Southern Pleasure (Southern Heart 1)

We reach the door without her losing her grip on my arm, and I manage to get it unlocked. Looking down, I see she’s staring up at me. “Sweet dreams.” I kiss her forehead and step back. She releases her arm from mine and walks inside. “Lock up,” I say just as the door shuts, securing her safely behind it.

Locked away from me.

Looking at my watch, I see it’s after six; no wonder I’m starving. I’ve been in the studio since nine and have gone non-stop until just a few minutes ago. I had five sessions today and most of them ended up taking more time than they should have. Explosive diapers, tantrums, late clients—you name it, it happened. I need to set a firm line with being late, but it was three kids, ages: sixteen, nineteen, and twenty-one. Their mom is sick and they wanted to give her a picture of all three of them. It’s something she’s been begging them to agree to for years. These boys came in wearing their heart on their sleeves and I couldn’t turn them away.

Deciding I’ve had enough for the day, I pack up my camera and turn off the lights. Once in the house, I see my phone sitting on the kitchen table. I’ve been so busy today I didn’t even realize I’d left it. I grab a cold slice of pizza, left over from last night. Aaron, Evan, and I had ordered in. Mom and Dad are at a show in Tennessee, so it was just the three of us. After I pour myself a glass of tea, I balance my drink, my cold pizza, and my phone as I settle into the couch.

It feels good to finally sit.

I take a huge bite of pizza and swipe the screen of my phone. I see I’ve missed multiple calls from Aaron and Evan. I assume it’s just because they couldn’t get a hold of me, neither are too keen on the idea. I roll my eyes as I look at my missed text messages. Olivia was supposed to text me about going to the outlet malls this weekend.

I have a text from Mom, Olivia, Aaron, and Evan. I open Mom’s first; she’s just checking in. It’s like they forgotten I’ve lived on my own for four years while in college. I open Olivia’s next. She’s good to go with our shopping expedition on Saturday. I type a quick reply that I’ll be at her place at eight to pick her up. I open Aaron’s message next.

Aaron: Where are you?

Aaron: Call me as soon as you get this.

Aaron: MCKINLEY!

Something’s wrong. My hands are shaking as I try to tap the screen to read Evan’s texts.

Evan: Call me

Evan: Where are you? Call me as soon as you get this.

Evan: I need you.

Reading his last text slays me. With hands shaking even worse than before, I pull up my favorites list and hit Evan’s name. When I bring the phone to my ear, I feel the tears I was unaware were falling. The shrill ring of his phone and then the sound of his voicemail picking up—“This is Evan. Leave a message.”—causes a sob to break from my chest.

Hitting end, I tap Aaron’s name and hold my breath, waiting for him to answer.

“Kinley.” His voice is gruff.

“What’s wrong?”

“Where are you?” he asks.

“I’m at home. I left my phone in the house. I had a full day in the studio. What’s wrong?” My voice breaks on another sob as I ask the question again.

“I’m almost there. I was coming to look for you. We were worried.”

“Evan, where is he?”

“I’ll explain when I get there. Be ready to leave. I just pulled onto our road.”

I hang up, not caring if he has more to say. Cold pizza and hunger forgotten, I grab my purse, phone, and keys. Locking the door behind me, I walk out to the driveway and pace back and forth.

Waiting.

Wondering.

I hear Aaron’s diesel truck before I see him. He pulls up beside me and I wrench the door open and climb inside. “Talk!” I demand as I fight back another round of tears.

“Hey.” Aaron reaches over and grabs my hand. “Take a deep breath. What’s got you so upset?”

“Something’s wrong. The text messages . . .” My voice trails off as I bite down hard on my bottom lip to control the tears.

“Okay, but I need you