Southern Player (Charleston Heat 2)

The spice of the sausage plus the buttery starchiness of the grits smells downright heavenly. Having a chef for a brother definitely doesn’t suck sometimes.

Eli kisses Olivia as he hands her a knife and fork. She blushes. He grins, eyes lingering on her face for one beat, then another.

By the time I screw my courage to the sticking place, we’re all sitting at the island, quietly digging into our bowls.

“So,” I say, using both hands to wipe my mouth with my napkin. I fold it in half over my index fingers and carefully place it on my lap.

Eli looks at me, shoveling a spoonful of grits into his mouth. “So.”

“Grits are good,” I say. “Really good.”

“They’re Luke’s. First batch he milled on his new farm. Used heirloom corn he grew out there. Fuckin’ ridiculous, right?”

My heart lurches at the mention of Luke’s name. I look down at my bowl.

“Luke made these?”

“Uh-huh. Gotta hand it to the guy—never does anything halfway.”

Of course he doesn’t.

My. God. As if I couldn’t want this man more.

“Funny you should mention him,” I say.

Olivia’s eyebrows pop up. Her lips move into a small, knowing smile. “Oh? Why is that?”

Looking down at my lap, I take a deep breath. Look up at my brother.

“How weird would it be if I told you I wanted to hook up with Luke?”

Elijah goes still mid-bite. Stops blinking. Jaw stops moving. A beat of horrifically uncomfortable silence blooms between us as he stares at me.

At last he swallows. He grabs his coffee and gulps at it.

“You wanna have sex with my best friend,” he says. Deadly calm.

I curl my fingers around the edge of the countertop. “Yeah. I’d like to, yes.”

My brother is still staring at me.

“Whose bright idea is this?”

“Mine.” I glance at Olivia. “I’ve been reading My Deal With the Duke. And you know how Lady Jane propositions Max the Duke—how she asks him to help her explore sex? I was thinking of doing the same. Asking the same. Asking Luke, I mean.”

Eli’s eyes go wide. We’ve always been close—always been open with each other. But even for us, this is a lot of sharing.

He turns to glare at Olivia. “This is your fault, you know.”

“I know,” she replies, still smiling. She looks at me. “I happen to think it’s a fantastic idea.”

He groans. Runs a hand down his face. “Really? My baby sister gettin’ naked with my best friend is a fantastic idea? Jesus.” He shakes his head.

“I’m not a baby,” I say.

“But you are my sister,” he shoots back, eyes snapping to mine. “My only sister. I’ll always look out for you, Gracie. I’ll always want you to be happy. And I’m not at all convinced Luke Rodgers could get you there. Not because he isn’t a good guy. Hell, he’s one of the best. But from what I gather, y’all want different things. Luke’s always been a love ’em and leave ’em type. And you’re…not.”

I set my fork and knife down. “Maybe I’ve changed my tune.”

Eli cocks a brow.

“Bad break-ups,” I explain. “Asshole exes. Grieving heart. The usual suspects that would make one leery of another long-term commitment.”

Eli’s expression softens. “I know you been havin’ a rough time of it lately, Gracie. I just…I don’t want you gettin’ hurt is all.”

“I appreciate that. I do. But I wouldn’t be asking you if I thought it would end badly. Luke and I are both adults. We’re capable of real communication and critical thought. I think we can make this work, Eli. Like you said, Luke is a good guy. He respects me. I respect him. You know I’ll be safe with him.”

Eli arches a brow.

“You think you’ll be safe if you catch feelings for him? You think your heart will be safe with him then, Gracie?”

I roll my lips between my teeth. “I can’t guarantee that won’t happen. But I’ve got my guard up. I know Luke. I know how he is. I’m not expecting anything other than what I ask of him. I’m just looking for fun.”

Eli lets out an annoyed breath.

“You can’t find anyone else in this city to have fun with? Someone who isn’t practically family?”

Olivia laughs, holding a forkful of shrimp in front of her mouth. “She’s got her sights set on Luke. No one else will compare. Not for this job.”

“Exactly. Thank you,” I say to her, grateful for the vote of support. “Look, Eli. Just say the word and I’ll drop the idea and never mention it again. If you’re not okay with it, it won’t happen. But I’ve had a shitty few months, and some sexual healing could go a long way in helping me heal.”

He scoffs. “No pressure or anything.”

“Sorry,” I say.

I know I’m being a little shameless in pressing my case. But I’m desperate.

I wait with bated breath while Eli studies my face. My pulse drums inside my skin. I don’t know what my next step will be if he says no. Now that I’m staring down the barrel of this particular gun, I’m realizing just how much I do want Luke for this job. Only Luke. I don’t think anyone else could get me quite so excited.