Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

“As much as I want to say yes, I know us and we’ll never get out of here if I do. I’ll be quick so you can go next.”

I watch her as she climbs off the bed, sheet clasped firmly in her hands. I don’t tear my eyes away from her until she disappears behind the bathroom door. Grabbing a pair of gym shorts from my bag, I find my way to the kitchen and start making my girl breakfast.

“This is pretty awesome,” I tell Jamie as we make our way into Millennium Park. “You know this kind of reminds me of the county fair back home, the smell of all the foods. We should plan for you to be in town so we can go.”

“When is it?” she asks, her arms looped through mine as she leans into me.

“The end of the summer.”

“We can probably make that happen. I’ll be there in a few weeks for the wedding. Mr. Warren said he wants to talk to me next week. I’m sure he’s going to announce his retirement.”

“Have you been looking at other options?”

“No, not yet. I’ve been there this long so I’m going to ride the wave with him. I have money saved up, and if I have to, I can move in with my parents for a while.”

“You could come stay with me.” The offer’s out there before I can think about it, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t regret it. Actually, I want it to happen. I hate the thought of her losing her job, but her coming to spend more than just a weekend with me would be amazing.

“I give it a week tops before you’re tired of me,” she laughs.

I stop walking and pull her into my arms. An indie band croons in the background, and people are walking all around us, but I block it all out. I don’t see anything but her. I cup her face and tilt her head up so she can see my eyes. “Never. Jamie, you hav

e to know by now that I’m crazy about you. No amount of time will ever be enough with you.” Leaning in, I kiss her, lazily letting me lips trail over hers. I don’t care that we’re in the middle of a crowded park; all I care about is her.

Pulling away, I see her eyes are still closed. “Now let’s hit up these food vendors you told me about. That bagel did nothing to hold me over.”

She nods, pulling out of my hold, then clasps onto my arm again and we stroll through the different booths while listening to the band. We end up getting fried pickles, pulled pork sandwiches, fries, and cotton candy. This festival really is similar to the country fair without the rides and animals.

After we eat, we find a spot just at the edge of the madness of people there for the band. They’re pretty good, covering a lot of older rock and some country, much to my surprise. I pull Jamie in front of me and wrap my arms around her, which is how we stand for the next hour or so while we listen to the band. She sways in my arms when a slow song comes through the speakers and I bury my face in her neck. I’m falling so fucking hard for her and I don’t know how to deal with it, the distance. It’s easy to see that this is her element. She’s happy here; how can I ask her to leave that?

“You about ready? We have a full day tomorrow too,” she says, turning in my arms and wrapping hers around my waist.

“We do? What’s on the agenda?”

“Another surprise, one I hope you really enjoy.”

“Are you going to be there?”

She looks up at me, confused. “Yeah.”

“Will there be kissing involved? Do I get to hold you?”

“Kissing, always. Holding me… maybe my hand?” She says it like a question. I can see her wheels turning as she thinks about whatever it is she has planned for us tomorrow.

“Then count me in,” I say, kissing the top of her head.

“Were you actually considering not going?” she asks, surprised.

I laugh. “No, babe, never. If you’re there, then so am I. We could be watching paint dry and you couldn’t pull me away if you’re there.”

She smiles and that ends up in a yawn. We’ve been here for hours.

“Let’s get you home.” Placing my hands on her hips, I guide us through the crowd to the parking lot. When we reach her car, I hold my hand out for the keys. Unlocking the passenger door, I hold it open for her before taking my seat behind the wheel. I have to scoot her seat way back before we can get on the road. She gives me directions back to her place. I don’t tell her that I remember the way; this is her weekend, after all.

“I’m so tired,” she says, covering her mouth to hide yet another yawn.

“Let’s get you to bed.” Making sure the front door is locked, I turn off all the lights and reach for her in the darkness. “Jamie,” I call out to her.

“Here,” she giggles.