Gone South (Southern Hospitality Book 2) Read online

  We finished the last of the work and I wanted to send the boys to the bunkhouse for dinner, but I couldn’t be a dick tonight. They busted their asses today and Maggie made a bunch of great comfort food. One thing I could say for her is that she’s a great cook.

  I stepped into the house and sent the men to get cleaned up. The house smelled fantastic, but I wasn’t concerned about food right now. I had to see Diana. I stepped into the mudroom and washed my hands and face, before going to look for her.

  I didn’t have to go far as she was in the dining room setting up the plates. “Hello, Alex,” she said, her head down while she was working on the table and trying to ignore me.

  “Beautiful, ignoring me isn’t going to work.” I walked around the table and took hold of her hand, halting the movements.

  “I think it’s for the best if we stop thinking of each other that way. I need the job, but I can look elsewhere.” She held her head up high this time. And even though I knew she felt the same way I did, I let it go for the time being. She wasn’t going anywhere, so I’d do my best to leave her alone. She still had a boyfriend after all and I wasn’t going to play that game. Fuck, the thought of someone touching her the way I wanted, had me grinding my teeth. “You don’t need to get mad.”

  “I’m not about you pushing a wall between us. We have time for me to break it down. It’s the fucking boyfriend that has me losing it. I can’t change the way I feel, but you come to me when you forget he exists.” I walked away because my anger was too high.

  “Aren’t you going to sit down for dinner?”

  “I need a shower.” I stormed upstairs without another word. I wasn’t worried about the guys hitting on her because I already warned them that if they even checked her out their asses would be at the unemployment line with a motherfucking black eye and busted lip. My stomach rumbled, letting me know my jealousy couldn’t overpower my hunger. I turned the shower on ice cold because even though I couldn’t wait to get away from her, my dick was hard as hell. Near hypothermia, my cock finally went down. I washed and hopped out before my dick shriveled up and fell the fuck off. I put on underwear, a pair of blue jeans, and a white tee. With a quick run of my hands through my hair I was ready for dinner.

  When I got into the dining room everyone was gathered around the table. Well, all of my hands and Diana. “Where’s Maggie?” I asked, looking at Diana, but not waiting for an answer. I went into the kitchen and found her cleaning.

  “Drop that shit and join us for dinner. Then I’ll drop you off.”

  “I brought my bike,” she said, wiping down the counter. I liked that she helped clean up, but I needed a buffer out there because I knew the guys would be onto me instantly.

  “How cute. I will drop you off. Come on now. Let’s eat.” I crossed my arms when she didn’t budge. My attitude was harsh, but I had a new damn frustrating experience and a woman who was twice as frustrating sitting in the other room with all my men—none of which were married.

  “You know…you’re never this grumpy and bossy.” She shook her head at me, her blonde ponytail moving like a pendulum behind her.

  “You haven’t been working here that long,” I reminded her. I could be a major ass. Not to women, but my men saw me as a hard ass almost on a daily basis.

  “True, but that’s no excuse. Diana has you tripping. But I’m going to let you in on a secret. She doesn’t have a boyfriend. She’s just trying to keep you at arm’s length.”

  “Really.” A smile claimed my expression. Suddenly, I felt a thousand times better. “Come eat,” I said sweetly.

  “Wow, damn, what a change of tune. Well, I’ve got to hurry. I’m getting tired and you still have to get her set up in her room. I like her by the way. Not that it matters for much, but I do.”

  “Thanks, Maggie.” I smiled at her as we stepped into the dining room. Diana lost her own grin and that was when I saw the fiery green-eyed monster appear. I shook my head and pushed Maggie’s seat in, then walked to mine. Dinner was fucking amazing, but what was even better was the constant eyes I felt on me. My foreman caught her at least twice, making pointed jokes.

  “Man, you clean up well. It’s hard for some of us to even finish dinner with your pretty eyes.”

