The Lawman's Agreement (Entangled Scandalous) (20 page)

Zack released a long, drawn out sigh and Suzanne wondered if perhaps he’d thought there was more to Jason’s visit than met the eye.

“I guess I didn’t want to take the chance of showing up here and finding the two of you…uh…together.”

His comment raised her hackles. The idea that he thought she might have… “You were jealous?” The very realization turned down the fire beneath the pot of her simmering anger.

He shrugged. “Yeah, I guess so. A little bit, at least.”

“I need you to understand that I would never embarrass you in such a way, or myself. Had…and I mean ‘had’ in the most improbable sense of the word…Jason and I decided to renew our relationship, it would definitely not have happened here in Greenville.” Suzanne reached out and laid her hand against Zack’s forearm. “If I remember correctly, our original agreement was that if one of us fell in love with someone else, we’d dissolve our engagement amicably, allowing us both to go our separate ways without reservation.”

“So you’re not following Pennymaker to Knoxville later?”

“No, Zack, I’m not. As enticing as the job offer was, I feel grounded here in Greenville, among these people, with you.” When he might have commented, she felt compelled to add a further explanation. “I do admit, I was tempted, but not by Jason. My skills as a surgeon are not being used to their fullest extent here in Greenville. And I’d surely not wish surgery on anyone just to keep in practice. The idea of having a position where surgery would be a daily occurrence was captivating.”

“But you decided to stay.” Zack raised their joined hands and pressed his lips to the back of her fingers. “I’m sure the entire town will be grateful. I know I am,
cher
. I also know you wouldn’t be as good at your job if you didn’t love it so much. That’s another thing I owe you an apology for…not realizing you’re as dedicated to your profession as I am to mine, maybe even more so.”

Suzanne’s heart almost burst with joy. Zack’s apology, admission, whatever it was, meant everything to her.

“Why don’t we have supper and then, as soon as the water’s hot, we can discuss our dedication to other things…more personal things…over a warm bath.” Her suggestion drew Zack’s broad grin.

“I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening.”

…

“Oh…my…word.” Suzanne ran her hands along Zack’s back and across his buttocks until she could feel his muscles bunching and jumping beneath her palms. She’d barely recouped from one of the strongest climaxes she’d ever experienced when Zack began moving again, raising and lowering his hips in an even rhythm, driving into her as far as he could go. Another wave crested within her and she screamed out his name, drawing his groan and her own name in return.

He slowed his pace only long enough to change positions, rolling onto his back, the transition so smooth there was no disconnection and barely a stroke was lost before Suzanne began moving, riding his thick shaft in the same demanding fashion.

“Yes,
cher
, just…like…that.” Zack spread his hands across her hips, guiding her up and down over his rock-hard erection.

Suzanne reached for Zack’s hands, guiding them from her hips to her breasts, throwing her head back in sheer pleasure when he enveloped her fully and caught her nipples in between his fingers, rubbing his thumbs across the turgid tips. She braced herself against his chest until she could pick up her speed, increasing the tempo of her stroke, her body quivering around his aroused flesh.

Zack’s body shook beneath her latest climax, as if he were enjoying the release as much as she. She closed her eyes and revelled in the fact they were made for this perfect joining.

Her heart hammering wildly within her chest, Suzanne grabbed hold of Zack’s wrists until she could press his arms back into the mattress and then stretched out atop his body, the damp surfaces of their skin sliding sensually one across the other, igniting yet another firestorm of desire within them both.

As smoothly as their last change, Zack slid Suzanne from atop his body until she lay on her stomach. He parted her legs with the strength of his thigh and kneeled between them. Grasping her hips in his hands, he pulled her onto her knees until he could fill her with every inch of his manhood. He began slowly, reigniting the fire from an ember, gathering speed with every stroke until they were both gasping for a full breath.

She grasped the bed sheets in her fists, holding on for dear life as Zack advanced and retreated over and over again, draining every last ounce of energy from her body, every possible climax from deep within her soul, and finally giving up his own soul in return.

As always, it was perfection.

“That…was…” Her words caught on her inability to form even the simplest sentence.

