Miller's Time (Southern Charmers 2)

His eyes flicker with approval, and a slight grin spreads across his lips. “It’ll get easier, promise,” he teases. “But since I know those words are probably boiling in your throat, let’s get you some wine to wash away the burn.”

The heaviness evaporates, and I fight a smile. “You have wine?”

“No, but where we’re going does. We’ve had a hell of a day, and we’re going to eat.”

Once again, my initial instinct is to argue that I should go home and put some distance between us. Especially since he’s made this decision without asking me. But the thought of dining out is much better than eating a peanut butter sandwich alone. Then I remember what I’m wearing.

“I can’t go out to dinner like this. I’m a wreck.”

“You’re beautiful. And dressed for where we’re going.”

“Are we finishing our beer?” My nerves kick into overdrive at the thought of a dinner date with Miller in public.

“You want to finish your beer? Watching you take those two sips was only slightly less uncomfortable than your apologies and thank yous.”

I push at his shoulder, rolling my eyes. “It wasn’t that bad! I used to put my brothers to shame. My reputation as the keg stand champion at Georgia games is unmatched. I’m out of practice.”

He scans my face, his arms squeezing once more before letting me go. His hand slides in mine. “Come on, party girl. Let’s get you something more pleasing to your palate. And on the way, I’ll let you tell me all about your upside-down beer guzzling. It’s a great visual.”

I fight like hell to remain straight-faced but fail when my lips curl up as I let him lead me back to his truck.

•—•—•—•—•

“Are you finally going to tell me how you pulled this off?” I wave my hand over the table, which is filled with the remnants of our dinner.

When Miller drove straight to my house, I assumed he changed his mind about going out. A wave of disappointment flooded through me until I caught the mischief in his eyes when he came to my door, took my hand, and led us straight through to my back porch where a full-course dinner was waiting.

“I have connections.”

“Connections that cater, deliver, and set up a full meal?”

“Told you this morning, people don’t like to disappointment me.”

“You’re full of surprises.”

“Better watch it, Princess. That almost sounded like a compliment. First, you like my house, and now you like my dinner.”

“It’s the wine. The wine is the best part.” I tip my glass his way.

“Mom and Darby love that brand, thought you may like it.”

“My new favorite.”

He flashes me a smile, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of his beer. His gaze fixes on my backyard, and we fall into silence. The night has been nothing less than wonderful. Our conversation geared toward normal subjects, mostly me questioning the project sites we stopped by today. He stayed safe, too, asking about my family and brothers. He didn’t push or bring up Chicago, and I didn’t dare mention anything from earlier in the day.

It was light, easy, and possibly the most carefree I’d felt in months.

After a bit, I catch the way his nails scrape the label on the neck of his bottle and his weary expression that is a million miles away.

“Are you okay?”

His eyes cut to mine, and it’s obvious something’s bothering him. “Yeah, sorry, my mind drifted to the day.”

“A lot happened today. Anything specific?” God, I hope he doesn’t bring up the scene from this morning.

He studies me for a second and takes another gulp of his beer. “It’s personal. You able to handle that?”

His tone isn’t rude, but it still stings. I’ve shut him down hard when it comes to my personal life, and it’s hypocritical for me to ask him to open up. But at this moment, I’m breaking my own rules because whatever is on his mind is important to me.

“I deserve that, but yes. If you want to talk about it, I’m here to listen.”

“I’m worried about Darby.”

His admission causes my chest to seize. He doesn’t have to explain for me to understand what he is saying. Miller briefly described his conversation with Pierce this morning. When we arrived at the bakery today, my instincts went on alert. Darby tried to put on a happy appearance, but something was upsetting her.

That’s when I saw the side of Miller as the loving brother and brother-in-law that almost shattered my resistance. I’m walking into a minefield with my heart right now because whatever he says will only drag me deeper. Yet, I can’t stop myself from commenting. “I’ve never been pregnant, obviously, but I think she had a valid reason for her sadness. Her life is taking a drastic change. It’s a lot.”

He pierces me with a hard stare. “You really think that’s it?”