Traveling via Ryan Watson sure beat the transportation Mark provided. After all they’d been through lately, spending time in the lap of luxury felt nice. It was a treat Randi wouldn’t allow herself to get used to. Because it will all be over before I know it. Then back to . . .
Randi had no idea what came next. All she had was the here and now. Although that was wonderful, the thought of it ending scared her more than anything she’d already faced.
A few weeks earlier, Randi hadn’t cared who she was as long as this all came to an end. That changed. She’d been pretending to be someone she wasn’t for years, but donning a brown wig and altering her appearance shook her. When she’d looked in the mirror, she hadn’t seen Randi at all. She should’ve been pleased with Sissie’s makeover. But this wasn’t about makeup. The person she was before Maggie died wasn’t even reflected in her eyes.
Randi had come to terms with needing to say goodbye to Maggie. It was long overdue. This mission was the last time she’d wear Maggie’s Marine uniform and be addressed as Master Sargent Graham. That was not a difficult decision to make; it was something she was looking forward to. How she was going to pull that off was still unclear, but she’d find a way. There had to be a way.
What she hadn’t anticipated was having to say goodbye to Randi. The person she used to be . . . Mirranda the DHS agent by day and quiet, shy little homebody by night. . . no longer existed. She felt like a hybrid. Thinking about working, sitting on the porch rocking, and listening to birds, sounded so boring to her now. Not that she didn’t want downtime, but not as much as she used to have. Of course, I don’t want my life to be filled with espionage and death either. There has to be a happy medium. I just have to find it.
She had a clean slate and could be anyone she wanted to be. Mark had told her his connections would help create a new identity. That sounded easy until this flight back from Washington, D.C. Knowing she could go anywhere and be anyone, opened up too many possibilities. She almost wished he would’ve shown up with a driver’s license and birth certificate, telling her this was who she was from now on. I’d rather be told the lie; I don’t want to have to write it.
She was supposed to give Mark the information within the next forty-eight hours. Two whole days seemed like a lot. But it wasn’t just a name. There needed to be a history to go along with it. And a future mapped out as well. Randi thought back to a few romance novels she’d read and had dreamed about trading places with them. But that was fiction. Real life didn’t end like that. Happily ever after might be for some but not for her. The last few months I haven’t been sure there’d be a tomorrow, never mind a happy one.
Wyatt must have sensed the internal battle raging in her. He reached out and covered her hand with his. His touch had a way of comforting and calming her like nothing else had. She looked up and met his eyes. They were softer than she’d seen before. Was he also thinking of the future? It wasn’t just her life that had changed. Or maybe it was.
“What’s troubling you, Randi? I thought bringing you back here was a good idea. I’m not sure now.”
Randi looked out the chopper window and could see Honeywell in the distance. “It was. I’m just . . .” She didn’t know where to start. Her feelings were jumbled. For years, she’d kept them in a box. It was safe there. Wyatt had loosened the latch, and emotions were threatening to overflow. This wasn’t the place for that to happen. They weren’t alone. What she had to say was private. Granted there was only the pilot, but that was one person too many.
Turning back to Wyatt she said, “It’s been a long day.” That was an understatement, but one she knew he couldn’t dispute.
“That it has. But your wheels have been turning ever since we boarded. I heard you talking on the phone to Collins. Is it something he said? Because I have no problem setting him straight if you need me to.”
She chuckled. “Thank you for offering to be my knight in shining armor, but I can handle Mark.” It’s me that needs a talking to.
“Then what is it?” Although she had tried to keep it light, Wyatt’s tone was serious.
The chopper was about to land, and she didn’t want to start a conversation she couldn’t finish. “How about we talk when we’re settled and alone?” She forced a smile so he wouldn’t be overly concerned.
“I’m here whenever you’re ready.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
She could cry at his tenderness. How could he flip the switch from badass soldier to tender loving man so easily? Because no matter which he is, he’s always Wyatt McVeigh.
“Let’s talk after we find something to eat. I’m looking forward to a few cold beers and a thick, juicy steak from the Wild Sass.” She also wanted to thank Sissie for all she’d done.
“You’ll never hear me refuse food.” Wyatt had a sexy grin on his face as he said, “Unless there’s another offer on the table.”
