Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I see happiness and his shirt. I lift it to my nose and sniff; it smells like him. It’s a smell I’ve come to crave. Stripping it over my head, I climb into the shower. I’ve just finished lathering my hair with his shampoo when he walks back into the room.

“You want me to dig out your stuff?” he asks.

“No, I can use yours today.”

“You’re going to smell like a man.”

“No, I’m going to smell like you.” I hear what I think is a mumbled “fuck me” and then silence.

Peeking around the curtain, I see that he’s no longer in the bathroom. I smile, knowing my words got him. I know him just as well as he knows me. He’s trying to keep his hands off me and for now, that’s what needs to happen. I really do need to go see Whit, and I’m starving since we skipped dinner last night. I also want him to go to the bar tonight. I don’t want him changing his life just because I showed up unannounced on his doorstep.

Quickly I finish my shower and dry off. The bedroom is quiet, but my bags are on the bed waiting for me. I rummage around until I find an outfit and my toiletries, then head back to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

I find him in the living room, remote in hand, staring at the TV. Looking up, his blue eyes sparkle. “Ready, darlin’?”

“Yes. I’m starving. Where are we going?”

“The diner. Have you eaten there?”

“I don’t think so.” He holds his hand out for me and I take it. We stop by the front door, where he grabs his wallet, phone, and keys, and we’re off. “Where’s my car?” I ask when I see the empty driveway.

He guides me across the driveway and toward the detached garage. “Garage.”

“You don’t have to do that. I don’t park in the garage at home.”

He shrugs. “The only thing in there is the lawnmower. I moved it over and your car fits perfectly. No sense in it being outside when we have a garage you can use.”

We? I want to say something, but I decide against it. He’s made it clear that he wants me here. I don’t even think he realizes that’s how he said it.

“Oh my,” I say, placing my hand over my mouth as I chew. It’s rude as hell to talk and eat with my mouth full, but damn these pancakes are literally melting in my mouth.

“Good?” Mike asks.

“Heaven,” I say after swallowing the huge bite.

“The pancakes are good, but this?” He points to his plate of biscuits and gravy with a side of bacon. “This is the best thing on the menu.”

“I’m going to have to disagree with you on this one.” I take another big bite.

“You can’t argue until you’ve tried it.” He scoops a big bite on his fork and holds it out for me. I swallow, take a sip of water, and lean in to take the sample he’s offering. My eyes connect with his and I literally feel the heat from his stare. “Well?” His voice is raspy.

“Mmm, good, but mine are better.” I cut off some and offer it to him, even though I know he’s already had them.

He doesn’t disappoint as he leans in and takes a bite. “Mine,” he says with conviction.

I don’t think we’re talking about food anymore. We’re interrupted by the waitress asking if we need refills and the spell is broken. I’m in over my head here; nothing in my experience has ever felt like this. Deep-seated attraction, the need to just be with another person. It’s all-consuming. We make small talk through breakfast nothing too heavy, but the lingering attraction is there. It always is with us.

“You ready?” he asks once we’re in the truck.

“Yes, but are you sure I shouldn’t call first?”

“Promise. She’s going to love the surprise.”

I watch as he furrows his brow.

“What are you thinking?”

“Maybe we should wait a day or so to tell her you’re here.”