Miller's Time (Southern Charmers 2)

“I can do almost anything in these.” I kick out my leg and model the wedges. “Don’t forget I made it over the studs last night with ease.”

His smile dies as his lips form a tight line. “Yeah, that wasn’t smart.”

“I’m perfectly capable of balancing on two feet.”

“Don’t do something like that again.”

“I see you’re back to being bossy.”

“If you consider bossy watching out for your safety, then yes.”

“That’s twice you’ve insinuated that I’m a klutz or unable to handle simple things.”

“Baby, you want to walk a beam, I’ll set up a dozen in your living room. Last night, you could have fallen through the frame and broken your neck. My fucking fault that I got so caught up in Pierce’s shit that I didn’t finish the plywood first. But you should have the sense to walk around.”

There’s no time to argue and no time to brace because, by the time I catch the intention in his eyes, I’m out of my seat and in his arms with his mouth covering mine. The tip of his tongue slides in and rolls through my mouth once before he pulls away, setting me on my feet. I sway in a daze, latching onto his arm for balance.

He’s full out smiling when I regain my footing.

“What is wrong with you?” I squeak.

“Not a thing.”

“I told you no more kissing.”

“I must have missed that.”

“You didn’t miss it.”

“Keep arguing, Princess.” He raises an eyebrow, licking his bottom lip.

I open then snap my jaw tight.

“Now that I have your attention, it’s time to make some more decisions.”

“About?”

He takes my hand, walking us forward. “Landscaping.”

“We’re ready for that?”

“I’ve scheduled a crew in a few weeks. Thought today would be a good time to get an idea of what you’d like. It’ll make things easier.”

“I have a folder of ideas at the house.”

“Do you think a collection of magazine photographs is the way to make your selections? Look around.”

I do as he says and understand immediately his reasoning. “We should go back to the truck and get my phone.”

“Tell me what you like and I’ll get some pictures.”

For the next hour, we wind through streets, him taking pictures of everything I point out and explaining the pros and cons of maintenance required. We make a large circle, and I’m babbling non-stop with excitement about the possibilities. It’s not until I stop to take a breath that I realize he’s caged me in between his body and the passenger door of his truck.

His eyes glitter a blue so brilliant my skin heats under his gaze. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask low, my voice barely audible.

“Because you’re beautiful.” His hand moves to my face, his thumb skimming along my jawline. “And I love hearing you ramble.”

My lips press together and my eyes focus on the familiar lamb emblem on the left side of his shirt. “I may have gotten carried away.”

“If you get this jazzed about boxwoods and holly trees, the next stop will blow your mind.” His fingers move to my chin and bring my face to his. “I look forward to it.”

“Miller, I think—”

“Push it out of your head. It’s time you stop living behind this façade you’ve built. Whatever that scum-sucking asshole did to you is over.” It’s not lost on me the way his voice clips or the blaze in his eyes as he uses my words from earlier. “You’re here now, with me, and that time of your life is over.”

“It’s not that easy,” I say bleakly.

“We’ll see.” He leans down, his lips brushing mine. “Give me a shot before you count me out. I think you may be surprised.”

Any reasoning I have flies out of my mind when his lips are close and his scent fills the space between us. My hands betray me by gripping the sides of his shirt.

“Now, since you’ve made it clear you’re into getting a choice of things, you can decide. We can stand here longer, which means I’m going to kiss you.”

“What is my other option?”

“You can climb your gorgeous ass in my truck so we can get on with our date.”

“Is there an option three?”

“Yeah, I blow our reservation, take you back to my place, and you end up naked until Monday.”

A thrill trickles down my spine as I fight to stay level. “I guess it’s option two.”

He leans back, studies my face, and grins arrogantly. “Not my choice, but I’ll be a gentleman.”

In a flash, an arm wraps around my waist and he has me in the air. The door opens, and he places me on the seat, situating himself between my thighs. In this position, we’re eye-level, and I know I’m in trouble. He cups the back of my head, capturing my mouth and giving me a quick kiss, nibbling my bottom lip as he pulls away.