  “Well, it’s a good thing I’m done.” I stood to clear my plate and Maggie’s. “Men, please bring your plates and load the dishwasher. I’ve got to take Maggie home. Jake, you stay here and look after Diana.” I walked into the kitchen without another word. Maggie and I left through the back door because I parked my truck there earlier in the day when I had to unload some of the groceries.

  “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

  “What?”

  “Made her feel like she was inconsequential.”

  “Is that what I did? I was trying to give her the space she wants. As much as I like that she doesn’t have a man, she still lied to me about it.”

  “I suppose that’s true, but now she’s going to think you and I have a thing going on and you know that’s not the case.”

  “I always give you a ride home or your father comes to get you. I would have asked her to come with, but that meant leaving me and her alone in a small space in the middle of the night.”

  “Poor Mr. Sanchez.” She pressed her hand to my shoulder. “She’ll come around. Maybe even sooner after this stunt.” We pulled up to her house where her father was waiting. I hopped out and grabbed her bike while she jumped out like she always does.

  “Good evening, sir.” I shook his hand. I couldn’t understand why they were having such serious financial trouble. Something I was only informed of today by the bank when they threw me an option to bid on the property. When she came for a job, I thought it was minor, but this was huge. This place was just as prosperous as mine and I was getting wealthier every year.

  “Good evening,” he muttered back. He’d been a bit standoffish, but considering the current situation, it was understandable. “Thank you for driving her back for me.”

  “Not a problem at all. I’ve got to get back and send the men out of my house. Goodnight.” I waved them off and started toward my truck. My heart anxious to see Diana again.

  “Be nice to her,” Maggie warned me. I turned back, smirked, then hopped in my ride without another word. Nice was the farthest thing I was going to be. I wasn’t going to pressure her or be cruel, but maybe I wouldn’t let her try and forget me.

  I could see her saying something to her father as I pulled away that made the man chuckle. At least they were still a happy family. Now onto seeing my new cook and future esposa.

  When I got back, most of the guys were gone. Diana and Jake were cleaning the rest of the mess. “Thanks for staying and helping, Jake, but I got it from here.” The look in my eyes made it very clear this wasn’t a polite suggestion. He smiled over to Diana and bid us goodnight.

  “You know they all think you have a thing for me.”

  “Well, they’re right. Now, let’s get you into your room for the night because it’s getting late and I know you’d like some sleep.”

  “That sounds good to me. I’ll take everything out of the dishwasher in the morning.”

  “Okay.” We both walked out of the kitchen, but I took the lead. Flipping on the floodlights before we stepped out onto the porch helped illuminate her vehicle and all around it. I wasn’t expecting anyone to sneak in here, but you never knew. She popped open the trunk and inside were two suitcases that had seen better days. I took them before she could and let her lock up the car before we walked back.

  “Take the stairs and make a left. It’ll be the last door on your right.” These fuckers were heavy. How the fuck did she manage to get them loaded into her car? What the fuck was she carrying? Her entire life? Then I thought about it for a second and realized yep, she probably was since she moved here from Arizona.

  “You got rocks in here?” I teased as we reached the door to her room. I was trying to distract myself from the fact that she would be sleep
ing down the hall from me.

  She whipped her head around, staring at me boldly, narrowing her eyes with a smug look appearing on her face. “You’re a big, strong cowboy. What’s the matter? A bit much for you?”

  “No little miss. It’s a bit much for you. Did you loser boyfriend load them up?”

  “You bet he did, Casanova.” She arched her brow at me and it was evident that Maggie was right. I hit a weak spot in Diana’s wall. Either she was going to find a way to support it or it would come crumbling down.

  “I’m no Casanova. I haven’t had a date in years, and I’m not going to tell you how long it’s been since I’ve been laid.” I reached around her and opened the door. I had the room prepared just in case Maggie needed to stay or planned to take on the breakfast shift, too.

  She looked around, but her expression was hidden from me. The tense look told me something was wrong, though. “What? You don’t like it?” I asked. To me it didn’t matter because she wasn’t going to stay in this room for long if I had my way.

