Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“You do not get to question my parenting skills while you’re out flaunting around town with that tramp. I’m not going to sit here and let you chastise me because your piece of ass returned and swallowed your dick.”

The lady beside us openly gasps; I barely hear it over the roaring in my head. Heat and anger score through my veins with the familiar flood of disgust for this woman. The raging temper I’m known for boils close to the surface.

“Careful, Connie,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Don’t careful me, Pierce. I think it’s pathetic you’re willing to put your family through this over a woman that didn’t want you in the first place.”

“My family is perfectly fine, including my children, who now know about the woman their dad is in love with. I told you this isn’t about Darby. This is about the way you’ve chosen to act lately. Throwing yourself at me in public places, showing up uninvited, and deliberately misleading Maya and Cole is a huge problem. I’ve been lenient over the years, but you need to know I’m not putting up with you dragging the kids through hell over your petty jealousy.”

“Petty jealousy? I’m not jealous, especially over a woman that’s leaving in a month. You’re openly making a fool of yourself.”

I can’t help my lips twitching, thinking of the many times Darby said the same thing, only in a much sexier way. On that thought, I decide to stop back by the bakery on my way to work.

“Making a fool out of myself is not your problem. Nothing about my relationship with Darby is your business. I always have Maya and Cole’s best interests at heart; they are my priority. Darby in my life doesn’t change that we are parenting our children together. From now on, if you have something to say, you bring that shit to me. Don’t funnel it through them.”

“Fuck Darby in your life. I’m the mother of your children, and if you think I’m going to let her waltz in and—” Her voice steadily rises.

“Now, who’s making a fool out of themselves?” I cut her off, standing. I’ve said what needed to be said, and it’s time to go. She can bash Darby on her own time.

“Where are you going?” she seethes, the veins in her forehead popping.

“I’ve got places to be.”

“This conversation is not over.”

“You’re right. I have two things to add. Maya’s phone has been cut back to limited service. She no longer has access to adding apps or social media. She also understands that those privileges come when both her parents agree.” I lean in and say the next part so only she can hear. “Secondly, I hate doggy-style, always have. When I’m with a woman, I want to see her face. Jack Daniels and weed don’t equal a casual relationship. So, no, hopefully, Maya never finds out the truth.”

Fire blazes in her eyes, and I flash her a quick grin before strolling away. The owner of the shop calls out his thanks for the morning delivery, and I swear there’s a scream from the table I abandoned.

Perfect fucking exit.

Chapter 21

Darby

“Quit fretting. You’re getting wrinkles,” Mom instructs for the tenth time in as many minutes.

“Don’t you have someone else to harass? I’m trying to make sense of all this stuff you threw on me.” I thumb through the promotional display items that she brought with her. Apparently, as my assistant, she took it upon herself to work with the marketing team at Brasher Resorts and decided this was an excellent opportunity to advertise my new business venture.

“It’s simple, Darby. Place them on the table and move on.”

“It’s not simple! They don’t match my vision for the table. I had everything arranged in my head, and now I need to mesh my current decorations with all this stuff.”

“Geez, I thought Evin was my perfectionist. You need to get a grip.”

I stop short of pulling at my hair and slice my eyes to her in warning. “Go away.”

“Nope, I’m hopin’ this might cheer you up.” She digs in her bag and pulls out something rolled up in a ball. When she shakes it out, my breath catches in my throat.

It’s a black t-shirt with the DG Creations logo, and underneath, she’s added ‘est. Charleston S.C’. It’s a simple shirt, but the meaning behind it is anything but simple. It’s a reminder of my beginnings and much more. Familiar whistling sounds from behind, and I turn to see Evin, Dad, Lynda, Jill, Warren, and Miller walking our way wearing the same shirt with big smiles.

“I love it.”

“Figured it was time you had something that relayed your roots.”

All the irritation slips away, and I kiss her cheek. “Thank you, Mama.”

“How about one of those for me?” Warren extends his arms, and I go to him.