Randi was looking forward to that as well. But now she needed to separate herself from what happened earlier with Cindy. It was going to take more than a meal and a hot shower.
The chopper bounced lightly as it touched down—again, in the middle of the street. Even if she wanted to go to the hotel first, there was no way that would happen. Sissie was already halfway to them and would’ve climbed aboard if it wasn’t for the wind and whirling dust from the blades.
“Looks like we’re eating now,” Wyatt said, shaking his head. “She sure is . . . interesting.”
“Actually, I like her. She knows who she is and what she wants, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind.” I’d settle for any one of those things right now.
Once the dust settled, the pilot opened the door. Wyatt got out first then offered her a hand to help her down, even though there were stairs and a rail. She didn’t need his assistance but gladly took his hand. As they walked toward the Wild Sass, he never let go.
Sissie watched their interaction and gave Randi a wink of approval. Randi had to admit she and Wyatt had a connection. That didn’t mean they had a future. Wyatt had a business and a life to return to. She had neither. He deserves someone more stable. Or at least knows her name.
“You don’t look like yourself,” Sissie said to Randi.
Tell me something I don’t know. “Thanks to you.”
She gave Randi an almost uncomfortable tight hug and asked softly in her ear, “Everything go okay? You seem worried about something.”
Randi had just pulled off a very dangerous mission, and no one had questioned if she was okay. Now she was wearing her feelings on her sleeve for all to see. “Everything’s fine.”
Sissie stepped back and turned to Wyatt. “Hope you don’t mind, but I’m gonna steal your girl for a few minutes.” Wyatt opened his mouth to object, but Sissie raised her hand. “I think you can be without her for five minutes.”
Randi looked at Wyatt, and for once he didn’t rush to her aide. Sissie linked arms with Randi and half dragged her to the Wild Sass. Once inside, Randi expected they’d sit down and discuss whatever Sissie had in mind. Instead, they headed toward the back and up some narrow stairs.
“Where are we going?”
“To my place. We need to talk,” Sissie said firmly as she climbed the stairs without looking back at Randi.
“I’d like to shower and change, maybe rest first.” Because I’m not ready for whatever is coming next. That I already know.
“Like I told Wyatt, five minutes.”
Randi didn’t buy that for a second. Sissie was long-winded, and when she said “make a long story short” she was joking. She’d learned that from their first meeting. And Sissie didn’t take no for an answer. Heck, you even have Wyatt at a loss for words. That’s no small feat.
Sissie opened the door and pointed to a small round kitchen table. “You sit, and I’ll get us some coffee. Would you like something to eat too?”
Five minutes? Randi shook her head. “Wyatt and I will grab a bite later, but thanks. What is it you wanted to talk about?” That couldn’t be said downstairs. God knows Sissie’s not usually shy about public displays.
Randi watched Sissie pour the coffee, and for the first time, she seemed a bit off her game. She knew why she was jumpy, but why was Sissie?
Sissie handed her the cup. Randi helped herself to the cream and sugar and took a sip. It was so strong she thought for sure she’d end up with hair on her chest. Smiling, she put it on the table and waited for Sissie to taste hers. Hers was black, so it must be like mud. Sissie took a large gulp and didn’t blink. You’re hard as nails, Sissie. So whatever you’re going to say has me shaking in my boots.
“I need to ask a favor. A very big one and I honestly don’t have anyone else I can ask.”
Randi found that hard to believe because everything in this town revolved around the Wild Sass. There wasn’t a person here who didn’t know her. For now, she’d humor her. “What’s the problem?”
“This is going to sound positively crazy.”
Wasn’t expecting anything else.
“I’m going to be turning fifty in a few months. There is so much I thought I would do before then. It’s coming fast, and I’m afraid I won’t have done one thing on my bucket list.”
Randi knew what that felt like even though she was nowhere near fifty. “Time does seem to get away from a person.”
“It certainly does. That’s why I need a favor from you.”
She wasn’t sure what she could do to help. Her own life was a hot mess. But everything she’d heard about Sissie said she was always there for others. Heck she was there for me, and we’d just met. If I can repay the debt, I will. “What can I do to help?”
“You can stay here in Honeywell and run the Wild Sass for me while I do some traveling.”
