Trouble Travels in Threes (Trouble, Tennessee 3)

She threw her head back and tried to imitate the McCall way. She even went as far as narrowing her eyes while lifting her brows. “That head-thing.”

Draegan heehawed like her mockery was the funniest thing he’d ever seen. “You’re adorable. You know that?”

She opened her mouth to say, “No” but something happened then, something that she couldn’t really explain. Instead of muttering an inexperienced girl’s response, she gave him a woman’s sultry reply and said, “If you think so, why don’t you show me?”

His lips curved in a wide smile and those cocksure dimples slipped up his cheeks. “Now that sounds like an invitation.”

“It was,” she whispered, cocking her head and studying the man with the sexiest black eyes she’d ever seen.

He tucked his fingers under her chin and lifted her lips to his. Then, he gave her one of those passionate Draegan McCall kisses. He’d given her a similar kiss late one night in his office.

She practically melted into his embrace as he held her against the hard ridge of his growing erection. She backed away from him then, wondering how much he remembered about her history, if he recalled anything at all.

Some men would look at her and forever see a product of abuse. In fact, she’d been a woman in waiting, a young and stupid girl who was pushed aside for others, a young woman who wa

s once ignored and neglected but now all set to spread her wings and fly.

“I’m ready when you are, Mr. McCall.”

His darkened expression softened and he grabbed his hat and tossed it atop his head. Holding out his arm in a gentleman’s gesture, he said, “I’ve been waiting on you for a long time, ma’am. You’re darn right I’m taking you out on the town.” She placed her hand in the bend of his arm and he patted her fingers and added, “And then I’m bringing you right back here where we started. There’s a thing or two that’s been on my mind since you woke me up in the middle of the night.”

“Like you pointed out, that happened a few months ago.”

“Yes and a man who has a few months to think is a man who knows exactly what he wants.”

Chapter Two

Markie pranced to the gate and stood there waiting, expecting to see the stretch limousine pulling curbside any moment. He took deep, calming breaths, trying to steady his twitching nerves, but it didn’t do a lot of good.

Fishing his phone from his pocket, he noticed the time. It was eight o’clock. Draegan was probably a good hour and a half into his date by now. He might as well check in and see how things were going.

He hit one and dialed his best pal. After four rings, voicemail picked up and Markie grunted “Shit, sugar. I know when I’m being ignored. You always have your phone with you and the volume is always on ring-mode.” He released a sigh and then took a few strides to the left before working his walk back to the right. “Just thought I’d tell ya. I have a hot date tonight, too. Never like to leave the place without sayin’ goodbye. Ya know, on the chance this Manlist connection is one for the record books. Anyway, ciao. See you on the other side of a sunrise, my friend. Love and kisses, Markie.”

He grinned at the phone as a text was fired back.

What the hell do you want, Markie? I’m with my girl.

Markie laughed aloud. “His girl?” He jiggled his shoulders and paced again. Come to think of it, “his girl” sounded nice.

Draegan had been waiting for the right one to come along. He’d never admit as much, but Markie knew Draegan as well as he knew himself.

Fortunately for Draegan, he never had to resort to online dating through the Manlist. The Manlist connection had its ups and downs. Most of the gay men listed there, however, were only interested in hookups.

The fellow who’d tagged Markie as a match and possible date interest had been different from the others. Right from the start, Markie had felt at ease with him. Then again, Markie was comfortable with pretty much everyone.

“Markie!”

With one exception.

He slowly turned and looked up at the turret, the main part of the guardhouse. “Yes, Allister?” He cocked his head and rested his hand on his hip.

“Got a date?”

“Yes, Allister.”

“What time did he tell you he’d be here?”

“I’m early,” Markie lied, checking out his clear nail polish in the spring sunlight. “What are you doing up there, anyhow? I thought you were working days now.”