Ten minutes later, she walked quietly back into Mac’s bedroom.� �śThought you were going to make me fetch you again. Glad you didn’t.”� �śI had to change.”� He raised a brow and snorted. �śSo now you’re shy?”� She ignored him. �śWe’re not having sex, Mac.”� �śBack to calling me Mac, huh?”� �śBe glad that’s all I’m calling you.”� He smiled. She smiled too while she folded her clothes but still wanted to remain mad. �śI can’t believe you reported your truck stolen,” she said facing him.� �śIt was the truth. I didn’t tell you to take it.”� �śYou knew I’d return it.”� His bare chest taunted her to touch it, the sheets bright white against his tanned skin. �śDidn’t matter. You shouldn’t have taken off.”� �śOh, is that it? Has nothing to do with your precious truck, does it?”� �śDon’t know what you’re talking about but I’m tired since you’ve managed to have me pick you up at the sheriff’s office once again. Get into bed.”� �śYou just couldn’t stand that I left without letting you know.”� �śCome to bed, Hannah.” He tugged the sheets halfway up his chest. �śBelieve me, I’m not interested in touching you tonight.”� �śI’m not your damn ex-wife, Mac. When I leave, I’ll say goodbye.”� When he didn’t respond, she climbed into bed and turned off the light on the nightstand. The moonlight shone through the window, lighting the room. Without warning, he rolled and lay on top of her, and she was stunned by his quickness. � He pinned her underneath him. �śI never said you were like her, Hannah, so don’t ever put those words in my mouth again.”� �śGet off of me, Mac,” she said, pushing against his chest. �śYour displays of machoness tonight are really beginning to irritate me.” How she wished she had the strength to toss him off the bed. She grit her teeth and abandoned her efforts to move his massive body. The swine!� The moonlight skirted through the window curtains, highlighting his features enough for her to recognize the wicked gleam in his eyes. �śMaybe I changed my mind about sex after all.” He drawled out each word.� Oh, God, her traitorous body would do her in if she didn’t get control of her desires before he could flame them anymore with his damn sex appeal. �śThen use your hand. Do you need me to remind you how?”� He smiled wide. �śYou are such a little brat.”� �śI’ve heard that before. Try something else.”� Moonlight gleamed off his jet-black hair. �śHannah.” � He kissed her lips as gently as he ever had. She tingled from the intimacy of the touch. � �śI’m sorry,” he said. �śI was a total ass tonight. I never meant those hurtful words.”� �śSure sounded like you did.”� He sighed. �śI didn’t. Damn it. I’ve never let a woman get as close to me as you have. Now I have all these thoughts and feelings that, well, I just can’t process.” � She wasn’t letting him off the hook that fast no matter how sweet his apology or the way his eyes searched hers for forgiveness. �śSo what are you trying to tell me, Mac? That you had, like, a meltdown tonight?” � �śMen don’t have meltdowns.”� She snorted. �śYeah, well, tonight was close to it for you.”� �śHannah.”� �śDon’t you mean brat?”� His face became serious. �śAnd don’t you mean Austin?”� She stared into his eyes. �śAustin.”� �śBrat.”� �śAre you ever going to tell me why you call me that?”� �śSomeday. Maybe. Right now I want to make love to you but if you’re not interested, and I couldn’t blame you if you weren’t, then I’ll roll off and leave you alone.”� �śThen roll off of me.”� He stared at her for a long moment. And did as promised and moved back to his side of the bed. They lay on their backs quietly for a minute. She focused on the ceiling, contemplating her next move. Wetness dampened her panties after he’d laid that hard body over hers. Feeling the way his weight pressed her into the mattress had her pussy begging for his cock to fill her, deep and hard. With the slightest movement, she turned to peek at him. He lay silent like her, but there could be no mistaking the tension surrounding him in the way he rested stiff and straight instead of on his side spooning with her as he usually did. � Then she crawled on top of him, her hair cascading down to his pillow.� �śI wanted to be on top, Austin.” She kissed him, long and deep. � His hands slid up her sides, taking the T-shirt with them. Soon she was bare and straddling him. His nakedness shone in the bright moonlight, each muscle fascinating. Wanting to nibble his hot body made her mouth water. God, she needed him. � Leaning down, she took his mouth and fought for control of the kiss until he flipped her onto her back and lay on top of her.� �śDon’t care if you want to be on top, brat,” he said, his voice soothing, his eyes fixated on hers. �śI’m going to make love to you like I want to.”� She pushed at him. �śFuck me hard and fast.”� �śNot tonight,” he whispered, moving down her body. His touch was tender, soft. He planted kisses along her belly to her inner thighs. � Flashes of heat emanated from deep in her belly and spread out until she thought she’d catch on fire. She whimpered, unable to hide her ecstasy.� �śYou’re not playing fair, Austin.” � When his mouth claimed the sensitive spot between her legs, she cried out. Held in place by his strength, she surrendered to his delicious attention. His tongue lapped at her pussy, stroking her quivering lips, caressing her aching folds. � �śOh, Austin, don’t stop. Make me come.”� His quiet moans between her thighs only edged her desire higher.� �śI can’t stand it. Feels too good. Make me come. Now.” She squirmed under his kisses. The slow rise of her orgasm began deep within the quivering walls of her womb. At first she thought her mind would be lost to the dire need to find her release. But it soon fell prey to the overwhelming attentions he offered her, and all her thoughts wiped clear while her senses worked on overdrive. Every stroke of his tongue heightened her awareness of the tension twirling within her. When he inserted a finger into her throbbing slit, her control slipped away. � �śAustin! Oh, God. Please. Please.” � His finger worked magic in her wet channel, and the spasms grew larger. � Immense pleasure flowed through her body, little sparks exploding through her belly and thighs. She floated on a cloud, being lifted up closer to the heavens. She fisted the bed sheet, searching for the strength to endure his wonderful mouth and its torment. Her hips lifted toward his waiting mouth forced her body closer to his intimate exploration. With every movement of that expert tongue, with every sensuous kiss over the vulnerable folds of flesh, she quivered, trying to remember to breathe, not even able to remember her name. But she remembered the name of the man between her legs while she cried out. � �śAustin! Oh, God, Austin. Don’t stop.”� �śWhat’s in it for me, brat?” He moved away from the highly sensitive area in the center, holding her orgasm at bay, while still stroking her swollen lips.� Lifting her head, she looked down her body to where his eyes peeked over her mound, his lust-filled gaze locked on her. His mouth remained against her, his warm breath blowing to tickle her wet skin with every word.� �śFor you?” She panted. �śWhat’s for you?” � She did the only thing she could. She gave in to the lust storming through her body. Scooting down the bed, she wrapped her legs around his neck, and thrust herself up to meet his mouth. Without further stalling, his tongue returned to her heated flesh, devouring her, his strong hands holding her thighs tightly. One long finger entered her hole and fucked her rapidly.� Finally! She had him exactly where she needed him to make her come. Oh, she didn’t want this pleasure to end but the throbbing along her heated pussy had grown unbearable. Surrendering to his loving proved the best choice.� When his tongue teased her sensitive nub, licking, sucking, nibbling, pleasure crashed over her, sending her into wave after wave of pure bliss, her body rocking with one spasm after another. Barely able to catch her breath, her limp body lay under him, his hands roaming, caressing, stimulating until she was ready for him to take her. � The smell of sex and hot flesh clung to the air. Hannah sucked in breath after breath, trying to fight the force of pleasure strumming along her belly to the junction of her legs, where Mac’s kisses had glistened the soft curls. Wanting to prolong her ecstasy, needing to remain in this moment forever, Hannah begged her body to calm and ride out Mac’s loving until he could come with her. His erection rubbed against her thighs when he leaned over her.� When he eased inside her, she thought she’d die if he didn’t thrust into her with his regular fury. She needed for him to show her how wild she made him, how she could help him lose that steely control he always had. But instead, he showed her how exquisite gentle loving could really be while he slowly pumped into her one long stroke at a time, inch by inch, repeating, his hand gripping her hips while his other held him up off of her. � Never had she thought of making love at such a leisurely pace, never imagined the sweet torture of his cock stroking against her pussy like this. � �śHannah, I wish you could feel how hot your sweet pussy is. Damn,” Mac said, his lips kissing the tender side of her neck. � If he left a mark, oh well. His love bites tingled too much to stop him. The delicious scrape of his stubble left simmering trails along her sensitive skin. � Her hands couldn’t touch him enough. Scraping her fingernails across his shoulders and up and down his back rewarded her when he groaned. Her hips flexed up to urge him to speed up.� �śAustin. Faster.”� He shook his head. �śNo.”� She ceased moving her hips. �śWhat do you mean no? I’m ready to come. Fuck me faster.” Did she just beg? She didn’t care.� His short laugh teased her. �śOkay. Since you put it that way. God, you feel so good.”� Her pussy still spasmed from her earlier orgasm, the effects lingering in the swell of her moist lips, the tightness around his cock more than usual. When his hips finally answered her prayers and thrust harder into her, deeper into her wetness, her breath escaped her lungs. Her arousal built to the point of mind numbing waves and mocking spasms that just wouldn’t bring her over the edge. This hovering between reality and ecstasy drove her insane.� �śAustin. Faster. Deeper.”� When she orgasmed, it stunned her with its soul-shattering power, encompassing all she ever wanted in life, happiness, and security. Right there in Mac’s bed, held possessively in his strong, muscular arms, Hannah found the contentment she had always wondered if existed.� Determined to see Mac through his pleasure, Hannah squeezed her legs and wrapped them around his hips. � �śOh, hell, yeah,” he said, gritting his teeth, his expression warning of his heightened lust. �śYou feel better and better each time, baby. So fucking tight.” He pumped harder, his cock filling her.� Moments after her release, Mac’s body jerked. He exploded in a deep thrust bumping her G-spot, the pleasure of his orgasm etched on his face, his eyes closed, his jaw clenched. How she wished to feel his hot cum filling her but the condom prevented it. Instead, she closed her eyes and imagined the slippery wetness that would ease out of her pussy when his limp cock slid out. Someday maybe she’d experience making love without the need for a condom. � Mac only left Hannah’s side for a moment to dispose of the condom. Tossing his T-shirt to her, he crawled back into bed.� �śThanks, Hannah, for tonight.”� Tugging on the T-shirt, her head snapped around, her eyes wide. �śI swear if you thank me for sex, Austin, I’m really going to hurt you.”� Mac laughed. He turned off the light and then wrapped those solid arms tightly around her. �śNot for sex, brat. Thanks for making Aidan’s night special. He’s never hugged any woman like that, you know�"not without being prompted and then it was only his grandmother or aunt.”� Hannah rested her leg across his and snuggled against his side. �śI can’t believe the love triangle. Oh, God.”� �śYeah, you almost lost your pedestal.” He sighed. �śI got scared, Hannah. Aidan hugging you just made us look like one big happy family and that’s the furthest from our reality.”� Her fingers toyed with the curly dark patch of hair on his chest. �śI know. I’ve never had that kind of attention. But I’m glad the night ended well. At least for the most part,” she said looking up at him.� He kissed her lips and held her close. While he lay still on his back, she placed her head on his chest listening to the rhythmic thump of his heartbeat. His breathing evened and slowed and a quick peek at his face showed he had fallen asleep.� Hannah snuggled closer to Mac’s warm, naked body and for the first time in her life she wanted to set down roots. � If she only knew how.� Chapter Twenty-Nine� No matter how long she lived Hannah would never get used to having money, especially millions of dollars. She had worked hard for every dime and knew it could be gone tomorrow with the wrong investment, business venture, or help from her miserable parents. � Hannah stood at the cashier’s window wiring money to her mother in California where she worked as a waitress or something. Hannah didn’t care to hear her sob story. She agreed without wasting time, knowing her mother wouldn’t stop calling until she sent money. Ten thousand was worth the peace Hannah would have once she paid the obnoxious woman.� After completing her transaction, Hannah stepped out into the hot Charleston sun, temporarily blinded by its brightness until she put on her sunglasses and got into her car.� When her cell phone rang, she wanted to ignore it since it was probably her mother calling for the tenth time in two hours. But instead, she started the car, set the AC on high, and answered. To her relief it hadn’t been her mother again but her manager, Charles, from the Greenville, North Carolina restaurant.� �śOh, Charles, it’s so nice to hear�"”� �śThe restaurant’s on fire, Ms. O’Leary!” he said, cutting her off, his voice cracking with fear.� She stared out her windshield, the cold breeze from the car’s AC hitting her face. �śWhat?” There’s no way she’d heard him right.� �śI mean, it was on fire. But it’s out now.”� �śOh, my God!” She swallowed hard. Nothing like this ever happening to her before. What was she supposed to do? �śDid anyone get hurt?” Please say no, please.� �śNo, ma’am. Just mostly damage to the kitchen.”� �śI’m on my way, Charles,” she said, panic consuming her, her palms sweaty and slipping off the steering wheel until she grasped with a death hold. Thank God she had yet to drive away or she might’ve crashed after hearing this news.� On the other end, Charles cleared his throat. �śReally, I’m sorry to have alarmed you. It all just happened so fast. There’s no need for you to drive all the way here. The insurance and fire inspectors will be arriving momentarily. I’ll keep you updated.”� She took a deep breath, praying her nerves would steady. �śI’m sure you have everything under control, Charles. But I want to be there. The restaurant is ultimately my responsibility and I owe it to you and the rest of my employees to find out what happened and get the place operational again. Make sure all staff know they will be paid their entire regular wages while we’re closed, no matter how long that has to be. See you soon.”� Hannah disconnected the call with a shaking hand and swung into traffic, headed toward her house to locate Mac. But to her disappointment when she arrived she only found Harry, Mac’s assistant.� Rushing into the house, Hannah blurted, �śHarry, I need to speak with Mac right away but his truck’s not here. Did he go to his office?”� The elderly man straightened from tearing a board off the floor. �śNo, ma’am. Took his boy to Goose Creek. Had to pick up some supplies. Said he expected to be back by four.”� �śOh. Well, thank you, Harry. I’ll just call his cell.”� Hannah drove back to Mac’s house to pack her suitcase. She wanted to be on the road within the hour to get to the restaurant by nightfall. � Dialing Mac’s cell earned her a strike two when she got his voicemail. �śAustin, if you get this I’ll already be on the road. One of my restaurants had a fire. I have to go there. Should be back in a week.” She cringed listening to her words. A week? She hated to think of being gone that long, but maybe she could take care of things quicker. �śOh, and, Austin, please change the schedule and begin work on my apartment immediately so it’s ready for when I return. I want to move back in when I return. Do what you need to get it done but it’s a priority. Talk to you later.” At least she could give Mac back his space at his house once he completed the repairs to her apartment. Overstaying her welcome would only take advantage of his hospitality. � At the house, only Porkchop greeted her. She packed in a rush, not having much since she always traveled light. Stealing one of Mac’s T-shirts to sleep in, she buried her nose in it breathing in the fresh scent of his detergent before shoving it into her bag.� To her regret, Ryan and Luke hadn’t been at home. Since the temps had risen to almost a hundred degrees out she’d bet they’d be at the lake. She’d just leave them a note and get on the road, hopefully in time before the fire department boarded up the building at which point she couldn’t inspect the damage. � While the reason for this trip was indeed unfortunate, she would use it to put some space between her and Mac. She needed time to herself to think clearly. Things between them had progressed too fast. Just last night, she’d considered setting down roots and giving life a chance here, but in the light of day, it all seemed too surreal to be possible. She sighed. A week off should give her a clearer head and a better handle of the situation. � Even if the manager had claimed most of the destruction had occurred in the kitchen, she was nervous about discovering how bad the damage in Greenville had been, and her stomach turned upside down with nausea. Charles could certainly keep her abreast of the situation, but Hannah remembered the pledge she made to always support her employees. Suffering a fire and loss of work meant she needed to step up and be there for them. Mac could continue the renovations during her brief absence. The businessman in him would understand her responsibility to report to the scene, assess the situation, and resolve the problems. � Hastily, she wrote the note to the boys, struggling with what words to write, not wanting to sound too sentimental and mortify them. She smiled, thinking of the teasing they’d probably give her if she acted sappy. She hung the note with a magnet on the fridge, the usual spot where Mac and the kids left each other notes. � She filled Porkchop’s bowl with fresh water and glanced around the kitchen remembering the first night Mac had carried her in the door after her fainting spell. She stared at the spot on the wall where the egg she’d thrown at him had landed, and she smiled. Turning, she scurried out of the kitchen and into the driveway, jumping into her car, trying not to look back at the house. � Finally, she got on the road to Greenville. Merging onto the Interstate, she settled into the middle lane and noticed something tickling her cheek. She reached up to brush it away and her hand came away wet. � Oh, my God! She was crying. Why the tears? Her trip would only take her from Charleston for one week but it crushed her heart. What would it be like to leave forever? � With a shaking hand, she swiped at her stained cheeks, blasted the music, and slammed the gas pedal to the floor. This is what Hannah O’Leary did. She ran from one place to the next, never bothering to get attached to any place or anyone. � Until this time. � Until she’d met the four MacDevin men.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Hannah was dead on her feet. She’d driven all day and into the evening, stopping only for necessary bathroom breaks and coffee refills. Now she stood outside her Greenville restaurant and all appeared fine. She breathed a sigh of relief and walked inside. The remnants of acrid smoke irritated her nose with the dusty dank smell of burnt wood and melted plastic, making her nauseated.� �śMs. O’Leary,” Charles, her manager, greeted her. Around fifty-years-old, he stood tall with a medium build, salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed, and thick glasses hiding his light brown eyes. � �śHi, Charles.” She shook his hand.� �śWow, you sure did make good time. I told you not to panic,” Charles said after glancing at his watch. �śIt was just a small grease fire.”� She hurried into the kitchen to find her normally spotless prep area blackened like burnt toast. The wall had been charred and the stove melted beyond recognition. Dread filled her. She swallowed hard, her heart pounding. �śCharles, are you sure no one got injured?”� �śNo, ma’am. The chef and hostess were the last ones here for the night. They were about to leave when they saw the smoke billowing from the grease trap above the stove. They knew better than to fight it, so they waited outside for the fire department.”� She let out a long breath. They had been quite fortunate for sure. Thank God they used their heads. �śI’m glad no one got hurt. It’s not worth it. Things can be replaced. People can’t.”� He nodded. �śAgreed. The Fire Inspector said there’s some kind of defect on the grease trap, so he’s citing the manufacturer. You’ll be covered a hundred percent.”� She glanced around some more still stunned at the scene. Turning her attention back to her faithful employee, she spoke even though exhausted. �śGood to know. How is everything else going?”� They sat at one of the small round tables reserved for intimate brunch reservations, the ones where couples wanted to dine away from larger groups.� �śGreat.” His fingers tapped the table. �śPlace has been a huge success as all your places are, Ms. O’Leary.”� �śCharles, you’ve been with me five years. I told you to call me Hannah.”� �śSorry, my manners won’t allow me.” His hand waved to her. �śYou’re the boss and I’m the eternally grateful employee.”� �śStop it, now. I’m the one who’s grateful to you. I owe you the world.” She scanned the room again, a chill running up her spine when she thought of how bad things could have been with the fire. �śThis has always been my one location that I’ve never had to worry about.”� �śThank you. That means a lot to me.” He bowed his head with a little nod. �śSo tell me how the new place is coming along?”� Hannah didn’t want to think of that, or admit she missed Mac and the kids. She’d only been gone about eight hours. Would Mac call her? God, she hoped so. Hadn’t she jumped for her cell phone with excitement every time it had rang on the journey here, and even now she held it in her hands, hopeful. Maybe she should call him? Just to make sure he understood her message about changing the construction schedule. No, of course he would. It had been pretty cut and dry. He’d understand that the time had come for her to get back in her apartment, give him back his bedroom. Once her renovations finished then maybe she could convince him to come to her house for an adult sleepover if his sister or parents could watch the kids.� �śMs. O’Leary? Everything okay?”� Caught daydreaming by her employees could never be a good thing. �śSorry, been on the road too long, I guess. The new place has been the usual, Charles. You know, construction noise, planning menus, and getting ads ready for hiring. I figured I’d be here a week to meet the inspectors then I’ll return to Charleston to start the interviews to hire my staff.”� �śBetter plan on a little longer than a week.”� �śOh no,” she said, not meaning to sound disappointed. �śI mean, well, you know me. I like to stick to my schedules and I’m pretty busy back in Charleston.” Her shoulders slumped. Denying any longer how much she missed Mac and the boys would only have her living a lie. Any extra days away would be miserable.� �śI remember. We should be able to get you back on the road in ten days.”� �śOkay,” she whispered. � �śMs. O’Leary, if you need to get back sooner then I could handle the inspectors. Any paperwork you need to sign we could send overnight.”� �śNo. I should be here. You said they requested the owner be present if at all possible so I will be even though you are quite capable of handling anything.” She rose to her feet. �śCharleston’s not going to miss me.” Her heart ached with that acknowledgement. Would the MacDevin’s even notice her absence? �śNow if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to check into my hotel and get some sleep.”� �śAbsolutely. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ms. O’Leary.” Charles walked her out, waving while she got back in her car.� Back at her hotel room, Hannah dialed Mac’s cell phone to tell him she missed him and she’d be gone longer than the week she originally expected. When he answered in an unusual gruff tone, her heart thumped. Gripping her cell phone harder, her breath caught in her throat.