Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

He swipes my nipples, sending pleasure everywhere, but I’m not giving in. His grunts grow louder as I pummel up and down, enjoying the view of watching him come undone. He tries to slow me by gripping my ribcage, but I stay focused.

“Say…” grunt… ”fucking…” groan… “YES!” he screams when I reach behind and grab his balls.

“Maybe,” I repeat again, referring to his constant insistence that I marry him. He’s not happy with my non-commitment, and this is getting fun.

His jaw locks, the veins in his neck and forehead tick, and when he opens his eyes, they are smoldering. My energy intensifies as I drive harder, fucking him like never before. Control is mine, and it’s a powerful drug that makes me want more.

He tries to roll us, but in this instant, I’m stronger, tightening my grip on his balls and thrusting forward with my hips. His teeth grind together, and he tries again only to howl when I scrape my nails, clenching every muscle in my body.

I’m sure the windows rattle and quake when he knifes up, screaming my name and jerking furiously. He thrusts up twice, and I’m crying out with him, giving into the fourth orgasm of the night. Sweat covers our bodies as he holds me close and unloads on shallow breaths.

“Welcome home, Pierce Kendrick,” I say hoarsely, finding it hard to breathe.

“Thirty-five years old. Jerked off to the image of you in that bathing suit for four days, multiple times, preparing for this night. No mercy, no excuses, you were going to say yes. Then, I let you take over and lost my goddammed mind.”

“Rookie mistake. I know how to play your game.”

He bites, actually bites, not nips, nibbles, or snips, the tendon in my throat, and I yelp. His tongue moves along the area, kissing gently. “I want an answer.”

“I want time.”

“I want you.”

“You have me.”

“I want everything with you.”

My heart melts, and I nuzzle into his neck. “I love you, Pierce. Give me some time.”

“I want it all, Darby, and you are the only one who can give me that.”

“Then, you’ll wait… and maybe give me a real proposal,” I throw in.

His head shoots up, and I know I’ve gotten through.

“If I kneel right now, worshipping you as I do, would that be the perfect proposal?”

“No, because I know your agenda. I need time, and,” I draw out, “we have more to conquer.”

He scowls, clearly disapproving. “You aren’t leaving this town without a ring on your finger. Six months in Aspen is going to be hard enough.”

I take advantage of our position, leaning to the side and bringing him with me as we fall. “Baby, you just got home from a great vacation. Let’s not focus on when I move.”

“Temporarily move,” he corrects.

A change of subject is in order. “Why don’t we discuss you sic’ing your Mom on me last night?”

“I told you already, that had nothing to do with me. Annie was the ringleader. All I wanted was for Mom to offer to help you with anything so you didn’t spend the fucking night in that bakery again.”

I study him closely and decide he’s telling the truth, or at least the half-truth.

“It wasn’t intentional, and in a way, I did it for you. Well, as a surprise. With the exception of a few hours on Sunday to fill my orders for the Fourth of July events, I’ve arranged to be off through Wednesday.”

His eyes light up, and like always, my heart melts at the blue beams staring back. The Fourth of July was always one of our favorite holidays. The Kendrick’s have a huge bash that rivals most of the celebrations around town. Back in time, Kendrick Construction employees and all of our family and friends would start our day partying around the pool and break off when it got close to dusk. Miller always had the boat hitched and ready to go, and we’d ride out to watch the fireworks from the water. Sometimes, Miller brought a date; sometimes, he didn’t. But Pierce and I always watched the fireworks with me on his lap, kissing and whispering.

His gaze grows soft, and I know he’s remembering the same things.

“You know my parents upgraded that old boat. Bought one with a cabin.” One side of his lip curls up.

“Why do you think I took the next day off?”

This earns me a full out, blinding smile.

Chapter 26

Pierce

I sip my beer and take in the scene of my parents’ backyard. Runner lays snoring in the shade, worn out from a day of doggy entertainment. There is no telling how many treats and snacks that dog has been given. Next to Darby, this dog is one of the most popular guests of the day. In his own canine way, he’s charmed everyone he’s met.

Every year, Mom barks orders at us until Dad, Miller, and I have everything set up. It’s a pain in the ass, and I’ve hated every second.