Dangerous Love(46)

“Hello, Mackenzie,” a soft yet strong voice said next to her.

Jumping at the closeness, she found Smith, Derk’s friend standing beside them. He smiled, his features transforming into that devilishly handsome man a woman could get wrapped up in.

“Hi,” she squeaked.

“Derk never said you were joining us today.”

“He made me.”

Lynn laughed sarcastically. “Well, that’s not a surprise, honey. Probably the only way he could get a good girl. Me caveman. You woman.”

There was that damn term again. Good girl. Would an innocent woman be out with a man who’d been questioned for murder? Numerous times.

She shook off the stupid thought.

Suddenly ear-piercing screams filled the hallway as two children, a beautiful little girl and an adorable little boy, barreled down the steps, ran past them and down the hall, burst through the sliding glass door at the end of the house. On their tails, two enormous hunks, who couldn’t have been much younger than her.

“Gape at them any more and you’ll catch yourself a cold,” Derk angrily whispered into her ear.

“Who are they?” This house was filled with gorgeous people. A sarcastic remark of The Stepford Wives played at the tip of her tongue.

“The mannies,” Ryan said, laughing.

Lynn elbowed him. “The big one in front is my brother, Russ, and the one behind him is our cousin, Jarrett. They’re the caregivers for Caitlin and Daniel.”

She stammered. “Caregivers?”

“Salacious, right?” Ryan said, a mocking hand flew to his chest.

“Are all of you going to stand at the front door all day or are you going to get your asses outside and join everyone else?” a tall, oversized man in his fifties yelled as he stepped out of a room. His gaze zeroed in on her. “Well,” he said, sauntering down the hallway. “Who do we have here?”

Lynn and Ryan silently slid away from the group and went outside.

“Mackenzie,” Derk said, pulling his cigarettes out of his jeans’ pocket.

“I see,” Jack said, his eyes raking her over. She took a step closer to Derk. This man was definitely a clichéd version of a mobster movie villain with a loud suit, gold jewelry, and slicked back hair. It was almost comical, and would have been, if she didn’t know what these people did for a living.

“Ignore him, he’s an old man who’s going senile,” Derk said, grabbing her by the elbow and escorting her down the hall.

When they stepped outside, the true wealth of the family living in the home hit her. The backyard of the house represented a paradise oasis. An Olympic size in-ground swimming pool, an oversized deck, and a yard that screamed a landscaping company paid weekly visits.

A group of around thirty people were scattered about in different tiny congregations. Caught up in the scenery, it took Mackenzie a minute to notice all had grown quiet and stared her direction.

Suddenly, the stunning blonde woman who’d she read about online stood directly in front of her. The web pictures didn’t do her justice. Large sapphire blue eyes that were similar to Ryan’s, long wavy blonde hair that glistened off the sunlight, fair skin that resembled a porcelain doll, and a tiny figure were something women spent thousands of dollars to obtain. But Mackenzie knew each feature on this woman was natural. What kind of gene pool ran in this family?

“Hello,” the woman said, her voice soft yet confident. “I’m Courtney Murphy. You are?”

“Mrs. M, this is Mackenzie. Mackenzie, this is Mrs. Murphy,” Derk said.

When she looked up at him, a small smile played at those sexy lips. She rolled her eyes.

“Please, call me Courtney.” She stuck out a hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Mackenzie. I didn’t realize Derk was bringing a guest.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t want to intrude,” Mackenzie said quickly, feeling her face flush.

Mrs. Murphy waved dismissively. “You certainly aren’t intruding. Do you know how many people come and go from this house? It’s ridiculous. I should have a revolving door put in. Well, I would except that Mr. Murphy might not appreciate it, and my kids may escape.”

Derk snorted.

“Derk Forester, you never told me you were dating anyone,” Courtney scolded.

He shrugged and lit his cigarette. “I’m not. She’s dumping me after the party.”

Courtney’s surprise registered clearly. She looked back and forth from Derk to Mackenzie.

Mackenzie wanted to die of embarrassment and kill Derk at the same time. The ass. He set her up.

“Derk,” Courtney snapped. “That’s rude. Apologize.”

Derk outright laughed, leaned down and kissed Mackenzie on top of the head. “Sorry, Mac.”