You want a vacation. That’s all? “Sissie, I think a vacation is a fantastic idea. I’m not the right person to handle the place, but I’m sure I can wait tables for you for a week.”
“Running a saloon is easy. I have a staff. I just need someone to make sure they don’t slack off while I’m gone. All you need to do is be warm and loving and happy. You’ve got that in the bag.”
Who is she looking at because that is who I was? I’m not sure that’s who I am anymore. It wasn’t really that hard, and it was probably only for a week. It’d give Randi time to sort out things for herself. There wasn’t pressure to be anyone in particular here. What did she have to lose by agreeing to do it? I must be crazier than Sissie because I’m sincerely thinking about taking the job.
“I know it’s asking a lot and all you probably want to do is go home. But I really could use you here.”
Home? She could’ve said anything else other than the one thing eating at her. The last place she wanted to go was back to Florida. That was Maggie’s. Virginia didn’t seem to fit either. Why not consider this a temporary layover until she figured out where she wanted to go? God, I hope I don’t regret this.
“Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll watch the Wild Sass for a week.”
Sissie half jumped out of her seat and hugged Randi for the second time that day. “You have no idea what this means to me.”
“I think I do. It’s been a while since I’ve had some free time myself.”
“Then this is perfect. You and Wyatt take a few days off then come back. Everything will be ready when you return.”
“Oh, I thought you needed me right now.” Not that I have anything going on in a week either.
“I wouldn’t just dump the place on you. And I know you and Wyatt have some things to work out as well. From the look of you two, I was right again.” Sissie waited for Randi to spill the beans. It wasn’t going to happen.
Randi had to admit she had strong feelings for Wyatt. Stronger than she was willing to say. If she had to label it, she’d use the word love. That would probably send him running in the opposite direction. He was not a man to be tied down.
It was strange. There was so much Randi didn’t know, but her feelings for Wyatt were crystal clear. That didn’t make it any easier. She’d dreamt of a man like him coming into her life. Now he was here, and she had no idea what to do next. Her life had been based on plotting and planning. Nothing between her and Wyatt fit either of those. Her heart was pulling her in an unknown direction.
She’d told Wyatt they needed to talk later. The truth was she needed time to think about what she wanted to say. Should she tell him how she felt? Were the words I love you too much? What if he doesn’t love me back? If he says we can only be friends, it’ll be a knife in my heart. One that just started beating again.
Sissie might not realize it, but the timing of the short-term job offer was perfect. Who knows, maybe Wyatt won’t stick around long enough for us to figure it out. I’m sure there’s another job assignment waiting for him somewhere. Maybe that’s all I am to him, an assignment. Without the thrill of danger lurking in every corner, maybe he’ll find me boring. Those thoughts were too heavy to process right now.
Darn Sissie. I might not be talking about Wyatt, but now she has me thinking about him. Not much better. “I do have a few things to take care of. I’ll let the hotel manager know to hold my room.” Getting up, she said, “Sissie, I’m actually looking forward to doing this for you. It’s something different, and right now that’s exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks for asking me.”
“No, thank you.”
Randi put out her hand and Sissie took it. Shaking it, she said, “Looks like you have your coverage for a week.”
Sissie smiled. “Six.”
“Six what?” Randi asked.
Sissie laughed. “Weeks.”
Randi thought she’d fall on the floor. She wasn’t sure how she’d pull off one week never mind six. That was a commitment she wasn’t prepared for. “I can’t do that.”
“Quit doubting yourself. Of course, you can. If you have any problems, I’m sure Wyatt will be happy to give you a hand. Speaking of him, we better get you back down to him. I think my five minutes are up.”
If Randi wasn’t stressed enough about what to say to Wyatt, now she had to tell him she just got roped into running a bar. And he’s going to help. She could almost hear his answer now. Maybe I should have Sissie tell him without me there. That would be easier, but she figured he’d take it better coming from her.
Sissie headed for the door and Randi followed, her shoulders hung low. How did I get myself into this? Oh, yeah. I let Sissie steamroll right over me. She stopped and looked Sissie in the eye. She was about to tell her there was no way she could do six weeks. Sissie had her arms crossed in front of her.
“Let’s go. Wyatt’s going be so excited to hear you said yes.”
