Miller's Time (Southern Charmers 2)

“He is, but I’ve decided to take on the project.”

“And he approved?”

This time Darby can’t hold in her laugh, and she reaches out to pinch me on the arm. “Quit messing with her. Ashlyn, Miller is Pierce’s brother and part owner of Kendrick Construction. He doesn’t ask Pierce for permission for much.”

Her creamy skin turns a deep shade of pink and her eyes fill with panic. I hold back my amusement when the realization dawns on her. The man she met was traveling and worked in construction. I left out the fact I partially owned the company. She blows out a breath, trying to remain unshaken, but the splotches continue up her neck. “I’m such an idiot. I didn’t get your last name earlier, Miller.” Her cheeks now flame.

As much as I like the color heating her skin, I don’t want this to get awkward for her. “It’s not a problem. You still think you want to interview contractors?”

“Ummm, no. I think we’re good here.”

“Then how about doing a walkthrough with me?”

She pastes on the smile from earlier and my chest tightens. Her shields are locking into place. “Sure, maybe Pierce should join us so there’s no confusion.”

This time I don’t hold back my amusement at her tactic to avoid being alone with me. “Sure, whatever you want, Ashlyn.” Her name rolls off my tongue in a way that tells her I’m onto her.

She jumps out of her chair and brushes past me, her face impassive as she explains her ideas. I pick up on the major points but can’t ignore the voice in my head.

Oh yeah, this is going to be fun.

•—•—•—•—•

“Having problems?” I lean against the wall, enjoying the show.

Her head whips around, her expression red-hot with frustration. “Lefty-Loosey my ass. This bolt won’t budge!” Ashlyn stabs at the bolt with her screwdriver.

“That’s why I told you I’d be back to help.”

“I wanted to try. It’s driving me crazy sitting around doing nothing.”

“Do you know how to change out locks?”

She blows out a breath, rising from her crouched position. “I watched a video.”

“They make it look easy.” I refrain from rolling my eyes. “Most likely, the video you watched isn’t geared toward a lock that’s been in place for decades. A power tool will get the job done much faster.”

She lets out a little laugh, the frustration draining. “Men and their power tools.”

“Don’t knock it, darlin’.” I use the pet name I used many times during our days together.

She jerks, recognition flaring, then shakes her head, dropping the screwdriver on the countertop in defeat. “Fine, tell me you have something with you.”

“Drill’s in my truck. Also, I brought you something.”

“What could you possibly bring me?”

“You’ll see.”

She follows me outside and makes a brief sound when she sees the mini-fridge in the bed of my truck. “You bought me a refrigerator?”

“Figured that cooler in your room can only hold so much. And the one in your kitchen is useless.”

“I know it’s also scary inside. I was going to buy one this week.”

“You don’t have to. Saved you a trip.”

Her gaze grows glossy, and she stares at me in wonder. It’s obvious she’s battling something.

“Hey, it’s just a fridge. You needed one, and I had it lying around.”

She jerks out of her haze, indifference sliding onto her features. “That was very thoughtful. I’ll pay you for it.”

“Unnecessary.”

“Of course it is. This is a business relationship and I’d rather not be slapped with a bill down the line.” An attitude of superiority clicks into place.

“We gonna play it that way, Lily?”

She stiffens. “I was wondering when that would come up.”

“Fuck yeah, it’s gonna come up. Wanna tell me why you lied to me about your name and disappeared before daylight without even a call?”

“It’s not like we exchanged numbers or contact information. Our time was done.” Her voice is firm, but there’s an underlying sadness there.

“Bullshit, we can exchange bodily fluids but you couldn’t even give me your actual name or leave a number when you snuck away?”

This time she jolts, a fire blazing in her expression. “Don’t be an asshole. It wasn’t sneaking away. I had somewhere to be.”

“You couldn’t find the decency to say goodbye?”

“It was easier my way. No complications, no messy goodbyes, no hassle.”

“You mean no way I could get your damn phone number and possibly find out more about you?”

“We knew the stakes! I lived in Chicago, and you were visiting. Neither of us wanted more!”

“You mean you didn’t want more.” I know I’ve struck a nerve when she cringes and drops her chin to her chest.

“Is working together going to be a problem?” she mumbles, not looking up.

“Nope, but keep your fucking money, Ashlyn.”

“You work for me.”

“No, I work for me. But if it makes you feel better to think that, have at it.” There’s no disguising my pissed off vibe.