  “No. It’s fine.”

  “Uh-oh, the dreaded fine. I’ve heard that before. It means it’s not and you don’t want to tell me what’s wrong.”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “I’m walking into dangerous territory. So I’m going to leave you to get settled in. I had this room straightened up if Maggie needed to stay or decided to start making breakfast, but since you’re going to be doing that, she won’t have to bother.”

  I could almost see the cogs working in her head. I walked up to her so that she was trapped between the bed and me. Then I cupped her cheeks and placed a soft kiss on her perfect lips. Stepping away and walking to the door, I turned and said, “Goodnight, mi amor.” She stood there, shocked long enough to tell me she wasn’t unaffected. I know I was. I closed the door, then adjusted my cock and headed downstairs to make sure we were all locked up and secure before hopping back into the shower.

  Chapter 4

  Diana

  I woke up at four AM. Really, I hadn't even gone to sleep. Remembering Alex’s gentle kiss before bed left my mind reeling. I dressed in a pair of jean shorts and a tank top because I had to cook and it would get hot quick even though the mornings were chilly.

  Looking through the fridge, I pulled out over two dozen eggs. With all the men to feed, I’d need to add some meat and biscuits. I was starting the mix for the latter when my phone buzzed. Shit, I forgot to leave it locked in my room. I’d hate for Alex to see it.

  I pushed the button. It was a text from my boss. Tell me you’re safe. I need an update.

  I turned into the fridge and relied. Will call later. Everything is going as planned.

  I tucked it in my back pocket before putting the biscuits in the oven. After setting the timer, I went upstairs and powered it off before hiding it in my suitcase. I came out of my room in a rush to get back down to the food when I ran straight into Alex’s hard bare chest. He looked freshly showered.

  “I wondered if you’d wake up on time. It’s really early.”

  “I’ve already started the biscuits. I was just trying to get back down there,” I stammered, still focused on his chest. Fuck me, why didn’t he have a shirt on?

  “Do you always walk around half naked?”

  “In the morning, yes. I haven’t got anyone here to worry about. My guys don’t knock until five and by then the coffee’s brewing.”

  “Speaking of…I better get on it.” I said, trying to move around his large frame, but I was out of luck.

  He let out a groan. Immediately, I caught what I said. I’d love to get on him. That would be so damn good. “Okay, baby,” he whispered, leaning in so I thought he was going to kiss me but he breathed me in, then spun around and went into his room. Quickly, I dashed down the stairs, just in time for the first batch of biscuits to finish. The coffee was next. Once that was set, I started on the rest. It wasn’t so hard, but I’m glad that I wouldn’t have to manage this forever.

  Just as I thought that there was a knock at the door. I went to open it, but Alex beat me down the stairs, still shirtless. He slid his hand around my waist and moved me out of the way as he let them in. It was the crew and they immediately took a look at his hand around my waist and his bare chest. I wanted to smack him for it. Everyone knew damn well that this was him claiming me.

  “It smells so good in here. Damn, leave the girl alone because if she quits we’re going to have some hungry, angry men.”

  “She’s not going anywhere,” Alex stated to them, but never took his eyes from me.

  “I’m going into the kitchen to finish the food. Boys, the coffee should be done.” I walked past them and into the kitchen and let out a deep breath.

  Chapter 5

  Alex

  She managed to avoid me all day. At breakfast she moved about, trying to get everything perfect and it was, but I wanted her sitting next to me and enjoying her delicious food. I hadn’t seen her in hours and it was gutting me. It didn’t help that I had to work out in the fields again. One of my guys injured himself and the weather had us all baking in the sun. Diana set out three pitchers of tea and water in the mudroom so we could take and go, but she hid from me in her room.

  Maggie was on her way to start dinner, so at least I had reinforcements. She was definitely on my side. I came into the house to find the women laughing happily in the kitchen and that shit was music to my ears.