� �śHi, it’s me,” she said.� �śYeah,” he answered, his normal charming tone replaced with annoyance.� �śIs everything okay, Mac?” Was he tired? She’d admit they hadn’t been getting much sleep but he never seemed tired.� �śFine.”� No, he wasn’t tired. That was anger in his voice. � � �śDid you get my message?”� �śLoud and clear. Got any more demands, boss?”� So he wanted to give her a clipped tone, did he? Fine. She raised her voice. �śWhat’s with the damn attitude?”� �śListen it’s late, did you call me for a reason?”� �śWell, yes.” Uh, hope that she could break through his mood.� �śThen you’ve got thirty seconds to tell me because I’m hanging up.”� He’d what? Just who did he think he was speaking to? �śLet me save you the trouble,” she said and disconnected. � Pacing the floor, she gripped the phone wanting to chuck it at the wall. If he thought she’d put up with him speaking like that to her, well, he’d be smart to think again. � And to remember how nervous she’d been that she and Mac were getting too close, that he would ask her to stay in Charleston, and then what would she do? Good thing she didn’t need to worry about him extending that offer. Since it appeared her absence meant nothing to him, she would just focus on her job here, and when she returned to Charleston she’d concentrate on that job. � She was a very busy woman. Too busy to worry about what had crawled up Austin MacDevin’s ass.� Chapter Thirty� Eleven days later, Hannah arrived back in Charleston. She’d driven through a tornado warning, hail, flooding rain, and hellish traffic. But she’d finally arrived and was exhausted. � When she didn’t see Mac’s truck in her driveway, disappointment filled her. At two in the afternoon, he should still be here. She lugged her suitcase inside and scanned the room, impressed with how much work had been completed in the main dining room since she’d left for Greenville. � She tensed. Had Mac actually disobeyed her instructions to make her apartment renovations a priority? Well, of course he probably had. Her temper rose. Exhausted and hungry, she wanted her own bed. � No. That wasn’t really true. � She wanted Mac’s bed but since he hadn’t bothered to call her once the entire time she had been gone, she hadn’t planned on entering his bed any time soon.� �śHi, Ms. O’Leary,” Harry said, rushing to her side after he entered the room. �śHere let me get that for you.” He took her suitcase. �śYou’re probably wanting to settle in upstairs.”� �śThat would be splendid, Harry.” She should’ve expected someone to be here. The smile she offered came easily for the older man who reminded her of a grandfather.� �śOkay,” he said and walked back outside.� Confusion licked her senses, but she followed after him. �śHarry, where are you going?”� �śThis way, ma’am. There’s an alarm system in place.” He entered a code on the keypad to disable the alarm. �śMac made a separate entrance for the apartment. You know. Like you’d discussed in the plans.”� �śOh, right. Of course.” She’d forgotten about that detail. It would be much more convenient and private for the on-site manager to have a separate entrance for their place. �śIs the apartment completed then?”� �śCome see for yourself. It’s been done for about five days.” � Less than a week’s work? Mac must have rushed it like she requested.� When she walked into the small one bedroom apartment it had been like walking into a new house she’d never seen before. It was simply stunning. Mac had completed every renovation she’d asked for. The walls and ceilings had been plastered and painted. The plush carpet installed throughout the entire apartment except for the bathroom and kitchen. The bathroom done completely in tile. The kitchen had a faux wooden floor and new appliances. Mac had replaced all the old windows and doors too. The furnished bedroom seemed bright like the rest of the place. She’d picked out the furniture and had put it on hold. Mac must’ve arranged for the delivery while she had been gone. Oh, how she wanted to jump up and down on her new bed.� �śWill there be anything else?” Harry’s wide eyes focused on her with a worried expression.� �śNo. Thanks, Harry, for your help.” � Harry walked out. � �śHarry,” Hannah called after him. �śWhere is Mac? I’d love to tell him what a fantastic job he did here.”� �śHe’s gone and left for the day. Probably catch him at his office, ma’am.”� �śThanks, Harry.”� Hannah showered, changed into a white pleated tennis skirt and white tank top, and drove to Mac’s office. A gnawing feeling dwelled inside her gut that she couldn’t shake. It wasn’t hunger since she’d eaten a bagel before heading to Mac’s. Was she horny? She sighed. Yup. That was it. She’d gone without sex for so long before coming to Charleston that when she finally got it from Mac he’d pretty much turned her into a sex addict overnight. She had been legitimately sexually frustrated.� At Mac’s office door she knocked and opened before he told her to enter.� When he looked up from his desk where he wrote on a form, their gazes locked. The heat from his stare penetrated all the way to her toes. She couldn’t help but smile. � �śShut the door,” he demanded. �śYou want to let all the damn cold air out.” � Oh, goody. He was still in a fine temper. She could play that way then too. � �śHello to you, too, Austin.” She put her purse down on the file cabinet.� �śI’m busy. You need to leave,” he said, his voice filled with arrogance and authority. �śYour apartment is done so go to it and leave me alone.”� Her body tingled being this close. She checked him out, head to toe, without hiding her perusal. His muscles filled out his T-shirt like she remembered. �śI know it is. I was just by there. It’s completely gorgeous.” � �śWere you expecting anything less?” He glanced up then continued writing. �śThere was no need for you to come all the way here to compliment me. I know I do a damn good job.”� �śReally?” � �śYeah, really,” he said with ice and stared at her.� �śThen why aren’t you there now, at my restaurant working? Isn’t that what I’m paying you for instead of sitting behind that desk?” She leaned against his file cabinets.� His jaw tightened and the little lines creased around his eyes as they squinted. �śThat’s why I have employees.”� Shaking her head, she crossed her arms, and spoke calmly. �śI don’t care about that. I hired you. I expect you to be there.”� �śLook, Hannah. I don’t tell you how to run your damn businesses, so don’t tell me how to run mine.” His voice boomed inside the small room.� �śI’ll tell you anything I damn well please.” She leaned over his desk, giving him a very decent view of her cleavage.� He sat up, staring at her chest as expected, and then focused on her eyes. �śI can see your mouth hasn’t changed.” � �śWasn’t gone long enough to make any changes.” She glanced around the office. �śWhere’s Aidan?”� �śNone of your business.” � When she didn’t respond, he clenched his jaw. � �śI sent Aidan home early to start dinner. Glad you taught them how,” he said through gritted teeth. �śWhat did you really come here for, Hannah? Looking to get laid?” � �śWhat?” She pushed away from the file cabinet but when she glanced back and caught his gaze roaming her body the familiar urge stirred between her legs. �śOkay, yes, but I guess it was a bad decision on my part.” She stalked to the door.� �śMaybe not,” Mac said firmly, and stalked to her side in an instant. He shut the door and nudged her gently against the wood. Then his mouth found hers, fiery and hot. �śI’ve missed you in bed, Hannah. Let’s see if we can’t do something about that.” � �śWhat if someone walks in?” she said suddenly unsure whether he missed her or just missed the sex. And she couldn’t be sure she’d like his answer by the way he stared at her with no emotion whatsoever.� �śThe door locks.” He snapped the bolt.� �śBut where? Mac, we can’t possibly do this here.” She searched around at his small, barren office. Desk, tiny couch, chairs, and file cabinets. None of those could work.� Mac grabbed her hand and dragged her the few steps to his desk. With one quick swipe of his arm he sent pens scattering and papers flying onto the floor.� �śI plan on fucking you right here.” He lifted her and placed her abruptly on the hard wooden top of the desk. Then before she could protest his mouth claimed hers again. � God, how she had missed his kisses and until his mouth had taken hers again she hadn’t realized how much. She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him back. He grabbed her breast through her shirt. Surprise jolted through her at his roughness. He’d always shown more finesse than to just grab her.� Leaning over her, he positioned her onto her back never breaking the kiss, and his massive upper body covered her. The telltale sound of him undoing his zipper filled the room before his hands hiked up her skirt and tore at her panties until she lay bared from the waist down. � Without ceremony, he entered her hard and fast. She clamped her legs tighter around his waist and arched to meet his rhythm. Never had she been taken like this, so animalistic, his raw need urging him on. The realization she could drive him this wild, stir him to this frenzied state, empowered her.� With his lips angling over hers, he demanded her tongue respond to his onslaught. She matched him lust for lust. She couldn’t get enough of him. He continued to fuck her on top of his desk until she grew wild with need and blind with passion. The only noise had been skin slapping skin and deep moans.� When he went rigid and held himself deep inside of her, she refused to unlock her legs from around his waist, needing to keep him there. She’d missed this intimacy terribly and wanted to stay in the moment for just a little longer. She had been so caught up in watching him have his pleasure that before she realized it, her pussy started to spasm, his last couple of thrusts exactly what she needed to push her over the edge. � She yelled out before she could help herself. �śAustin, Oh, yes.”� He grunted into the side of her neck while her spasms kept him inside, temporarily denying his spent member escape. She should be mindless with exhaustion but suddenly didn’t feel so weary.� He stood up quickly, offering no further kisses or caresses. He didn’t cuddle her against him like he’d always done. She tried not to dwell on her disappointment. They were in his office and not his bed after all.� But when he turned from her and pulled his jeans and shorts up, rage crept under her skin. What the hell? He hadn’t even bothered to pass her panties to her like he always had after ripping off and scattering her clothes in the heat of passion.� Hannah quickly jumped off his desk, found her white satin thong and put it on, his cum spilling from her pussy and seeping into the fabric. She adjusted her skirt and recaptured errant strands of hair that had come lose from its ponytail, making herself presentable again.� �śThanks,” he said when he finally spoke. Mac didn’t look at her. Instead he picked up the papers from the floor.� �śExcuse me?” she asked, hoping she’d heard him wrong.� He shrugged. �śI said thanks. I needed that.”� She fisted her hands at her sides. �śYou son of a bitch! How dare you treat me like a whore?”� �śSorry if I hurt your feelings, darling. I was just being appreciative is all,” he said, sitting back in his chair.� She shoved the pile of papers so they landed in his lap and on the floor.� �śI’m in no mood for one of your tantrums, Hannah. So if I were you, I’d think twice before beginning one.”� �śOh, you’re about to see the mother of all tantrums, Austin. You have exactly one minute to tell me just what the hell your problem is.”� �śI don’t answer to ultimatums.” He placed some of the papers back on his desk and leaned back in his chair staring at her. �śGo home, Hannah.”� She stood with her palms on his desk glaring. �śI’m waiting.”� He laughed, an annoyed low sound. �śYou can wait all day. I don’t give a fuck.”� �śNow who has a potty mouth?”� �śMen are allowed.”� �śNot in the presence of a lady. And I swear, as God as my witness, if you so much as tell me I’m not a lady, I will peel the skin from your body.”� �śYou will now, huh?” He cocked an eyebrow. � �śTry me,” she warned. How the hell could the raising of a single eyebrow make him look sexy as all hell? � He jumped up so quickly he sent the chair sailing back and crashing into the wall. Hannah straightened but refused to budge. He may tower over her and have more strength than her but the temper simmering in her could be just a bit more heated than his.� �śDon’t you go pulling your macho crap on me, Austin.” She poked his chest. �śI know you won’t hurt me so stop trying to be menacing and just tell me why you’re in such a delightful mood.”� �śWhat the fuck did you expect me to do, roll out the red carpet for your return? You didn’t even discuss with me that you needed to leave.”� Her mouth opened in an �Śo’, shock rocketing through her. �śI didn’t need your permission to go out of town.” � �śOf course not.” With blazing eyes, he pinned her in her spot. �śYou like having the freedom to come and go as you please. I understand.”� �śIt was work,” she shouted.� �śYeah?” He pointed to his office window and the street beyond. �śWas it also work that your goddamn apartment had to be done when you returned? You knew damn well I wouldn’t jeopardize my reputation by not following the boss’ requests.” � With her hands safely on her hips, and not around his neck choking him, she said, �śI thought I should get out of your house.”� � �śWhy? Did we bother you that much? I admit my boys are a handful but they’re good kids.”� �śOf course they are,” she said, her heart mellowing at mention of the boys. Staring down, she realized his eyes had become the deepest blue she’d ever seen them. � �śThen why’d you hurt them, Hannah?” he yelled standing right in front of her, toe to toe.� �śWhat?” Her heart pounded. She would never. �śHurt them? How’d I do that?”� His strong arms crossed while his feet dug in and refused to budge. �śYou left with no warning. Just a note and voice mail. Oh, and what a note. I’ll paraphrase. Had to go on emergency business trip. Please change plans. Need apartment renovated by the time I return in a week. That should be plenty of time.” He grabbed her arms and pulled her to him, her toes barely touching the floor. �śWhat the fuck would you know about how much time a particular part of the renovation should take?”� �śAustin,” she said softly.� �śShut up! Christ. I spent the first half of the week trying to convince the boys they did nothing wrong.”� �śI’m so sorry.” She paled. �śI’ll talk to them.”� �śThe hell you will.” He pointed his finger in her face. �śYou’ll stay away from them.”� �śOh, Austin. No. This isn’t what was supposed to happen by me taking a week off,” she said, her voice cracking.� The glare he gave her seemed vicious. �śWhat are we, another fucking business adventure like your restaurants?”� �śWhat?” Tears stung her eyes. �śNo. I left because there was a fire.”� �śSo? Businesses have fires all the time. Owners don’t have to be there. You have a manager, don’t you?” � She fell silent. � �śDon’t you?” he demanded.� �śYes, but�"”� �śBut nothing,” he roared, cutting her off. �śYou didn’t need to go. Face it, Hannah. You did what you always did. You ran from here and us but you couldn’t stay gone since this project is still ongoing.”� Hannah’s body shook beyond her control. How could she have screwed this up so badly? Why hadn’t she realized she’d handled the entire situation wrong? � �śI left because I fell in love. With all of you.” She stared at him, trying to blink the tears away, but they only slid down her cheeks. Her heart skipped a beat, but she swallowed her fear of admission. �śI fell in love with you and your boys and got scared. I needed time to think.” � He stared at her. His features hadn’t softened, his eyes hadn’t lost their darkness, his lips didn’t slip into a smile.� Tremors shook her until she thought her knees would crumble under her. She ripped out her heart, laid it at his feet and he said nothing. Nothing! �śIt’s okay, Austin. You don’t have to say it back. I wasn’t even going to admit it but you’re so upset.”� He dropped his hands from her arms like he’d touched fire. �śSave your cute words, Hannah. I fell for a lying bitch once. I’ll never do it again.” His harsh tone dug deep into her heart, the final blow to her already bruised ego. He stomped back to his desk.� �śAustin!” � �śAnd wipe those fake tears away. Leave.” His arm flew out, aiming at the door. �śNow.” � His voice shook her to the bone. How could he not believe her?� �śAustin!”� He didn’t glance at her, only back to his papers. �śThanks for stopping by, Hannah. I always like it when I get laid.” � That did it. How totally wrong for him to treat her like this. Wrong to stomp on her heart when she just bared it like she’d never done to anyone before. �śYou are the most obnoxious, arrogant, bastard! I hate you!” Her body shook, rage and fear mixing to form doubts in every decision she had made since coming to Charleston. What a fool she had been to open herself up to this kind of hurt, to worry about losing something that she couldn’t be sure had ever been hers to have.� �śLove me. Hate me. Come on, sweetheart. Make up your fucking mind. But do it elsewhere. I don’t want to even look at you.”� His cell phone rang and he retrieved it from his pocket. � �śYou didn’t have to be cruel, Austin. If I hurt you or the kids it certainly wasn’t intentional. Not like you just did to me. But I’ve gotten over worse. I know how to move on.”� He answered his cell phone as she grabbed her purse and bit back the tears. No way in hell would she cry in front of him any more. She would never give him the satisfaction. She marched across the room, chin held high, dragging the last shred of her dignity. � �śDon’t move him,” he said and rose from his chair. �śI’ll be right there.”� At the door, she paused, the tone of his voice, the panic in it, caught her attention. She swung around to face him, her heart pounding. �śWhat is it, Austin? One of the kids?”� �śLuke,” he said, running past her.� Chapter Thirty-One� Hannah followed Mac outside and jumped in his truck without asking. Mac drove furiously fast through town, coasting through stop signs. She didn’t dare distract him by talking.� �śIt’s Luke,” he said, sparing her a quick glance. �śRyan said he fell and got hurt bad.”� �śOh no,” she gasped. Images of blood had her heart stopping. How hurt? Sweet Luke must be so terrified. And here she was distracting his father when he should’ve been getting home to his kids. She wanted to stomp Mac’s foot onto the gas pedal to get them home faster. � Home? Oh, God. One thing at a time.� Mac skidded into the driveway and ran from the truck without turning it off or shutting the door. Hannah stayed right behind him. Luke’s cries emanated through the house while they ran in. Mac fell to his knees in front of Luke who lay on the couch holding his arm. � �śWhat happened?” Mac yelled to Ryan who sat next to Luke’s feet, as pale as a ghost. � �śHe fell out of the tree in the backyard.”� �śJesus Christ, Ryan! Why weren’t you watching him?”� Ryan’s gaze darted between his dad and Luke, but he remained silent while Mac scrutinized Luke’s injuries. � �śIs it just the arm that hurts, Luke, or somewhere else?” Mac spoke softly. � �śOww. Just the arm,” Luke sobbed.� Mac shot Ryan a stern look then turned to Hannah. �śGrab a couple of pillows and get out to the truck.” � Hannah’s heart hammered against her breastbone. Following Mac’s instructions, she dashed upstairs, grabbed the pillows off his bed, and returned seconds later. When Mac lifted Luke, Hannah stepped back, giving them room, and then hurried out of the house after them. � �śDaddy, Hannah’s back,” Luke said amid sniffles.� �śI know, buddy. We’ve got to get you to the hospital.” Mac carried him to the truck. �śRyan, up front. Hannah, I need you to sit back here with Luke and keep his arm on the pillow like this.” Their gazes locked. �śOkay?”� �śAbsolutely.” Grateful that the injury hadn’t been worse, Hannah took slow breaths to calm her trembling body. While she had been most concerned with Luke, her heart broke for Ryan who walked slumped over with his head slung low. She glanced at Mac who still leaned over his youngest. �śYou okay to drive?”� �śYeah. I’m fine, he said, and turned his attention back to Luke. �śListen, buddy, I don’t want you to be scared. We’re going to take good care of you. Okay?” � Hannah climbed into the back seat and Mac lay Luke down so his head rested in Hannah’s lap. Mac adjusted the pillows to cushion Luke’s left arm. � �śI can’t get his seatbelt on him in this position,” Mac said to Hannah. � She wrapped her arm around Luke’s ribs and held him firmly. �śHe’s not going anywhere. I’ve got him.” She peered up into Mac’s eyes, recognizing his worry, his nervousness. � Shutting the rear door, he jumped in the driver’s seat and drove toward the hospital. � �śI’m glad you’re back, Hannah,” Luke said. Tear-stained tracks ran aver his dirty cheeks. His bright blues eyes had reddened with his crying. �śWe missed you.”� �śI missed you guys too.” She raised her head and caught Mac’s stare in the rear view. �śAll of you,” she said. � He glanced away from her.� �śRyan,” Mac yelled. �śWhere’s Aidan?”� �śHe’s at Catherine’s house.”� �śI’ll put a stop to that. He’s supposed to be around to help out.”� �śDad, he was. He just went over her house for a bit. He hadn’t seen her all last week, remember, since you guys worked all day and night to get Hannah’s apartment done.”� Oh, God. How much trouble had she put Mac through last week? She never would’ve had him work on the apartment if it had been too much trouble.� �śDon’t care. He was supposed to be home and that’s where he should’ve been,” Mac yelled.� �śIt’s my fault, Dad,” Ryan said. �śLuke and I were just outside goofing around.” � �śGoofing around?” Mac hollered louder. � Ryan cringed. � �śAnd Luke almost got killed. Good job,” he said, not hiding his sarcasm. � �śAustin, it was an accident. They didn’t do it on purpose. Ryan wouldn’t want to see Luke get hurt,” Hannah said. She wanted Ryan to know she would be here for him too.� �śDon’t you dare try to defend them,” he growled, glaring in the mirror. �śIf I want advice on how to raise my sons, I’d ask for it and I didn’t hear me asking.”� Holding her head higher, she urged herself not to let her temper show. With anger raging at his rudeness, she forced herself to react without an argument. �śSo is that your nice way of telling me to mind my own business?”� �śPretty much.”� �śI see,” Hannah said, turning her attention to his middle child. �śRyan, you did a good job calling your dad for help right away and making sure Luke remained still until we got there.” � Someone had to tell the boy that he’d helped Luke. The poor kid needed comfort too, and if she had to give defy Mac to ensure Ryan knew it, then so be it. Mac could take his hostile attitude and shove it. She’d had just about all she could take from him at the moment.� When Mac shot her a warning look again in the rear view, she glared at him, daring him to confront her again. � �śLuke,” she said, rubbing his head with her fingers. �śYou’re going to be all right, sweetie.”� �śSure he is,” Mac complained. �śKid probably has a broken arm.”� �śWhat’s done is done and can’t be changed. So you need to calm down,” she said. Oh, she didn’t know how much longer she could hold her tongue, but she promised herself she’d try her best�"at least until the kids were out of ear shot. If he gave her much more of his crap, he’d be glad they’d gone to the hospital because he’d need a doctor of his own.� �śOh, really? Is that your input of wisdom?” � His words insulted her, and her anger seethed. She should ignore him, but her temper won. Just a little bit. � �śShut up, Austin.”� When they finally arrived at the hospital, Mac hurried around and opened the door to pick up Luke.� �śHannah, I want to stay with you.”� Mac glared at Hannah. �śCome on, buddy, we’ll get you fixed up.” He lifted Luke into his arms and hurried into the ER.� �śHannah, will you make me blueberry pancakes?” Luke asked while they stood at the Triage desk inside.� She glanced at Mac. �śI don’t think I’ll be staying over, honey.” � �śPlease,” he begged.� �śHow about blueberry muffins? But only if you do what the doctor says and be a big boy. I’ll be in the waiting room with Ryan while your dad stays with you.”� �śBut I want you to stay with me too.” � A lump formed in her throat and tears threatened to erupt from her tired eyes. �śI’ll be here, Luke. We have to wait here. Go now,” she said, and leaned up to kiss his forehead before Mac followed a nurse to the back room. � �śRyan, call Aidan,” Mac said. �śTell him he better be in the waiting room when we come out.”