Back in Her Arms: Southern Comfort, #4

By Bria Marche

Life is complicated for Dano Angello, but whose life isn't? His work as a struggling private investigator in Milwaukee isn't paying the bills, and his overbearing wife, Jan, reminds him of it constantly. A job offer in Charleston—from his sister, Gina—sends Dano and Jan south. He's hoping for a new start. There has to be something that will please his wife. What he doesn't know is that his new client, Bella Ricci, is a gorgeous Italian goddess who needs her cheating husband followed.

Torn between Jan, the wife who regularly threatens to divorce him, and Bella, the vulnerable beauty who wants to end her marriage, Dano has a lot on his plate. Even though his heart is leading him to Bella, he's forced to agree to Jan's conditions or she'll serve him with divorce papers.

With Jan insisting they leave Charleston and Bella wishing he would stay, Dano's life has just gotten a lot more complicated.

 

 

Back in Her Arms, Book Four, in the Southern Comfort series, is a sweet romantic novel that will appeal to fans of romance, chick-lit and women's fiction novels. Southern Comfort is a heartfelt series with best friends, hot guys, humor and just enough twists and turns to have you anxiously awaiting the next book.

 

Note: There are no cliffhangers in this series, but since the characters carry over, the books are best read in sequence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bria Marche
• Release date: Dec 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519989703

Book preview

Chapter One

Profits were pouring in at Mane Attraction, Charleston’s newest hairstyling sensation on King Street. Gina and Ellie sat together in the back office as the salon hummed along, with every chair filled. The stylists worked their magic while the clientele chattered nonstop. Gina peered out the office window at the salon in front of her, a wide grin spreading across her face. You know, El, this was the best idea you’ve ever had. I think this salon does far better than any of them I have in Milwaukee. This place is definitely a gold mine. She looked down at the magazine in front of her. Okay, back to business.

Gina and Ellie sat side by side, browsing through the hairstyle magazines scattered across the desk. With Ellie’s wedding day fast approaching, they needed to decide on the right look for her.

Since you’re wearing a tiara, I think we should give you an elegant updo. What do you think of that? There’s no way you’re going to wear the same hairstyle you did with Luke. That’s just bad karma. This time, girl, you’re going to get it right. Gina grinned at her best friend and pulled two cans of iced tea out of the small refrigerator behind her desk. She plopped down in her beloved Herman Miller Embody office chair she had brought to Charleston from Milwaukee.

I like the updo idea. It will make me look refined and Cinderella-ish.

Absolutely. So, what’s left on the to-do list?

All of the invitations have been mailed. We’ve reserved everything we need to, including a block of rooms at the Days Inn.

Gina noticed the grimace on Ellie’s face. El, everyone is okay with staying at the Days Inn. There’s no shame in that, and the location is really convenient. For Pete’s sake, we stayed there ourselves, and it’s perfectly fine.

I know, and I didn’t want to put a financial strain on anyone that’s coming in from Milwaukee. None of my friends or family are rich, and I know they can’t afford more than eighty dollars a night. I just feel weird that Don and Abby both have gorgeous homes, yet all of the guests are staying at a two-and-a-half-star hotel. I want everyone to be happy they came, that’s all.

They will be. We’ll make sure of it.

The ringing salon phone interrupted their conversation. Give me a few minutes and look for cute hairstyles for the rest of us, Gina said before answering the call. Hello, Mane Attraction, Gina speaking. How may I help you?

Hey, Sis, what’s up? Why didn’t you pick up your cell when I called?

What? Damn it, I forgot to turn the ringer up again… hold on. Gina pulled the cell out of her purse and pressed the volume button to the maximum setting. There. Sorry, Bro. I turned the volume off when I was in the bank this morning. Anyway, Ellie is sitting here with me, and we’re going over hairstyles for the wedding. Do you think Jan wants to get in on a hairdo for the event?

That’s why I’m calling. The invitation came in the mail yesterday, but I don’t know if we’re going to make it.

Don’t even start with me… hang on. Gina put her hand over the receiver and told Ellie that Dano was trying to back out of coming to Charleston.

