Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

“Mr. Warren—”

“Go on now. You’re going to make an old man cry.”

With one final hug, I grab a paper box and clear out my desk, then drive straight to Mom and Dad’s to give them the news. Dad is at work, but Mom’s home. When I tell her that I’m leaving for Kentucky today, she doesn’t seem surprised. I promise to call them when I get there.

After a lot of hugs, I’m headed toward my apartment. Rushing inside, I clean out the fridge and take the trash to the curb, then pack two big suitcases and lock up.

I can’t help but think I’m following my heart to Kentucky.

The drive home is lonely. I miss her already. I had to fight the urge to turn around and go back, but I need to go home. I have responsibilities.

When I pull into the bar, it’s just a couple of hours before we open. Liv’s car is parked out back, so I park next to her and make my way inside. I shoot Jamie a quick text.

Me: Made it home. Call me later. Miss you already.

Jamie: Miss you too.

With a heavy sigh, I shove my phone in my pocket and head inside. “Liv,” I call out.

“Back here,” she replies.

I follow her voice to the storage room. “Hey, you need some help?”

“Nope. I’m just about finished here. Deposit was made yesterday for the weekend and the books are balanced.”

“Damn, you do good work, little sister.”

“I like it,” she confesses. “At least that part of it.”

“We make a good team, huh?”

“So how was your weekend?

“Too damn short,” I grumble.

“You all any closer to making this permanent?”

“Don’t really want to talk about it.”

“You been home yet?”

“No, wanted to stop in and check on things. I’m headed there now. Thanks for holding down the fort.”

“No worries. I’m here tonight, so why don’t you take another night off? You look like hell.”

“Didn’t sleep last night.”

“Go, I got this.”

I place my arm around her and pull her into a hug. “Love you, Liv.”

“Love you too, big brother. Go home and get some rest. This place will be here tomorrow.”

I do as she says and drive home in a daze. I’m exhausted. Once I’m home, I drop my bags in the living room and leave them. I can deal with it later. I make my way to the bedroom, strip down to my boxer briefs and crawl into bed. It’s not long before sleep claims me.

I startle awake at the sound of what I think is a knock at the door. I hop out of bed and race into the living room, seeing it’s dark outside. Shit, I was exhausted. I need to find my phone and text Jamie; I’m sure she’s messaged me and I don’t want her to worry. Another soft knock comes right as I pull the door open. I stop in my tracks and blink, hard. Opening my eyes, I blink again just to make sure.

“Jamie.” Her name falls from my lips on a whisper. I’m afraid I’m sleep walking, so I pinch my leg and jump from the pain.