� Ryan pulled out his cell phone and made the call. Shortly after, Aidan arrived, entering through the sliding doors into the waiting room. Concern shrouded his face, and his gaze darted back and forth, scanning the room.� Spotting them, he hurried over and said, �śWhere’s Luke? How is he?” � Ryan stood beside Aidan and filled him in on what happened. � �śHannah, I’m surprised to see you here,” Aidan said after Ryan sat again. � She didn’t miss his cool tone. Like father, like son. �śI had some business to take care of out of state. I always planned on coming back, Aidan.” � He shrugged and relaxed a little. �śWhatever.”� �śYeah, whatever,” Ryan echoed.� Well, she should’ve expected their reaction based on their father’s earlier. �śRyan, Aidan, I owe you an apology.” � The two boys looked at her without speaking. � �śA really big apology. I’m sorry for the way I up and left without telling you in person. All of you deserved better than that. But I did try to. Aidan, you were getting supplies with your dad. Ryan, you and Luke were at the lake. I guess I was nervous about the Greenville restaurant. And I’ve never had anyone who cared if I came or went.”� �śWe care, Hannah,” Aidan said, his voice soft. He slouched in the waiting room chair, his serious expression so much like Mac’s.� �śYeah, we all do. ” Ryan glanced at his brother then back at Hannah, his mouth set in a firm line. �śWe missed you.” � Her heart melted and the tears welled in her eyes. God, they were such great kids. �śAnd I missed you guys a whole bunch. I should’ve called, even if I was mad at your dad for not talking to me the first night I called.” � �śWe were mad at him too,” Aidan confessed. �śWhen we asked to call you he said no, that you were busy with your life.”� �śActually he said running from her life,” Ryan corrected.� Hannah cringed. Mac had nailed that one on the head. �śI always planned to come back. It was an emergency trip for urgent business. That’s all. Don’t be mad at your dad. He means well.”� �śMaybe now that you’re home, he’ll be in a happier mood,” Ryan said.� Did he just say home? But she wasn’t home. She didn’t have a home.� �śYeah, don’t bet on it. He’s gonna chew our asses for what happened to Luke,” Aidan said. �śJeesh, Ry. What were you thinking? You know how Luke is. You can’t take your eyes off the kid or he’ll find trouble,” Aidan scolded his brother.� Hannah laughed. That last statement was something Mac would say about her. Seemed she and Luke had much in common. Must be why she liked him so much.� Ryan gawked at his brother. �śDude, do you realize how much you just sounded like Dad?”� Aidan appeared horrified. �śShut up.”� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Mac and Luke emerged two hours later with Luke’s arm in a sling. � �śNo breaks, just badly bruised,” Mac announced while Aidan and Ryan surrounded Luke. � Hannah hung back. He cringed. No doubt she didn’t want to get close to him any time soon. Not after the way he’d treated her. He wanted to kick himself.� �śYou had us worried, bro,” Aidan said. Then nervously glanced at Mac. �śSorry I wasn’t home, Dad.”� Mac peered at Hannah, who wouldn’t even look at him, then to Aidan. �śWe’ll talk more later, son. I’m just glad our little buddy here is okay. Although we have to talk about this urge he has to climb trees,” Mac said, lowering his head to Luke. � When Luke smiled, Mac returned a big smile of his own. He’d aged ten years after getting that phone call. Chalk today up to one bad day.� Luke tiptoed over to Hannah and took her hand. �śI’m walking with Hannah.” He took her hand and led her from the hospital, walking to the truck. � Mac hit the automatic unlock with his key remote and held the back door open. � �śI’m sitting with Hannah,” Luke announced. � Mac turned to her and offered a half smile. She’d been a huge comfort to Luke, and now the boy clung to her. �śWe just have to drop Hannah off at my office and then we’ll head home.”� �śWhy your office?” Ryan asked.� �śBecause that’s where we were when you called.” Remembering their argument, Mac cringed again. � How the hell would he ever make this one up to her? Now that he’d had the chance to calm down, he felt like the biggest heel for how he’d treated her back in his office. He didn’t have to be Einstein to figure out she refused to talk to him since she gave all her attention to the boys who asked her one question after another about her trip. � Yeah, make sure you tell them how their dad royally screwed this relationship up. He had no one but himself to blame if she never wanted to speak to him again. The stabbing pain in his chest had Hannah O’Leary written all over it.� Mac parked in front of his office and got out to open Hannah’s door.� �śI’ll make the muffins for you, Luke. Don’t you worry.” She kissed the top of his head. �śYou boys be good now and listen to your dad seeing as he’s madder than a bee without a honeycomb.” � �śCatching on to our stupid sayings around here?” Mac said.� She didn’t answer him.� �śWhat does that mean, Hannah?” Luke asked.� She glanced at Mac then to the boys. �śThat was the watered down version of your dad has his underwear in a bunch so don’t piss him off or you’ll listen to him whine. Goodnight, boys.”� Mac shut the truck door. �śWhine my ass.” He offered a smile as a truce.� She stalked away.� Was that the middle finger she just gave him? � �ż �ż �ż �ż� Hannah took a long hot bath in her beautiful new bathroom. The tub was deep and the fragrant bubbles heavenly. After the afternoon she had, there was nothing else she could think of to settle her nerves than the luxury of a nice long bath. But the solitude comfort didn’t take away her worries.� Her belly flip-flopped with nerves. What had she done? What had Mac done? What had they done together? Jesus, she sat on pins and needles thinking of the wild sex she and Mac enjoyed that afternoon in his office, and they had made in their passion. � She sat up in the tub, her heart skipping a beat. A condom. They had forgotten to use a condom. She wasn’t worried about diseases�"she knew better with Mac. But creating a life? That worried her the most. � She didn’t take any form of birth control. Hell, she hadn’t had sex in so long she never bothered. What if she’d gotten pregnant? What would she do with a child? She didn’t even have a permanent address to give a baby. Oh, God. She sank beneath the water, totally submerged, and staying until her breath gave out. � What was done was done.� When she broke through the surface and wiped her eyes, she heard her cell phone ringing. She had kept it close by since Greenville and now found herself in the same habit. She looked at the caller ID and recognized Mac’s number. She let the voice mail pick up while she stepped from the tub and swathed herself with a huge white terry cloth towel and another around her hair.� With her cell in her hand, she accessed the voice mail. She couldn’t totally ignore Mac just in case something happened to one of the boys. But she didn’t have to talk to. He’d leave a message about a problem. When she finished listening to his recorded voice, she hung up and tossed her phone onto the bed. He had nothing of significance she wished to hear at the moment.� If Austin MacDevin thought he could speak to her again, well, he’d better learn some manners. Hannah dressed in pink cotton summer pajamas. She dried her hair, twisted it into a bun and proceeded to the kitchen.� Four hours later, Hannah wrapped the last of the blueberry muffins, brownies and chocolate chip cookies in plastic wrap. As she surveyed her small kitchen counter filled with dozens of the treats, she admitted she might have over done it with baking for the MacDevin boys. Oh well, baking had been a constructive way to work off the temper Mac had put her in. She would’ve much preferred to give Mac a piece of her mind. But she refused to talk to him until he proved his remorse. She didn’t want to hear �śI’m sorry”. If he wanted to act like a jackass then he damn well better figure out how to make up for it. � Chapter Thirty-Two� As Hannah placed the last of the baked goods in her car, Mac and Aidan arrived. The last person she wanted to see just stepped out of his truck and walked her way. When Mac offered her a smile, she turned to Aidan and only acknowledged him.� �śDo you think you could help me with something, Aidan?”� �śSure thing.”� �śWhat’s going on?” Mac said coming up beside Hannah. � �śI’m talking to your son,” she said, dismissing him and turning back to Aidan. �śYou see, I promised Luke these blueberry muffins, and�Śoh my God,” she yelled and whirled to face Mac who stepped back. �śIf you’re here, who’s taking care of Luke?”� �śEasy,” he said with his palms out. �śHe’s at my mom’s house being waited on hand and foot. He’s a little prince today.”� �śOh.” Relief filled her and she took a steadying breath. �śOkay then.”� �śCome on, Hannah,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. �śGive me some credit. I wouldn’t leave him home alone with his injured arm and the brother who didn’t keep a good eye on him.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear. �śYou know, I’ve been doing this dad thing for quite some time and I’m pretty good at it.”� She shot him a steely look. He stood too close to her. The last thing she needed was to be reminded of how good he smelled first thing in the morning after his shower. � �śCongratulations.” She turned away from him. �śAidan, will you take a ride with me to off load these muffins at your house so they’re there when Luke gets home?”� �śWho are the brownies and cookies for?” Mac asked looking in her back seat.� She glared. �śThe brownies are for Ryan and the cookies are for Aidan.” She turned back to Aidan. �śBut I’m sure all you boys will share with each other.”� �śYes, ma’am,” he said, his tongue darting over his lips.� �śAnd with Dad,” Mac injected.� �śThat you don’t have to do,” Hannah told Aidan. � �śWell, Dad, can I go help Hannah?”� �śHell no. You have work to do here. I’ll help her.”� Yeah, like she would give him a chance to get near her. �śNo thanks. I’ll do it myself.”� �śStill not talking to me, huh, brat?” he said, the sound of his voice too sexy to block out.� �śBe grateful for that, Austin. I have absolutely nothing good to say to you so be thankful for little miracles.”� He laughed. �śFair enough. Is that why you wouldn’t take my calls last night?”� �śYou catch on quickly, but not quickly enough, or by the fourth call you would’ve given up knowing it was a futile effort.”� �śDad, you called her four times?” Aidan said standing beside Mac in Hannah’s driveway.� �śTry eight times,” Hannah confirmed.� �śEight times!”� �śShut up, Aidan,” Mac said with no heat to his son.� �śSo can I use Aidan to help me?”� �śNope. You cooked it you haul it,” he said, strutting back to his truck and putting on his tool belt.� Oh, he was impossible. �śYou’re just trying to rile my temper. Well, it won’t work. Come on, Aidan. We won’t be long, Austin.” � Aidan stared at both of them clearly not knowing what to do.� �śDid you hear me, Hannah?” Staring at her, his brows raised, arms crossed, he presented the picture of authority. Too bad she ignored bossy people. �śI said he has work to do. He’s needed here.”� She passed him on the way to the driver’s door. �śAnd as the owner, I can overrule you. I need his help. Not yours. I’m sure you can handle things while he’s gone.”� She got in her car, slammed the door, and backed up to where Aidan stood. Aidan looked at Mac for direction.� Mac mumbled, �śGo ahead damn it. Hotheaded woman won’t let me live it down if she breaks a nail without your help.”� Aidan didn’t hesitate but jumped into Hannah’s car and she took off.� �śI knew he’d see it my way, Aidan.” Hannah smiled while she watched Mac’s body grow smaller in her rearview mirror. A smile sprung up across her face. There. That hadn’t been so hard to make him understand when, she wanted something, she meant to get it.� �śI still can’t believe he called you eight times.”� Eyes on the road, Hannah smiled wide. What she’d failed to tell Aidan was the very sweet, very sincere eight voicemails Mac had left her all night. Of course, by the eighth time, he’d become more frustrated than apologetic but he’d remained sincere.� If Austin MacDevin wanted her to accept his apology then he damn well better continue making the effort.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� By the time Mac arrived home after picking up Ryan and Luke at his parents’ house, he had been starving and way behind schedule. He thought about ordering pizza since it the clock read almost seven. Yeah, to hell with cooking. It would be a pizza night.� Walking onto the porch, Mac smelled something that caused his mouth to water. Hannah must’ve come over to cook. Mac’s spirits immediately lifted while he helped Luke inside the house. Good, then she finally stopped being mad.� But when Mac found Aidan in the kitchen, his hopes were dashed. No Hannah. � �śYou cooked dinner, Aidan?” Mac asked walking to the stove and peering into the pots.� �śI’m trying. Let’s say that.” He shrugged and laughed but appeared proud while he surveyed the food. �śI don’t know how you do it so fast, Dad. This is hard.”� Mac laughed and slapped him on the back. �śWell, it smells great. What do you want me to help with?”� Aidan gawked at him for a moment and nodded toward the baking dish on top the stove. �śIs the chicken done?”� Mac sliced the middle of one of the breasts. �śSure is.”� �śI made green beans, rice, and stuffing. Oh, yeah, and gravy. Hannah told me to make gravy in case the chicken comes out dry. It’ll hide the mistake.” Aidan scooped the chicken onto a platter.� Mac looked around, still hopeful his little brat would pop out of a hiding spot. �śShe did, huh? When did she tell you this?”� �śWhen we brought the muffins here this morning. I knew you’d be late because you had to pick up Luke and Ry. That’s why I said drop me here first.” Aidan carried the food to the table.� �śAnd you made dinner,” Mac said in disbelief. �śThat’s awesome.” He stared at the pots on the stove and the chicken sitting on the platter. This beat pizza any day. His stomach growled in agreement. More than ready to sample the tasty-looking meal, he yelled over his shoulder, �śRyan, set the table.”� �śI just did,” he said.� Mac pivoted around and noticed the table. Yep, by goodness, he’d set it and had done a good job of it. And not one argument or complaint? Oh, my God. Who were these boys? Certainly not his. His boys argued and complained all the time. These guys had worked together. Now Mac grew even more shocked.� �śDaddy, where’s Hannah?” Luke asked, his arm in the sling, walking into the kitchen with Porkchop by his side.� Mac took his seat. �śShe’s probably at her apartment.”� Mac helped Luke scoop food onto his plate. �śIs she coming to dinner?”� �śNo. Dad screwed that up,” Aidan said, his tone laced with disappointment.� Mac cut Luke’s chicken. �śWhat do you mean I screwed it up?”� �śOh, come on, Dad. I’m not blind. I saw how she wasn’t talking to you today.”� �śDaddy, why’d you make Hannah mad? You should apologize. That’s not nice,” Luke scolded.� �śYeah, Dad,” Ryan said. �śYou snapped her head off in the truck on the ride to the hospital. She was only trying to help. I’m glad she was there since she took care of Luke while you drove.”� �śYeah, she made me feel all better. She’s really nice. You were mean to her, Daddy.”� �śOkay, okay. What’s this, Gang Up On Dad Night? Everyone just eat.” Mac felt bad enough. Shit, he didn’t need his kids laying on the guilt too.� Aidan set his fork down and looked at Mac with a serious face. �śDad, if you promise to apologize to Hannah then we’ll share our muffins, brownies, and cookies with you.”� Mac scowled. �śIf I want one I’ll just take one.” � �śGo ahead,” Aidan said, his shoulders straightening. �śI’ll just tell Hannah. I’m sure she’ll have some thoughts on the matter.”� Mac stared at his eldest son. �śYou ever hear that men should stick together?”� �śSure. But when a lady cooks as good as Hannah,” he said with a sly grin. �śWell, sorry, Dad, but you’re on your own.”� Mac laughed so hard his side hurt. �śI’ll apologize just as soon as I can do it without it being suicidal.”� �ż �ż �ż �ż� A few nights later Aidan went out with his girlfriend, while Ryan, still grounded, sat home with Luke and enjoying a visit by Josh and Chloe. Mac took the opportunity to stop by Hannah’s since she still refused his calls. He had to do the right thing with her and make her understand how sorry he felt for being an ass to her.� Mac rang Hannah’s bell and waited.� �śWho is it?” she asked cheerfully.� �śIf I tell you then you wouldn’t let me in,” Mac said into the intercom.� �śYou’re right. Go away.”� He sighed. This wasn’t going to be easy. He rang the bell again.� �śWhat didn’t you understand?” she yelled over the intercom. �śI’m busy.”� �śToo bad. Open up. Please. I need to talk to you.”� �śIs it about one of the boys?” she asked, her voice becoming nicer.� �śWhat? No. It’s not.” � �śThen leave,” she snapped, her previous icy tone returning. �śYou have nothing I want to hear.”� He blew out a breath. �śChrist, Hannah. Open the damn door or I’ll use my key.”� A minute later the latch clicked and the door swung open. �śYou made yourself a key to my apartment?”� �śI sure as hell did.” He leaned against the door jam. �śFigured I’d need it on nights like this when you were in one of your stubborn moods and wouldn’t let me in.”� �śHow dare you? Give it to me right now.” She held open her hand.� �śOkay.” He straightened and presented a cupcake he held hidden behind his back and with the other hand lit the one pink candle in the center of the frosting.� �śWhat’s that for?” she asked staring at the cupcake with its dancing flame.� �śIt’s a small birthday cake. Your first I believe.”� Her gaze lifted until they met his. Fire danced in those emerald circles. �śBut it’s not my birthday,” she whispered.� �śSo what? If I want to give you a birthday cupcake I will.” He offered it.� �śOkay.” She took it from him with shaking hands.� �śHannah, you look like you’re going to cry. What’s wrong?”� She glanced up at him and a lone tear trickled down her cheek. �śIt’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever given me, Austin.”� He smiled. Good grief. If a lone cupcake had this kind of impact on her, she deserved to be spoiled rotten and treated like a princess. �śYou better make a wish before that damn cupcake melts.” � She stared down at the cupcake in her hands for a moment longer then let out a light breath and blew until it got extinguished. With a slow movement of her head, she looked up to him, her eyes still dreamy. �śWant to come in?”� �śI would like to. I need to apologize for the other day.”� He followed her into the kitchen where she placed the cupcake on the counter like it was a piece of crystal. � She faced him. �śHow’re Luke and the boys?”� �śThey’re fine. Luke’s arm is healing. Doesn’t hurt much. Ryan’s still grounded and bored to death. Aidan, well, he’s been a big help, at work and home. And I’ve let him know it.”� �śGood.” � �śHannah.” His knuckles skimmed her cheek. When she didn’t offer resistance, he nudged her until she settled against his chest, glad she didn’t turn and bolt. �śI came to apologize.” � �śYou can do that after,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.� �śAfter? After what?”� �śAfter you make love to me. I’ve missed you, Austin,” she whispered. � �śNot nearly as much as I’ve missed you, brat.” � He lifted her into his arms and carried her into her bedroom. She melted into his embrace, seeking comfort in the strength of his arms. His erection strained against his jeans, already wanting to be inside her.� Placing her back on her feet, they stood at the end of her bed. Her hands worked quickly, removing his T-shirt over his head, those slender fingers roaming his chest, her nails scraping along his heated skin, driving him insane with lust. � He noticed she wore one of his T-shirts, but didn’t bother to look at it too long. With one fluid movement, he stripped her of it, pleased she wore nothing underneath except tiny blue panties. He grasped her full breasts, kneading them, his fingers toying with her rose nipples, her moans encouraging him on. � �śYou are so friggin’ beautiful, Hannah,” he whispered, need coursing through him.� �śSo you’ve said before. Now show me just how beautiful I am.” Her hand wrapped behind his neck to pull his mouth to hers, her lips moving across his greedily, her tongue pushing into him, feasting like a starved animal. � Her demanding kisses, threatened to knock him to his knees, thrilling him beyond any control he possessed. Her sweet perfume drenched his every breath. He inhaled deeper wanting to never forget that scent. Breaking the kiss, pulling away breathless, he scanned the softness of her face, the green depths of her eyes, the fullness of her mouth. God, he’d missed this amazing woman. Missed everything about her, like she was the other half of his soul.� She pulled his head back down, her passion scorching his lips, the delicious taste of her, sweet and hot, stirring a hunger so deep in his belly, a depth he’d never known existed until now. With a growl, he dipped his hand into the waistband of her panties and yanked. The ripping sound played to his primal instincts. Take her. Show her strength. Dominate her. � Her naked body molded to his, and clinging to his shoulders, she kept her mouth on his, occasionally nipping his jaw. � She fought him for control, her movements mirroring his as though she wanted to command him, rule the mood, engage the moment, win the battle. His resolve evaporated when her hands unzipped his jeans and freed his erection. Those long, slender fingers wrapped around the length of him, stroking slowly.� Mac broke from her kiss. �śHannah.” He struggled to talk while her hand continued its movement up and down his cock. �śMuch more of that and you’ll have me coming in your hand.”� �śThat’s not where I want you to come,” she whispered, her voice frisky.� With his gaze on hers, she slid down his body, onto her knees in front of him, and took him deep into the warmth of her beautiful mouth. Standing there with nothing to hold onto, his body shook at her intimate touch. This had been better than any fantasy he could’ve conjured up about her.� Closing his eyes, he willed his body to calm down, to enjoy the attention of her mouth. She sucked the entire length of him, his cock throbbing with every lick. The solid grip of her determined fingers applied pressure in the right spots, bringing him to the edge but refusing to push him over. Her delicate tongue bathed him in the most exquisite pleasure he’d ever known, his body trembling each time she took him deep into her throat. When she moaned, the sound half muted by the obstruction of his erection, every muscle in his body tightened, the sexy sound unraveling his very core. Eyes closed tightly, his only thoughts, his only concern, had been the glorious attention she continued to give his cock while she brought him to the edge and dragged him away again over and over. His balls ached, straining for endurance. He hovered like that for an eternity until he could wait no more. He couldn’t come in her mouth. Oh no. His cock lusted for the sweetness of her hot pussy.� Mac lifted Hannah, her protests short-lived when he dropped her onto the bed on her back. Stripping himself, he rolled a condom onto his very willing erection and climbed on top of her. With a long thrust, he entered her.� �śYes, Austin. Oh, my God. Yes!”� His body shook with every pump into her, the need to go on forever like this warring with the need to explode deep inside her. � �śAustin! Austin! Austin!” � Spasms wracked her body and a million exquisite contractions milked his cock.� With a final plunge into her wetness, Mac screamed out, �śHannah! Oh, God, Hannah!”� His body rocked like a building in an earthquake, until his passion had been spent, and he slid out of her. His sweat-slicked body had never felt so relaxed, so relieved, so alive. Collapsing next to her, he held her against him, his mouth placing lazy kisses along her jaw, forehead, lips. � �śMmm,” she moaned. � Not wanting to leave her but needing to clean up, he slid from her bed. He returned in minutes to gather her into his arms, with her cheek on his chest. Lying there together, he listened to her soft breathing. � �śTell me when I can start apologizing.”� �śOkay. Now’s a good time.”� �śMy behavior was an abomination the other day. I wouldn’t blame you if you never spoke to me again, Hannah.”� She laughed, soft, sexy. �śI think we can say I will since you’re lying naked in my bed.”� He cradled her to his chest and brushed a long red curl from her face. �śYou are so beautiful, Hannah. I guess I wasn’t prepared for the impact you’ve had on my life and in such a short time.”� �śI’ve been nothing but myself, Austin.”� �śExactly. That’s the damn problem. You come into town and you’re just yourself. Wonderful, feisty, stubborn, beautiful Hannah O’Leary. Before I knew it you have me and my boys wrapped around your little finger.”