Southern Desire (Southern Heart 2)

“I got you,” he says, burying his head in my neck. He holds me tight and just lets me cry. He doesn’t tell me that it’s going to be okay, or that I should be over this by now. No, Aaron just gives me his strength.

Rolling over, I need to see him. “Aaron, I miss. . . .”

“I know, baby,” he says, pulling me close. I rest my head against his chest as he runs his fingers through my hair. “I’m right here. Let it out, I’ve got you.”

My fist clutches his shirt as I hold on tight. I don’t know how long we stay like that, but not once does he let me go. His arms are like a vise as he holds me close, letting me work through the emotions of today. Finally, when I have myself under control, I raise my head to look at him.

“Beautiful,” he whispers, wiping what’s left of tears with his thumbs.

“Aaron, I—” A knock at the door interrupts us.

“Hey,” Olivia says softly through the door. “Everything okay?”

Aaron looks at me and I nod. “Come on in,” he calls out to her.

Slowly the door creaks open and Olivia and Jamie join us. They take a seat on the side of the bed. “You all right?” Jamie asks.

“Yeah.” I sit up. Aaron does the same, resting against the headboard, pulling me against his side. “This guy.” I point to Aaron.

Olivia picks up the frame. “I remember this,” she says softly. She looks at Aaron. “My mom?”

He nods.

“And this.” I hand her the locket.

She opens it, Jamie looking over her shoulder. She studies if for a long time, then passes it to Jamie. They both smile at Aaron and me through watery eyes.

Olivia points at Aaron. “You did good.” She rises from the bed and walks to the door. Jamie pats my leg and follows her. “We’ll be downstairs when you’re ready,” Olivia says.

“Thank you,” I say, kissing his cheek.

“Always,” he replies. “Now, you have a busy day. Get ready and have fun. I’ll see you in a few hours.” He kisses me—really kisses me. I open for him and he takes the opportunity to push his tongue past my lips, tasting me.

“Change of plans,” I say as he pulls away, breathing heavy.

Aaron laughs. “I want nothing more than to spend the day with you in my bed, but we’ve got plans. Jamie drove a long way to be here for you, and tonight we’re hanging with our friends.”

“Fine. One more,” I say, pulling his lips back to mine. He doesn’t disappoint, but it’s over all too soon.

“Have fun today, Whit. I’ll see you soon.” I watch him leave before placing my locket on his dresser along with the picture and heading to the shower.

I’ve been running all over since I left the house this morning. I started off setting up the tents. Evan and Mike are taking care of their own. I make quick work of setting up one for me and one for the girls. Well, hopefully Whit will stay with me, but if not, I get it. It’s been months since she has seen her best friend. After the tents, I rounded up some firewood and stacked it by the pit. In need of a shower, I headed back to the house. Whit’s stuff was still in my room. My T-shirt she was wearing was laid across her overnight bag, her shampoo in my shower. I liked it way more than I should have.

Now I’m at the store. I’ve got a cart full of food and alcohol. The last item on my list is s’mores. You can’t go camping without s’mores in the campfire. I throw in some chocolate bars and head to the checkout. Just as I’m loading everything in the truck, I get a text.

Whitney: On our way back to your house.

Me: Perfect. I’ve gotta pick up ice, and then I will be too.

Whitney: Can I do anything?

Me: Nope. I got it covered. You have a good time?

Whitney: We did.

Me: Good. I’ll see you soon.

I finish loading the groceries and head across the street to the gas station and grab four bags of ice. When I get back to the house, the girls are getting out of Olivia’s car.

Whitney smiles when she sees my truck. She walks toward me. I keep the engine running and climb out. As soon as my feet hit the ground, she’s draping her arms around me. “Thank you, Aaron,” she whispers.

I kiss the top of her head, resting my hands on her hips.

“What can we do?” Jamie asks.

“I’ve got to load up the coolers so I can get the ice and food in them. Other than that, I just need to grab some blankets and pillows.”

“Grab the coolers and we’ll take care of the food,” Olivia offers.

I nod, kiss my girl, and head to the storage shed to grab the coolers. I drop them off at the truck then head inside to gather up blankets and pillows. Luckily Mom is used to this and the upstairs closet is full of old quilts and pillows. I grab them as well as two sleeping bags, and head downstairs.

“Whoa, cowboy, you need a hand?” Jamie laughs.

“Maybe.” I laugh with her.

She grabs the two sleeping bags, which allows me to get a better grip on the rest of the bedding.

“Coolers are all packed,” Olivia says.

“That’s it, then. I have the radio in the truck, flashlights and all that, too. If we forget anything, we can always come back and get it. Evan is going to bring the Mule, so we’ll have easy transportation.”

“I’m really excited about this,” Whitney says.

“Load up, ladies.” They scramble to climb into the truck.

Whitney looks back at Olivia. “Why did we never do this as kids?”

“We were too busy. I remember I would beg until Mom would take me to the dollar store so I could get new makeup for our classic makeovers.”

“Right? Remember that time Mike fell asleep and we put makeup on him?” Whit asks.

“Hell yes, he was so mad. Good thing Dad was there or he would have given us swirlies or something just as bad.” Olivia laughs.

“Did you do that to Kinley?” Whit asks me.

“Nah, we’ve always got along really well.”

“I can see that from the two of you. She told me how great you were when she and Evan first got together.”

I nod. “He’s my best friend. If there were ever anyone good enough for my little sister, it would be him. It is him. They’re good for each other.”