And now I know how this happened. I was ambushed. Again.
Wyatt had downed two beers while waiting and was nursing his third. He never should’ve let Randi go with Sissie. He could tell she had a lot on her mind. The last thing she needed was Sissie hounding her.
Randi was an amazing woman. She had all the southern charm one could ask for, and the tough spicy attitude a woman would need to tolerate him. Wyatt knew he was an ornery bastard. Might even add the words arrogant and stubborn. He never thought he’d find a woman who fit him. That’s what came to mind every time he saw her. We fit together.
It wasn’t a romantic thing to think. But he wasn’t the romantic type. His father wasn’t either, and somehow he stayed married to the same woman for over fifty years. And I’m a carbon copy of that man.
Wyatt couldn’t believe he was comparing himself to his father. Dad told me someday I’d find someone. I told him that wasn’t for me. Guess that changed.
He wasn’t sure what changed. He was the same man he’d been before going to Hawaii. Yet here he was, sitting in a bar, not thinking about the next big job coming his way but about Randi, how she was doing and feeling.
Feelings weren’t part of his DNA. He used to say he was born with an I don’t give a fuck gene. But he cared deeply for Randi and was struggling with what to do about it. Wyatt was used to thinking only of himself. The next assignment, a different location, mattered to no one except him. Now he was thinking about taking some time off and slowing down. Not stopping, but slowing down a bit.
He’d purchased a cottage in Galveston several years back. When Mark had said they were going to Texas, it was the first place he’d thought of. But it was secluded and right on the water. Protecting Randi there would’ve been difficult, if not impossible. Nate was the only one who ever used it. Now it was the place he wanted to be. Got a hammock built for two with our names on it. What are the odds I can talk her into spending a few weeks there with me?
He was hoping they were good. He could tell she was into him. Yet, she seemed distant on their way back from D.C. It wasn’t uncommon to shut down after a mission. Actually, it was healthy to have some time alone. But he didn’t want to be alone. He wanted to be with her. It was the first time he wasn’t running and hiding. I want to hide but with Randi.
Somehow he needed to find a way to convince her they should spend some time together. It was a neutral spot. Sort of. All he had to do was show her some pictures of the ocean view, and he was positive she would say yes.
Damn. I’m arrogant. Why would she agree to stop everything and go away with me? She had her own life to live. For all he knew, she was already committed to whatever mission Collins had planned for her.
Wyatt thought about calling Collins and telling him to back the fuck off. That Randi needed space. It was true, but he figured doing so might be overstepping boundaries. He’d made the mistake of trying to control her before. It hadn’t gone over well. She moved past it, but he was positive she hadn’t forgotten it.
So far he’d come full circle and still had no idea what to say to her. The door to the back opened, and Randi and Sissie approached him. From the look on Randi’s face, she wasn’t too happy with him. In the dog house already, and I haven’t opened my mouth yet.
Sissie, on the other hand, had her usual beaming grin. What has she been up to? And how did I get on the shit list?
“Wyatt, you won’t believe it, but Randi agreed. You two are going to watch the saloon for me for six weeks. Isn’t that wonderful?” Sissie said, putting an arm around Randi.
Randi gave him a glaring look. Six weeks? Watch the bar? What is she talking about? The only thing he heard that pleased him was they were watching it together. “Sounds great. I can tend bar, and she’s one hell of a good cook. When exactly is this taking place?”
Since Sissie was talking like he should know this, he figured it was best to play along. What her game was still wasn’t clear. Then again, nothing with Sissie ever was. She was as sly as they came. From Randi’s expression, she’d been bamboozled into this adventure herself.
Wyatt could easily tell Sissie no. He had things he needed to do. There were so many excuses he could use to get out of this little plan of hers. Yet, he didn’t want to. It might not be Galveston, but it works.
“Just need a few days to get my stuff together. I’m taking a short visit to see my cousin, Hannah. Haven’t seen her since her wedding. From there, who knows where I’ll end up? As long as the two of you are here watching the place, I know I won’t have to worry.”
This was all too easy. He couldn’t have planned it better himself. Randi didn’t look thrilled with it, but he was getting exactly what he wanted. Or so he thought.