� She stared at him, the green circles hazy with spent passion. �śI never meant for that to happen. I didn’t do it on purpose.”� He continued to hold her stubborn curls back so he could see her eyes. �śI know, baby. That’s why I guess I’m so damn confused. You had every right to be out of town.”� �śGee thanks.”� �śDon’t be a smart ass. What I’m saying is I wasn’t mad that you left for a few days. I was mad because I couldn’t remember what my life was like without you here.” He swallowed hard, unable to lodge the knot in his throat free. �śAnd that scared the hell out of me.”� She sighed, her breath tickling his chest. �śBecause I’ll be leaving in a few months.”� �śYes.” Can I survive without her?� �śCan’t we just enjoy today? Live for today and not worry about tomorrow, Austin. I’ve been enjoying your company. Why can’t we just leave it at that?”� �śI think we both know it’s gone beyond that. Even if we wanted to, I don’t think we can just do that.” Damn stubborn woman.� She leaned up and kissed him. �śWe can at least try.” She rolled off of him and snuggled against his side. � So even if she loved him she’d still balk at a relationship? Guess he’d better try harder. Wrapping his arm around her, he stroked her skin. �śYou said you loved me.” � �śYes,” she said, her voice soft.� His heart danced in his chest. �śWas it true, Hannah?”� After a moment, when he thought she might recant, she spoke. � �śYes. I don’t know how it happened. It just did. Given my past, you can understand why I don’t believe in the love at first sight thing. Or why I don’t know how to believe in love at all.”� �śAnd given my past you can understand why it’s hard for me to love again? To trust again?”� She sighed. �śYes. I can. But even if you don’t love me back, I can still love you, Austin. I have no choice. You stole my heart.” � He laughed and kissed the top of her head, cuddling her in his arms to see her face. �śOf course, I have very strong feelings for you, Hannah.” Admitting his love would be like offering his heart on a stake. She’d already slashed ideas of a long-term relationship. Did he want to give his heart any more exposure to pain? �śBut you’ll still think of leaving in a few months.”� When she shivered, he held her tighter, not wanting to let her go�"now or ever. � �śI have to. That’s what I do. I move around and set up restaurants.”� How could he change her mind and convince her to stay with him? Desperation consumed him while he sought the right words. �śWhen will you stop, Hannah?”� �śWhat’s that mean?”� �śI mean how many restaurants will be enough? You live frugally. It’s not like you need to keep making millions to support any expensive habits. Shit. The most expensive thing I’ve seen you own is that BMW and I’d say, knowing you, you bought that particular car not for flashiness but because it’s practical. You’re on the road a lot. That’s a decent, dependable car.”� �śI don’t require a lot of material things.” Her fingers twirled the black curly hair on his chest.� �śExactly. So why keep opening restaurants? You’re not doing it for the money. When will you stop and just enjoy the empire you’ve already built?”� Those emerald eyes filled with sadness and broke his heart. � �śI don’t know how to stay in one place, Austin. I just never have been able to for more than six months. So I guess while it’s hard for you to love again because of your past it’s hard for me to settle down with a permanent address because of mine.”� After awhile, he thought she might have dosed off because she remained so quiet with her head against his chest but then she whispered, �śAustin?”� �śHmm?”� �śThank you for my cupcake. What made you think of that?”� �śBecause on the outside you may be a brat but inside there’s a little girl who never knew how special she was. I just thought the lady she grew into would like to know.” � She sniffled, turning into his arms. �śI think you deserve a reward,” she said and straddled him.� Chapter Thirty-Three� Hannah had finally completed her final draft of her menu. She assembled it on the kitchen counter and looked it over for typos. But it proved useless. She’d read the words so many times they just blurred.� She ventured downstairs where the renovations moved along ahead of schedule. Mac had planned extra time for any problems that they ran into. So far they had lucked out and while the place had been poorly kept up, the guts of the building had been in good shape, keeping Mac on schedule.� Hannah found Mac with a group of men in the rear of the dining room, hammering and sawing. Mac nailed the new hardwood floor into place one row at a time. His tool belt hung on his narrow hips as he knelt and worked at a quick pace while Aidan handed him the next slat that Harry had cut. After thirty minutes, the men noticed her and Mac called for a break.� �śHey, how long you been there?” Mac grabbed her waist, his head bending to kiss her. �śThat’s all I can give you, darling. I’m all sweaty.” � She wrapped her arms around his neck. �śYou forget that I like you when you’re sweaty.”� He grinned. �śChrist, Hannah. Don’t give me a hard-on down here. Do you need something?”� �śOh, yeah,” she said huskily.� Mac looked over his shoulder. The men, including Aidan, watched them. �śOkay, you little brat, out with you.” He took her by the hand and escorted her back to the entranceway. �śI forbid you to come down here anymore today,” he said, his tone light. � �śYou forbid me? Oh good. I like a challenge.”� He smiled wide. �śI knew that wasn’t the best word to use. How about this? Please stay out of here today. I’m making great progress on the floor installation and with any luck and few breaks I think it’ll be done by tonight.”� �śReally?” Her eyes grew wide. Oh, it all seemed to be coming together so fast.� �śYeah. So you know what that means?”� She jumped in place several times and clapped her hands. �śThe chandeliers can be installed.”� �śYou got it. But only if you behave yourself and stay out of trouble.”� �śAgreed.” She rose up on her toes up to kiss his lips.� �śOkay. I’m getting back in there. Be good, brat.” He disappeared into the back.� Hannah returned to her apartment. Might as well start working on scheduling interviews. An hour later, Hannah had arranged six interviews for the manager position. Reviewing the applications and resumes, she had been happy to see some very good prospects for the one position in her restaurants that would be totally responsible for the entire operation in Hannah’s absence, which, of course, would be most of the time.� When her doorbell rang, she used the intercom to identify her visitor. � �śIt’s Aidan. Dad wanted me to give you something.”� �śHi, Aidan,” she said opening the door. � �śDad said to please look through these.” He handed her two big booklets of sample wallpaper.� �śDid he really say please?” she teased and smiled.� His blue eyes twinkled. �śOh, yeah. He told me I had to emphasize that word.”� She laughed. �śOkay, you can tell him you did a good job.”� �śHe wants you to please make a choice by tomorrow because it takes some time to order the wallpaper.” He sounded like a machine repeating the message.� �śWhy didn’t he come up himself instead of putting you in the line of fire?”� Aidan cracked a grin and shrugged.� She stared at the books. �śHe’s just trying to keep me busy so I stay out of his way. How come there are only two books? Usually there’s like ten to choose from.”� Aidan glanced over his shoulder then back to her. �śOkay, but you didn’t hear it from me. Dad has the rest downstairs. Says if he gave them all to you then you’d never make a damn choice. Sorry, his words not mine.”� �śOh, he did, huh? Really?” she said, eyeing the books. �śWell, you tell your dad that�"” She stopped and stared at the man climbing the stairs to stand behind Aidan. �śDad,” she whispered, her stomach turning. In the daylight, the man had aged quite a bit, but his tall, broad frame remained threatening, still much bigger than hers.� Aidan looked where she stared.� �śSweetie-pie. Long time, no see,” he said in a gravelly voice. �śThis one of your boyfriends?” He shot Aidan an intimidating look�"the same one he had used on her too many times to count.� Hannah swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. �śAidan. Go downstairs. Now,” she said calmer than the fright swirling within her. She kept her eyes on her father. � Aidan slowly backed away, his thumbs hitched in his pockets.� �śAidan.” She called out, barely able to maintain her composure. �śGive your father a message for me please. Tell him I’m more than satisfied with only the two booklets. I’ll rush my decision to make his life easier. Will you give him that exact message right away please?”� �śYeah, sure.” Aidan looked back and forth between Hannah and her father then strolled down the stairs. � Her father stood in front of her. She had to stay outside where she’d be the safest. She had been glad to get Aidan out of the way. It would be impossible to know what kind of mood her father showed up in. One thing had been for certain, it would always be foul, but how foul was yet to be determined.� �śYou know, Hannah, how much I fucking hate looking all over the fucking place for you?” he snarled, leaning into her face. The sour hint of whiskey rolled off his breath.� Her legs shook. �śDad, now’s not a good time. I have company inside. Plumbers working.”� �śYou gonna lie to your pops? You know what happens to lying bitches. I’ve been watching you for two fucking days waiting to get a chance to get in this Fort Knox here.” He stepped closer forcing her back into the apartment. He shut the door without a sound.� �śDid you come for money again? Fine. I’ll get my purse.” And the bottle of mace she always carried.� He grabbed her arm and shook her viciously, wrenching her shoulder. �śYou back-talking already, you ungrateful bitch?”� �śNo, Dad. Just let me get my money. Let go.” She struggled but his grip tightened. Than Mac’s voice whispered in her mind, stand up for yourself.� She bit down on her bottom lip to keep from crying out since he would enjoy that. He always beat her more when she cried out. But she wasn’t a little girl now.� She twisted and flailed her arm until he let go. �śDon’t you dare touch me! I’m not a child anymore,” she yelled.� His hand swung out to slap her but she ducked.� �śGet out of here,” she demanded, pointing toward the door. �śI’m not giving you anything.” � �śYou’ll do what I fucking say.” He lunged but the booze tripped him up. He stumbled when she escaped, backing into the kitchen. � She grabbed the rolling pin from the counter and clutched it with a death grip in her shaking hands. Hatred flowed freely through her veins remembering the helpless child she’d once been. Helpless to defend herself against his cruelty.� �śNo, Dad. You’ll do as I say and leave my home. You’re not welcomed here. I never want to see you again.”� �śNow I didn’t know I raised such a disrespectful child. I thought I taught you better than that,” he said, standing again.� Her front door opened and Mac’s voice boomed. �śHannah!”� �śIn the kitchen.”� Mac entered the room and filled the doorway with his massive body. He shot her father a deadly look.� �śEverything’s okay, Austin.” Relief swam through her. Thank God he came. Her father wouldn’t hurt her with Mac here. �śI’ve got this under control but if you wouldn’t mind staying a moment. My father was just leaving.”� �śI’m not going fucking nowhere until I say,” her father yelled and coughed. �śWho are you to tell me what I’m going to do? I guess I was too easy on you when you was a kid. Should’ve taught you a lesson.”� Tremors shook her entire body, memories flooding her. �śOh, you taught me a lot, Dad. You taught me how to fear you, how to take a beating without crying, how it felt to get beaten with your belt, or with your fists, or with whatever was handy at the time, how it felt to be dragged out of my bed at night after one of your drunken binges and be beaten black and blue head to toe all because you needed a punching bag.” She stalked toward him with the rolling pin raised above her head. �śYou needed someone to bully. You needed to terrorize me, your little girl, because it made you feel like a fucking man,” she screamed.� His grin proved pure evil. �śYou deserved everything you got. You were a bad child.”� �śNo, Dad. You were a horrible father and husband. The only thing Mom ever did that made me proud of her was the day she packed us up and ran from you. I thank God to this day that she took me with her so I could get away from you.”� He lunged. She screamed, jumped out of his way, and swung the rolling pin down on his shoulder. In two long strides, Mac stood beside her. � Courage poured into every cell of her being while she stared down the monster of her past. �śYou get the hell out of here, Dad, and stay away from me forever. You ever touch me again and I’ll crack your skull open. Then you’ll rot in jail forever.” � When he continued to stand there, Mac spoke in a deadly tone, emphasizing each word. �śI think what the lady is trying to tell you is you’ve worn out your welcome and now you’re going to leave.”� �śWho the fuck are you?”� Mac stepped in front of Hannah, his voice eerily calm. �śI’m your worse nightmare if you don’t do as the lady says. Now.”� �śIs that true, Hannah?” Her father asked in a sad voice. �śYou kicking your ol’ dad out?”� �śY-yes.” She shook with uncontrolled emotion, her fingers numb from gripping the wooden rolling pin so tight. �śThat’s what I said. Leave.”� �śNo problem. Give me my money and I’ll leave.”� �śI only have my money and you’re not getting a dime. I never want to see you again.” � He stumbled out across the foyer, swearing the whole way and not bothering to shut the apartment door behind him. Hannah swung back her arm, prepared to launch the pin at her father’s head, but Mac caught her before she could send the missile flying.� �śEasy now, baby. He ain’t worth it.” � She shook and brushed him off her, her breathing ragged. � �śFight me all you want, baby,” Mac said and trailed his fingers down her arm. �śBut right now I need to hold you.” � Damn, if she didn’t just kick her father’s sorry ass out, something she wished she’d done long ago. Mac held her in place just studying her. Oh, holy hell. The reality of what she had just accomplished hit her hard, stealing her courage and deflating her temper. She turned and collapsed into Mac’s strong arms, taking the comfort he offered.� Then she cried. And cried. And cried.� When no tears remained, she looked up, dizzy and weak. She clutched Mac’s shirt and noticed the wet stains she had left behind. �śThank you, Austin. You gave me the strength to stand up to him.” � �śNo, honey, you had it in you. You just needed to know it was okay to stand up to your own father.” Mac lifted her chin and stared into her eyes. �śHe doesn’t deserve you, Hannah. I’m sorry you had to go through that.” � �śI’m used to it.”� �śYeah, but tonight you stood up for yourself and told him you’d put up with it no longer. Good girl.”� Another tremble sliced through her. How she wished the shaking would stop like the crying had. �śHe’s why I have nightmares.”� �śNow why doesn’t that surprise me?” He glanced toward the door. �śHe is a fucking nightmare.”� �śAustin,” she whispered, snuggling closer against his chest. She inhaled his woodsy scent. She loved the way his name sounded to her ears, the strong ring of it. �śThat’s why I think you’re a great dad, because I know what a horrible dad is.”� �śAnd now I do too,” Aidan said from the doorway.� Mac’s head shot up to stare at him. �śHow long have you been there, son?”� Aidan was pale, his expression serious. �śAlmost the whole time you have. I waited on the stairs in case you needed me. I heard everything. I even contemplated pushing the drunken fool down the stairs when he stomped out of here.”� �śI told you to stay downstairs and call the sheriff.”� �śI did. The sheriff arrived. Needs to talk to you about whether charges need to be pressed or not. I pointed out her father, and they’re going to drive him to the town line and dump him off.” � �śYou should’ve stayed downstairs,” Mac said, his voice filled with concern. �śYou could’ve been hurt.”� Aidan stood tall, his gaze on his father’s. �śI had your back, Dad. Even if you didn’t need it, I wanted to be here. For Hannah too.” Aidan turned and stared at Hannah. �śI’m really sorry you have such a horrible dad, Hannah.”� She offered a weak smile and continued to hug Mac, her cheek resting against his tear-soaked T-shirt. �śAnd I’m glad I have such a great one,” Aidan said giving his attention back to Mac. �śI’ll never tell you you’re mean again, Dad. Not after seeing and hearing what mean really is. I’ll be downstairs.”� �śAidan,” Mac called and waited for his son to face him, keeping Hannah in his arms. �śGood job, son. You made me real proud the way you helped Hannah today. You’ve grown into a fine young man. Now go down and tell the sheriff to get her father the hell out of here then tell the guys it’s a wrap for today.” � Aidan beamed, pride bursting from his eyes. �śNo problem. I’ll take care of the clean up. You just take care of Hannah.”� �śChrist, when did he get so mature?” Mac mumbled into Hannah’s hair while he held her, rubbing her back.� �śHe’s a great kid. Takes after his dad.” She sighed. �śSo I take it by your rapid response up here you understood the message I sent with Aidan.”� He snorted. �śHell, yeah. I knew something was wrong when you were so agreeable. When he said your father was here, I told him to call the sheriff. Then I ran up here but you had it under control, baby.” He squeezed her. �śNow it’s all over. After hearing you talk about your childhood, I’ve never wanted to kill a man with my bare hands before like I did today. He won’t ever hurt you again.”� Mac lifted her and carried her to her bed. When he tucked her under the sheets, she gave in to exhaustion and shut her eyes, praying she would sleep without nightmares.� Chapter Thirty-Four� With Aidan’s help, Mac convinced Hannah to stay with them again for a couple of days just to make sure her father had left town. Having someone care that much about her overwhelmed her. It had been three days and the emotional scars had been still so sore.� Hannah tried to get back into a routine. She had been psyched now that Luke’s sling no longer needed to be worn. With Aidan up at the crack of dawn each day with Mac to get to work, Hannah had time to herself to catch up on restaurant business. � She spent the morning creating new sandwich recipes for the restaurant and packed them for her new group of guinea pigs�"Mac and his employees.� �śOkay, Ryan and Luke, I’ll be gone for a little bit. I want to see those drawings when I get back. Okay?” Hannah said.� �śMine’s done,” Ryan said, holding up his paper.� �śNo fair. You’re older,” Luke complained staring at Ryan’s work.� Hannah slipped into the parlor where the boys had camped out. �śNow, Luke, everyone goes at their own pace. This isn’t a race.” She took the paper and stared at the design. �śRyan, you did trace this, or is it freehand?”� �śFreehand. Only babies trace things.”� �śI only traced a little and that was the lizard,” Luke said defensively.� �śRyan, apologize,” Hannah said while she studied the drawing. When she heard nothing, she looked up and cleared her throat.� �śSorry, Luke, for calling you baby.”� Holding up the paper, Hannah studied the drawing. �śRyan, this is excellent. I really like the concept you have going on here.”� �śReally?” Ryan rose to stand beside her. � �śThe O’Leary Coat of Arms, surrounded by the number seven, and lucky symbols. Your concept is my seventh restaurant, and the number seven is lucky so that’s why you used the symbols.”� Ryan pumped the air with his fist. �śYes! You got it. I was hoping you’d figure it out.”� He danced around and she laughed. � �śCan I take this with me?” she said. �śI promise to bring it back.”� �śSure. I’ll see if I can come up with something better.”� �śDon’t bother. This is what I want, Ryan,” she said with excitement. �śThis is it. The new cover for my adult menu. I’ll have to talk to your agent about buying it from you.”� He frowned. �śBuying it? My agent?”� �śYour dad, silly.”� �śOh. But it’s not for sale, Hannah,” he said without hesitation.� �śOh? It’s not?” Her excitement faded. �śBut I thought you were helping me out with a design for my menus.”� �śI am but I’m not selling it. I’m giving it. I won’t take any money for it. And that’s final. And I doubt you’ll convince my so-called agent any differently,” he said, crossing his arms.� She stared at him, studying his stance. She glanced at Luke then back to Ryan. �śDo you know you all do that? You, your brothers, and your father.”� �śDo what?” he asked, glancing back at Luke confused.� �śStand like that when you’ve set your mind to something.” She nodded. �śOkay, sport. I’ll take this with immense gratitude and will be back. I made sandwiches for lunch. They’re in the fridge. Luke, I want to see your drawings when I get back. And what’s the number one rule, Luke?”� �śColor in the lines,” he said, not looking up.� She laughed. �śOkay. Then what’s the number two rule? The one your dad has been drilling into your head all week?”� �śOh, no climbing trees or anything more than a foot off the ground.”� �śYou got it. Okay, gentlemen. I’m off to my errands.”� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Hannah passed out the cold sandwiches and sweet tea she’d prepared for lunch. �śNow I want your honest opinion please,” she told the six men, including Mac and Aidan. �śTell me if something’s too salty, too dull, maybe too much of one ingredient and not enough of another.”� �śCan we comment on the ambience?” Mac asked.� �śWhat? Oh, well, I guess. But why would you?” She stopped in front of him staring down where he sat on the floor.� �śBecause if you keep talking we’ll have headaches for sure.” The corner of his mouth quirked. �śLunch time is for peace.”� She perched her hands on her hips. �śOh, really? This coming from a guy who works with power tools.”� �śExactly why we need peace at lunch. We hear noise all day long.”� �śSo now I’m noise?” she said, insulted, and moved away from him.� �śGood going, Dad,” Aidan said. �śYou put her into a temper, you deal with her.”� �śDon’t I always?” Mac asked, not hiding the sarcasm in his voice.� Who did he think he was talking about? Her breath caught. �śDeal with me? I’d like to see you try to deal with me, Austin MacDevin.”� �śOh, hell.” Mac dropped his unopened sandwich down on his plate, swigged the ice tea, and stood. Striding over to Hannah, he lifted her over his shoulders and carried her from the room.� �śAustin, just what the hell do you think you’re doing now? I don’t have time for your games.”� He held her firmly in place and walked into the kitchen where he plopped her onto the marble counter.� Her hands rested on the cool stone and she glared at him. �śAnd you talk about me wasting time and�Ś” She looked down. �śOh my God�Śthe counters. They’re installed.” Glancing around the room, she took in the glint of brushed aluminum finish. �śOh, and the appliances.”� �śSurprise,” he said, his lopsided grin sexy as hell. �śNow I’m going to go eat my lunch while you look around in here.” He turned to walk to the door.� �śAustin.” She scooted off the counter and waltzed around the kitchen. � He stopped and turned back. �śYes, dear.”� Her smile came easily. �śDon’t think I don’t know you just banished me from the other room like you would a child.”� He smirked. �śAnd how did I do that, brat?”� �śBy getting me in here to play with all my new toys,” she screeched and folded her hands, giddy with excitement.� He laughed. �śKnock yourself out.” � After Mac left Hannah in the kitchen, she forgot time and remained there for two hours.� �śAustin,” she called him over to the entranceway in the room where he worked.� He marched toward her, his tool belt swinging low on his hips. �śSo does the kitchen meet with your approval?”� �śOh, absolutely. Do you have a minute for me to show you something?”� His blue eyes sparked. �śNow as exciting as that sounds, darling, I really can’t do a booty call right now.”� Slapping at his chest, she showed him Ryan’s sketch. �śGet your mind out of the gutter and look at this. I had a professional artist draw this up for my adult menus. But I don’t know if it’s any good. What do you think?”� He took the sketch and studied it. �śWow, that’s pretty cool. I like the symbols around the Coat of Arms. That’s pretty ingenious.” � �śI thought so too. So I’m going to use this for the menu and probably for the advertising.”� He handed it back. �śThat should make the artist very happy.”� �śOh, it has. You know him.”� �śReally?” Mac’s cell phone rang. He dug it out. �śChrist, it’s home. This better not be another possible broken arm,” Mac said into the receiver.