Page 87 of Calling the Shots

Standing on tiptoe, I kiss him on the lips before he heads back to the main house. I don’t love the idea of being out here alone, but I get the feeling that punctuality’s a big thing with his mother.

I quickly pull clothing from my bag, selecting a midi black dress with booties that highlights my curves. Changing into a lacy black bra and panties, I slide into the dress and switch out my hoop earrings for diamond studs. I grab my makeup bag and hurry into the bathroom. The lighting’s fantastic as I apply highlighter and blush, another coat of mascara, and a quick swipe of pearly lip gloss. Then I spritz my perfume, letting it rain down on me.

Snatching up my clutch and the hostess gift I brought—a nice bottle of Veuve—I race out of the guesthouse. The sun’s sinking and a cool breeze blows through the trees, the leaves rustling in the wind. I follow the path up to the main house, slightly more relaxed now that I’ve hashed things out with Mack.

I’m almost to the house when I hear the soft giggles and hushed voices coming from the other side of the decorative hedge. I slow my footsteps, inching closer to the sounds. The faint scent of cigarette smoke tickles my nostrils and I hold my finger to my nose to suppress a brewing sneeze.

“She’s not really his type. Well, except for the huge tits.”

The voice sounds like his sister.

“Agreed. I bet he motorboats in those things.”

“Eww, gross, Tinsley. That’s my brother you’re talking about.”

Tinsley, obviously, with her deep Southern accent.

“I’m just saying. Mack’s always been a tits-and-ass kinda guy.”

Ears burning, I’m struggling to breathe. I should keep walking, but I’m afraid they’ll hear me and think I was eavesdropping.

“She’s really quiet. I wonder if the two of them ever talk.” Emma Kate’s voice drifts through the hedge.

“Probably not. They probably just have sex. They can’t have much in common. Your mom told me she’s a hairstylist.” Tinsley sneers the word, making my profession sound shameful. Like I’m a common criminal or something.

“She does have really great hair. And makeup.”

Thanks, Emma Kate.At least I have that going for me.

“I just don’t know what Mack sees in her. She’s so—I don’t know—regular.”

For the second time today, tears sting my eyes. This trip’s going worse than I ever imagined and all I want to do is leave. Go home to Thunder Creek and hide in my bed under the covers for a good long while.

Maybe forever.

There’s a shuffle from across the hedge, thesnick, snickof perfume being sprayed. The heady scent of clove carries on the wind, then the crunching of footsteps as Emma Kate and Tinsley walk away.

I clutch the gift bag, my throat dry and chest tight.

I’m never going to fit in here.

Buzz, buzz.

I shift the bag onto my wrist and fish my cell from my clutch.

Mack: You lost?

With shaky hands, I text back.

Gracelyn: No, on my way. Be there in a sec. Had to run back and get the gift

Shoving the cell back into my clutch, I square up my shoulders and hold my head high.

Mack’s ex isn’t going to scare me off. I’m going to go in there and charm the pants off the whole damn family. By the end of this weekend, we’re all going to be besties. I may even invite Emma Kate to be in the wedding, who knows?

I take a deep breath and walk straight into the ring of fire.

CHAPTER29

---