A few weeks ago he wouldn’t have cared how it came about, only in how it ended. The end result in this situation would give them six solid weeks together. It sounded ideal. But he could tell Randi had been manipulated into doing this. And he was taking advantage of that. I am a controlling, arrogant son of a bitch.
Wyatt had developed feelings, but his brain seemed to lag behind. Forcing their togetherness was wrong. He wanted it, and running the saloon with Randi sounded like a hell of a lot of fun. He’d never done anything like that, and a change was long overdue. But he couldn’t decide for both of them.
“So it’s settled then,” Sissie stated.
Wyatt couldn’t believe he was doing this. The perfect opportunity and he was walking away from it. “Not yet.” He reached for Randi’s hand. She looked at him, puzzled. He waited for her to accept his hand. No more making her do what she doesn’t want to. Just need to let her know, I’m waiting until she’s ready.
Patience also didn’t come easily for Wyatt. He was narrowing it down; there weren’t very many attractive traits in him. At least not for someone like Randi. She’s got it all. What do I bring to the table?
Thankfully Randi placed her hand in his. “Sissie, we’ll get back to you on this.” Without waiting for an answer, he escorted Randi out of the Wild Sass. They had a lot to discuss, and all of it needed privacy.
He was about to head over to the hotel. Once again, it might be what he wanted, but not what was right.
Looking down at her, he asked, “How do you feel about a walk on the beach?”
She laughed. “I think the heat has gotten to you; there’s no ocean here.”
“Do you trust me?” It was a very simple question. Her answer was going to say it all. If there was no trust between them, then nothing else mattered.
Randi looked at him and didn’t answer. He knew she was searching for the truth, not just what he wanted her to say. No matter what you say, at least I’ll know.
Eventually, she nodded. “I never thought I would trust another person again. But I do trust you, Wyatt.”
That was huge, given what she’d been through. He faced similar issues regarding trust. He had Nate. She had no one. Until now.
Wyatt saw Watson’s chopper still sitting there, probably waiting to take Watson home. Sorry buddy, but that might be delayed a bit longer.
“Good. I have someplace I want to show you.” They walked to the chopper, and he called the pilot out. He told Randi to have a seat, and he’d join her in a minute.
The pilot wasn’t happy with his request. He blurted out concerns about his job and flight plans.
“I’ll handle Watson. I just need you to get this bird in the air.”
The pilot finally agreed, and they flew south.
“Wyatt, where are we going?”
“For a walk on the beach.”
“Don’t you think I’ve had enough mystery for one day?” Randi asked.
He took her hand in his and replied, “There’s no mystery here, Randi. What I’m about to tell you will eliminate that.”
“Then tell me.”
This isn’t how he’d envisioned any of it. He wasn’t romantic, but he’d pictured candles, flowers, soft music and neither of them in Marine uniforms. Right now he didn’t care about any of that. He was focused on her response.
“Let me start by apologizing about Sissie and the Wild Sass.”
“As you should. I can’t believe you put her up to that.” Randi’s voice was filled with hurt. Misplaced, but it still was there.
“I didn’t. The first I heard of it was when the two of you came back into the bar. She’s very good at arranging things she believes should happen.”
Randi stared at him as though she wasn’t sure he was telling the truth. Then she nodded. “Oh, she’s not just good, she’s the best. So why didn’t you just call her out on it?”
“Because it didn’t matter how it came about. The offer to watch the saloon with you for six weeks appealed to me. I pretty much gave her the okay, but changed my mind.”
She peered at him. “Why?”
Wyatt reached out and touched her cheek. It was still swollen from Cindy’s fist. She was right, it had been one hell of a day. He wasn’t going to make it any worse for her. All he could do was offer the truth. She hadn’t received much of that in a long time. I’m not going to be another person lying to her.
“I want to be with you, Randi. Whether it’s working in the bar or on some crazy ass mission Collins sends you on. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll do it with you. If that’s the bar, I’m game.”
“What are you saying?”
He’d told himself that no matter what, he’d tell her the truth. “That you’ve opened my eyes. There’s more to life than work.”
“All I have in my life right now is what you see, and this isn’t even real. I’m not a Marine. I’m not Maggie. I’m not sure I’m even Randi any longer. So much has happened that you’re not aware of. If you knew the things I’ve done or said over the past few years, you might not like what you see either. My entire life feels like a lie.”