� Hannah’s heart pounded when the color drained from Mac’s face. Oh, no not again! I only just left the boys a few hours ago. After he hung up and hollered for Aidan, she said, �śAustin, what is it?” � �śSeems it’s the week for long-lost relatives,” he said, running a dusty hand through his hair. �śThat was Luke. My ex-wife is at my house.”� �śWhat?” Aidan said strolling in on the conversation.� �śYou heard me. Your mother is in town. Come on. I need to get home.” He headed for the door and yelled, �śSorry, Hannah. I’ll talk to you later.”� Mac and Aidan sped away. Hannah dragged herself up to her apartment and sat on her bed.” Jealousy ripped into her. Her heart ached, knowing Mac headed off to see another woman. Was Mac happy to have his ex-wife home? The kids would be happy to see her no doubt. Where would Hannah fit into all of this? Would Mac reconcile with his ex after she’d abandoned him? After all she was the mother of his three boys. Three kids is a lot to have in common.� Well, he sure did run home without a second thought. He must miss her a little, right? They’d been together what, over ten years? That was a lot more than the few weeks Hannah had been with Mac.” She focused on her hands in her lap, picking at her unpainted nails. What was she worried about anyway? Mac wasn’t hers. He was free to do whatever he wanted. And when an ex-wife, mother of your children, rolls back into town it was bound to make a man re-think his relationship, maybe even consider getting back together.� Hannah lay down on her bed, closed her eyes and hugged her pillow wishing it were Mac. She inhaled deeply and could still smell his shampoo on the pillowcase. Would he think of her once he arrived back at his house? When would she see him again? She’d been silly for getting used to his presence. Served her right to feel lonely now that he had obligations that didn’t include her. If she had protected her heart like she’d always done, then the stabbing pain in the middle of her chest wouldn’t be there right now.� She rubbed her fist over her heart, unable to dispel the ache.� Chapter Thirty-Five� Hannah awoke startled three hours later. After falling asleep, she hadn’t heard Mac enter her bedroom but his hand on her leg shaking her awake had gotten her attention.� She stared at him. �śOh, Austin. It’s you. Oh. You scared me.”� �śSorry. I let myself in because you didn’t answer the doorbell,” he said softly, brushing her hair from her face, his fingers heating her skin.� �śI must’ve fallen asleep. I didn’t expect to see you tonight.” With a slow movement she sat against the headboard and stared at her hands, her heart pounding at what he might have to say to her. Would he tell her his wife wants him back? � Mac’s fingers lifted her chin until her gaze caught his. �śJane is leaving tomorrow. She’s not staying, Hannah.”� �śThat’s her name?” Hannah stared into deep blue eyes. �śJane?”� �śYeah. She’s only in the States for some golf tournament in Florida. So she had her private jet fly her to South Carolina to see the kids. My house looked pretty damn funny with a Mercedes stretch limo parked outside it,” he said, half laughing.� �śAustin, shouldn’t you be there with her?”� He stared at her like she had three heads. �śYou got a head injury or something? The last place I want to be is where she is. She’s here to visit the kids, not me. She screwed up again and gave Ryan his birthday present.”� �śRyan? But his birthday isn’t for six more months.”� He stared. �śJesus, Hannah. See what I mean? You know her kids better than she does. She mistook Aidan’s for Ryan’s.”� Hannah filled with rage. �śWhat? She did that to Aidan?”� Mac sighed. �śYeah. It’s not the first time. Then when Ryan informed her it wasn’t his birthday she simply took the envelope she’d handed to Ryan and gave it to Aidan.”� �śWhat? She gave Aidan a birthday card intended for his brother?”� Shrugging, he let his hand drop to rest on her thigh. �śJane never puts names. She just signs her name. Not Mom either. Jane. That’s what she wants the kids to call her.”� Just when she didn’t think she could be any more stunned. �śOh my, God.”� His laugh hadn’t been humorous. �śOf course they don’t. They call her Mom just to piss her off. Well, at least Aidan and Ryan do since Luke is still too young and calls her Mom automatically.”� �śGood. I’m glad they stick it to the bitch.”� Smiling, his face relaxed. �śMe too. I promised them they’d never get punished. Not for treating her like she treats them. What’s fair is fair. Aidan resents her, wants nothing to do with her. In fact, he’s at his girlfriend’s house now. He didn’t care if Jane was at the house.”� Hannah’s heart broke for the children. �śI don’t blame him.”� Mac appeared exhausted, his eyelids heavy, dark smudges beneath his eyes. �śMe either. Ryan tries to follow Aidan’s lead but you can tell he’s torn. I don’t think he misses Jane but more like misses having a mom. And Luke, well, he’s happy to see her. He’s always the hardest to deal with after one of her visits. He never understands why he has a mom but she doesn’t live with us.”� Tears welled in Hannah’s eyes. Poor little Luke. A kid needed a mother. �śSome people just don’t deserve to have kids.”� Glancing up at the ceiling, he let out a slow breath. �śI know what you mean.”� �śBut I’m glad you were married to Jane, Austin. She gave you those wonderful boys. If that’s all she ever did for you then at least you have that. That’s more than most people get out of bad relationships.”� His gaze focused on her again, staring until he reached behind her neck to pull her lips to his. The gentle kiss barely skimmed her lips. His fingers caressed her skin sending shivers down her spine. �śYou really are something else Hannah O’Leary. You have the biggest heart I’ve ever seen in a woman and remember, my mother and sister ooze love. But you win flat out.”� God, she loved the feel of his hands. �śI’m glad you stopped by, Austin. I thought that maybe you wouldn’t, well, since Jane was in town, that she’d take up your time.”� �śOnly long enough for me to point her in the direction of the highway.” � Hannah laughed. He stood, lifting her with him. � �śI came by to pick you up.” � Her eyes widened. �śFor what?”� �śAn adult sleepover,” he whispered, his hands sliding over her bottom, her skin tingling from the contact. � �śAre you insane? I’m not going near your house while your ex is there.” She waved her hand in the air. �śI’ll stay here until she leaves.” � His expression seemed painful. �śShe’s not sleeping there. Oh, hell no. She’s going to a hotel. Plus, she’s gone by now. Said she’d be back tomorrow late morning to say goodbye to the boys.”� �śOh, okay.”� �śI have my T-shirt waiting for you.” He bent and kissed her mouth. �śCome on, my little brat. I need to get to bed.”� �śAustin, if you were tired you should’ve just stayed home,” she said, sitting at the end of her bed to tug on her sneakers. Her body tingled with the thought of sleeping in his arms again.� �śI said nothing about being tired.”� Raining her head, there could be no mistaking the meaning in his words. She’d never felt so desirable in her life. She rose and took his hand. �śOh. Well, in that case come on.”� �śHannah.” He held her in front of him. �śYou will tell me right away if you’re late, right?”� Did he mean what she thought? Had he worried too? Her heart sank. �śLate for what?”� �śYou might be pregnant.” His expression had been relaxed, not the worried look she’d expected once he’d realized their mistake. �śYou know we weren’t too careful that day in my office. I let lust take control and I’ve never done that before. I’ve always been careful. Did you think I didn’t know I forgot a condom?”� She splayed her hands across his chest. �śIt just was never a good time to broach the subject, I guess.”� His frown had her glancing away. � �śWrong,” he said and trailed his fingers over her cheek. �śYou planned to shoulder the worry by yourself.” � �śHonestly, Austin. I’d let you know right away if I were pregnant.”� �śI know. But there’s no need for you to wait out the days by yourself, right? So we use condoms but if it turns out you’re pregnant then, well, I’ve always wanted a daughter.” His smile had been so genuine her heart swelled with more love than she’d ever known.� Grinning, she kissed him for a brief moment. �śI thought you’d be mortified having another child after you already have three grown boys.” � He massaged the side of her neck sending delicious shivers down to her toes. She wanted to take him and throw him on her bed. � �śThey’re not grown yet,” he said. �śAnd remember, I never got fixed. That was the ex who stopped wanting kids. I love kids.”� Wow, talking about babies made the circumstances so real. The conversation was too intimate to handle now. So much had happened today thinking of the future seemed impossible. � �śI know you do. Can we not dwell on it though? It’s a little scary to think about. I promise to tell you the minute I’m late if I am. But for tonight I want to do things to you that will take your breath away.” For emphasis, she nibbled his jaw, the stubble tickling her skin.� �śNow see I like a woman who takes charge,” Mac said, grabbing her by the hand, shutting off her lights and locking her door.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Mac needed to hold Hannah like never before. The wounded look in her eyes earlier when he’d announced Jane’s arrival at his house had broken his heart. No way Hannah could leave town, leave behind what they had together. He needed to convince her to stay, at least to give them the chance to see where their relationship went. She was the woman he wanted in his life.� �śCandles, Austin? I didn’t know you liked romance,” Hannah said.� Mac lit the candles he’d scrounged up and arranged on the bureau. �śI should’ve shown you romance before tonight, baby. Now I plan to make it up to you.”� She raised a brow. �śOh, really? Do tell.”� He gathered her into his arms. �śNope. Just gonna show you.”� When his lips sucked on the side of her neck, she moaned, the soft sounds encouraging him in his seduction. He cupped her breast through her shirt, pinching the nipple when it pressed against the fabric of her shirt.� �śI want to taste you, Hannah.” � A shudder coursed through her. She ran her hands over his back, but he had to keep control of the situation or before long he’d be the one seduced, and then his plan to convince her to stay would be blown.� His hands on her shoulders, he manipulated the skin with a delicate massage. Her head tilted side to side in a slow motion.� �śOh, God. That feels too good.”� She melted before his eyes. Under his touch, the tension left her muscles. Her body yielded to him only furthering his desire. Undressing her proved simple. She moved with him, allowing him to drag her clothes from her body. Standing completely naked before him, she’d never looked so hot and gorgeous. Her lust-filled eyes captured the dance of the candle flames behind him on the bureau.� �śI have purely selfish reasons for this seduction, Hannah, darling.” He lifted her, setting her in the middle of the bed. � �śWhat’s that?” Her arms circled his neck, her gorgeous, long hair splayed around her head like a red halo.� He cupped each breast, his thumbs tweaking the stiff nipples, earning a cry of pleasure from her. �śI want to give you incentive to stick around here. I’m enjoying the hell out of you, Hannah, and not just in bed. Just have to say that.”� He didn’t give her a chance to debate. Instead, he moved his arms beside her to hold his weight off of her and covered her mouth with his. Now that she understood his intentions, she could think about more than just bolting from town after the renovations were complete. In the meantime, he’d be sure to give her plenty of memories.� His tongue pressed between her lips, diving into the warmth of her mouth. He trailed the inside, keeping a slow rhythm, wanting her to enjoy his kiss. Her tongue met his, twisted around it, challenged it. God, she tasted delicious. The slight hint of the mint candy she had sucked on in the truck still lingered. Having a front row seat to her tossing the candy around her mouth had driven his imagination wild, and he’d wished it had been the head of his cock she had pleasured with such attention. � He deepened the kiss. She had to know that she consumed his thoughts every minute of every day. Every dream revolved around her–that hot body and that fiery temper. But telling her all this would only make her think he’d said it to keep her here. He needed to show her how he felt. He still had plenty of time left to work on proving to her that staying in Charleston could work.� �śAustin,” she whispered when he tore his mouth from hers to devour her breast. � Sucking on the pink tip had his cock raging to feel her pussy wrapped around him. �śSo beautiful, Hannah,” he said and switched the other breast, giving it the same attention. �śSo fucking hot.” � The other nipple responded to his touch, hardening to a tight bud. She arched her back, pushing her breast further into his mouth and driving him wild in the process.� �śAustin. I want to feel you�Śinside me,” she gasped.� He trailed wet kisses down her belly to her inner thigh. Her legs opened, allowing him to settle between them. With his shoulders keeping her knees parted, his hands went to work on driving her insane with need.� �śYour pussy is dripping with your hot juices. Been dying to taste you again, Hannah.”� Her fists clenched in the sheets. �śOh, God. Yes. Yes.”� Not wanting to rush the moment, Mac took his time running his tongue up and down her inner thighs, alternating legs, each pass getting closer to the soft reddish-brown curls blanketing her mound. It excited him to see she’d kept her bikini area neatly trimmed. Maybe he could eventually ask her to shave all of the hair off so he could enjoy the softness of her bare pussy lips.� �śDon’t tease me, Austin. Payback will be swift,” she said, her ass lifting off the bed toward his mouth.� �śTemper, temper, darling.” His laugh only earned him a glare when she leaned up to look down her belly.� But he couldn’t resist the inviting pussy in front of him any longer. His fingers parted her slick lips before his mouth covered her.� �śYes!” she cried out.� His tongue licked along her pussy, slipping in and out of the slit, sucking over the clit. His hands cupped her ass, lifting her to his mouth. He couldn’t get enough of her sweet taste. The wetness on his tongue from her creamy arousal caused his cock to throb against his jeans. Having her naked while he remained dressed had been a reasonable way to help control his excitement and keep him from coming before fucking her. But now it gave him another obstacle. He’d have to leave her hot body to undress.� �śAustin, I’m so close. I want to come. Please.”� He glanced up at her. �śThen come, baby.” � Inserting a finger into her heated channel, he stroked her slick walls, using his thumb to manipulate her clit in short, tight circles.� When her butt lifted off of the bed, she cried out. �śI’m coming. Don’t. Stop.”� He replaced his thumb with his mouth and sucked hard on her clit until the first wave of her orgasm crashed over her. The tight muscles of her pussy clenched around his finger that he’d buried deep inside her. With his tongue, he licked and laved at her drinking the sweet juices her body offered until she lay limp on the bed, her cries silenced, her body finishing the last of the magnificent spasms.� Removing his finger, he licked it clean of her sweetness. Her eyes widened when she witnessed him enjoy his treat. He rose, undressed, and sheathed his cock with a condom before settling beside her on the bed. He turned her until she spooned against him, and his cock nudged at her pussy from behind. Lifting her leg and resting it over his calf, he took the access he needed to slide into her tight, wet pussy.� �śMmmm,” she moaned.� With his free hand, he brushed the hair from her neck and suckled the tender skin under her ear. Her perfume teased his senses, flashbacks of when she’d first slept in his bed reminding him of his good fortune the day she’d arrived in town. � His hips pumped into her. The feel of her ass against his pelvis only served to excite him more, and the memory of the spanking filled his mind. God, she’d been unbelievably hot twisting and turning while he’d held her over his knees, his hand spanking her lovely bottom. And more, she’d been aroused too.� His cock pushed deeper into her, his steady rhythm speeding up with the building of his orgasm. He hadn’t wanted to come so soon, but after feasting on her sweet pussy and feeling it tighten around his finger, he’d barely been able to hold off long enough to bury his cock deep inside her tight hole.� � �śAustin, I love this position. I feel you so deep. Go faster.”� When she pushed her ass back, he responded with a hard thrust. The simple movement prompted his balls to tighten with the explosion of his release. His body tensed and load after load of hot cum filled the condom. Around his dick, her pussy muscles quivered then erupted in a huge convulsion. She bucked and wiggled, his arms holding her in place until they both lay spent.� Sliding his cock out of her, Mac disposed of the condom before slipping back into bed and pulling the covers up over them. � Realizing she’d dozed off, he whispered, �śSweet dreams, my love.” � Mac wrapped his arms around her to keep her close. With his lips against her neck, he awaited sleep and wondered whether he’d had any luck in changing her mind about leaving.� � � Chapter Thirty-Six� The next day Hannah had turned her apartment upside down with supplies for her display cases. At each site she liked to exhibit the various decorations she offered for the function room rental. She offered a full-catered service for those wanting to hold a party, so she needed decorations for all occasions and currently struggled with putting together some stubborn bridal shower favors.� When her doorbell rang, she wanted to scream. �śAustin, just let yourself in. I’m busy.”� It rang again. � Hannah didn’t scream but stomped to the door, since she couldn’t answer the intercom with the boxes piled up in front of it. Her temper had already been riled from fighting with ribbon for twenty minutes. Looking through the peephole, a pretty woman stood there on the other side. Great just what she needed. Someone selling cosmetics or something.� She opened the door. �śYes. Can I help you?” � �śAre you Hannah O’Leary?”� �śYes. And you are?”� �śJane VonFlagan. Mac’s wife.”� Hannah’s heart skipped a beat. �śI think you mean ex-wife,” she snarled, losing her civility. So this is what the witch looked like. Did she have to be gorgeous? Tall, slender, blonde, golden eyes. But then again rich people could afford to be beautiful.� And Hannah was rich, maybe not as rich as Jane, but Hannah wished she’d been dressed instead of standing in Mac’s old T-shirt and her frayed denim shorts. On second thought, Hannah didn’t give a damn how she had dressed.� �śMay I come in?”� Hell no, she wanted to scream. �śNow’s not a good time. I have stuff everywhere.”� Jane lifted her nose in the air. �śBelieve me, I don’t want to sit down, just to come out of this wretched heat before my hair comes undone.”� �śOh, then by all means come in. We wouldn’t want any hairstyle emergencies.” Hannah allowed her in only enough to shut the door and stood in front of her with her arms folded. �śSo what do I owe this pleasure, Jane?”� �śWell, I just got back from spending the day with my boys.”� Hannah scoffed. �śThe day? It’s noon. I just left them at ten. That’s two hours.”� �śI got there at eleven.”� �śOkay. So to clarify that means you spent an hour with them. Wow. Record breaker.”� �śBelieve me, the hour felt like the day.”� Hannah tightened her fists and mentally counted to ten while she walked farther into the room. Jane followed.� �śAnyway, all the boys talked about was you.”� Hannah’s heart melted. �śMe? So what?”� Jane looked down her nose. �śIt was Hannah this and Hannah that. You can understand how boring that is?”� �śNo. I can’t. I happen to enjoy Hannah stories.” She crossed her arms when she really wanted to choke the broad.� �śI didn’t care to have to listen about one of Mac’s, um, playthings. So I had to come over and see for myself just who this woman is that seems to be around my children so much.”� Hannah stepped close. �śGo to hell, lady. You’re not coming in my house and interviewing me.”� Jane shrugged. �śI was just curious as to what makes you so special.” Jane glanced around the apartment. �śFrom the look of how you live, I can see not much.”� Oh, she wanted to claw her eyes out. �śOr maybe it’s because I’m everything you’re not.”� �śHow dare you talk to me like that!”� �śDon’t waltz your snotty ass into my house expecting me to bow to you.” Anger pulsed through Hannah for her talking like this. The woman had definitely overstayed her welcome. �śAnd you have a fucking nerve to question my association with the boys when you’re their goddamn mother and don’t even know their fucking ages.”� �śI will speak with Mac right away about him bringing trash like you around my boys.”� �śThey’re not your boys,” Hannah yelled, her temper exploding. �śThey’re Mac’s. You gave up any rights when you abandoned them.”� Jane remained calm, hardly interested in the conversation by the dull expression on of her painted face. �śOh, please. Is Mac telling his stories again? You know I’m getting so fed up with hearing how I abandoned my boys and how Mac is Father of the Year.”� �śHe is that,” Hannah said. �śAnd he’s doing it all on his own.”� Jane waved a manicured hand in the air. �śToo bad. That’s what he wanted. I never wanted any of the kids. He made me have them instead of getting an abortion. Thought I was a baby factory.” � Hannah’s mouth fell open, shocked at the woman’s bluntness. �śYou were his wife. What the hell did you marry him for?”� �śNot that it’s any of your business but only because I got pregnant. Please,” she laughed, the hint of mockery in her tone. �śI would never have married him otherwise. I was just waiting for a bigger fish to come along and instead I ended up with a guppy.”� Hannah stiffened her spine. The arrogant bitch wasn’t going to speak like that in her house. �śDon’t talk about Mac like that. He’s a better person than you could ever hope to be. Why are you so upset that I’m in his life when you don’t give a damn about him or the boys?”� Jane laughed. �śBecause I’m a bit bored. I simply enjoy throwing my money in his face. It’s an adrenaline rush. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s still a loser, especially from the looks of you.”� That did it. Hannah jumped on Jane and took her down to the floor. They bumped into the boxes and sent them flying with a loud crashing noise. Hannah slapped at Jane, trying to get a hold of her arms to shake sense into the stupid woman. When Jane resorted to yanking Hannah’s hair, Hannah yelped and grabbed Jane’s. The blonde hair had been matted solidly in place with hairspray, so much so it deemed hard to grasp, but when Hannah finally fisted it, she yanked hard. Jane screeched and kicked at Hannah’s legs with her stiletto shoes. A kitchen chair Hannah had been using for a file cabinet tipped over, taking with it more boxes. Smashing sounds exploded while Hannah got the best of Jane and finally grabbed her by the upper arms shaking her. � Just then Mac burst through the front door. � �śWhat the hell?” he yelled, his eyes bulging, mouth opened wide. � Behind him Aidan stood speechless. Mac knocked boxes out of the way to reach the women but had a difficult time in the cramped entranceway. Hannah ignored Mac and concentrated on Jane. � �śYou listen to me, you little bitch,” she yelled into Jane’s face, sitting on top of the woman. �śIf you ever insult Mac or his boys again, you’ll need a truck load of Botox to put your face back together. You should be ashamed of yourself having three great kids and not even knowing their fucking birthdays.” Hannah shook Jane again. �śWhat’s wrong with you? You listen real good, the next time you come knocking on my door thinking you’re a match for me you’d better bring a lot more to the table than a fancy manicure, fake boobs and bleached hair. You got that, you witch?”� �śHannah. Jesus. Stop it both of you.” Mac raised Hannah into the air and placed her behind him.� Mac lifted Jane as well, snatched up her purse and threw it to her. He turned to Hannah. �śYou stay inside until I get back.” � �śSure,” Hannah said without hesitation, glaring at Jane.� �śChrist! Aidan, make sure she stays put. And I mean watch her. She agreed too fast.” Mac glanced back at Hannah then hauled Jane around toppled boxes and dragged her outside.� �śWow, Hannah,” Aidan spoke softly. �śWe thought your dad came back with all the noise. We could hear it all the way downstairs.”� Hannah’s temper left her. What she saw broke her heart. Aidan may be seventeen but all before her stood the nine-year-old boy that Jane had abandoned. Hannah contemplated running out to give Jane one more solid smack to her fake hair but Aidan’s expression stopped her.