Give me that damn phone, Ellie said. She took a gulp of tea and took the phone out of Gina’s hand. Hey, Dano, it’s El. What the hell is wrong with you? There’s no way you’re bailing on me again. You had an excuse not to show up for my first farce of a wedding, but I swear to you, this one is legit.

Good to hear you’re the same snarky El as always, he said, chuckling into the phone. It’s just that Jan and I aren’t getting along… as usual.

Okay, I’ll put Gina back on. Your family affairs aren’t any of my business. All I’m saying is I love you like a brother, and you better be at my wedding. I deliberately put you in my wedding party so you can’t back out this time. I swear I’ll hunt you down if you don’t show up. I mean it too. Here’s Gina.

Gina took the phone from Ellie and sat back on the comfy chair, prepared to listen to a lengthy excuse from her older brother. Okay, what’s the problem now?

Jan is in another one of her moods. You know, the whole ‘I want to move back to Jacksonville’ thing. She’s sick of being my wife for the last nine years. She’s sick of not being around her family, and she’s sick of Wisconsin.

Perfect! Move to Charleston. She’d be a lot closer to Jacksonville than she is now.

Yeah, I like that idea, but she’d still be married to me, and she wouldn’t actually be in Jacksonville.

What’s her deal with you anyway? You’re a hunky Italian man. What’s not to like?

She says I’m not supporting her well enough. Being a P.I. isn’t a real job to her, and she keeps comparing her lifestyle to yours. To be honest, Sis, I’m getting tired of her complaints.

Gina heard a voice in the background through the phone lines. Is Jan there?

She is now. She just got home from her babysitting job. I’ll call you back tomorrow morning. The phone line abruptly went dead.

Now what’s going on? Ellie asked as she pitched her empty can into the recycling bin.

Damn Jan is at it again. Every time Dano wants to do something with the family, she retaliates because her family is in Florida. She tells him they can’t afford to do anything because his job doesn’t pay the bills.

And babysitting does?

I know. She’s jealous because I opened up hair salons with my inheritance, and Dano started his P.I. business. I can’t help it if my business is more successful than his. If women weren’t always trying to look good for guys, my business would suck too. I know he loves being a private investigator. Hell, I think it would be a riot of a job, but he puts in long hours for little reward. Anyway, I’ll find out more tomorrow. Jan walked in while he was talking.

Okay, I’m out of here, Ellie said. She glanced at the clock on the shelf behind Gina. I’m meeting Don for lunch. See you at home later.

***

Gina grabbed her purse and cell, took the last swallow of tea, and intended to head out for some lunchtime shoe shopping nearby. A knock sounded on her door as she rose to leave.

Come in, door’s open.

Bella peeked around the door just far enough to be recognized. Hi, Gina, do you have a few minutes?

Sure, come in. Sit down. Can I get you something to drink?

Sparkling water would be wonderful, thanks.

Gina reached into the refrigerator for the second time today and pulled out a berry-flavored sparkling water. Knowing Bella, Gina was sure she would prefer to drink it out of a glass. She opened the cabinet above the fridge, reached in, and took one out. She placed both items and a paper napkin on her desk in front of the stunning Italian stylist. Gina sat down again. What can I help you with? She could see by Bella’s bloodshot eyes that a problem was brewing.

I need to take some time off. I can reschedule my clients at a later date or see if they would be willing to go with someone else for a while. I’ll take care of calling them myself, that is, if you say it’s okay.

Are you all right? It isn’t anything medical, is it?

Gina hated the thought of Bella taking any time off. Mane Attraction had been in business for only three months, yet Bella already had a full schedule every day she worked. Her clients loved her. Bella Ricci was not only gorgeous but also probably the finest stylist in a fifty-mile radius. She was engaging with her customers and made them instantly feel as if they were her best friend. Bella was in high demand. Gina’s mind was going a hundred miles a minute, trying to come up with anyone who could fill Bella’s shoes. How long are we talking? she asked, hating to hear what the answer might be.

Bella burst into tears, burying her face in her hands as she leaned forward over the desk.

Oh my God, honey, what’s wrong?

