Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

Lifting my head, I look into his deep blue eyes and see they’re filled with nothing but sincerity. Relaxing further into his hold, I lean against his chest. He slides his hand just under the hem of my shirt and lets it rest there.

“The birthday boy needs a shot,” David says, standing.

“I got all I need right here,” Mike says low enough that only I can hear him.

Olivia, Kinley, and Whitney start talking about the wedding while Evan and Aaron talk about a new horse they’re venturing in on together. Mike and I stay quiet, me on his lap, his arms around me, rubbing slow circles against the bare skin under my shirt. I’m not sure how I thought this night would turn out, but this is a pretty damn good outcome.

Please don’t let this be a dream. Please don’t let this be a dream.

If the guys could hear my thoughts right now, they’d be giving me hell.

I don’t care.

“Here you go.” David hands me a shot. Jamie moves to stand and I hold her tighter against me.

“Stay,” I say, my lips next to her ear. I see my sister watching me intently. This isn’t me—I know this, she knows this, my friends know this—but I can’t seem to find it in me to care. I feel connected to her. I meant it when I told her I would come to her. Never in my wildest dreams did I think she would show up here, and on my birthday of all days.

She remains on my lap and David hands her a shot. Once he’s passed them all out, he raises his in the air, the others following suit. “To the birthday boy,” he cheers.

Everyone joins in and we down our shots. Leaning forward, I place mine on the table. Jamie leans in and kisses my cheek.

“Happy birthday, Michael,” she says softly.

I give her waist a gentle squeeze and settle back in my seat. I wasn’t looking forward to tonight. Not because I don’t like to hang out with my friends, but because I knew the one person I wanted to see wouldn’t be here. But she’s here now, sitting on my lap, and that’s where she’ll stay if I have anything to say about it. I don’t want to let her out of my sight the entire time she’s here.

“When do you leave?” I ask, even though I’m dreading the answer.

“Sunday. Around noon again, more than likely.”

“You staying with me?” I want to demand that she does, but we’re not there yet—at least I don’t think we are. I want her, all of her, whenever and wherever I can have her. I want to see her, touch her—hell, just talk to her. I know she lives hours away, but I’m not going to let that stop me. As long as she’s willing, so am I.

“Do you want me to stay with you?”

“Yes.” It’s a simple answer, and I don’t bother beating around the bush.

“I’m sure Whit won’t mind. I feel bad though, since I’m supposed to be staying with her.”

“I’ll take care of Whitney.”

“Oh yeah?” She turns to face me fully, her legs hanging over the side of my lap. “And just how do you plan on doing that?”

“Aaron.” I grin up at her. “We guys have to stick together. I’m sure he can distract his fiancée long enough for me to sweep you away to my place.”

“You think so?” she laughs.

“You’ve seen the two of them together, right?”

“Good point. Well, work your magic, birthday boy,” she says, a challenge in her voice.

Leaning in close, I let my lips graze her cheek. “Consider it done.” Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I send off a quick text to David, Aaron, and Evan, just to be safe. I don’t need anyone volunteering for Jamie to stay with them; she’s coming home with me. I watch as the guys read their message, each of them giving me a slight nod of understanding. Satisfied, I slide my phone back in my pocket.

“Just like that?” she laughs.

“Just like that, darlin.’”

The rest of the night is spent talking, laughing, dancing and just hanging out. I can’t remember a birthday when I’ve had this much fun since I was a kid. Of course, I know that’s because of the sexy green-eyed beauty who’s been by my side or in my lap the entire night.

“We’re going to head out,” Evan says, standing and holding a hand out for Kinley.