Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

“You care about her, I can see it. You watch, stay close to her, take every opportunity to touch her. You brought her home to me.”

I let her words sink in. “I do care about her.”

“When your heart and your head are on the same page, you’ll know what to do. In the meantime, don’t give up on what it could be between the two of you because of a little distance. If you both want it, there’s a way.”

“I don’t see how. We lead two lives in two different states.”

“Love, Michael. With love, all things are possible.” She stands and kisses my cheek, leaving me to think about what she said.

I sit on that porch swing long after she leaves me to my thoughts. It’s not until I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket that I’m pulled back to the present.

Jamie: Stopping to get gas. Just checking in.

Me: I should’ve made sure you had a full tank before you left.

Jamie: I still would’ve had to stop.

Me: My parents liked you.

Jamie: That’s a relief. I liked them too. You have a great family.

Me: Be safe. Talk soon?

Jamie: Sure thing.

Shoving my phone back in my pocket, I make my way into the house. Everyone is sitting in the living room. I take a seat on the couch with Whitney and Aaron.

“Where you been?” Whit asks.

“Outside.”

“Who kicked your puppy?” Olivia asks.

“I don’t have a puppy,” I remind her.

“You don’t have a puppy, but your girl left. She get on the road okay?” Aaron asks.

“She did.”

“We were just thinking about going fishing later tonight. You in?” David asks.

“Yeah.” I might as well; otherwise, I’ll just be sitting around worrying about Jamie until she makes it home. “I’m going to run home and get my gear. What time and where are we meeting?”

“My place around six,” Aaron answers.

I nod, say my goodbyes and head home.

Pulling into the driveway, I reach for my phone in the cup holder and check it for any messages from Jamie, even though I know I won’t find one. Climbing out of the truck, I head to the garage to get my gear together and pack it in the truck. I grab the cooler and take it inside to fill it with ice and a dozen or so bottles of water. I’m tempted to throw a few beers in, but I won’t drink and drive and if she needs me…. Not that she will, or that I could even get to her in time, but the thought alone prevents me from indulging.

Truck loaded, I have time to kill, so I take a seat on the back deck closing my eyes, letting the warmth of the sun soak in. I’m exhausted from not getting a lot of sleep last night. We were up late talking and when she finally fell asleep, I couldn’t. Instead I watched as she slept peacefully in my arms. It’s a vision I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. My eyes are closed and I feel myself drifting when my phone vibrates in my pocket. That has my attention. Eyes now wide open, I pull it from my pocket and look at the screen.

Jamie: Stopping for a bathroom break and to stretch my legs. I might even indulge in some Combos and beefy jerky.

Me: Beef jerky? You going country, City?

Jamie: There’s this guy… I’m pretty sure he could persuade me.

My heart beats double time at the thought of convincing her to move here. Am I ready for that? Am I serious enough about her, about whatever this is, to let her uproot her life? I don’t have to think about the answer to my own question; I knew before the thought ever crossed my mind.