Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“I’m figured you’d try.”

“I’m going to speak in a way you can understand. This isn’t only about the uncertainty of your family vacation with your kids. Pierce, I still have a small business to run. Orders are already on the calendar throughout the month. The bizarre was my last event, but there are a few other things around town I’m committed to. There is no way I can take off for a week and still fulfill my obligations.”

I have to control the urge to argue with her. Dad is more than capable of handling our business while Miller and I leave for the week. Hell, it’s not unusual for all three of us to be out of the office for a few days. I knew it would be hard for her but hoped she’d at least consider a way to make it happen.

“There’s no way I’m leaving you for a whole week. We’ll make something work.”

“You’re not listening.”

“I hear you loud and clear, and I understand. We will figure out something.”

She chews on her lip, deep in thought, flicking her eyes around. “If you’re hearing me, then hear this. I’ll drive down and spend the day on Saturday.”

“I have a better idea. You come with us on Friday night and stay through Monday morning? Then maybe you could pull through with your orders on Monday and Tuesday and come back?”

She shakes her head with an amused expression. “I’ll drive in Saturday morning, spend the day, and drive back that night. Take it or leave it.”

“That’s two hours of travel by yourself. It’s ridiculous.”

“Let’s see how it goes with the kids sharing their dad on vacation.”

I think her plan is shit but know this is a chance to prove I can see things from her perspective. My grunt is my response, and her face brightens with the victory.

I’ll let her think she’s won… for now.

Chapter 23

Darby

I drive down the sleepy street with my windows and sunroof open. The smell of salty air and sunshine breeze through the truck, and Runner’s perched up with his head out the window, his tail wagging excitedly.

I’m right there with him. This neighborhood is gorgeous, and Pierce has spent two weeks hyping this place up in an attempt to get me to stay. I held my ground on this daily visit to test things out but secretly have been thrilled to spend the day at the beach. The phone rings, and I barely get out a ‘hello’ before Pierce is talking over me.

“Where are you?”

“Good morning to you, too.”

“I’m standing in the foyer, staring out to an empty driveway. My morning is not going to be good until you pull in.”

I take the turn, the large house coming into view. “Kinda like right now?”

The line goes dead, and he walks out the front door, marching toward me. He’s wearing his running gear and his hat turned backward, looking every bit the sexy as sin man that makes my heart soar. I’m not even at a complete stop before he’s slinging my door open, leaning in, and shifting my SUV into park. My seatbelt is released, and in less than five seconds, I’m in his arms, his mouth on mine.

His tongue takes over, the taste of clean spearmint filling my mouth. I wrap my arms around his shoulders, slanting my head and giving in to the familiar hunger that rushes through my body every time he touches me. He threads his fingers through my hair, thrusting his hips to mine. I whimper at the feel of his rock-hard length rubbing against me. He shifts us until my back hits metal, trapping me between his solid body and the edge of my doorframe.

My leg hooks around his waist, drawing him closer. I forget where we are, all logic flying of out my brain. His body heat surrounds me, soaking into my skin as he kisses me with the hunger of a starved man. His lips move urgently on mine, his tongue sweeping through my mouth as if we’ve been apart forever.

The thin material of his shorts and my loose dress do nothing to contain the way he rubs against me at the perfect angle, stroking me with his small thrusts.

“Didn’t fucking like waking up without you,” he growls into my mouth.

My only response is a low moan to the delicious friction happening.

Faintly, I hear a throat clear, though neither of us is slowing down. It isn’t until Runner barks and whines close to my head that I snap back to reality.

“We have to stop.” I break away, trying to catch my breath.

“The kids are still asleep, and I don’t care about Miller.”

“Maybe you don’t, but I’m pretty sure my skirt is hiked up to my waist, and he’s going to get an eyeful of my ass in a second.”