“You’re still here?”
Zeke turned from where he was mucking out Trouble’s pen and picking up Prince’s poop. He straightened and wiped his brow. “My last hurrah.” He had shit on his knees, his sneakers and a dab in his hair.
She wrinkled her nose. “This is the worst job…”
“It is. I remember from home.” He studied her. “You’re beautiful in that purple dress, and your hair all fluffy.”
“Thanks.”
His gaze narrowed on her face. “But you’re all tuckered out.”
“I am. Honestly, those girls can talk all night long. I fell asleep periodically but they woke me up.”
His eyes crinkled. “I’m almost done here. I have an appointment soon. Why don’t you go take a nap?”
“I think I will. Zeke, thanks for helping me out this weekend. I truly appreciate it. But I don’t want to see you again.”
“So you said.”
She studied him. “You can take a shower in the bathroom off the porch. If you have clothes to change into.”
“I do.” She turned her back on him and went into the house.
Hannah couldn’t fall right to sleep. She dozed. At one point she heard Zeke come inside, some rumbling, the shower running in the far corner of the small house. After a bit there were footsteps coming toward her bedroom, into it. He went to the bathroom. She switched on a light in the darkened room. When he turned to leave, her eyes focused on Zeke’s bare chest, slick from the shower. “What are you doing in here?”
“I went to wash my hair, but there’s no shampoo out there. I gotta wash it because…well, you saw.” His tone was so disgusted she had to bite her tongue not to laugh.
“I saw. Go ahead.” She had to get the image of him wearing only a towel out of her head. Turning her back to the bathroom, she’d wait until he left.
He didn’t. Finally, she turned over, and he switched on the light this time. Up close, his chest was beautifully muscled and the hair strategically positioned as if God took her time with him. She cleared her throat. “What?” she asked somewhat irritated.
“I wanted you to know I rented a house down the road from Sasha.”
“The one where the Secret Service lived when all hell broke loose here?”
“Yeah, a buddy called me Saturday night to tell me it was available. I brought what stuff I could fit in my car, so I’ll be heading over there when I leave today.”
“I see.” God, please get him out of here. Thinking it would help, she added sarcastically, “Have a nice life, Zeke.”
His blue eyes flared with anger and he moved even closer. “So that’s how this is gonna be? With you intentionally lashin’ out at me every chance you get?”
“Um…” She sat up straighter. “You’re right. I’m sorry. You did me a favor over the weekend. Thank you.”
“Why were you sarcastic just now?”
“You knocked me off-kilter showing up like this. I’m usually a kind person. But it doesn’t matter because I’m not going to see more of you.”
His fists clenched. “Yes, you will.”
“I’ll get a restraining order.”
“You could try. But I have a top-notch reputation that’ll impress any judge.”
“Why are you being like this?”
“Like I said, darlin’, I want you back and I intend to have you.”
He turned and she had to witness the view of his muscular back. And backside, through the wet, clingy towel. Fuck, why couldn’t he leave her alone?
* * *
Eddie Smith parked the car in Hannah’s driveway and glanced at Milt.
“What?” Jim asked, having seen their exchange.
Milt turned around. “Do you really want to know?”
“Of course.”
“You shouldn’t be here, Jim. Don’t get the girls involved with you and Karen.”
“I told you I left my watch at her house Thursday. I’m picking it up.”
“Whatever you say, Mr. President.”
As these men had been his close companions for years, they’d dropped a lot of formalities. They used Mr. President when they were displeased.
Fuck it. He got out of the car and headed to the side door. But it opened before he could reach for the handle. And out walked…Zeke Carter? “As I live and breathe,” he said mocking Zeke’s accent, “I never thought I’d see you again.”
Zeke greeted him with a genuine smile and an outstretched hand. Jim batted it away and hugged him. “I think this is more appropriate for the man who took a bullet for me.”
Early on in his career, Zeke had been assigned to a House member and the president visited for one of the guy’s rallies. Someone had shot at the people on stage. Zeke was close to Jim and dived in front of him. Both he and the president fell to the floor, but Zeke caught the bullet.
“All part of the job.”
