Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“You make a homemade breakfast with my kids, and then Miller is going to take them to the beach while you and I work it off in a different way.”

“Stand back.” I push against him lazily. “I’m here to spend the day with the Kendrick Family. You are going to have to control yourself.”

“Not in a million years.” He kisses me quickly, sucking my lip into his mouth.

“DAD! It’s time for the beach!” Cole shouts, skidding into sight, and my stomach lurches. He looks and sounds so much like Pierce, it’s uncanny.

“You trying to wake up your sister?” Pierce chuckles at his rumpled appearance.

“Hey, Darby!” He ignores his dad, coming to my side and giving me a one-armed hug.

“Hey, Cole.”

He eyes the scene in front of him, me holding onto his dad, and he scrunches his nose. “Why are y’all dressed in real clothes? Aren’t we going to the beach?”

“I went running, and Darby drove in, buddy. She’s making breakfast before we head to the beach.”

“Actually…” I raise a finger, and a loud slamming sounds from somewhere in the house.

“She’s up.” Cole grins triumphantly.

“I’ll wait then.” I leave the comfort of Pierce’s hold and start unpacking the items.

Miller comes in the back door, Runner pouncing behind him. He looks at me with his blissful doggy eyes and stops to smell every inch of the new space. Cole calls his name, and he prances over, nudging his thigh before licking his hand.

“What’s happening in here?” Miller goes to the coffee pot.

“Darby is spoiling us.”

“Fanfuckingtastic.” Miller grins over the rim of his mug.

“Here.” I shove a box of cookies at Pierce, who helps me unload the rest. It’s not long until we hear padding down the hall.

Maya comes into view, holding her phone. She looks drowsy, and her eyes barely meet mine before she head-plants into Pierce.

“Hand me your phone,” he instructs, rubbing her back.

“Hi, Darby.” She nestles into his side.

“Hey, Maya.” I take the coffee mug Miller offers.

“Electronic free weekend officially starts now.” Pierce slides her phone to the back of the counter.

“Mom wants you to call her,” she mumbles.

“I will,” he assures her, slicing his eyes to me.

“Your dad tells me you love donuts,” I announce, pointing at my dough.

They both perk up, coming close.

“Can you help me?” I ask.

“What do we do?” Maya asks as Cole slides to her side.

“First, find me a pan for oil.”

Miller jumps into action, grabbing me an extra-large pot. Pierce takes it and the oil I brought, starting the process. Cole and Maya roll out the dough, and when I suggest doing hand molds, they go crazy. I make sure the grease is ready, and Pierce steps up, helping them drop their creations. When they’re done, I scoop them onto a drain plate and give them the option of regular glaze, chocolate, and raspberry.

“I want it all!” Cole exclaims.

“I do, too,” Maya admits softly.

“Then you get it all.” Pierce ruffles her hair.

“Anyone want fruit?” I open the fridge and find what I brought amongst the full and overflowing contents. It’s hard to miss the two bottles of my favorite Chardonnay front and center, next to a stack of steaks.

The first sign he’s going to try to convince me to stay. I peer over my shoulder and find Pierce’s eyes glowing bright with mischief.

“Not going to work,” I insist, handing him the bowl of fruit.

“We’ll see.”

“What’s not going to work?” Cole sputters with a mouth full.

“Darby still thinks she’s going home tonight.” Pierce doesn’t hold back.

Cole snorts, covering his mouth and mumbling, “Yeah, we’ll see,” mirroring his dad’s words. Even Maya’s lips tip into a small grin as she makes brief eye contact with me. Neither of them seems fazed or insulted their dad wants me here, and I’m now suspicious of what he has in store. I don’t have to wait long for the next sign.

Runner bumps his nose to my knee and looks up at me expectantly. “It’s time to feed you.” I glance around for the plastic container of dog food I packed for the day.

“I’ve got it.” Cole leaps off his stool and hops over to the pantry, pulling out two brand new dog bowls and an unopened bag of Runner’s food.

“I’ll get the water,” Maya offers, and Cole hands her one of the bowls. They set up an area for Runner, and he butts his way in.

“Isn’t that convenient?” I slice my eyes back to Pierce, who’s now grinning arrogantly.

“Yep, convenient.” He takes the last bite of his donut and pats his stomach. “It’s a good thing we have all day to work off this breakfast.” The wink he shoots me sets my pulse racing, and I know he’s not referring to chasing Runner on the beach.

“I’ll take over clean-up so everyone can get ready.” Miller reaches for the remaining donut.