Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“Then, I understand there’s a problem with your brother.”

“Miller won’t be a problem.”

“Outside of Darby, those two are the most important. Because you’re both going to need all the support you can get when Connie throws down. I suspect that is going to involve your children.”

I close my eyes and drop my chin to my chest, blowing out a deep breath. Stephanie doesn’t even know Connie, and she has her pegged. “I’ll start with Evin,” I concede, suddenly exhausted.

“Good choice.”

“Anything else?”

“Yeah, once you talk to Darby and Evin, you’ll be calling me again. By that time, I can drop the smokescreen and we can make a plan.”

“Two days, Stephanie. Two days is all it took for me to fall completely back in love with her. Losing her again isn’t an option.”

“Then, don’t fuck this up.”

The line goes dead, and I drop my phone on my desk. The stack of paperwork calling for my attention is going to have to wait. The scent of Darby clings to me, inducing more memories. I told Stephanie it took two days to fall back in love with her, but the truth is, I never fell out of love. A familiar pain seizes in my chest at not knowing what I’m up against. This may be the fight of my life, but like I said, losing her again isn’t an option.

•—•—•—•—•

When I get out of my truck, I follow the sound of barking from behind the shed. Edward and Darby are tossing a rope-like toy back and forth, and Runner is going crazy trying to catch it mid-air. Annie stands on the porch with a drink in her hand and a smile on her face. She catches sight of me, her smile growing wider, and tips her drink in my direction. I jerk my chin and don’t hesitate to head their way.

Darby gives in, throwing the rope high in the air for Runner, and when he catches it, he sprints to her, jumping in her arms and setting her off balance. They both go down, and I halt when she hits the ground hard, her body bouncing up.

“Runner, no!” I scream, racing to her, fitting myself between the overly excited dog and her body. He takes this as an invitation to play more and pounces on my back. “Runner, stop!”

Darby’s eyes grow wide, and Runner stops moving, slinking to her side.

“Are you okay?” I scan over her face, neck, chest, and arms, cradling her head in my hand.

“I’m fine. We were playing.”

“He took you down rough.”

“We do this all the time.”

“You could have been hurt.”

“I braced.”

“Baby, that dog could seriously crush you with that much momentum and strength.”

“You’re overreacting.” Her eyes roll to the sky.

“Let me help you up.” I slide my other arm around her waist and stand, taking her with me. When she’s steady on her feet, I twist her. There’s a spot of red seeping through her shirt, and I pull the material up to see a long scratch on her lower back.

“Pierce,” she hisses, trying to wiggle away.

“Don’t move.”

“Put my shirt down. Did you forget my parents are here?”

“I’m inspecting a cut, not ripping your clothes off… yet.” I throw in the last part where only she can hear.

Her face heats, and she slaps at my hand. Runner rounds our legs, butting up to me.

“You’ve hurt his feelings. He’s not used to getting yelled at.” She shifts, squatting down and giving the dog a hug. His eyes stay on me, and I swear that dog looks as if he’s ready to cry. His sad expression hits me square in the chest. I kneel next to her and rub his head a few times.

“It’s okay, boy, but you’ve got to be more careful.” He actually nods in understanding, nuzzling his face in my palm.

“What are you doing here?” I don’t miss the wince when she stands again.

“I told you I’d see you tonight.”

“I guess I thought you’d call first or come after dark.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Less chance of being seen.”

“I’m not hiding anything, Darby. Are you?”

She glances down, to the sides, over my shoulder, and finally to me. Her eyes are filled with doubt and insecurity. “It’s probably better for you.”

“Let me worry about what’s best for me.”

“We don’t want to give people the wrong impression.”

I step back into her space, frame her face with my hands, and enjoy the look of shock when she realizes what’s about to happen right before I lower my mouth to hers. She tenses, her body stone still as I run my lips across hers several times. My tongue darts out, and I groan at the taste of toffee and caramel. “You taste delicious,” I murmur.

A throat clears behind us, and I nibble on her lower lip lightly before turning back to Edward and Annie. Edward’s arm is around Annie’s shoulders, and she is leaning into him with a look that takes me back in time. She’s happy, relaxed, and completely unfazed with my show of affection.