My marriage is over. I’ve been holding on to hope for over a year, but it’s just getting worse. Mark is cheating on me. I know it for a fact, but I don’t have any proof. His family is so tight, they’ll never believe me. They’ll make me out to be a lying psycho and try to take Luca away from me. You know how Italians are.

As an Italian herself, Gina knew exactly what Bella meant. They were fiercely loyal to their own. It didn’t help, Bella said, that Mark’s family had a lot of influence and money.

I have to follow him and get proof. I need something I can present to a judge if it comes to that. Pictures, hotel receipts, phone records… something. He comes home late at least three times a week and smells like cheap perfume. He takes private calls at all hours of the night and generally ignores me most of the time. He’s an attorney, for God’s sake, and a tough one. He knows how to play the system. He’ll find a way to get Luca from me so he doesn’t have to pay child support or alimony. He’ll make me look like an unfit mother. He can afford to pay people to lie for him.

Gina opened her desk drawer and pulled out a box of tissues. She sat it on the desk. She didn’t know Bella all that well, and she’d never met Mark, but seeing the agony on her new friend’s face told her Bella’s suspicions must be true.

What would happen if Mark spotted you?

I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead. He does have a temper, though. I’d have to be careful, and the sad thing is Luca would have to go with me if I followed him. I can’t imagine pulling my sweet boy out of bed to get in the car and follow his dad. This is such crap.

Take a few days off and see how it goes. You have a lot to think about, and it would be miserable hauling poor little Luca around with you at all hours of the night. You’d have to be careful. You don’t want that held against you either. Have you ever thought of hiring a private investigator?

No, I guess I’m too ashamed. Bella blew her nose into a tissue then wadded it up in her hand.

Can you afford one?

I guess so. We do have a joint bank account. The least that jerk can do is pay for his own investigation if I go that route.

Sleep on it and weigh out your options. I’ll call you day after tomorrow. I might have an idea that could help.

Chapter Two

Gina impatiently waited for Dano’s call the next morning. She would let her brother make the call since he had to be able to talk freely. Phone conversations between them usually happened only late at night or when Jan was babysitting for the family down the street.

Her cell chirped at ten a.m. Tuesday. Gina checked the caller ID before picking up. Dano was calling.

Finally. Are you alone? she asked as she paced the kitchen.

Yeah. Jan just left for the grocery store. I probably have a good half hour to talk. Hang on, I have to check out the window first. A pause on the line meant Dano was probably looking out the window as Jan drove away. Yeah, she’s gone. Sis, we really got into it last night about finances. I’d love to see you and attend Ellie’s wedding, but I don’t know if it’s in the cards.

If it was a working vacation, you could write it off. You might even be convinced to stay. Jan hates living so far away from her family, and there’s really nothing keeping you in Milwaukee except Mom and Dad. They’d be smart to move south too. Gina poured herself a cup of coffee and headed to the veranda to talk. Abby, Erik, and Ellie were already on the patio, and Gina wanted to keep her conversation private.

What are you talking about? What do you mean by a working vacation?

Be honest with me, Dano. How many hours of work are you actually getting a week?

He laughed sarcastically. Are you sure you want to know? I’m not looking for a handout, Sis.

That’s good, because I wasn’t offering. I know someone who could use your expertise, though. Most of your surveillance is from doing medical insurance fraud cases, right? How often do you get those gigs? Gina put her feet up on an empty chair and got comfortable. She blew on her coffee and sipped it while he talked.

Apparently, not often enough according to Jan. Lately, I’ve been doing more security guard and rent-a-cop types of part-time work. It doesn’t pay very well, though.

"How about going the Cheaters route instead? Remember when that was a huge hit on TV? There’s a real market for surveilling cheating spouses, especially down here. Hotshot southern men always have a mistress on the side. Wives know it but usually turn the other cheek instead of fighting back. You’d have a wide-open, untouched market down here, Dano. It’s uncharted territory. I bet you’d do really well, and I’ll even line up your first client for you. Ellie’s wedding is less than a month away. I’m giving you plenty of notice. Come down for the wedding and give it a try while you’re here. If Miss Jan doesn’t want to play nice, she can go hang out with her family in Florida."

Who needs P.I. work done? What’s that sound?