Suddenly, Jim realized he was coming out of Hannah’s house, with wet hair and a flush on his face.
“What are you doing here?”
“Hannah didn’t want you to know. I worked here all weekend so she could party with y’all.”
“I’m…” Shocked. “A bit surprised. Why and when did you come to Rockford?”
“I retired from the Service. I’d had enough. I’m opening up a private security firm in town, but while it’s gettin’ together, I’m gonna be part of the mayor’s protective unit.”
“I imagine that’s safer than the PPD.” Presidential Protective Detail.
“I sure hope so.”
“Where are you living?”
“I’m rentin’ the house down the road.”
“That the Secret Service guys used a few weeks ago?”
Zeke nodded.
“You know all about that?”
“I do sir. I reckon most of the agents in the organization are aware.”
“Hmm. How did you know Hannah needed somebody at the farm?”
“I happened to stop by and overheard her on the phone sayin’ she couldn’t participate in the festivities. I volunteered. I guarded the girls for a long time, too, Jim, so I wanted to help her.”
As if on cue, Hannah came out of the house. “What’s going on here?”
“I stopped by to get my watch and bumped into Zeke,” he told her.
“Yeah? He volunteered to be my farmhand this weekend.”
“Why didn’t you tell us? The whole family would have wanted to see him.”
“I asked her not to. I didn’t want to crash Sasha’s big day.”
“Hmm.”
“Well, I’m gonna go,” Zeke said. “See you around, Jim.”
“I hope so.”
The engine of a sporty red BMW purred to life and Jim turned to Hannah.
“Your watch?” she said. “Come on, Dad.”
“No seriously. Go check around the couch. I took it off Thursday.”
Grumbling, Hannah disappeared through the back door. And came out holding his Rolex.
“See.” He arched a brow. “I told you I left it here. How about if I stay for coffee?”
“I’m exhausted, Dad. I know you want to talk about Mom, but I’m not going to tell you anything about her.”
“All I want is some help. She won’t see me, honey.”
“I’m sorry, but you two have to work this out without your daughters sharing what she’s told us. I’m going back to bed. Goodbye, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby.” He kissed her cheek. “Sleep tight.”
* * *
Hannah awoke at six and dressed for her date with Eric Bright. She poked her head into a peach sundress that fell to her knees, combed her hair, put it behind her ears so the diamond earrings she’d bought for the wedding nestled in her lobes. She hoped that she and Eric could have some fun together tonight. Seeing Zeke made her…miss sex. Damn him.
She slipped into sandals higher than she usually wore, picked up her wallet and headed to the car. Hannah reached Rockford and drove down Main Street. It seemed busy for a Sunday night and she had trouble finding a parking space. Finally, someone backed out a few doors down from the restaurant and she swerved into the vacant spot.
She made the short walk to Magnolia’s, a bistro that was quieter than the town’s diner. She found Eric in the back. His delighted smile as she walked toward him told her she was right to pursue this.
“Hey, you’re stunning.” He stood. “I never saw you dressed up before.”
“I guess I usually look like a farmer.”
“There’s nothing wrong with farmers. And you’re cute in your shorts and T-shirts, too.”
Bingo, right answer!
He pulled out her chair and she sat. “You look great tonight, too.” In a light blue shirt, rolled up at the sleeves and black pants, he was…sexy.
“Thanks. I got spiffed up for you.”
“How sweet.”
A waitress approached them. “Hello, there. Drinks first?”
“I’ll have a gin and tonic.” A summer beverage.
Eric said, “That sounds good. I’ll have one, too.” When the woman left, he asked, “So how was the wedding?”
“Small, as I said. But it was beautiful. The simplicity of the ceremony made their love for each other the focus.” She told him more about the reception, and after the drinks arrived, she said, “Now, tell me about you.”
He recounted funny stories of his three sisters and his parents. His love for them was palpable. Family meant a lot to her, too.
When he finished, he asked more about sustainable living and seemed interested. She asked about his job.
“Something new happened. I’m working with the ballet troupe for the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center. I go to the theater one afternoon a week and help anyone who needs back and hip adjustments or specific stretches that work the Achilles heel.”
