Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“Why don’t you try to make things right with Darby first?”

“Let’s hope she’s as forgiving to me as she was with you.”

“Forgiving? If you think that, then you’re dead wrong. I have a long way to go.”

“Must have made some headway if you’re traveling with her tomorrow. Any advice?”

“Nope, you’re on your own. My form of persuasion comes with benefits.”

He drops his head and rakes his hands through his hair. “Please, God, let us all work through this mess before you knock her up again.” His tone is serious, but the twitch of his lips gives him away.

Usually, this would piss me off, but tonight, I find it hilarious. I throw my head back in laughter and hear him doing the same.

“The thought may have crossed my mind, but she’s got too much at stake right now. Don’t think Stephanie didn’t say the same thing.”

“I can’t wait to meet Stephanie.”

“She’s different, but her priority is Darby, and that’s what counts.”

He chuckles again and pins with me with a look that grows serious. “I’m sorry, Pierce, for the role I played and for not encouraging you to go after her. I’m rooting for you this time.”

“Good, man, because I’m going to need all the help I can get. Connie’s up to something.”

“Want to talk about it?”

I pour another round in my glass, knowing I’m going to need it to get through this story. “She’s mad, she’s unpredictable, and she threatened to ruin me. Then, in the next sentence, she told me she thinks it’s best for Maya and Cole if we combine our households and give them a chance at a stable home life with both parents. She wants to move in.”

His back goes straight, and a low whistle fills the air. “You’ve got to be shitting me.”

“Nope, that’s why this trip is important. At this point, she has no idea I’m going with Darby, but it’s not going to be a secret for long. Connie’s bound to do something drastic, and I have to be prepared.”

“We got this, Pierce. She’s not going to ruin this for you again.”

The look of fierce determination on Miller’s face gives me hope that he’s right.

Chapter 16

Darby

Strong arms circle my waist and twirl me around. Before I can make a sound, Pierce’s mouth crushes mine. One hand tangles in my hair, slanting my head to deepen the kiss. I sink into him, using his body as my anchor, and give in to his silent demand. All thoughts and reasoning disappear, and the world around us drifts away.

At this moment, I’m floating on a cloud of bliss, and being wrapped in his arms is exactly where I’m supposed to be. When I woke this morning, a wave of anxiety and uncertainty hit hard. I wondered again if I was making the right decision and if my small business was ready for this step. He took one look at me, folded his body around mine, and held tight. The safety and security of his embrace was all it took for my nerves to instantly relax.

The day turned into a whirlwind of introductions and meetings, and through it all, he’s stayed close, never far from my side. A few minutes ago, I stood next to the CEO and CMO as they announced our partnership to bring DG Creations to the flagship Brasher Resort. It was an intimate announcement, highlighting my business connections and clients over the years. I had read through what Stephanie, Mom, and the Brasher PR team had put together, but this was the first time Pierce had heard. Personally, I thought it was embellished and could have been summed up with a few sentences. Mom didn’t agree, so while I listened to the exaggerated tale of my success, Pierce stepped behind me, slid his hands on my hips, and held on. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught him staring at me, his blue eyes glowing with encouragement and pride.

I know I’m in trouble and going down a dangerous path, but with his lips on mine, nothing seems to matter. His tongue sweeps through my mouth, and faintly, I hear the familiar click of a cell phone, bringing me out of my haze. I break away and look to my side, gasping at the man aiming his cell phone a few feet away. Pierce lets out a rough growl and tightens his hold protectively at the same time I squeal, “Scottie!”

I try to wiggle free, but he only lets me go when Stephanie pops out from a column and whisper-yells, “Surprise,” throwing her arms out.

I rush to them, pulling them from both sides until we’re all locked together. “You guys came.” Overwhelming emotions clog my throat.

“Of course, we came. This is the most excitement our office has ever had. You think I’m going to miss it?” Scottie leans back and cups my cheek. “You looked fabulous up there.”