Zack collapsed onto the bed and pulled her into his embrace. “Yes, it was,
cher
, yes it was.”

Suzanne snuggled more deeply into Zack’s hold and closed her eyes. There would be plenty of time to talk tomorrow. At the moment, she sought sleep, a need to replenish her energy and revive her spirit. With any luck, they’d be ready to attempt perfection again once or twice before morning.

Chapter Twenty-Two

The beginning of October passed quickly and the weekend opening of the new McCade hotel was finally upon them. The Terracotta, as Felicity had named it, was sure to be an elegant establishment.

Suzanne and Sara were busy re-stocking the supplies in the clinic and making sure the hospital wards were ready to accept patients. Not that she expected an influx of sick or injured. Yet, as Zack had done by putting on an extra two deputies, Suzanne wanted to be prepared for the large number of people flooding into the town for the big event.

“I understand even the governor is coming for the opening,” Sara said.

“It’s going to be quite the affair for sure. Matt and Miri arrive later this afternoon. Miri’s father will be here as well. I know he exasperates Jake to pieces, but Zack thinks he’s a great character.”

Suzanne turned full circle in the exam room, assuring herself everything was in its place. Sara put the last of the jars of salve and cotton batting on the shelf above the exam table.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jake McCade as our first patient.”

Suzanne met Sara’s serious gaze. “Jake? Why Jake?”

“He’s been working himself ragged, between the opening of the hotel and the nightly and weekend trips aboard the
River Maiden
. According to Tom…Deputy Stiles…Jake looks like leftover pudding.”

“I’m sure Jake knows when to take a break. The
River Maiden
has only a week or so left in her season. With Matt here for the weekend, and Zack available to help if necessary, I’m sure Jake will be fine.” Suzanne hesitated, not wanting to pry, but then asked, “Speaking of Deputy Stiles, how are you and he getting along?”

Sara sighed. “It’s coming along slowly. He’s shy about a lot of things. It took nearly two weeks before he got up the gumption to even kiss me.”

“You’ve got plenty of time. Don’t rush it. It’s been my experience that men like to believe they’re in charge, even when they aren’t.”

…

Suzanne and Zack arrived at Jake’s house at half past three, just moments behind Matt and Miri. At Zack’s knock, Felicity opened the door and beckoned them inside.

“How many times do I have to tell you, Zackary McCade, you don’t have to knock?’ Felicity tilted her cheek for Zack’s kiss and held out her hand to Suzanne.

“
Cher
, I’d feel right embarrassed if I walked in on anything I shouldn’t.”

Both Matt and Jake laughed out loud. Jake stuck out his hand and shook Zack’s soundly, his laughter still ringing through the foyer. “You’ve got a lot to learn, Zack. With little ones in the house, there are no more inopportune moments.”

Zack laughed as well. “There has to be at least a few, otherwise every family would have only one child.”

“Come on everyone,” Felicity coaxed, “I’ve got coffee and tea set up in the parlor.”

“Mother sent some of her honey cakes,” Matt said. He handed Felicity the basket he held and then offered his wife his arm. “She sends her best wishes as well for a successful opening.”

“Why didn’t she come with you?” Suzanne asked. Her question was met with a moment or two of silence and Suzanne had the distinct feeling she was missing something important.

Finally, Matt broke the stone-cold quiet. “This weekend is the second anniversary of my sister’s disappearance. Mother wouldn’t have left the house for anything short of it burning down.”

“Virginia’s convinced Elizabeth will return to her eventually,” Miri explained. “She holds out hope on certain days of the year such as the anniversary of the disappearance, Elizabeth’s birthday, Christmas, and even her own birthday.”

Zack took Suzanne’s hand in his and led her in the direction of the parlor. “I’ve searched nearly every settled town in Mississippi and sent out notices to every marshal station. I have come up with nothing.”

Suzanne watched the play of expressions crossing Matt and Jake’s faces and wondered if they knew something nobody else did. Had something happened to Elizabeth and were they keeping the bad news to themselves? Somehow she doubted it. She was certain of one thing though, it wasn’t in the McCade nature to keep secrets, even if the truth hurt.