“My sister works with them, too, on some of the routines. Actually, she choreographed the gladiators’ moves.” The show was Spartacus.
“Hannah?” Zeke came into her view.
“Zeke, hello.” A bit flustered, she added, “This is my friend, Eric Bright.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“What are you doing here?” Hannah couldn’t say what was on her mind, like, Are you following me?
“I’m eatin’ dinner with Samantha Voss, another of Mayor Rothchild’s bodyguards.” He said to Eric, “I was hired as her primary security officer.”
“Ah.”
He scowled at Eric. “Is this a date?”
Eric cleared his throat. “That’s a brazen question, Zeke, but yes, it is. And I’d like very much to be alone with Hannah, if you don’t mind.”
“I’ll mosey on over to my table.”
With that, he strode to the other side of the room and sat down with an ordinary-looking woman. Like Hannah. He definitely had a type. She told him once he didn’t want a woman to be any prettier than he was.
She tried to concentrate on Eric as best she could. She vowed she wouldn’t check out Zeke, but she snuck a peek or two. The two of them were deep in conversation. He wasn’t laughing and flirting, though. Not that she cared.
After she and Eric finished dessert, she insisted on paying half the bill. Eric conceded, but she could tell he didn’t like it.
Nor did he like when they reached the sidewalk and she kissed him on the cheek and said, “Thanks, Eric. I hope to see you soon.”
He grabbed her hand and tugged her back. Up close, his cologne was very male. “I live in town, you know.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Want to come up for a night cap?”
Hmm. She watched him. Before they went on this date, she’d thought about sleeping with him tonight; they knew each other well enough, but she’d let Zeke ruin the moment.
Or had she? “You know, that sounds like fun.” Linking her arm with his, she walked down the street with him.
* * *
Samantha Voss said, “I can’t tell you how much this means to me Zeke. When the mayor told me you said we shouldn’t dine with her, I panicked and thought she might fire me.”
“She didn’t have a mind to. She’s happy she hired you. And I’m happy to help.”
“That’s good to know.”
“Can I ask you something?”
She nodded.
“Isn’t it hard to be gone at night when you have a kid and husband at home?”
“Not in our case. Bob works days. If he has to go out at night when I’m guarding the mayor, he’ll leave my son with my mother, who lives with us.”
“Sounds like it works out for y’all.”
“Weekends will be hard if she plans to leave the residence, but at least I can count on having one day off a month. I’m hoping I can have Saturday.”
“I’m glad I can help with that.”
“Can I ask you something personal?”
“Go ahead.”
“Who was that woman you stopped to see and tried pretty damn hard not to take peeks at during dinner?”
Hannah had gotten him all fired up and it showed. “Don’t you recognize her?”
“No. She has a familiar face, though.”
“Rockford has two of the former first daughters of President Jim Manwaring who live up here.”
“Ah, Hannah Masters. I remember now.”
“Was I rude to you during dinner?”
“You weren’t. Anyway, our dinner isn’t social. But I couldn’t help but notice. Are you in a relationship with her?”
“I was, over a decade ago. But that’s in the past.” He cocked his head. “She keeps tellin’ me it is, anyway.”
“Remember the old adage, It ain’t over till it’s over.”
He laughed. “Can’t argue with that.”
They left the restaurant in good spirits, and Zeke headed down the street to get his car. Halfway there, he saw Hannah’s SUV. So, she drove to meet Bright. He hadn’t picked her up.
But they’d left a while ago.
His mood plummeted. Fuck, she went to that guy’s apartment. It had to be for sex.
What the hell had he been thinking when he moved up here?
The easy answer: that he could have Hannah back. In his life and in his bed.
But tonight, some other guy would have her there.
* * *
Hannah drove home depressed. The evening had ended horribly. Eric had been surprised when she stepped back from him…
“I’m sorry, Eric. I can’t do this.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m not in the right headspace.”
“Why’d you let it go so far?” They were both in their underwear.
“I shouldn’t have.” She picked up her dress and slid it over her head. He wore only boxers. He had a nice chest. A nice everything. Not as nice as…shit!
“The truth is fifteen years ago I had a relationship with that guy you met tonight and he broke it off.”
