"Oh, Dex didn't mind the naked part-I'd just come out of the shower-but he wasn't happy about Ted kissing me like that, even after I pointed out that I was an innocent bystander." She disappeared into the nearest stall, still talking. "Dex got all huffy and informed Ted that he drew the line at kissing. I told Dex I wished he'd draw it someplace else because, even though I doubted that kiss was Ted's best effort, it was still kind of fun. Then Dex said he'd show me all the fun I could handle, which, if you knew my husband, would make you laugh, but Dex was feeling crabby because, a couple of weeks ago, I'd tricked him into staying with the girls while I went with Ted to test the new GPS he made for his truck. Dex wanted to do the test run himself."
That must have been the night Meg had seen them together. She was getting more than a little curious about Dexter O'Connor. "So your husband knew you were alone in a room at the inn with Ted?" She grabbed the sunblock. "You must have a very understanding husband."
The toilet flushed. "What do you mean alone? Dex was in the shower. It was our room. Ted just stopped by."
"Your room? I thought you lived in Wynette."
Torie came out of the stall and regarded her with faint pity. "We have kids, Meg. K-i-d-s. Two fabulous little girls I love with all my heart, but they definitely take after me, which means Dex and I try to get away, just the two of us, every couple of months." She washed her hands. "Sometimes we manage a long weekend in Dallas or New Orleans. Usually, though, it's a night at the inn."
Meg had more questions, but she needed to put away Ted's clubs and collect her tip money.
She found him by the pro shop, talking to Kenny. He reached into his pocket as she approached. She held her breath. True, she'd lost his last two head covers, but she hadn't cost him a single hole, and if that cheapskate . . .
"Here you go, Meg."
The full one hundred dollars. "Wow," she whispered. "I thought I needed to buy a bedroom dresser before I could make this kind of money."
"Don't get used to it," he said. "Your days caddying for me are over."
Just then, Spence emerged from the pro shop along with a young woman dressed for business in a sleeveless black shift, pearls, and a dark green Birkin bag. She was tall and full figured, although not even close to fat. She had strong features-a long face with well-defined, dark eyebrows, an important nose, and a full, sensuous mouth. Subtle highlights brightened the dark brown hair that curved in long, straight layers around her face. Although she looked to be in her late twenties, she carried herself with the confidence of an older woman combined with the sexy assurance of a younger one used to getting her own way.
Skipjack slipped his arm around her. "Ted, you've already met Sunny, but I don't think the rest of you know my beautiful daughter."
Sunny shook hands briskly, repeating each name and locking it in her memory, starting with Kenny, then Torie-assessing Meg-and pausing when she reached Ted. "It's great to see you again, Ted." She studied him as if he were a prized piece of horseflesh, which offended Meg.
"You, too, Sunny."
Spence squeezed her arm. "Torie here invited us both to a little Fourth of July shindig. A good chance to meet more of the locals and get the lay of the land."
Sunny smiled at Ted. "Sounds great."
"Do you want us to pick you up, Meg?" Spence asked. "Torie invited you, too. Sunny and I'll be happy to stop on our way."
Meg pulled a long face. "Sorry, I have to work."
Ted thumped her on the back. Extra hard. "I wish all the club's employees were so dedicated." He slipped his thumb under her shoulder blade, finding what just might be one of those lethal pressure points only assassins knew about. "Fortunately, Shelby's party doesn't start until late afternoon. You can come over as soon as you get off work."
She managed a weak smile, then decided that a free meal, her curiosity about Sunny Skipjack, and the opportunity to irritate Ted outweighed spending another night alone. "All right. But I'll drive myself."
Sunny, in the meantime, was having a hard time tearing her eyes away from Ted. "You're quite the public servant."
"I do my best."
Her teeth were large and perfect as she smiled. "I suppose the least I can do is put in my own bid."
Ted cocked his head. "Beg pardon?"
"The auction," she said. "I'll definitely put in a bid."
"You've got me at a disadvantage, Sunny."