Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

“Yep, so get your fine ass up and get moving.” He smacks said ass and climbs out of bed.

“I don’t have any of my clothes.”

“You do, actually. Aaron dropped them off about twenty minutes ago. He sent me a text saying your bag was on the front porch.” He points across the room. “I already brought it in.”

“Thank you.” I sit up and stretch my arms over my head. I slept well last night, and I feel really refreshed. Before I can put my arms down, Mike is stalking toward me and laces his fingers through mine, pushing me back to where I fall against the bed. He follows and as soon as my back hits the mattress, his lips capture mine.

“I haven’t brushed my teeth,” I say against his lips.

“Yeah, I know, but I haven’t kissed you yet today and that takes priority. Now get your ass out of bed and wash off the funk.” He laughs and hops off the bed when I swat at him. I watch as he walks toward the door. He stops but doesn’t turn around. “You might want to make sure you brush your teeth too. I mean, a guy can only take so much.”

I hear the laughter in his voice, but I still launch a pillow at him. It hits the closed door as he shuts it behind him. He’s right though; I don’t want to miss a minute of time that I get to spend with him this weekend. I hop out of bed, grab my bag and head to the bathroom.

After a quick shower, throwing on some jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirt, I look for a hair dryer, which I don’t find. I comb through my long hair and just let it air dry. I find Mike in the kitchen, making breakfast. “That smells so good,” I say, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

“That’s because it is,” he retorts.

“Look at you, Mr. Confident. This must be the breakfast you make for all of your house guests.” The words are out before I can think better of it. Oh well, it’s not like neither of us has dated other people. Besides, we’re not even dating. Or are we?

Mike keeps his back to me as he plates our omelets. I watch as he places the skillet on the back burner of the stove, turns off the heat and then turns to face me. His face is void of any emotion, and I have no idea if my comment has upset him until he sets a plate in front me and the other at the place next to me. Then he’s kneeling beside me.

“Jamie.”

The way he says my name, all stern and serious, I know I’ve hit a nerve. I don’t look at him, picking up my glass of orange juice and taking a small sip.

“Look at me, please.”

I’m acting like a jealous bitch and I know it. I have no right, but that doesn’t seem to stop me.

Mike reaches up and places his index finger under my chin, turning me to face him. “There is no one else. Just you. I don’t bring dates here. Hell, I’ve barely dated since I took over the bar. I’ve devoted every day to making it the best that it can be. I don’t want to let down my father or grandfather. Our family’s legacy rests on my shoulders, and that’s all I’ve cared about since the day I took over. No time for anything or anyone else, really. That night at the pond, the guys had to force me to go.” Leaning in, he kisses my temple. “I’m glad they did, Jamie. Baby, I’m so glad I met you, that I’ve had this time to get to know you. I want more of that. I want to know everything there is to know about you. It’s only you,” he says again, this time placing a featherlight kiss on the corner of my mouth. “Eat your breakfast before it gets cold.”

I nod, pick up my fork and force myself to eat over the lump in my throat. His words melt my heart. He’s so sincere. I trust him; I know that if he says it, it’s the truth. I’ve never met a man like him, so full of southern charm and sweet as hell. It’s a heady combination that just amps up my attraction for him.

Michael Wallace is a hard man to resist.

“Eat up, we’ve got big plans today.”

“Care to enlighten me?” I ask.

“Why would I want to do that?” He grins.

“You like surprises.” It’s not a question; I can tell he’s enjoying this.

“Not normally, but after my birthday surprise, I’m suddenly a fan.”

Be still my heart. “Am I at least dressed okay?”

“Yes. You’ll need a coat though, and we’ll stop off to get you some shoes.”

“Shoes? What’s wrong with my shoes?”

“Nothing’s wrong with them, but I’m certain you didn’t pack anything that will be appropriate for what we’re doing today.”

“If you told me what we’re doing, I could tell you.”

“Nah, I think I’ll keep you guessing. Eat up.” He stands and takes his empty plate to the sink. “I have to load the truck. Be back in a few.” He drops a kiss to the top of my head and walks out the back door.

I finish my omelet in record time and quickly load the dishwasher. Rushing back to his bedroom, I grab a hair tie, a hoodie and my coat. My cell phone is charging on the hall table, so I grab that and shove it in my back pocket. I pull out my wallet from my purse on the floor by the table, taking my license, some cash and my debit card just in case.