He raked a hand through his hair. “Do you still care about him?”
“No. I got over it. But tonight, he put me off-kilter. I’d like to wait till I’m in a better mind frame before we make love.”
His smile was bright, like his name. “So long as we have sex at some point.”
“Agreed. I’ll let you know when I’m thinking more clearly…”
Her driveway was coming up. Lamp posts gave her a clear view when she turned in; she stopped abruptly. Pounded the steering wheel. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
Zeke’s car was parked off to the side. He sat back in one the Adirondack chairs. When she opened the driver’s door, he leapt up and jogged to her car. His hands plopped on his hips, his broad shoulders tense. She got out and circled the hood. And lit into him. “What on earth do you think you’re—”
“Did you sleep with him?”
Her jaw dropped. How dare he? “None of your damn business.”
“The hell it isn’t. I been drivin’ myself crazy thinkin’ about the two of you in bed.”
“There’s an easy way to stop driving yourself crazy. Get out of my life.” She started to walk to the door. He grabbed her from behind and pulled her around, a bit roughly.
“Hannah, please, I still love you.”
Her knees weakened at the declaration. In their twelve months together, he’d never said those words to her. She had, when she started to cry and begged him to stay…
Please, don’t do this to us. I love you. I can make this work for us…
He’d walked out on her instead.
“I told you I can’t do this.” She shrugged him off. “Even if it’s true, that you do love me, stay away.”
Furious, she could tell, he shook his head. “I’ll leave. After this.”
It was just like before. He whispered, “Darlin’” in his southern drawl. He wrapped his arms around her and met her body with his, chest to chest, hip to hip, groin to groin. Oh God. His lips came down on hers, hot and branding. He explored her with his tongue. He locked his hand at her neck and pressed harder, demanded more.
She gave into it. She was helpless not to. His mouth was firm and not gentle, insistent, devouring. Loving.
Soon, he slid his hands down to her waist, lower. And lifted her for better access. Lifted her to get more of her. After a long time, he whispered hoarsely against her mouth, “Let’s go inside.”
Dear Lord in heaven, what was she doing? She couldn’t give him another chance and survive if he left her again.
She pushed at his chest hard, so hard, he stumbled back. The scent of man and musk emanated from him. He was breathing hard.
“I won’t do this. I’m sorry if the kiss led you on, but…I can’t, Zeke.
She fled into the house.
And locked the door against him.
* * *
Zeke stood in the sun, sweating like a sinner in church. Mayor Rothchild looked cool and collected in cropped pants and a yellow sleeveless blouse. She leaned into him. “I told you to dress casually.”
His eyes, covered by sunglasses, stared straight ahead. “Learned my lesson, Ma’am.” She’d catch the humor in his voice.
“At least ditch the suit jacket and roll up your sleeves.”
“I—”
“No argument. Do it, Agent Carter. And after today, I’m making it mandatory that you can’t wear a suit unless we go to a formal activity.”
He shrugged out of his jacket, put it on the chair next to him, and rolled up his wilting white shirt.
“There, isn’t that better?”
“Much. Thank you.”
He’d dreaded today. And the reason walked onto the grass now and up to the gathering of the West Side Co-op. Hannah wore sunglasses and a white visor, but the sun kissed the all-natural blond hair that peeked out on top. She dressed right, too—a sleeveless blue T-shirt and white shorts. Flip-flops on her feet.
How in the hell do you wear those flimsy slippers things and walk?
They’re called flip flops. And I like them.
Flip flops is a good name. You’re gonna fall and break your neck in those.
She’d circled her arms around his neck. Then you can pick me up, babe.
It took about three minutes for her to spot him. Her mouth turned down. And he knew those blue eyes would be narrowed with suspicion.
He shifted his own gaze when another member started to talk to the group of ten. He’d been introduced to them. Al Transom was the owner of the plot of land that housed the co-op. “Hi, all. We have a guest here, Mayor Rothchild. I’ll let her tell you why she’s visiting.”
“Hello, there. I’m here today because I wholly support co-ops, formal and informal ones, and I’m hoping we see more pop up in Rockford. Since you’re so successful, I’d like to hear what you do, exactly.”