“Why don’t we have that coffee Felicity mentioned earlier?” Jake lifted the heavy silver pot and poured three cups before asking, “Would you ladies prefer coffee or tea?”

The six of them relaxed in one another’s company while Molly played on a blanket spread out on the parlor floor.

“She’s quite a busy little girl,” Suzanne said. “She’s very curious.”

Miri nodded knowingly. “She gets into everything. I’ve had to move all the breakables to higher shelves.”

“Thank goodness we’ve got another ten or so months with Chance,” Jake said, shaking his head yet obviously delighting at the sight of Molly moving from spot to spot, her attention changing rapidly from one activity to the next.

As if summoned by the very utterance of his name, a cry rang out from the upstairs bedroom. Jake jumped quickly to his feet. “I’ll get him.” He turned to Felicity. “Unless you’d rather go upstairs.”

“No, I’m fine here,” she said. “I don’t want to miss out on any of the planning for the big festivities.” When Jake started toward the stairs, she added, “Remember a blanket for cover please.”

Jake returned minutes later, his son in his arms and the requested blanket thrown across his shoulder. With Chance nestled comfortably at his mother’s breast, they began reviewing plans. Zack was the first to broach the subject of safety. “I’ve deputized two of the men who worked security for the hotel site during construction. They’re familiar with the layout, so one of them will be posted there. Tom Stiles and the other man will patrol the main streets of town. There’s likely to be a bit more revelry than usual, so we want to keep a tight rein on everything. Also, Deputy Bailey and his wife will be going out on the
River Maiden
for the weekend trip, so he’ll be available as extra security there.”

Suzanne presented her part in the grand opening plan next. “I’ve got both of my day nurses on call in the event there are any unexpected medical emergencies. Doc Miller will be at the opening. I expect he’ll help out if needed as well. Both the clinic and the hospital are ready to accept patients.”

Miri shook her head and then met Suzanne’s gaze. “I’m confident there’ll be no need for medical assistance, but do appreciate that you’re so well prepared.”

Matt drained the last of his coffee before laying out the next phase of the weekend. “We’ve arranged for the
River Maiden’s
captain to welcome the guests, as long as he’s comfortable with his second mate readying the boat for departure. If he feels the need to take care of that, the head steward will oversee welcoming the guests. John Abernathy will take care of the money collections and any other passenger concerns. We are only about half booked. Most of our regular weekend customers chose to attend the hotel opening.”

“Where will my father be?” Miri asked.

“He’s got a prime seat on the
River Maiden
,” Jake explained. “I even gave him the key to my stateroom.”

“That was very generous of you,” Miri said.

“Better he’s on the
River Maiden
than driving me crazy in town. The last thing I want to hear in the middle of my hotel opening is ‘hey Jakey boy’ from your papa.”

Zack stood and offered Suzanne his hand. “We’d better be on our way. I’ll drop Suzanne off to change. I want to make one last trip through town before I go back to the boarding house to don my Sunday best. What time should we be at the hotel?”

Jake stood as well, obviously intending to walk them to the door. “The ribbon cutting is at seven, followed by a reception and guest check in. The gaming rooms open at eight and we’ll be serving a buffet at midnight.”

“You’ll be doing that without Miri and me,” Felicity reminded him. “We’ll likely come back right after the reception. Mrs. Baker’s agreed to watch the babies but only until nine.”

“I thought Mrs. Baker didn’t ‘do babies,’” Matt said.

Jake shook his head and grinned. “Apparently, since my beautiful wife arrived, Mrs. Baker’s had a change of heart on a number of things.”

…

At promptly five-thirty, Suzanne opened her front door, her breath taken away by the handsome man standing on her stoop. “My goodness, Zack, but you clean up nice.” He’d shaved, trimmed his mustache and wore an evening jacket and crisp white linen shirt over a pair of neatly pressed trousers. He looked good enough to eat.