� �śAidan.” Hannah approached him, cupped his chin. �śI’m so sorry you just witnessed that. I lost it with the way she strutted in here talking and, well, I should’ve handled it better.”� �śI think you did just fine,” Aidan said.� �śAre you all right?” Hannah asked. � �śYeah.” He pulled his chin away, his bravado crumpling, and shouted, �śNo. Why doesn’t my own mother like me?” � Hannah froze. She wasn’t the person to handle this. Where the hell was Mac? � �śI mean what did I ever do to her?” He reverted to that abandoned nine-year-old boy. �śWhat did Ryan do? Or Luke? God, Luke doesn’t even know her like Ryan and me.”� He started crying, tears streaming down his face. Before Hannah realized it, Aidan fell into her arms. She hugged him fiercely, fighting her own tears.� �śLet it out, Aidan. You’ll feel better,” she said with a soft voice, rubbing the back of his head, her arms providing a band of protection around him. �śYour mother doesn’t deserve you boys, honey. It’s not your fault or Ryan’s or Luke’s. It’s not even your dad’s fault. Some people just aren’t meant to have children.” � Hannah held his face in her hands and stared him in the eyes. �śWhen I look at you I see a young man, who is making his dad so proud by following in his footsteps and doing a great job at work, applying himself, challenging himself to learn. Honey, it’s her loss. She doesn’t know what a great man her oldest boy is becoming, and how much his younger brothers idolize him. And she doesn’t know how very special you are, Aidan. Don’t keep the hurt in. Trust me. It doesn’t help. You have to let it all out or you’ll never be able to move on.” � Aidan clung to Hannah’s waist, fisting his hands in her T-shirt. Then he lowered his head to her shoulder and cried. She held him using all her strength to hold him up. � Over his shoulder she noticed Mac witnessing his son’s pain, the horrified expression reflecting his son’s pain. She motioned for him to leave them and he did, but not before mouthing, �śThank you.”� Chapter Thirty-Seven� Hannah stayed out of the way while the MacDevin household had been a flurry of activity Saturday morning. Mac helped the boys pack for their camping trip with Grandpa. He rolled sleeping bags, checked flashlight batteries, packed bug spray, Band-Aids, disinfectant, antibiotic cream, aspirin and other medical supplies. � �śJust in case,” Mac said. �śAll comes in handy with my three boys.”� Hannah packed the brownies and cookies she’d made special for the boys’ trip. Even Porkchop got to go camping.� By the time Aidan, Ryan, Luke and Porkchop climbed into Grandpa’s truck and were on their way it was nine in the morning.� Mac circled his arms around Hannah’s waist after he snuck up behind her at the kitchen sink where she washed her coffee mug. He swept her hair aside and greedily kissed her neck. She giggled and turned into his embrace, her hands resting on his hips.� �śI can’t believe I have you to myself for a whole week, Hannah,” he said, walking backwards with her.� �śAustin, what are you doing?”� �śGoing to take a shower.”� �śIf you plan on dragging me in there with you, you’re out of luck because I’ve already showered this morning.”� His smile became wicked and devious, sending a thrill through her. � �śThen I guess I have to make you sweaty first so you’ll need another shower.” He bent quickly, slid an arm under her knees and lifted her with no trouble. � She screeched with delight. God, she loved his strength, the way he always had to touch her. He could turn her on with just a glance. He carried her to his bedroom and kicked the door shut.� �śDid I mention I have a surprise for you, brat?” He laid her on the middle of the bed and slid his body over hers.� She tore at his shirt, needing him naked fast. �śI bet you do.”� He laughed, kissing her lips and neck. His stubble scratched her skin, and a moan escaped her throat. �śNot everything is about sex, you know.”� �śUh huh.” Her greedy hands worked their way into his sweatpants. When her hands felt only flesh, realizing he wore no boxers, her breathed hitched. �śOh, very sexy. You have a great ass, Austin.” � �śAnd you, darling, have great tits.”� He pushed her T-shirt up and unhooked her bra. Lifting her toward him, he stripped her of them and laid her down before taking her breast into that warm mouth. The sensation sent a stream of heat straight to her pussy where wetness drenched her. She heard nothing but the strumming of her blood through her veins.� She massaged his erection, and his breathing deepened, his eyes darkening. The smell of sex hung in the morning air, the sultry scent of human arousal.� �śJesus, Hannah. I wanted to try to do this slow for once,” he said through ragged breaths.� �śOkay. You go slow. I’ll go fast.” Her panting matched his, creating a dizzying effect.� �śLike hell,” he growled. � Rolling off her, he stripped her then himself completely, and wasted no time putting on a condom. Climbing back over her, he thrust deeply into her with one stroke. She cried out, her nails digging into his shoulders to keep him against her. His mouth landed on hers, his tongue tasting her, claiming her, pleasing her. She floated on air, his kisses taking her breath away while his hips pumped into her, edging her closer to her reward. Never had she thought she could be so thoroughly fucked and made to feel like she was the sexiest, most special woman in the world. But with Mac she felt all that and more. � His mouth left hers to find her breast again. When he took the sensitive nipple into his mouth, sucking hard, nibbling, she thought she’d lose her mind with the orgasm building deep inside her. Every part of her body was on fire. She couldn’t touch him enough, disappointed when his ass wasn’t in her full reach thanks to his thrusting action.� �śAustin! I love you,” she screamed, peaking, the wave of pleasure toppling over, dragging her into another world. A world where her body hummed and sang in all her private places. A world where Mac joined her with his own explosion.� �śJesus, Hannah,” he gasped, his strong arms circling her in a crushing embrace while his body became rigid, then trembled when he emptied into her. � �ż �ż �ż �ż� An hour later, Hannah and Mac stood under the stream of warm water in his shower.� �śSo what’s the big surprise for today?” Hannah asked while soaping Mac’s chest while he kissed her neck.� His black hair glistened from the water like a thousand diamonds. �śYou know, no matter how many times we make love, Hannah, I just can’t seem to get enough of you. Look at me. I’m hard again for you.”� She glanced down and found his manhood jutted out at an angle. �śYou’ve got a hand. Use it,” she teased and turned away, placing her face under the spray.� �śLike hell.” Pulling her closer, he nuzzled her neck, his five o’clock shadow scratching her skin. �śWant to make love in the shower?”� �śWhat? Are you insane? We can’t possibly.” She turned back into his arms and noticing his massive body taking up so much room.� �śOh, we can. And we are, darling,” he said with a mischievous grin.� When he lifted her against his body, she wrapped her legs around his slippery waist. � �śI guess I could be convinced.” She leaned forward to kiss his smiling lips, her tongue licking the outline of them, nipping at the corners.� �śThis time I want slow, Hannah. I want to enjoy every movement, feel all of you.” His voice was barely a whisper against her ear, the sound of the shower loud background noise.� �śIf you want. You’re the one who has to hold me the whole time.”� His muscles flexed, tightening their grasp on her. �śNow if I didn’t know any better that sounded like a challenge.” � Keeping her effortlessly perched on his waist, her legs and arms holding her to him, his hands slid behind her to open a condom. Turning his back into the spray he sheathed his cock.� With his hands cupping her bottom, he raised her up and onto the length of him. She took him in, her arms clinging to his neck, her hips gyrating to take him in deeper. Having him fill her so completely, stretched her, awakening every nerve in her pussy.� Holding her as if she weighed nothing at all, he swayed, each movement molding his body against the sensitive nub at her opening. Tiny jolts of fire shot through her.� With the warm water flowing over her, their skin slippery and sleek, Hannah sank into the moment, enjoying every movement. Never would Hannah have guessed the smell of plain soap could be so erotic. But standing with Mac in his shower, riding his cock as he held her, she inhaled deep breaths, committing the scent to memory, knowing she’d never again be able to smell plain soap without wetting her panties. � Her pleasure built with a steady rise again, the slow rhythm of their loving teasing her to no end. With every move her body pulsed. With every sway of his hips her body begged for more. With every caress of his rough hands over her sensitive flesh her body heated until the familiar warning of her pleasure spiked. Deep inside where his erection stroked the walls of her womanhood, a tension wound as tightly as a yo-yo and then broke. The resulting intermittent wave of bliss rolled up and down inside her, along the length of him. Her spasms took her voice, leaving her speechless for once in her life. Mac’s loving never disappointed her. He always left her feeling like she had been the only woman in the world, the only focus of his attention. God, she loved that about him.� Mac drew circles on her back, making lazy strokes from her neck to her bottom and all over again. She didn’t think she had the energy to move her legs, leaving them wrapped around Mac’s muscular body a definite option if not a necessity. If he put her on her feet, she’d probably slide down the drain, unable to hold herself up after that exquisite passion.� �śThe water’s cold, baby,” he said after washing away the remnants of their loving before turning off the valves. Still holding her, he stepped from the tub and wrapped her in a towel. � �śI don’t think I can stand,” she whispered, her body completely sated and relaxed.� With a laugh, he carried her to his bedroom, laying her on the bed gently. After drying off, he dressed while she watched him from the bed.� His long frame, tanned from the South Carolina sun, moved with the stealth of a tiger. Toned and muscular, he ignited desires deep within her every time she caught his handsome face looking her way. Sometimes she couldn’t help but wonder why her. How did she of all people come to be in the arms of such a great man? She could offer him nothing.� �śSo what’s the surprise, Austin?”� �śI’m taking you on a date.”� She stood wobbly and wrapped the towel around her. �śA real date? Are you serious?” � He nodded, his gaze roaming her body. �śI am. We’re going to visit Beaufort where you’ll find some things for the restaurant.”� �śOh, really? Now I’m very interested. Tell me.” Gathering her clothes, she dressed and listened.� �śI’m taking you on a day trip to a place in Beaufort where we can relax for the day, enjoy some sightseeing, and enjoy a fine cooked meal prepared by someone else.”� �śOh, sounds wonderful. I’d love to check out some of the competition in the area.”� Sitting on the end of his bed, he tied his sneakers. �śBy that, I hope you mean for your restaurant and not for me.”� Dressed in light blue jean shorts and a pink tank top, Hannah brushed her long hair before braiding it. �śAfraid I want to replace you already, Austin? Stop it. You have no competition.”� �śAh, but you’re wrong. I have to compete with your need to run from place to place without settling down. Be warned, I’m working on changing that, darling.”� She remained silent, not knowing how to reply. She couldn’t think about what would happen when the time came for her to leave. Hadn’t it been increasingly difficult to want to leave?� He stood and faced her, hands on his hips, a serious expression. �śI love you, Hannah. I wanted to tell you so many times, but I got too scared. I didn’t plan on blurting it out like this but what the hell. You should know how I feel about you.”� Oh. My. God. Her eyes watered, her heart pounded. �śI thought maybe you did, but it’s wonderful to hear the words.”� �śWill you stay in Charleston, Hannah?” He stared at her, his bright blue eyes filled with hope. � Her heart swelled. �śI’m thinking about it.” � �śGood. I just had to ask is all,” he said, marching across the room before turning back to her. �śHannah?”� �śUh huh?”� �śThink hard. Think very hard,” he whispered.� � � Chapter Thirty-Eight� After their long weekend alone, Hannah reluctantly drove with Mac to her house to get back to work, wishing she could have stayed in bed with her sexy lover. She disappeared upstairs to her apartment while Aidan and Mac finished the final renovations. How time had flown by. So much had happened over the past months, and the construction of her latest restaurant that normally would have demanded her entire focus had been the least of her concerns. The MacDevin men had become too important to her to be overshadowed by her work. It didn’t matter that opening night would be in a few days. Her time here wasn’t ending, it was just beginning.� She danced around her apartment with the giddiness of a schoolgirl. Waiting until the grand opening to tell Mac and the boys that she had planned to stay Charleston had been such a difficult secret to keep�"especially when Mac had made it clear he didn’t want her to leave. But he’d given her the time and space she needed to form her decision. She couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when she made her announcement.� Her cell phone rang, and she picked it up. Glancing at the caller I.D., she didn’t recognize the number. Please don’t let it be Mother, hitting me up for more money.� �śHello, Hannah. Jane VonFlagan. I’d think twice before hanging up. I have something you’ll like to hear.”� Hannah clenched her fist. �śThere’s nothing I want to hear from you, Jane.”� �śOh, I think you will if it involves the boys.”� Hannah froze. �śWhat about them?”� �śThat’s what I thought. I knew you’d be reasonable where the boys were involved.”� �śJane, I’m very busy.” Anger pulsed through her at the other woman’s tone. She had a friggin’ nerve. �śIs there something you want?”� �śYou could say that. You see I’m going to fight Mac for custody of the boys.”� Hannah’s stomach turned and her heart pounded. �śWhat would you do with three boys, Jane? You said yourself you didn’t want them.” � �śI don’t but I’m a multi-millionaire and will send their asses to boarding school and separate ones, too, so they can’t see each other.” � Hannah saw red like never before. �śYou’re cruel.”� �śAh, but I’m their mother. I can do what I want. And as for Aidan, I’ll send his ass to military school. That’ll teach him to be rude to me.” � Hot tears ran down Hannah’s cheeks. God, she had to get Mac. He needed to deal with this, not her. �śPlease don’t do this, Jane. The boys need to be with Mac. Their life is here.”� Jane laughed, the deep, hollow sound disturbing. � Hannah’s temper boiled, but she couldn’t let it rule now. �śMac will fight you, Jane. He’ll never give up his boys.” � �śHannah, I thought that someone like you who came from nothing and now has some money would understand wealth truly does buy anything. I have enough assets to take those kids from Mac. Judges can be bought, bitch. I can have emergency custody by morning.”� �śOn what grounds?” Hannah demanded.� �śBecause of you, of course. Because I don’t want my kids exposed to your father or your mother, who you can’t seem to escape. I know all about you, Hannah. It’s amazing what private detectives can find out when paid well enough.”� Shaking, Hannah tried to take a breath but found it all but impossible. �śHave you told this to Mac?”� �śNo. I wanted to share with you first.” Her words were frosted with sweetness.� �śWhy me?”� �śWell, because, Hannah, dear, you can fix the situation very easily.” � Hannah had a sinking feeling in her gut, like she stood on a tight rope and someone wanted to shake her off of it. �śHow?” � �śSimple, dear. You leave town. I’ve kept tabs on you since our wrestling match. Your restaurant opens in three days. You’ll leave Mac and the boys the next day and never come back. If you don’t agree then when I hang up I’ll be calling Mac to let him know I’ll be picking the kids up in the morning with my emergency custody order.”� �śAnd if I leave you won’t try for custody?”� She laughed. �śWhy would I? You’d be out of the picture.”� �śJane, what’s so wrong with me being in the picture? I love those boys and would never do anything to hurt them.”� �śTold you, when I get bored, well, I like to find something to amuse myself. If what you say about the boys is true then you’ll leave in four days, or you’ll be responsible for their lives being turned upside down. Believe me, I will do it.”� Defeated, Hannah had no choice but to give in. �śPlease don’t, Jane. I’ll leave.”� �śI knew you’d see it my way. Oh, and one more thing, Hannah.”� �śWhat’s that, Jane?” Devastation engulfed Hannah. How could she agree to never see Mac or the boys again? What would her life be without them? Without their smiles, their arguments�Śtheir love?� �śIf you mention our little conversation today to Mac, I’ll go for custody. Keep this between us, leave town quietly, and Mac can keep his boys.”� �śI understand.” The one person she needed most couldn’t help her now.� The phone disconnected, and Hannah collapsed to the floor crying. Her heart ripped into pieces. Memories of the past months rushed through her mind. How content she’d been. The way the boys gave her unconditional love. The way Mac made love to her, challenged her, accepted her. Just when her life pleased her, this happens. � Money can buy anything Jane had pointed out. Money couldn’t buy happiness, though. � Hannah wanted to stay in Charleston. For once in her life, she had planned to set down roots. Now she would be forced to leave. Why was fate so cruel to her? What had she ever done to deserve this? � Hannah wracked her brain for an hour but didn’t see a way out of this mess. She had money too, but what good would it be when she couldn’t have the man she loved? All the events of the last months continued to roll through her brain, fueling her need to defeat Jane’s wretched plan to rip Hannah from Mac and the boys. � Since when had Hannah O’Leary ever given up? Never. And she wasn’t about to start now. Not when the men she loved needed her. � She’d play Jane’s game. But the bitch didn’t know Hannah aimed to win. She picked up the phone and dialed. She would make her money work too. She only hoped she had enough to find dirt on Jane and keep her from breaking up the MacDevin family. � Patience. Hannah needed lots of it now. Not her strong point by any means. But for Mac and the boys, Hannah would do anything. She belonged with them, and she’d be damned if a callous, deranged bitch like Jane robbed her of the life she’d been searching for since she was a little girl.� When the phone was answered on the other end, she said, �śHi, my name is Hannah O’Leary and I need to hire a damn good private detective. Money’s no object. Just get the job done and you’ll be compensated.”� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Two days later, after Jane’s phone call, Hannah ventured to see Mac down in the restaurant. �śAustin, can I talk to you?”� �śUh oh. That tone sounds serious. Which kid did what?” He stood in front of her, his hands on his hips, braced for the worst. � Her heart pounded, her mouth went dry. If only she could tell him the truth.� �śIt’s not the kids. It’s me. I’m not late. I got my period.”� �śOh,” he said, his lips remaining firm, his shoulders slumped a little. �śOkay.”� She didn’t dare touch him for fear of collapsing into his arms and telling him everything. The way he despised Jane only meant that he’d challenge her, go after her with all he had. If he did that, then Jane would get the kids. Hannah couldn’t tell him, couldn’t risk it. She just couldn’t. �śYou sound disappointed. I thought it was good news.”� He shrugged. �śI told you I wouldn’t mind another child, especially with you. You’d look so damn sexy pregnant. Guess I may have gotten use to the idea.” He buried his face into her hair. �śBut there’s plenty of time to make babies.”� �śYeah, um, about that, Austin.” Shrugging off his embrace, she stepped back from him, her heart aching with a pain she’d never experienced before. But she had to do this for him, for Aidan, Ryan and Luke. Keeping Mac with his boys was the only thing that mattered.� �śNow I know I don’t like the sound of that tone. What’s wrong, Hannah?” His gaze pierced her.� �śI found a new location for my next restaurant,” she lied.� �śYou did, huh?”� �śYeah. Great location. It’s in Savannah, Georgia. It’s close. I could visit some time maybe.” She swallowed hard, unable to dislodge the lump in her throat. �śI leave the day after the opening.”� � �śYou can visit? You leave in two days?” He flinched, the shock visible on his face. His bright blues eyes lost their luster, and his mouth hung open for a minute before his jaw clamped shut. �śSo that’s it, Hannah? This is how it ends?”� Her heart shattered into a million pieces. �śI’m sorry, Austin. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.”� �śBullshit. What’s going on, Hannah?” He grabbed her by the arms, pulled her against him.� �śWhat? Nothing. I found my next restaurant. That’s all.”� �śReally? So you really have been just playing house these last months.”� Sucking in her breath, she wanted to blurt out the truth but she couldn’t risk Mac’s custody. �śNo. I haven’t and you know damn well I haven’t.”� �śThen tell me what’s so damn important about Georgia. You said you were thinking about staying in Charleston.” His voice shook her to the bone.� �śI was. I did think about it and decided against it.” God, she hated the lying. �śOh, Austin, can’t we just be glad for the time we shared together and remain friends?”� He stared. �śWow. Wham bam thank you, Mac. Is that how it is?”� �śNo. Please don’t make this any harder than it is.”� �śThen if it’s hard why the fuck are you leaving, Hannah?” His frown deepened, his eyes narrowed. �śStill having issues about your past and your miserable parents? Well, get over it and grow up.”� �śDon’t you dare talk to me that way.”� �śI’ll talk to you any damn way I please. I’m not going to beg you to stay, Hannah. I said I loved you. I’m not taking that back even if you’re throwing it into my face.”� �śNo. No, I’m not. Please just please understand, Austin. I have to do this.” Her hands clutched his T-shirt.� �śYeah. Well, then you tell the kids you’re leaving.” He turned and stomped away.� �śWhat? Austin. Wait.”� He whirled around to face her. �śI promise you, Hannah. If you leave them a fucking note saying goodbye, I’ll never speak to you again. They deserve for you to tell them to their faces that you’re leaving.”� Tears streamed down her cheeks. Her knees shook and her stomach turned with violent spasms.� �śYou know, I’ve been calling you the wrong name all along. You’re not a brat. You’re a cold, heartless�Ś” He ground his teeth together and growled. �śI don’t even want to look at you.” He stomped away.� She ran upstairs, wiping furiously at her face to get rid of the tears. Crying never accomplished anything. But she just couldn’t stop the tears that flowed down her face.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� If Hannah thought telling Mac she had to leave had been hard, well, she couldn’t be prepared for what would to come when she told the boys that night while Mac stood in the background of his parlor. � Aidan slumped on the couch, his brows knitted, arms folded. �śGuess you made up your mind, Hannah. Not much we can say.”� Sitting on the edge of the couch hadn’t been comfortable. �śI’m sorry, Aidan, but I have work to do.”� �śYou can’t do that work while you live in Charleston?” Ryan asked, his voice rising.� �śIt’s not that easy,” she whispered.� �śThought you liked Dad,” Aidan said.� Hannah glanced at Mac, standing with arms folded while he leaned against the wall. His eyes sent a hard stare. � �śI love your dad. I love all of you,” she admitted, glancing at each of them. � God, she couldn’t do this. Her heart had never endured so much pain, the way it ached and squeezed her chest, suffocating her. But if she didn’t, then they’d suffer a lot more grief when Jane wrenched them from their father. She took a slow breath but it did nothing to soothe her nerves.� �śThen why leave?” Ryan demanded.� Tears welled in her eyes. She lowered her head to stare at her hands. Then she looked up at Mac who studied her with intense scrutiny. �śCould you please help me out here, Austin?”� �śNot a chance. I can’t explain to them why you’d want to leave.”� �śForget it, Dad. Hannah, I’m really disappointed in you,” Aidan said, his tone harsh.