  “Hello, ladies. I’ve got some work to do in my office. Something came up earlier that needs my attention. If you could bring my dinner in there when it’s done, it would be fabulous.”

  I called the lawyer who’d left me a message earlier and in a matter of minutes I learned that Maggie’s father hadn’t been squandering away the Davidson Ranch, some sort of financial theft had been going on. They wanted me to meet with them tomorrow. Several of us would be going to confront the man and take action before they lost their home. A man by the name of Maxwell Mason apparently is in town to handle the matter. All I knew was that part of it had to do with me. I wasn’t sure what exactly, but then my cousin’s name was mentioned. The lawyer was being very cryptic with me. I’d extended my patience as much as I could because I should be holding onto Diana’s hand and kissing her pretty lips right now, trying to get her to act on the feelings she had instead of wasting my time on the phone with a jackass.

  After about twenty minutes, there was a knock on my door. I was in the middle of sending an important email, so I called out for them to come in. “I can’t. It’s locked,” my angel said from beyond the door. I jumped out of my chair to open it.

  “Sorry about that,” I said, letting her in. I didn’t take the tray though because that meant she could easily escape me and well, I wanted some of her time.

  “It’s fine. I know you’re busy.” She walked over to the desk looking for a spot to set it down.

  “More like annoyed.” I closed the door, then rushed to clear a space. It smelled fucking fantastic, but didn’t mean shit because my beauty was standing in front of me in a pretty dress.

  “Really?” she questioned, setting the tray down onto the edge of the desk.

  “Yeah, I have a feeling I’ll have my cousin off my hands tomorrow, but don’t say anything, please.”

  “Of course not, but you don’t seem so happy about it either.”

  “It’s not that. They left me with no information, just cryptic bullshit. I spent all that time on the phone while you were standing out there in this sexy number. What’s with this?” I wasn’t kind in my accusation, grabbing the hem of the dress and letting it go. It was short as fuck and I hated that my men were able to get a good look if they tried. They better the fuck not, though. I’d bust their heads in if anyone had their eyes on her.

  She pressed her lips together and crossed her arms. “I got gravy on my other clothes, so I had to change. I don’t know if you noticed but it’s still pretty freaking hot out.” She threw her arms up in the air, clearly irritated with me. But that shit o
nly had me laughing. My sweet little spitfire only looked hotter when she was pissed. I slipped my left arm around her waist and pulled her to me.

  “I know it’s hot out, baby, but you make it hard as fuck to ignore how thirsty I am for another kiss.”

  She let a gasp slip out, then softly challenged, “I didn’t wear this for you to ignore.” And that was the opening I needed. I pushed her onto the desk, narrowly missing the tray and took her lips. Branding her with my kiss, feeling her heaving chest crushed to mine. She clutched my shoulders for support, and wrapped her legs around my waist. Fuck, my hard cock was pressed between her belly and the bottom of her cleavage. I started rocking, loving the way she pushed her hips up to get more.

  “But you’ve got a boyfriend,” I threw out, waiting for her to confess.

  “I lied.” I nodded, because all talks of boyfriends were over.

  I was too tall for my dick to line up with her little pussy, so I slid my hand down her trim waist and to the thighs that were revealed by the incidental raise of her dress. Working my finger up and under her clothes, I reached her sweet, hot core. Her panties were soaked and I just had to have some. I pulled away from her kiss, dragging my mouth down to her ample breasts and biting through the breezy fabric. She cried out from the small nip and arched out for more.

  I dropped to my knees while reaching up with one hand and teasing her breasts. Her moans were causing me to stain my underwear with pre-cum. I took my free hand and gave my cock a good hard squeeze to calm me down. I wanted in her, but that wasn’t going to happen with the house full of people. I leaned forward, pressing my face between her thighs, taking in her sweet scent. I opened my mouth and gave her covered mound a kiss. Her hips rode up, looking for relief and I was going to give it to her.