Wyatt knew how that had come to be. They were both molded by war, and sometimes finding who you really are again isn’t easy. “We did what we had to do, not just for survival but to protect others. At times it doesn’t feel right, even though it was the right thing to do.”
“How do I know the difference?”
“You’re a good person, Randi. That’s the difference. What drives you is the search for justice and truth. Don’t ever let that go. It’s one of the things I lo—admire about you.” He held his breath as the word love had nearly slipped out of his mouth. He’d thought about it several times over the past few days. What did he know of love? He had nothing to compare it to, yet he was pretty damn sure that’s how he felt about her.
She wasn’t ready to hear his words right now. He knew that. She’d told him she trusted him; now it was time for him to trust her. The way she spoke to him and let him into her private life said she trusted him. He needed to give her the time she required to process everything she’d been through. He’d served too many years in the Army not to know what it’s like. This wasn’t the time to open up about deep feelings or the future. But maybe we could talk about it during the six weeks in a bar.
“I really like what I do, and I’m not looking to walk away from all that. But these last few days with you have shown me I want more than that. I want you in my life.”
Her eyes welled with tears and she blinked, causing them to roll down her cheek and onto his hand that still held her. “Wyatt. There’s so much I don’t know right now. The only thing I am sure of is I don’t want to lose you.” Her words were choppy between sobs. “If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that this world needs people to care. We are needed. Cindy, JT, Floyd, they are just a few of so many people who don’t care. You can’t turn away from someone in need any more than I can. It’s who we are. What we do.”
“Randi what we do is stressful and dangerous. I don’t want to think about you risking your life every day.”
She reached up and cupped his face this time. “I feel like I’ve died several times over. I can’t be Mirranda Graham. I buried her six years ago to become my sister. No one can ever find out about that lie. It would destroy too many lives and undo all the good we have done. I can’t live my life as Maggie any longer. Every time someone calls me by that name my heart breaks into pieces, and I mourn her all over again. It’s killing me on the inside. So if you think I’m afraid of dying, then you’re wrong. It’s living that scares the hell out of me.”
His heart felt like it was ripped open. He thought he understood how she was feeling. Way off. Wyatt couldn’t change what she’d faced all these years. No more than he could change his past. All he could do is love and support her while she tried to heal. It wasn’t going to be easy for her. Even with him there, it was something he knew she had to face alone. He hated not being able to fix it, control any of it. For the first time in his life, he felt useless.
“Then don’t be Maggie or Randi.”
“Who should be I then?” Randi pleaded for an answer.
He covered her hand, still resting on his face, with his. “How about the manager of a saloon for six weeks?”
Her eyes widened in shock. “I don’t know anything about running a bar.”
“Great, that makes two of us. Let’s face the challenge together.”
Randi laughed. “Don’t you think the poor people of Honeywell deserve more than that?”
Wyatt laughed. “I’ve had your cooking. They’ll be in good hands. I plan on playing pool and shooting darts the entire time.”
“I was actually thinking more along the lines of you being the dishwasher.”
It was good to see her smile again. “You remember how well that turned out last time.”
Randi said, “I wonder how Sissie feels about using paper plates.”
There was so much he wanted to say, but he would use the next six weeks to show her instead. Maybe one day they’d be ready. First he was going to enjoy getting to know her while she continued to find herself.
He wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her. They had plenty of time for that. What she needed right now was to know he wasn’t leaving. “I’m not going anywhere. If it means dishes for six weeks or running a bubble bath for you, I’m all in.”
Randi threw her arms around his neck. He scooped her off her seat and onto his lap. “You know I’m a strawberry and whipped cream type of girl.”
He kissed her briefly and said, “Now let’s go to the beach.”
She lifted her head and looked at him. “Really? You’re taking me to the beach?”
“Yep. There’s a hammock that has our name on it.”
She laughed. “Why not? A beach is the perfect place for two lost souls.”
“Baby, we’re not lost. We just found each other.” Wyatt claimed her lips in a tender kiss. For the first time in his life, he didn’t have everything planned out. The only thing he knew for sure was that he was falling in love with her. The rest of the pieces would fall into place over time.