� She cringed. �śOh, Aidan, please don’t say that.”� �śNo, if you loved us like you say then you’d never leave. At least our mother left because she didn’t love us. I actually think that you leaving even though you love us sucks more.”� �śI couldn’t have said it better, son.”� �śMe either,” Ryan said.� �śLeave Hannah alone,” Luke screamed. He ran to her and hugged her fiercely. �śI’m not mad at you, Hannah. I know you’d never leave unless you had to.”� Tears ran down her cheeks, and she stared at Mac over Luke’s embrace. God, she felt like a knife had sliced her heart and now twisted through it.� �śYou’re so right, Luke.” She kissed his head and rose from the couch. �śI understand if you don’t want to come to the opening tomorrow night.”� �śActually we wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Mac said, not hiding the sarcasm in his voice. �śRight guys? I mean, how else would we say goodbye to you?”� Chapter Thirty-Nine� Hannah had insomnia. She hadn’t slept in days and had been nauseous and exhausted. Leaving Charleston proved to be the hardest thing she’d ever done. How many times had she contemplated telling Mac about Jane’s blackmail? But she could never jeopardize his custody of the boys just because her heart broke from being away from them. � Now she resided in a small studio apartment in Savannah, Georgia, and filled her days with operating her seven restaurants from the makeshift office she’d set up in her living room. If she hadn’t been exiled from Mac and the boys, she’d enjoy being in Savannah. The quaint town was rich in history and the people so friendly. It would be an ideal place to open one of her restaurants but she wanted to stop at seven. Mac was right. She didn’t need to have any more. She liked the empire she’d built. It was manageable, profitable, and successful. She didn’t need much more than that. � Well, except for Mac and the boys. � She’d spent an anxious morning playing telephone tag with Mr. Delaney, her private investigator. Peering online at her bank balance she grew nervous she would run out of money before finding anything on Jane that would give Hannah the leverage she needed against the woman’s cruelty. But Hannah was prepared to spend every last dime if necessary.� Mr. Delaney had spent the last three weeks digging into Jane’s background, and she’d come up squeaky clean. Disappointment consumed Hannah, pissed that another day had passed and kept her out of Mac’s arms and bed. Would he ever speak to her again anyway after she’d broken his heart? � She sighed. She would never know if she didn’t first deal with Jane. She’d expected finding a black smudge on Jane to be tough�"especially since she needed something major to use against her. The odds weren’t in Hannah’s favor. Someone like Jane�"conniving, rich, and in the public eye�"would be sure to protect herself from anything in her background she didn’t want disclosed. Mr. Delaney had ensured Hannah in each of his previous cases he’d always succeeded.� When Hannah’s cell phone rang, she jumped for it.� �śHi, Mr. Delaney. Please tell me you’ve found something.”� �śNot yet but I think I’m onto something. I can’t talk now but hang in there, Ms. O’Leary. I’m traveling to Monaco for a few days to follow some leads. I’ll be in touch as soon as I have any information.”� Hannah’s head dropped into her palm after she sat on her couch. �śPlease, Mr. Delaney. Please do whatever you can. I’m willing to pay, you know that.”� �śI do indeed. As I’ve said you’ve been more than generous with me, and I appreciate your situation. I’m working on this case every waking hour I assure you. So please you just try to relax, and I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”� �śOkay.” She hung up the phone. Her nerves worked overtime. She had to take better care of herself at least for the tiny life inside of her. Her hand lay over her belly to calm the rising wave of nausea that had plagued her for weeks. At a minimum, she needed to get some sleep.� Out of everything she hadn’t told Mac, keeping the fact that he would be a father again bothered her the most. She wanted to share her joy with him. When she’d misled him and said she’d gotten her period, the light in his eyes had dimmed. But she’d had to lie until she could figure out what to do with Jane.� Hannah reminded herself to be patient. She had been doing all she could to fix the mess she found herself in. She missed Mac and the boys so much she couldn’t walk, sleep, or breathe without thinking of them, but she didn’t dare call them. If she spoke to them she wasn’t sure she could keep up her charade. She feared she’d break down and tell Mac everything and then the custody battle would ensue between him and Jane, destroying the boys in the process. � So Hannah would be patient. What was the old saying? Good things come to those who wait? Covering her mouth and running to the bathroom, Hannah hoped she didn’t have to wait too much longer for Mac.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Mac had been agitated since Hannah left last month. Everyone had noticed and voiced their fair share of remarks but he wouldn’t divulge to everyone in town that Hannah O’Leary had managed to highjack his heart and take it with her when she ran from town. Why had he expected her to break old habits? She’d been on the run her whole life. It had been ridiculous and shortsighted to believe that he meant enough that she’d settle down with him.� �śHey, Dad?” Aidan said coming into the kitchen.� �śWhat?” Mac growled.� �śForget it,” Aidan said back with heat. �śI’ll take care of it.”� �śWatch your tone with me, son,” he said, pointing a finger. �śI’m in no mood for attitude.”� �śYeah, we know. You haven’t been in the mood for anything.”� Ryan and Luke rushed in following Aidan. Blood smeared Ryan’s face, over his nose and down his chin.� �śJesus!” Mac said dropping the knife on the counter where he diced vegetables for a salad. �śWhat now?” � Aidan placed a towel on Ryan’s nose, the source of the blood.� �śLuke got him in the face with the football.”� �śIt wasn’t on purpose, Dad,” Ryan mumbled. �śDon’t yell at him.”� Luke paled. �śIt was an accident, Daddy. I swear,” he said, holding his small palm up.� Mac looked down, noticing his youngest’s frightened expression and sighed. �śI believe you, buddy. Relax you’re not in trouble. And, Ryan, don’t tell me who to yell at.”� �śYeah, why bother?” Aidan said, releasing the towel for Ryan to hold himself. He went to the sink and washed his hands. �śHe yells at everyone.”� Mac glared at Aidan. �śSon, you may be almost an adult, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to take lip from you. That’s your final warning.” He turned to Ryan. �śLet me look.” He removed the towel and studied the nose �śIt’s not broken.”� �śSure as hell feels like it.”� �śWatch your mouth. I don’t care how much it hurts, I’m not listening to you curse.” � �śGood thing he wasn’t outside with us when it happened,” Luke whispered.� �śAidan, get some ice,” Mac ordered. �śLuke, go get me some clean towels. Ryan, sit down and put your head back. Keep pressure on the nose.”� �śNo way. It hurts.”� �śKeep pressure on it I said.” Mac placed his hand over his son’s to illustrate.� �śOw, Dad! Come on, it hurts.”� Aidan handed Mac the ice in a bowl. Luke returned with the towels. Mac designed an ice pack and swapped it for the bloody towel. � �śHold this on your nose, Ryan.”� �śIt’s cold.”� Mac laughed for the first time in weeks. �śDid you expect ice to be hot?”� �śDad, you’re so not funny,” Ryan complained. � Mac rustled his hair and turned to get some aspirin. He handed them to Ryan along with a glass of water. �śYou’re going to need these, son.”� Mac leaned against the counter. �śHey, guys. I want to talk to you. I owe all of you an apology for the way I’ve been acting since Hannah left. Guess I’ve handled it badly and took my anger out on you guys by yelling and being short with you when none of you deserved it.”� �śSo, Dad, what are you going to do about Hannah?” Aidan asked.� There it was, the question he’d wrestled with since his brat had left. Mac shrugged. �śThere’s nothing I can do. She’s a grown woman. She made her choice and moved on.” Should have tied her to the damn bed, though.� �śYou can marry her,” Luke said.� Mac’s heart thudded. Forever with Hannah. In his dreams, it looked like now. �śYeah, I could, and I want to, but I don’t think Hannah would say yes. She has plans with her life that keep her moving around.”� Mac hung his head, leaned back against the counter and thought of the diamond ring stashed away in his dresser drawer upstairs. The day before Hannah had announced she’d planned to leave, he’d bought the damn thing. Remembering how he had planned to ask her to marry him the night of her grand opening now made him feel like the biggest fool. Good thing she’d decided to break his heart before he had made a spectacle out of himself. He shook his head, unable to remove the vision of Hannah’s gorgeous body and sparking emerald eyes. God, he’d been so sure she’d say yes because she had loved him.� �śHow do you know what she’ll say unless you ask her?” Ryan said, still holding his head back. � Loneliness settled deep into his bones. His boys and his business had always kept him busy, but Hannah had completed him, filling the hole that had resided in his heart over the years. �śI don’t, but I’m not going to ask her. Okay?” � �śCome on, Dad. You never gave Hannah the chance to say no. Maybe that’s what she was waiting for,” Aidan said, his voice filled with hope and understanding. �śYou should ask her to marry you.”� Mac thought about it then dismissed the notion. �śI’m not marrying, Hannah. Now go clean up for dinner.”� �śCome on, guys,” Aidan said and led his brothers out of the room. Aidan stopped at the stairs and turned to face his father. �śBoy, Dad, I’d never thought I’d see the day when you were scared.” � Mac hadn’t budged from where he rested at the counter. Hadn’t had much energy for most things lately. �śWhat are you talking about? Scared of what?”� �śYou’re afraid to ask Hannah to marry you.”� �śWhat do you think, that I’m afraid she’ll say no?”� �śI think you’re afraid she’ll say yes, and then what, Dad? You’ll be a happy guy, and you don’t know how to be happy. You’ve been working your ass off and trying to be a great dad for so long that you’ve forgotten how to make yourself happy.”� Mac stared at his grown boy who happened to be dead right. When the hell did the kid grow up? His backbone matched his wits. Pride surged through Mac. �śI’m happy with my work and my boys.”� �śAnd you’d be a lot happier with Hannah. The three of us have voted, Dad, and we love Hannah and want her, well, to marry you. But we can’t ask her for you. Only you can do that, but since you won’t,” he said with a shrug. �śI guess we’ll never know what could’ve been.” � Aidan turned and marched out, leaving Mac stunned. His boys had discussed him and Hannah? He knew they’d been hurt by her departure, but they hadn’t said much�"or if they had, he hadn’t heard them. It had been so difficult to concentrate on anything when all he did was replay the last few days with Hannah. Had he pissed her off? Had he done something that insulted her or hurt her? He couldn’t think of one damn thing that would make the woman do a one-eighty with their relationship. And, if he had do something wrong, then she damn well should’ve mentioned it to him instead of hitting the road. He would’ve groveled and done anything to keep her from leaving. There was nothing they couldn’t handle together.� God, he missed his brat.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� �śDaddy, guess who called?” Luke said.� �śWho?” Mac said stepping into the kitchen after his shower. For a Saturday morning, he had nothing planned. He’d never realized before Hannah how dull his life had been.� �śHannah.” � Mac’s heart skipped a beat, excitement flowing through him. Had she changed her mind? �śWhen?”� �śWhile you were in the shower. She said she couldn’t talk long but wanted to let us know that the menus Luke and I designed were a big hit,” Ryan said, pride bouncing off of him. �śShe asked if I could send her the drawings I’ve done for the other restaurants. But I think I can do better than that. I’ll just bring them to her.”� �śYou’d take them to Savannah? And how are you going to do that?”� �śI thought you’d drive me. Here’s the address.” He handed him a scrap of paper.� �śI want to go too,” Luke said.� �śNo, none of you are going,” Mac said, staring at the paper in his hand.� �śWhat? Why?” All three boys complained, raising their voices, and surrounding Mac.� �śI’ll drive us there if Dad won’t,” Aidan said.� �śI’m going by myself,” Mac said.� �śWhat?” the kids said together.� Mac smiled for the first time in weeks. �śAidan, can I trust you to watch Ry and Luke for a day or two?”� �śSure,” he said, his smile reaching ear to ear.� �śCan I trust you two to behave while I’m gone?”� �śDepends,” Ryan said.� Mac glared. �śDepends? Watch yourself, son.”� �śIt depends if you’re going to come back with Hannah.”� Mac grinned, his heart pounding. �śWell, that all depends on her, but I’m sure as hell going to do my best to convince her.”� �śBring flowers, daddy,” Luke said. �śGirls like flowers.”� He leaned down to Luke. �śDo they now? And how do you know that?”� �śShelly told me.”� �śAnd who’s Shelly?” � Luke glanced at Ryan and Aidan then whispered in Mac’s ear, �śMy girlfriend.”� �śIs that so?” Mac smirked and stood. He’d barely gotten used to his oldest boy dating. Mac didn’t even want to think about Luke dating.� �śDad,” Aidan said. �śGo bring Hannah home.”� �śYou are going to ask her to marry you, right?” Ryan asked, tugging on Mac’s arm.� �śIf she’ll let me, son.” � �śCan we call her Mom?” Luke asked, his big blue eyes wide.� �śI’m sure she’d like that a lot. She loves you guys so much, you know.”� �śWe know,” Aidan said. �śLike she loves you. I’m glad you finally admit you love her and stopped making excuses not to live your life. It wasn’t your fault about our mother. She just had different plans for life. Now you deserve to make some of your own, Dad.”� Mac pulled him into a hug, and then Ryan and Luke didn’t hesitate to join them.� �śI do love her,” Mac said. His heart raced with thoughts of getting Hannah back and asking her to marry him. He had to have her in his life, had to make her understand what she meant to him. Starting a life together would take effort from both of them, but he couldn’t think of anything else he’d rather do. He released his sons from the hug. �śOkay. Be good guys. Please. I’m going to go get my little brat.”� Chapter Forty� Hannah hated morning sickness. And she wanted to know who named it for the morning when it lasted all damn day. Every day.� She had been exhausted, her breasts ached, her stomach rolled, and now someone knocked at her damn door. They’ll go away, she told herself, sitting on the bathroom floor against the wall, willing her stomach to settle.� The bell sounded again. � She dragged herself up, cursing whoever waited at the door. She hurried to brush her teeth and shuffled to the door. � �śI’m coming,” she yelled. �śWho is it?”� �śHannah, please open up.” Mac’s voice floated through the door.� �śAustin,” she whispered her hands resting on the wood. �śOh no.”� �śHannah?”� She placed her forehead against the door. What would she do now? If Jane had anyone watching her, then Mac showing up on her doorstep would blow the whole deal. Shit!� She opened the door in a slow fashion. Heart pounding, she stared at the handsome face that had never left her dreams. �śHi, Austin. What are you doing here?”� �śChrist, Hannah. What the hell do you think?” He forced his way inside and shut the door behind him. �śI came to get you back.”� �śOh, Austin. Please don’t do this. Don’t put us both through this.”� She slipped away and sat on her couch, hoping she could keep from puking long enough to get him to leave. He followed her and stood in front of her, arms crossed.� �śYou want to tell me what’s going on, Hannah?”� She looked up at him. Had Jane contacted him? Had she pursued custody after all? Hannah fought the anger pulsing through her. If she had suffered for nothing then Jane would pay dearly. �śI don’t know what you’re talking about, so just get to the damn point instead of me playing guessing games.”� �śAh. There’s the Hannah I know and love.” His expression relaxed, the corners of his mouth edging into a slight smile. �śThe one with bite.”� �śAustin, I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing. I’m staying here.”� �śEven if I ask you to marry me?” He removed a small box from his pocket.� She stared at his hand then looked at his eyes. Oh, my God! He’d come to propose? And Jane wanted to take the kids, rip the family apart! It would be so easy to say yes, fly into his arms, and never leave his side. But damn it! She couldn’t ruin Mac’s life by marrying him�Śnot until she’d taken care of Jane once and for all. Oh, why hadn’t he waited another week or two? � He stood there so incredibly sexy and handsome glaring down at her. God, he was everything she ever wanted�"and everything she couldn’t have.� Her fingers covered her lips. �śWhat?” � �śDo you want me to get down on my knee? Just say so and I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you to come home with me, Hannah. I love you and want to marry you.”� She bit her lip in hopes of keeping the tears at bay. �śI’m too young to get married.”� �śTry again, Hannah.” His eyes hardened.� She stood, hands on her hips, and stared him down, pulling strength from deep within her to keep her charade going. She needed more time. �śWell, I am.”� �śNo you’re not.” He sent her a hard stare. �śJust tell me the real reason you’ve decided to walk away from the one good man in your life?”� Standing this close to him, with a future offered, had awakened all the desires she had tried to keep at bay these past weeks. It took her a moment to regain her composure before speaking. �śI told you from the beginning, damn it, you knew I wouldn’t be staying, Austin.” She stepped closer to him. �śSo no, I can’t marry you.”� �śCan’t? Now isn’t that an interesting choice of words.” He glanced around the room. �śSpill it, Hannah. I can tell something’s bothering you. If I did something wrong, just tell me, and I’ll apologize.”� �śI can’t marry you, Austin. My life is just too complicated. I’m sorry. You should go now.”� �śFine. I had told you before I wouldn’t beg you, and I lied. I came all this way, have practically begged and pleaded with no luck. Sorry to have bothered you.”� �śAustin, I’m sorry.”� �śNot as much as you will be, Hannah. Not when you wake up some morning and realize just what the hell you’ve thrown away. Because despite how angry I am with you, I’ll always love you, brat.” He turned away but stopped at the door. �śOh, I almost forgot,” he said stomping back and handing her an envelope. �śThat’s from Ryan. Said you were expecting it.”� She took it and begged her mouth to form the words. She needed to tell him everything. She had to tell him about Jane and the custody issue and their baby. But then his fingers dug into her waist and pulled her hard against his body. When his mouth landed on hers, he devoured it. She retuned the passion with a fury. When he suddenly stopped and stared into her eyes, she stood breathless and stunned silent. � �śYou’ll think of me, Hannah. You’ll think of me.” With those haunting words, his hand slid from her waist, he turned and marched out of the door and out of her life.� She wanted to cry. She wanted to sink to the floor and cry. But she knew all too well crying solved nothing. � The man she loved had laid his heart on the line, asked her to marry him, and pledged his love. Hannah couldn’t play Jane’s games any more. Hannah’s temper intensified while she stomped to the table, grabbed her cell phone, and dialed.� Getting voicemail, she left her message. �śMr. Delaney, I’ve had all I can take of this shit Jane is putting me through. You have exactly one week to deliver me Jane VonFlagan on a fucking silver platter, or I’m going to Mac with the whole damn story and what ever happens from that point at least we’ll be together to deal with it. Don’t disappoint me, Mr. Delaney. I want this fucking over with. Now.”� Hannah disconnected. � �śThere,” she said out loud to herself. �śNow I feel better.” � But seconds later she high-tailed it to the porcelain god she’d come to despise these last few weeks.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� Mac sped off Interstate 95 to a rest area. He took out his cell and texted Aidan’s cell since they would no doubt be out at the lake on this hot day. He typed in his solemn message. � She said no. I’m coming home. Be there by eight. Make dinner. Behave.� He merged back onto the Interstate and drove within the speed limit even if his temper wanted him to put the accelerator to the floor. But that would only manage to get him a speeding ticket he sure as hell didn’t need.� Hannah had told him no. She turned him down flat. But why? He could understand if they’d had a fight but they hadn’t. Everything had been going so well. He’d felt her love. There’s no way she lied about that. The way she’d looked at him like her mouth was watering. The way she’d kissed him like she never wanted to stop. The way she’d made love to him, sharing her body, taking his. � He slammed his fist against the steering wheel. God, it just didn’t make fucking sense. The whole situation nagged at him. The Hannah he knew and loved would tell him if she had been mad at him�"oh she’d friggin’ broadcast it�"so it couldn’t be him. And there’s no way it had anything to do with his kids since she obviously loved them as much as he did him.� Okay, then if the redheaded, little brat wanted to have space, then he’d give her damn space. But he sure as hell wasn’t waiting forever. When he thought she’d had enough time to think about things, he’d pay her another visit. � Only this time, he wouldn’t leave empty handed.� �ż �ż �ż �ż� �śThank you, Mr. Delaney,” Hannah said and hugged the thin elderly man. �śI don’t think I can ever repay you for all you’ve done for me.” � He’d delivered what she needed in less than the one-week deadline she’d given him.� �śNonsense. You’ve paid me well for my services.” With a bony finger, he pushed his glasses up his nose. �śI’m just sorry it took so long and so much money. I usually don’t worry about a client having to pay. Hell, if they want the info, it’ll cost them. That’s always been my motto. But not with you. I truly am happy things are going to work out for you.” � �śThanks to you finding the right public officials to bribe to get what we needed.”� �śWell, that’s the sinful part of my business.”� �śThe sinful part of my business is my double layer chocolate mousse.”� �śWhich I plan to have the next time I’m at one of your restaurants.”� �śIf you’re ever in Charleston, you be sure to stop in. I’ll be there,” Hannah said, her heart swelling with the news, knowing she could get her life back.� After letting Mr. Delaney out of her house, Hannah wasted no time. She’d already packed and was ready to go. But right now she needed to make one very important, very overdue phone call.� �śHello, Jane. Hannah O’Leary. Don’t even think about hanging up because you’ll want to hear what I have to say.” Hot damn! Didn’t that feel good to say?� �śI doubt it, but I’ll amuse you for a moment while I await my pedicure.”� �śI’m going back to Mac, and you can try to fight for custody. I don’t care.”� She laughed. �śNow that’s not too bright of you. You’ve managed to give me a little project to fill my time.”� �śWell, I’m freeing your schedule up now.” With the phone to her ear and her hand on her waist, Hannah spoke with clarity. �śYou’re not going to file for custody, Jane. You were never going to fight for custody, were you?”� �śDon’t try to call my bluff, dear. You won’t like the consequences.”� �śOh, I’m not worried about that, Jane. You see I’ve already called the media to let them know the widowed heiress Jane VonFlagan will be pursuing custody of her three boys.”� �śYou did what?” Jane screeched.� Got you, bitch! � �śI think it’s time you listen to me now, Jane. I know you lied to your dead husband about having three children. In fact, as far as he knew you had no children. I also know if it’s discovered you do have kids you’ll lose all that precious money you inherited and love so much. You see my private detectives uncovered a copy of your prenuptial agreement, and it was sure interesting. I especially liked reading the stipulation concerning you having no children. My sources tell me your dead husband put that in there to protect his own children’s inheritance. You, as his wife, got some of his fortune, but his children didn’t have to worry about any stepchildren fighting them for theirs. Are you paying attention, Jane?”� �śHannah...” Jane sounded so meek.