“Hannah,” Transom said, “Will you tell her? You got a way with words.”
“Okay, well…”
“Come up front, Han.”
She threaded though the people and stood next to the mayor and closer to Zeke now. So close, he could smell that lilac shampoo she still used. “I’ll give you the bare bones,” she told the mayor and her assistant, who was taking notes. “We meet here basically to barter. We have a schedule each week of who will attend, every other day, depending on our output. We exchange what we make for things we don’t.”
“That’s interesting,” Reagan told her. “I thought co-ops sold their food to each other.”
“We like bartering better. And we’re pretty informal here. We do what works for us.”
“How do you make money to live?”
“Joey, you can answer that.”
“Sure.” The young cattle rancher pushed back his ball cap. “My dad and I raise beef. We trade some of it here, mostly for vegetables and fruit. But I sell the rest of my beef to wholesalers. Most of us do that, sell half or more of our stuff to stores or wherever.”
Hannah did that, too. He’d seen her fill her car with vegetables, fruit, milk and goat cheese to deliver in town. Still, how did she pay all her bills? Maybe she had a nest egg.
“Tell me what each of you barters with.”
“I’m beef,” Joe said.
“I’m pork.”
“I’m eggs and chicken.”
“I’m wheat.”
“I’m vegetables, different from the ones Hannah raises.” This from Kelly Marx, a pretty auburn-haired woman, who Hannah said she liked. And made sure she came on the same days to swap vegetables. Kelly had also taken to Prince, and he stayed with her when Hannah had gone to Italy to get away from the mob.
A sweet older woman, Becca, put in, “I don’t come every time, but I make baked goods.”
“And man-oh-man are they the best,” a guy commented.
“I notice the atmosphere here is congenial.” Madame Mayor gave her own generous smile. “Do you argue about anything?”
“About who gets the cherry pie.”
“There must be some hardships.”
Hannah said, “Winters are hard. We have to store up whatever we can for ourselves and for bartering, then have some left over for selling. For me, there’s no fresh vegetables, of course. But I freeze and can them, apples and cherries all summer to trade here or sell to Wedges Grocery Stores. And I have goat milk and cheese all year long.”
“I never thought about what it was like for co-ops in the cold weather.”
“That’s enough talking for now,” Al said. “You should observe the process, Mayor Rothchild.”
In a tent off to the right, people set up on their tables and platforms and began their bartering. Mayor Rothchild visited each table, starting with Hannah’s. “Hello, Ms. Masters. I’m pleased to finally meet you.” She held out her hand. They shook.
Zeke could see the faint red on her nose and cheeks from the sun. “Nice to meet you. Dad speaks highly of you.”
“That’s good to hear. Perhaps the next time he’s in town, we can all have dinner at the mayor’s residence.”
“I’ll be sure to ask.” Her gaze travelled to Zeke. “Hello, Zeke.”
“Hannah.”
Someone tugged on the mayor’s arm. She turned away.
Zeke said, “Don’t go anywhere.”
“I won’t.”
He moved closer to Hannah. “I didn’t have a choice in coming here.”
“You could’ve let me know.”
“You said not to contact you.” He kept his eyes on Reagan, but glanced Hannah’s way. A little lace strap now peeked out of the T-shirt. Damn, his body tightened. He needed to have sex.
Did you always have sex this much before you got involved with me?
Boy, there’s not a good way to answer that. If I say no, you’ll act like the Queen of Sheba. If I say yes, you’ll get mad.
She’d slapped him on the bare butt.
He laughed and he kissed the pout off her mouth…
They stayed around for a while, which was fine by him. He got to see Hannah in action and watch her as much as he liked.
But Zeke left feeling bad. He had to find a way to stay in touch with her.
* * *
Hannah packed up her stuff at the end of the co-op morning, confused and angry. Seeing Zeke upset her balance.
“Hannah?” Al Transom had come up to her.
“Sorry, my mind was elsewhere.”
“You’re a little flushed.”
“Sunburned is all.”
