Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

Growing up, everyone wants to be on their own, move away from their parents, set off to adventures unknown. Find themselves.

I was never that girl. I have great parents, and city life is all I’ve ever known. Everything I need is close or within walking distance, and there’s always something to do, a show or a concert to attend. I’ve always been content.

Six months ago, that all changed.

It’s been six months today since I visited my best friend, Whitney, in Kentucky. Six months since our camping expedition. Six months of dreaming of the still of the night, stars high in the sky, swimming at night.

And then there’s him. Mike. The sexy owner of Mike’s Tavern, the handsome cousin of my best friend, the gorgeous country boy I’ve not been able to stop thinking about.

I’ve never met a guy like him—hell, like any of them. They treat their women like queens, and not just theirs but all women. And their mommas—that’s what they call them—they love them fiercely. They’re all built to perfection as if they’ve been sculpted. The southern accents and the charm are a lethal combination that’s hard to resist.

But I did resist it, I guess. Mike and I took a midnight swim after everyone else had gone to sleep. He was a complete gentleman, nothing out of the ordinary happened, but that alone drew me in. He didn’t try to cop a feel, no, but he did lead me to the water with his hand on the small of my back. He did dive in first and held his hand out for me to join him, making sure I didn’t fall. He also made sure I was warm and dry, wrapping the towel around my shoulders before grabbing one for himself.

Selfless.

It’s not just his looks or his southern charm—it’s the whole package, who he is, that attracted my attention. Pure southern attraction.

Or maybe I should say distraction.

Speaking of distraction, I pick up my phone to call Whit. I’ve talked to her more in the last month than I have since she moved to Kentucky. Just over a month ago, she and Aaron got engaged. She’s so happy, and Aaron adores her. I’ll admit I’m a little jealous.

“Hey, J,” she answers after the first ring.

“Hey. How’s wedding planning going?”

She laughs. “It’s going. Aaron pretty much agrees with anything I say.”

“Good man.”

“That he is,” she says wistfully. “So what’s up with you?”

“Nothing really. I’m thinking about heading to you a day early, leaving in the morning.”

“Can you get the time off?”

I’m a paralegal and work for a small firm, though the attorney is well on his way to retiring. “Yeah, he’s not taking on as many cases lately. I’m expecting the announcement of his retirement any day.”

“Really? What does that mean for your job?”

“Unless he sells out and they need a paralegal, I’ll be jobless.”

“Have you been looking?”

“Not really. I know I need to, but I don’t want to leave him high and dry either.”

“Well, you’re super talented. I have no doubt you’ll find something. Who knows, maybe you won’t need to.”

“Maybe. So am I crashing any plans if I arrive tomorrow?”

“Never! You know I love seeing you, and we have plenty of space.”

“Soon you’ll be a married woman, Future Mrs. Mills.”

She squeals. “I know!”

“All right, crazy girl. I’m going to head out around seven in the morning. I should be there around two or so after stopping for gas, that’s if I don’t get caught in any traffic.”

“Be careful. Check in with me as you go along.”

“Will do. See you soon.”

“Bye.”

I hit End and my mood is instantly better. I miss my best friend. I also miss the solace of the country and I was only there one weekend. Kentucky and my best friend’s new family sure made a great first impression.

Saturday afternoon, we’re going dress shopping. I was going to get up at four so I could be there, but this way I can sleep in—or at least not get up at the ass crack of dawn—and we can spend some time together. It’s a win-win.

My boss already knows I’m taking off tomorrow. It was his idea. He’s been great to work for. I imagine he’s what my grandfathers would’ve been like; they both passed before I was born. I’ve only ever known my grans, and they too have passed.

I busy myself packing for my trip, throwing in some jeans, flannel shirts—which I just recently acquired—underwear and bras. I grab my new matching sets; you just never know when that’s going to come in handy. I set my toiletries out on the counter so I can easily pack them in the morning, store my spare cell charger and I’m good to go. The only thing left to do is check in with my parents so they don’t worry.

“Hey, sweetie,” Dad says.

I laugh. “It didn’t even ring.”

“It did on my end,” he chuckles. “How are you?”

“Good. Just wanted to let you all know that I’m leaving for Whitney’s earlier than I thought. I’m taking the day off tomorrow and driving down a day early. I’m going to leave around seven in the morning.”