Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“Okay, but there’s one problem. I’m pretty sure I can’t walk.”

His face lights up, his eyes filled with pride as he bursts into laughter.

•—•—•—•—•

“Finally, I get to see where the magic is made.” Miller waltzes into the kitchen casually.

“I thought you were in meetings this evening?”

“Nah, I was dismissed early.”

“Dismissed, meaning you bailed?”

“Same thing, right?” He wiggles his eyebrows, grinning.

“And, instead of spending your time enjoying the gorgeous city of Aspen, you came to watch me decorate truffles?”

“Yep, I wanted to see you in action. Besides, we have the big party tonight.”

“Well, you missed prime time. An hour ago, this place was insane, all to get ready for the party.”

“Where is everyone?”

“Once we cleaned up, their shifts ended. All I have to do is finish these, and I’m done, too.”

“Need help?”

“Not unless you want to take responsibility for the presentation and appearance of an eight-hundred-dollar tray of truffles.”

His eyes bulge, and he throws his hands out. “No, thanks.”

I chuckle and meticulously drizzle the chocolate sauce over the pieces.

“Nice kitchen. Do you like it?”

“What’s not to like? It’s large, pristine, and efficient. We have been able to produce substantial quantities, and there’s plenty of room to move around.”

“That sounds mildly clinical.”

“I will admit that a little more personality would make this space inviting. The industrial ambiance isn’t my style.”

“What would you do differently?”

“Nothing in terms of the appliances and general set-up. Pops of color on the walls, a few pictures, maybe something besides standard recessed lighting. But this is a corporate kitchen.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He glances around attentively with a look I know well. It’s the look of a contractor working through an idea in his head.

“I didn’t think your contract included the kitchen renovations.”

“It doesn’t. This was pure curiosity.”

We stay quiet for a few minutes until my own curiosity wins out. “Has he heard from her?”

Miller shrugs, avoiding my eyes. My mood plummets because he’s not going to be forthcoming.

“How mad was she?” I try again.

“We’re not going to talk about her.”

“Apparently, that’s the Kendrick theme because Pierce is avoiding the subject as well. He’s hiding something and obviously upset.”

“He misses you, that’s all.”

“I get that, but this is beyond the surface of missing me. He’s protecting me from something. I may have been gone for a long time, but I didn’t lose my touch of sensing when something’s wrong with him.”

“You should talk to him.”

“Instead, I’m talking to you.”

He blows out a breath, scrubbing his hand through his hair, and focusing back to me. He doesn’t have to say a word; it’s written on his face.

“She’s gone crazy, hasn’t she?”

The ‘she’ being Connie. Today, Brasher Resorts finally made a public announcement about opening their southern location next spring. Typically, this would have been an exciting occasion because the secret is out. Pierce arranged for his mother to take Maya and Cole to school this morning so we could tell them together. I knew from the gazillion text messages that the City of Charleston was ecstatic with this news. They may be calling it a boutique resort, but they have huge plans for it.

“All I know is Pierce won’t take her calls, and her messages are loaded with hatred.”

“I guess the impasse is over.”

“Yeah, her knowing about the resort means she knows you have a job and will be coming back home. My guess is she ignored Pierce when he told her your move was temporary. Now, it’s a reality. She’s on a rampage.”

My hands shake so bad, I screw up the glaze on a few of the truffles. “Here, these are yours.” I hand them to him.

“Jesus, woman,” he garbles with a mouthful of chocolate. “These are fucking fantastic.”

“That’s why we can charge what we do.”

“Lucky for me, my future sister-in-law is the mastermind.”

His reference helps my spirits, and I go back to dribbling curlicues.

“Darby, Pierce is going to handle this situation with Connie.”

“You sound exactly like him.” I don’t look up from my work.

“He doesn’t want you to worry. I’m not asking you to lie—”

“It’s okay, Miller. I’m not going to tell him about this conversation. I’m hoping he shares.”

I know there is more to this, but I don’t have a chance to ask because Pierce and Warren stride in.

“I want whatever that is.” Warren steals the last chocolate from Miller’s hand and pops it into his mouth.

Pierce crowds close. “You almost done, baby?”

“Soon. How were the meetings?”

“Meetings are meetings. We’re on schedule and budget, so our asses aren’t on the line. Can’t say the same for the other companies. Where’s your ring?” He eyes my hand, scowling.

“Tucked in a safe place.”

“I’d rather it be on your finger.”

“I don’t usually wear it to work, especially when my days are like today.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“You’re cute when you pout.”

“We’re going to head back to Darby’s to get ready for tonight,” Warren announces. “I’ll take Runner on a quick walk, too.”