“So long as nothing’s wrong. I didn’t get over here during the allotted time. I’m interested in tomatoes and cherries. I’ve got wheat.”
“I need wheat for bread. I’m almost out.”
As she bagged up some stuff, he went to get his trade. He stopped to talk to the mayor.
And Zeke caught her gaze. Held it. Desire zipped through her. Hell. She had to stop reacting like this every time they met up. She had to stop thinking about that kiss they shared. About him, in that way.
He had to leave town or something else had to change.
* * *
“You look all comfy.”
Mason Bennington lounged on the couch of the condo he bought six months ago and smiled over at Reagan. Dressed in white pants and a dark blue polo, his dark hair had a bit of gray in it, which made his unusual gray eyes stand out. “What are you smiling about?”
“This place suits you,” she said from the other side of the couch. Their hands linked on the back cushions.
“The place suits us, darling. That’s why I bought it.”
After they’d been dating for a few months, he’d purchased the large, airy condo and filled the inside with soft leather pieces and a king size bed. Mason was a hedge fund manager and worked from home. But in truth, he’d bought this place for her.
“How was your day?” he asked.
She sipped her martini. “Most of it was fine. But dad stopped by the office, which I asked him not to do. I had lunch with him two days ago.”
“What did he want?”
“To say hi. How was yours?”
“Your nemesis called me and asked for an interview about my business.”
“Harry Bush?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t think he knows about us, do you?”
“Why would he? You’ve been scrupulous about not going anywhere in town. About not being seen together.”
She shrugged.
“I also got new clients. I’ll have to fly to New York in a couple of days to meet personally with them.”
“Will you see Liza?”
A hesitation. “I’m not sure.”
Mason’s wife of ten years spent most of her time in New York City, an agreement they’d made when Mason moved up to Rockford to help his brother with his ailing father. When his dad died after a few weeks, Mason decided to stay in town and she remained in New York. “It’s been a long time since she’s been home.”
Home referred to a big estate on a hill in Pittsford, a suburb of Rockford.
“Do you miss her?”
“I stopped missing her when I met you six months ago.”
Reagan didn’t know why she was asking all these questions. In theory, Mason and his wife had an open marriage. Their relationship had started off monogamously, but when they tried for five years and couldn’t have kids, they drifted apart and agreed on this situation. Reagan assumed they slept together when she came to Rockford or he went to New York, but never asked.
“What are you thinking?”
The words came tumbling out of her mouth. “I never asked if you sleep with her when she comes home.”
“No, you haven’t.”
She raised her brows.
“I haven’t had sex with her since you and I made love the first time.”
“Doesn’t she ask why?”
“As I said, she’s home so seldomly, it doesn’t come up. Anyway, I think she has a guy in New York.” He set his drink on the table. “Since you brought that up, we should talk about me getting a divorce.”
Reagan’s heartbeat sped up. “I never asked you to do that.”
“No, you’re very circumspect. I’m asking now.” He locked his gaze on her. “Damn it, Reagan, I don’t like hiding our relationship. If Liza and I separate then divorce, you and I don’t have to sneak around. Because that is getting old.”
“I told you I don’t want to be a homewrecker.” Which was what happened in her own marriage. Patrick had found someone else.
“You’re not. If blame needs to be laid, it should be on me.” Reaching over he took her drink from her hand and set it and his on the table. Then he tugged her close and pulled her onto his lap to straddle him.
Reagan laughed. She was amused when he did things like this. “Wow, in a hurry?”
“You brought up the subject of making love,” he said unbuttoning the front of her crisp white work blouse. When skin was bared, he kissed her chest, right above the bra line. Hmm, that felt wonderful. He made quick work of the garment, then took his time with her breasts.
Soon, he was breathing hard, and so was she. “I can’t get this damn skirt off,” he complained against her lips.
“Let’s go to bed.”
“No, I want to do this here, like this.”
She went up on her knees and he undid the zipper, tugged the skirt, too, over her head. She said, “I still have my panties—”
She heard the material rip. Her underwear fell to the couch in shreds.
Hurriedly, she undid his pants and while he was fully dressed, she rose up and took him inside her.
Immediately, her mind blanked of everything but Mason.