Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

“Just hanging out. It’s too damn cold to do anything outside. Not to mention Aaron and Evan are outside during the day as it is.”

“Not all day,” Aaron says.

Whit waves him off. “So, movie? Cards? We’ll figure something out. Come on, let’s eat first.”

I remain seated while the others file out of the room. Jamie is still sitting with the album on her lap. I watch as she takes in each picture, almost as if she’s trying to memorize them.

“She’s good,” I say.

“She really is. She always has been. I used to drive her around and she would just take pictures of random stuff, but they always turned out looking like something… not random,” she chuckles. “You know what I mean,” she says, turning to the last page in the album. “How have you been?” she asks softly.

“Good, busy with the bar. Same old. How about you?”

“Working, story of my life,” she laughs. “My life is not near as fun now that Whit’s here. She was my partner in crime.”

“Do tell,” I say, not taking my eyes off her.

“Nothing bad.” She blushes. “Just… we were inseparable. It’s not the same without her.”

“Well you better use your time this weekend wisely, then. Now let’s go get some food.” I stand and offer her my hand. When she places hers in mine, I feel that current that I had convinced myself was a figment of my imagination. From her intake of breath, she feels it too. Reluctantly I release her hand, placing mine on the small of her back and leading her into the kitchen.

As we enter, I drop my hand, a task that takes Herculean effort. Only a crazy man would not want to touch her, be near her. She and I are the last ones to make our plates, and lo and behold, the only two seats left are the two at the island.

“So while the ladies are out shopping, what do you all say we do some fishing tomorrow?” Evan asks.

“I’m in,” Aaron says.

David looks at my sister, as if getting her approval. She smiles up at him and rolls her eyes. He doesn’t need her permission, but he seeks it anyway. “Me too.” David grins, kissing Liv on the temple.

Suddenly all three guys are looking at me. “You in?” Aaron asks.

“I don’t know. I have to check in at the Tavern—” is all I can get out before Liv is interrupting me.

“Nope. We did it all today. Besides, the staff will be there. If not, call someone in. You don’t have to be there every minute, Mike,” my sister scolds me.

“I know that. I just like to keep things running smooth,” I tell her.

“It is and you do. Take time for yourself.”

“Come on, man. You know you want to.” Evan grins.

I look around the table as they all wait for my reply. When I feel Jamie’s small hand on my arm, I turn to face her. Her green eyes sparkle up at me.

“You should go,” she says, her voice soft.

“Yeah, all right. What time?” I say, never taking my eyes off hers. She smiles at my answer and moves her hand back to her lap.

Evan chuckles. “The girls are meeting here at eight, so why don’t we do the same?”

“Eight.” I clear my throat and pull my gaze from Jamie. “Yeah, sounds good,” I tell him. Thankfully, the girls start talking about shopping, and I take the time to evaluate what just happened. One touch, one offered suggestion from her, and I’m changing plans. I have to find a way to fight this attraction I feel for her.

“Now what?” Aaron asks Whit. We’ve all cleaned our plates and are just sitting around the table shooting the shit.

“I don’t know, what do you guys think?” she asks us.

“Did you get the theater all set up?” Kinley asks.

“Yes!” Whit claps in excitement. “We finished it last night.”