Zack moved his gaze up and down her body from the very top of her head to the toes of her fine leather shoes. His appreciative whistle was her reward for having paid special attention to her fancy silk dress and unbound hair. “As do you,
cher
. I don’t believe you’ve ever looked as beautiful as you do tonight. I am definitely going to be the envy of every man there.” He reached up and lifted a handful of curls from her shoulders, drawing the long strands to his face until he could inhale the scent of her mulberry soap.

“We should be going,” she said. If she pressed the issue of a tryst, Zack would quickly comply. She was tempted. However, he’d been right when he’d said this was not the night to be late.

Zack released his hold on her hair, settling the curls back into place with the sweep of his hand. When she thought he meant to step away, he pulled her to him for a deep, wet kiss.

Suzanne laid her hand against his chest for balance and felt the pounding of his heart. Her own heartbeat picked up speed. Were it not for their obligations to his family, it was clear they’d have ended up making love, schedule or no schedule.

The ride to the hotel took barely fifteen minutes. Yet, by the time they arrived, the streets surrounding the beautiful new building were packed with people. “Where will we put the carriage?” Suzanne asked.

“It helps to be family,” Zack said, chuckling. “We have a spot reserved in the hotel barn. I’ll let you out here in the front and then join you in the lobby in a few minutes.”

Obviously Matt and Jake had done the same because when Suzanne reached the hotel lobby both Felicity and Miri stood there waiting.

Miri held out her hand, taking hold of Suzanne’s and drawing her close. “You look lovely this evening. I’d bet Zack couldn’t keep his eyes off you.”

“Or his hands,” Felicity teased.

“Never mind, both of you. I’m not nearly as turned out as the two of you. Felicity, that necklace is stunning.”

Felicity fingered the emerald stones. “It was my mother’s. My father brought it to me when he first came to see the baby.”

It took a while before the men reached their side, both Jake and Matt stopped every so often by a patron intent on commenting on the new hotel. Zack, Suzanne noticed, had taken a stance against the far wall, most likely scanning the crowd for possible problems.

When they were all together, Jake handed Felicity an oversize pair of shears. “I thought you might like to cut the ribbon.”

Felicity shook her head. “No, Jake, this is your opening. Your project. You should be the one to make it official.”

The ribbon cutting was more of a political affair, Suzanne supposed. Mayor Burke gave a speech, thanking the McCade family for not only weathering the recent storm of trouble, but for believing in Greenville, and helping it grow. Then, he and Jake jointly cut the ribbon.

The men excused themselves to the gaming rooms, not to play but to oversee the opening and start of each game. With three rooms opening at once, Zack had volunteered to help out and Suzanne was happy to see him taking part in a family activity.

Suzanne, Miri, and Felicity took seats on one of the handmade, needlepoint-covered settees in the main lobby area. A crisply dressed waiter brought them a tray of tea, fancy sandwiches and petit fours covered in decadent icing and drizzled in chocolate.

“Have you tasted the gulf shrimp sandwiches?” Felicity asked. “They so remind me of home.”

Miri patted her stomach and released a long sigh. “I’ve tasted everything. Twice. The chef has surely outdone himself just on the reception goodies. Everything’s so delicious, I’m almost tempted to stay for the buffet.”

“If you’d truly like to, both of you, I would be more than happy to watch the children for you.” Suzanne realized her offer would likely be turned down, but wanted to make it anyway.

“Thank you, but no thanks,” Felicity said. “Chance will want his night feeding and then be awake at six, if not sooner, for his morning meal.”

Miri chuckled. “Be grateful you’re still at least four months from teething. I’m tempted to switch Molly to the cup every time she bites me.”

Suzanne scanned the crowd from their comfortable vantage point. “The entire town seems to be here. Everywhere you look there’s one of the town’s businessmen and their families.”

Felicity nodded to the opposite side of the room. “I see Tessa MacKinnon is here as well. I’m surprised she’s not out on the
River Maiden
, given there are no women’s games here at the hotel.”

Miri nodded her agreement. “I’d guess Pastor MacKinnon and his wife made her come with them. Matthew said they were tightening the reins on her a bit.”

“According to Jake, they have room reservations from people as far away as Columbus, Ohio to the north and New Orleans to the south,” Felicity said.