Church bells, ding-dong. She laughed at her own joke. This is the Holy City, you know.

Yeah, I forgot. What time is it?

Ten thirty. Anyway, my best employee wants to take time off so she can follow her cheating husband all over the damn city to catch him in the act. I need her at work, plus she’d have to drag her little three-year-old everywhere with her if she really was going to follow him. I think that type of work is better suited for a professional. I really can’t lose her. She’s so amazing, and she already has a ton of clients. Please, please, please give it some thought. I kind of told her I may have a solution. I said I’d call her tomorrow. I really think you’d have a full-time job down here surveilling cheaters. Don’t forget this is a wealthy town, and those Southern belles don’t want to get their hands dirty, but they have plenty of money to pay someone else to do the dirty work for them. I’ll need to know your decision by tomorrow.

***

The sound in the kitchen alerted Ellie on the patio. She called out to whoever was in there to start another pot of coffee and come out to join them.

I figured it was you. Sit down and take a load off, Ellie said.

What are you guys up to out here? Gina asked as she sat with a full cup of coffee. Don’t worry. I heard you. I started a fresh pot.

Just counting the RSVPs I’ve gotten back so far and going over the list. You know, I’m a pro at this wedding thing since this is my second one in less than a year. Oh yeah, don’t forget about our dress fittings on Saturday. I’m treating everyone to lunch too.

Oh good, I’m definitely going then, Gina said, giving Abby a wink.

Erik, you and all the groomsmen have to hook up with Don. He knows the schedule for your tux fittings. I’m not in charge of that.

What’s allowed as far as decorating at the Angel Oak?

Unfortunately, they don’t allow decorating or even chairs anymore. We’ll have the official ceremony there just because Don and I love the place. The guests will have to stand, and we can’t get married under the tree, but we’ll be pretty close to it. No matter what, we’ll leave with wonderful memories and gorgeous photos. The decorating will be saved for the church and hall. I’m perfectly fine with that, and we don’t have to go overboard either. A few satin bows at the end of the pews at the church, and banners, crepe paper, and balloons at the hall are plenty.

So where are you going for the honeymoon? Abby asked.

We aren’t going to St. Thomas, that’s for sure. Ellie chuckled. Maybe we can all do that together next summer before hurricane season. We’re planning to go to Italy. Ellie glanced at Gina and grinned.

You’re a girl after my own heart, Ellie Ford. If you want any recommendations or tips for Italy, you know where to come.

I know, you’re the expert. But this time, girlfriend, you aren’t going on my honeymoon with me. Ellie rose and took the empty carafe into the kitchen. She returned with a piping-hot pot of coffee and filled all the cups.

Chapter Three

Bella thought the voice was in her dream, but when she woke, she heard whispers from beyond the bedroom door. She reached out and touched the other side of the bed—empty. Mark was up and talking to someone. She turned her head and glanced at the illuminated clock on the nightstand—one thirty. Her heart pounded with anger and nervousness. She didn’t know if she could trust the squeaky bed. It might give away her intentions. Quietly and slowly, she rolled to her side and rose, hoping the bed wouldn’t squeak. It didn’t. With the door not quite closed, a stream of light glowed like a beacon into the room.

He must be in the kitchen.

She tiptoed to the door and looked through the one-inch opening with her right eye. Mark was sitting at the table, his back to Bella and his cell phone against his left ear. She didn’t need to hear every word, but the ones she did hear told it all. Her husband’s betrayal broke her heart, but he angered her even more. Mark was professing his desires and love to the person on the other end of the phone line. Restraining herself was nearly impossible. Confronting him right then and there would be more than satisfying, but at times, he was a loose cannon, and she had a better plan. Her first thoughts were of Luca—she had to do this right.

Bella climbed back into bed. Hot tears wet the pillow under her head. She thought about their marriage and how wonderful the first three years were. Once Luca was born, Mark had changed. He became distant with Bella, aloof, doing whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. He didn’t act like a family man as she had hoped. He was just the opposite. She was sure that was when he began to stray.

I have to catch him doing something. I need physical proof, photos, and recorded messages. Without any proof, I know he’ll try