� �śOh no. You shut up. I’m not done. Your husband’s will also reiterates you must have no children prior to your marriage or you forfeit your inheritance. Are you ready to forfeit your millions, Jane, for custody of your boys?”� �śNo,” she said, her response quick.� �śI thought so.” Hannah took a deep, steadying breath. Triumph was hers. �śNow this is the most important part of this conversation, so listen carefully because I won’t repeat myself. You will never try to keep me away from Mac and the boys again. If you ever interfere in our lives again, I will broadcast your sordid little secret on every media station. Is that clear, Jane?”� �śYes,” Jane agreed. � �śOh, and Jane? Don’t call Mac’s boys unless you can say something nice and not be a bitch.” � �śFine,” Jane said. � Hannah hung up and wanted to dance but worried her stomach wouldn’t handle that too well. �śGuess we won’t be hearing from you again,” she said to her cell phone. Grabbing her purse and car keys, she bolted out the door.� Chapter Forty-One� Hannah parked in Mac’s driveway, careful to be quiet. Stepping out of her car into the cool night air did wonders for her stiff legs. She hurried to the back door, flashbacks of when she’d snuck in with the blueberry muffins causing a smile to creep across her lips. With her hand over her tiny belly-bump, Hannah braced herself for the ride of emotions waiting for her when she entered the house. After being away from the MacDevins and enduring Jane’s malicious threats for the past month and a half, well, she felt certain she could face an army right now�Śand win the battle.� Hadn’t she done her best to be a safe driver on her ride from Savannah? At least that’s what she told the State Trooper who’d chastised her and issued a ticket. But excitement had overwhelmed her. Slowing down couldn’t be done. � At last, she would be home with her family. Her heart raced, her breathing deepened with each step that brought her closer to Mac. God, she couldn’t stand the anticipation of finally being able to see him and the kids.� But she wouldn’t just barge in on them. After turning down his proposal, Mac would surely not be too receptive to her just showing up on his doorstep. But when she finished explaining, he’d understand.� She stepped onto the porch and knocked on the back door. No answer. She knocked harder. Porkchop barked. No answer. She pounded on the door. Were they sleeping? It was only nine o’clock and the lights still streamed through the windows. Porkchop’s barks grew louder and so did Mac’s voice when he hollered something.� When Mac opened the door, he stared, his eyes widened and his mouth hung open. When he swallowed, his expression became blank. Regaining his composure had been quick, the chill in his voice expected. �śAre you lost?”� Her heart pounded so hard she thought might pass out. Even when she wanted to launch herself into his arms, she forced herself to wait until she could be certain he wouldn’t toss her aside after all she’d put him through. Baby steps tonight. They had so much to discuss. �śPlease, can I come in, Austin?”� �śMy. Such manners. Learn not to swear in Savannah?”� �śPlease.” Her heart wanted to explode and the swine wanted to be pissy with her.� He stepped inside, stalking away from her and into the parlor. She followed him, her footsteps slow.� �śSorry, boys, we have to interrupt our movie.” He turned to face Hannah, arms folded. �śWe have company.”� Luke ran to her, throwing his arms around her waist, his big blue eyes wide, his smile ear to ear. �śHannah! I knew you’d come back.”� �śEasy, Luke,” Mac said, each word etched with hurt. �śI’m sure she’s just passing through. Buy another restaurant, Hannah?” � �śActually I’m glad you’re all here because I have some explaining to do.”� �śYou think?” Mac said, his brows furrowed.� �śPlease let me speak. It’ll make sense. I promise.”� �śDad, let’s give her a chance,” Aidan said, even though his wariness remained evident in how he studied her, like he expected her to change her mind and run. � There’d be no more running for Hannah.� Mac looked at him then back to her. �śSeems you have an audience. Go ahead.”� Up until this moment, she’d looked forward to her return, believing that finally being able to be honest would be easier than when she’d had to say goodbye to them. But standing here, staring into their faces, gave her pause. How could she explain the truth knowing it would hurt them because it concerned their mother? On her drive from Savannah, she’d been excited at the thought of repairing her relationship with the boys, but now she realized that it would cause more grief for them. � Hannah swallowed, knowing above all else that she loved them, and they deserved the truth. �śBoys, I hope what I tell you tonight doesn’t hurt your feelings but I expect it will.”� �śWhat? Anymore than you’ve already done?” Mac snapped.� She glared. �śWill you hush up and let me talk?” � �śWhat’s this? The old Hannah’s back?” Mac asked.� She huffed and ignored him. �śAs I was saying, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I think you’re all old enough to hear the truth about why I had to leave Charleston for awhile.”� �śHad to leave?” Mac’s harsh expression softened.� �śYes. I never wanted to leave. In fact, I had made up my mind to stay. But then I received a really bad phone call.”� �śFrom who?” Aidan said.� Hannah hesitated. Who knew telling the truth would be so difficult especially since she’d waited so long to get back to them? �śFrom Jane. From your mother.” She glanced at Mac. �śShe threatened to take custody from you. She told me if I didn’t leave you guys then she had enough money to bribe judges and be granted custody of the boys.”� �śShe what?” Mac exploded. �śAnd you didn’t tell me?”� �śHow could I?” With her defenses up, she shared what she had held in these past weeks. �śI was so scared she could do it. She threw her millions in my face, saying she had the means to take the boys from you and then send them to separate boarding schools so they wouldn’t see each other.”� �śJesus!” Mac said, pacing.� �śDon’t worry. She won’t be going for custody. That’s what I’ve been working on since leaving you guys.” She shuffled Luke’s hair and smiled, pleased with herself to have fixed the problem. �śI hired a private detective to find dirt on her. But Jane was really good. She covered her tracks on everything. We couldn’t even find a speeding ticket. But then the detective found her pre-nup. She lied and said she had no children. If it was found she did, then she’d lose all her money. So I let her know if she ever tried to keep me from you guys again or ever threatened to take custody from your father, I’d broadcast her secret to the media, and she’d lose all her money.”� �śOf course she chose the money and not her kids,” Aidan said. The bite in his words showed the edge of his hurt.� �śI told you I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” She moved to his side and ran her hand up and down his arm. �śI knew this wouldn’t be easy for you to hear. But I also knew you’d all be happy to stay here with your dad. And that your dad would’ve fought tooth and nail to keep you guys.”� �śBut you fought for me instead,” Mac said, his words holding the understanding she had hoped for.� Her gaze connected with his, her love for him overpowering her. She wanted to run into his arms but knew she still had to give him time. This had been a lot of information to take in.� �śI had to, Austin. I couldn’t let me be the reason you lost your kids.” She stepped toward him. �śI love you, Austin. I love you, boys. I couldn’t be the reason.” Despite her best efforts, tears threatened to pour from her eyes and she sniffled. �śShe never had any intention of following through with her threat. She just hated me and wanted to screw with me. But I kept my temper in check,” she said glancing at Mac. �śAnd with patience I never knew I had, I beat her at her own game.”� �śAnd how much of your money did you spend doing this, Hannah?” Mac asked moving closer.� �śAll of it.”� �śWhat?” Shock covered his face. �śYou were valued at two million.”� �śThat’s right, you’d Googled me. I forgot.” She waved him off. �śI’ve got seven restaurants all earning a profit. I’ll replenish my savings in no time. I’d do it all over again. ”� �śHannah. You spent two million so I could keep my boys with me?”� �śWith us.” Staring at the love of her life, she trembled with excitement. God, here stood the man who had showed her what family should be. �śI was hoping we could also talk about that.”� Mac stared at her for what seemed like eternity, and she waited, holding her breath. �śOkay, boys, scram. You heard the lady. She needs to talk to me.”� �śSure,” the boys said, all wearing smiles. � �śDaddy,” Luke said and tugged on his arm.� Mac bent down to be on eye level. �śYeah, buddy?”� �śAsk her to marry you.”� Aidan and Ryan edged closer.� Mac smirked and glanced at them. �śDo you guys think I should? Again?” � �śYes,” they all said.� �śThen get out of here and let me work some magic,” he said, smiling wide.� The boys disappeared up the stairs.� �śSo you came back for me?” Mac asked stepping toward her with a casual manner.� �śMaybe.” She grinned and placed her hands on his waist when he stood in front of her. �śI thought about what you said. You know about how you love me and all.”� �śOh, yeah?” His blue eyes brightened.� �śAnd since I love you back, I think it’s about time I get myself a permanent address.” � The way he stared at her with serious eyes, her heart melted. � �śDid you have one in mind?” � His hands moved to her waist, his finger digging in to her skin. The simple touch thrilled her to her soul.� �śI did.” She glanced around. �śI think this one is perfect. That is, if there’s room for me here.”� A deep growl emanated from his throat. �śI think we can make some adjustments, but we’ll fit you in. So what happens to us when you want to start another restaurant, Hannah? I have to tell you now I won’t be able to handle you leaving for extended periods of time to set up new places. And I won’t be able to handle you deciding you can’t stay in one place any longer.”� Her hands ran along his back and shoulders, enjoying the swell of muscles, the firm flesh under her touch. �śThen it’s a good thing I’ve stopped finding places for new restaurants and have decided to focus on the ones I have.” � �śSo you won’t get the urge to run away?”� �śOnly when you rile my temper.”� �śOh, when I rile your temper?” He cocked an eyebrow.� �śYeah. You have a good way of doing that. But even then I’ll only run down to the property line to cool off.” Her fingers brushed across his cheek, the five o’clock stubble a glorious prickle. �śIf you still want me, Austin MacDevin, then you’re going to have me for life. I promise.”� He wrapped her in his strong arms. �śNow that sounds like a plan, my little brat.”� �śOkay, you need to tell me why you call me that.” � A rumble of laughter vibrated through his chest. �śBecause you always speak your mind. No matter what. Stand up for what you believe in. And have been a pain in my ass since day one. The name just suits you, brat.”� � �śAnd I wouldn’t change a thing about you,” Mac added, kissing her lips.� �śDon’t you have something to ask me then?” � �śNope,” he said and smirked. �śI already asked you once. It’s your fault you turned me down. Now you’ll just have to live with me here in sin.”� �śAustin!” She slapped at his chest.� He grinned while digging into his jeans pocket. He held the ring up and she stared at it. � �śYou carry diamond rings around in your pocket?” she whispered.� �śOnly since you turned me down the first time.” � �śOh, Austin. Really?”� �śReally. Now can you hush and let me get through this so I can kiss you and the boys can come out because I know they’re listening?”� �śOkay.”� His gaze caught hers. �śHannah, I love you and always will. You showed me what it was to live life again. You make life interesting. With you around there’s never a dull moment. I love all of you, temper, mouth, and stubbornness. Most of all I love your heart. I’ll try my best to make you happy every day of our lives. So what do you say this time? Will you marry me, brat?”� �śYes, Austin. On one condition.”� �śWhat?” His eyes widened. �śYou can’t put a condition on a marriage proposal.”� �śI just did,” she said and laughed.� He gave an exaggerated sigh. �śOkay. Let’s hear it.”� �śThat you tell me again you love me. I like to hear it.”� �śIf you marry me, I’ll tell you every day, forever, that I love you. I truly love you, my little brat.”� �śI love you, too, Austin. Yes. I’ll marry you!”� Mac slipped the ring on Hannah’s finger. The single stone twinkled brightly in the gold setting. She couldn’t tear her gaze from her hand, the diamond signifying a love she had only dreamed of before she had met Mac.� When she raised her head, Mac kissed her, his mouth devouring hers until she lost her breath. � �śAidan, Ryan, Luke,” Mac yelled while keeping Hannah in his arms. �śYou can come out now. She said yes!”� The boys ran down the stairs jumping and hollering and tackling Hannah and Mac. Porkchop barked. � Mac looked over at Hannah while his boys surrounded her in a group hug. �śThey’re yours now, too, darling.”� She held her hand up for them to see the ring. �śAnd I couldn’t be happier,” she declared, hugging them fiercely.� �śWell, now that you two have finally come to your senses,” Aidan announced. �śHannah, the three of us have voted and, well, we’d like your opinion on something. Right, guys?”� �śRight,” the other two confirmed, continuing to hug her.� �śOkay,” she agreed with a curious tone, looking at Mac who just grinned, taking in the whole scene.� Aidan spoke up, the seriousness in his voice grasping her attention. �śHannah, we took a vote and thought it would be really cool if we could call you Mom.”� Hannah’s eyes filled with tears that spilled over her face. She loved the boys like crazy and now she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they loved her. �śI’d like that very much. I love you guys. I love each and every one of you MacDevin men.” � Porkchop barked.� �śAnd you, too, Porkchop,” Hannah said while her men surrounded her in another big hug.� �śI do have one more thing to tell you, Austin. Something I know I shouldn’t have lied to you about, but at the time I had no choice.”� �śI’m listening. But I’ve got to warn you this might end up as our first argument being an engaged couple.”� �śI don’t think you’ll want to argue when I tell you this.”� �śReally?” He scrutinized her. �śWhy don’t I be the judge of that? Spill it.”� �śI was late. Very late.” � His beautiful blue eyes opened wide. � �śYou’re about to be a daddy again, Austin,” she announced with joy. �śAnd you boys are about to become big brothers.”� Silence filled the room.� �śI don’t understand,” Luke said.� �śHannah’s having a baby, knucklehead,” Ryan said.� �śWe’re having a baby?” Mac asked shocked, pulling them off of her and shooing them away. �śGuys, get off of Hannah. Stop hanging on her.” � �śThey’re okay. I’m sorry I lied to you,” she said.� �śWould you have ever told me?”� �śAbsolutely. After you left my apartment, I called the detective and gave him a one-week deadline to give me something to end Jane’s games, or I was coming to you with everything. Austin, I wanted to tell you so badly. Please understand why I didn’t, why I couldn’t, at the time.”� �śI do and I love you so much for fighting for me and our boys. But you need to promise me that from this point on we’re a team. You’ll never be alone again in this world, Hannah.”� �śNot with this group,” she said, beaming, holding her hand up to examine the ring glinting on her finger. She’d never been one to wear jewelry, but today that had changed. Today, everything had changed. And no matter what, she’d never remove this symbol of Mac’s love.� �śMom,” Luke said, her new name music to her ears. �śI’m going to be a big brother?”� �śYes, you all are. I hope that’s okay with you guys.”� �śMore than okay,” Aidan said. �śCongrats you two.” He kissed Hannah’s cheek and shook Mac’s hand. � Mac placed his hand on Hannah’s belly. �śIt’s going to be a girl, and she’s going to be her mother’s daughter. I just have that kind of luck.” He grinned wide. �śThen I’ll have two brats running around here, causing me grief every waking hour.”� �śAnd you’ll love every minute of it,” she said wrapping her arms around his neck. �śWon’t you, Daddy?”� �śYes, Mommy. God help me, but yes.”� Epilogue� One Year Later� � � �śWho’s Daddy’s little girl?” Mac asked, cradling his infant daughter, Faith, in his arms while sitting in the rocking chair in the parlor. �śThat’s right, precious. You are,” he said when the baby tightened her grasp on his finger and smiled, her bright blue eyes lighting up her face, her curly black hair pinned up in a teeny ponytail by a small pink ribbon.� �śNow, Austin, what’s going on in here?” Hannah asked, walking into the parlor with Aidan, Ryan, and Luke. � Mac looked up at his oldest son. �śWhat’d you go and rat me out to Mom, son?”� �śYes, sir. Now share the baby,” Aidan said, and cracked a wide grin. �śCome on, Dad. I only get home every few months from college and this is only the second time I’ve seen my baby sister. Now I want to hold her. You can have her when I go back to college.”� �śLike hell. I’ll have her back in five minutes. That’s all you get.” Mac passed Faith to Aidan. � �śMom,” Aidan called, keeping his voice low.� �śI’m on it, Aidan. You enjoy some time with Faith. Austin, kitchen now,” Hannah ordered, stepping forward to grab Mac’s hand and haul him behind her.� �śYou’re so lucky you’re holding a baby right now, son,” Mac said over his shoulder. Eyeing his hot wife’s ass sway side to side compensated for being summoned to the kitchen when he had been comfortable in the parlor. Alone in the kitchen, he wrapped his hands around her slender waist while she stirred a huge pot of sauce. �śYou are so beautiful, Hannah.”� �śStop trying to butter me up, Austin. I warned you when Aidan got home you needed to share Faith. The boys want to spend time with her and, well, Mommy wants to spend some time with Daddy.”� He smiled. �śNow I like that idea. Have I ever told you that you make things interesting around here?”� �śOnce or twice. And I’m going to make it a whole lot interesting.”� �śUh oh. How come the sound of that scares me?”� �śHush. Is the addition all done?”� Mac had spent the past six months expanding the back of the house to include three more bedrooms and a nursery on the second floor and a playroom on the first floor.� � �śIt’s officially done, brat. I was waiting to tear you out of this kitchen long enough to show you.”� �śRyan, please watch the sauce. Luke, please set the table,” Hannah yelled from the kitchen. Taking Mac’s hand, she led him upstairs. �śOh, Austin. You’ve outdone yourself. It’s beautiful.”� �śThere’s plenty of room now for more babies. So tonight I say we start working on that.” Kissing her neck, his hands moved lazily up and down her back. God, he wished they had the house to themselves or could sneak away for a little private time right now. Every damn time he touched her, he got the biggest hard-on. Waiting until bedtime would have to do. But damn didn’t she look so hot in those jeans, the curve of her ass begging him to cup it in his hands.� �śMmm. I do like the sound of that but I’m afraid you’re too late,” Hannah said, her voice brimming with excitement that caught his attention.� He stopped his kisses and raised his head with slow motion, looking at her with wide eyes. �śWhat? When? I mean, how?”� She laughed. �śIf I have to explain to you how I’m pregnant after you have four kids then you’d better have your head examined.”� �śNo. I mean how could it happen? We’ve been using protection.”� �śNot that first time about a month after Faith was born. Remember? You were too anxious and forgot the condom.”� �śI was used to not using one since you were pregnant.” He laid his hand over her belly. They had created another life, another child to love. God, he was so blessed. �śI’m going to be a daddy again. Wow, that means you’re what, three months along?”� Her hand covered his on her flat belly. �śThree and a half. I never caught on since I assumed my periods were irregular due to the birth but at my checkup today they confirmed I’m pregnant.”� He picked her up and swung her in a big circled. �śI love you, Hannah MacDevin. You make me happier than I ever thought possible.”� �śI’m glad you made three bedrooms up here, Austin. Now Faith and the new babies will have their own rooms,” she said, clinging to his neck with her arms hitched behind his head. � �śExactly. That’s what I was hoping for, to have plenty of room when�"” He stopped and lowered her until her feet touched the floor. �śBabies? Do you mean what I think you mean?”� �śTwins, Austin. The doctor said my blood levels indicate twins. I go for an ultrasound at the end of the week to confirm but he sounded sure.”� �śOh, Hannah.” He kissed her, careful to be gentle with her. �śCan we tell the boys tonight? Now?”� �śI was hoping you’d want to.”� �śYou just want to be spoiled again and waited on hand and foot like when you were expecting Faith.” Pride swept through him at the thought of her waddling around the house again, round with his babies.� �śNothing wrong with that. And you know damn well, Austin, that it was you who insisted on treating me like I’d break if I lifted a finger around the house.” She poked him in the chest.� He took her hand and kissed it. �śDarling, when you have four strapping men in the house there’s no reason for you to do anything when you’re carrying my baby. And have I told you how beautiful our daughter is?”� �śOnly ten times today,” she said and rolled her eyes.� �śHer mama is beautiful too.” He kissed her again, not wanting to stop, but he’d have to wait until later for more. �śLet’s go tell our sons and daughter the good news.”� �śI don’t think Faith is going to understand,” Hannah said when Mac took her hand and hurried down the stairs with her.� �śFaith understands her daddy.”� �śOh, is that so?” Hannah said smiling.� �śOkay, who has my daughter?” Mac said when they entered the parlor.� �śWow, Dad. You actually let Faith sit with us for a whole fifteen minutes,” Aidan said, his usual ball-busting a welcome after being away at college the past month.� �śSmart ass,” Mac said with no heat. He looked at Hannah and then at the boys. �śDon’t worry in a few months they’ll be enough babies for all of you to hold one all at once,” he announced, slipped his arm around his wife’s waist, and waited for their reaction.� Aidan, Ryan, and Luke stared at Hannah and Mac.� �śMom, are you pregnant again?” Aidan said, his jaw dropping.� With her hand covering her belly, she smiled. �śYes. I sure am. And this time the doctor says it’s twins.”� �śWow, way to go, Dad,” Ryan said offering a high-five.� �śHey, I had something to do with it too,” Hannah proclaimed, pointing to her cheek, prompting Ryan to lay a loud kiss on it.� �śDaddy, can I have a little brother this time?”� Mac looked down at Luke. �śWe’ll have to wait and see, buddy, but I’d say the chances are good.”� �śHere you go, Dad,” Aidan said, handing him Faith. �śYou and Mom sit down. We’ll finish dinner. Come on, Ryan and Luke. While I’m away at college I’m going to count on you two to make sure Mom doesn’t lift a finger around here. And you have to watch her good. You know how stubborn she can be.”� Sitting next to Mac and their daughter on the couch, Hannah feigned surprise, her brows lifting, mouth opening in an �Śo’ before speaking. �śI heard that, Aidan.” � �śYou were meant to.”� �śWell, I guess your sons just put you in your place, darling,” Mac said. He cuddled his tiny daughter in his arms while Hannah leaned on his shoulder. He would’ve never guessed he could be this happy�Ś.this blessed.� �śI’d have to agree.”� He turned to her, the lump in his throat difficult to swallow. Surrounded by her love, grateful for the way she treated his kids as her own, his emotions swelled his heart. Just when he thought he couldn’t love her anymore, she found a way to brighten his day, give purpose to his life, and furnish him with memories for a lifetime. �śThank you, Hannah.”� �śFor what?”� �śFor making me one hell of a lucky guy.”� About the Author� Christina James lives in a Massachusetts suburb with her two children. When penning stories, she enjoys writing of romance and heartache and of characters who overcome the odds. Passion is at the heart of every tale, and she strives to create realistic characters, so the reader can fall in love with them as much as she does. A sucker for a good love story, Christina writes hot, sensual romances with a little sarcastic wit and some humor in a contemporary setting. She enjoys reading and traveling, spending time with friends and family, romantic walks on the beach, or just listening to the rainfall. For naughty and wicked romance with no strings attached�Ś.read a Christina James novel.� � � You can find out more about Christina at: www.christinajamesauthor.com� � �