Southern Seducer (North Carolina Highlands 1)

At the same time, I can’t help but notice the way Samuel goes stiff beside her.

“Beau is too kind. Yes, I’ve come up to the mountain for a bit of a trial run.”

“Nothing’s set in stone yet,” Samuel grunts.

I glance between the two of them. “How’s it going so far?”

Emma purses her lips. Samuel glowers.

“What can I get you to drink?” Emma clips. “Beau says you know wine. If that’s the case, I’d like to recommend something new we’ve got on the menu. It’s a red from a small maker called Ve—”

“You should try a grenache. Or a blend.” Samuel edges in, cutting Emma a glance. “Greene Family Vineyards makes a great red blend. It’s delicious, especially for its price point.”

Emma cuts him a glance right back, sharp and quick. “Verity is also a great bargain. They put a little charbono in, giving that plum a nice smoky edge.”

“You and the braggy grapes.” Samuel turns to her, hands on his hips. “If I had a dime—”

“If I had a dime for every time you ‘casually’ mention your seven-figure private collection—”

“Then you’d have a seven-figure collection, too. I get it. Jealous much?”

Emma crosses her arms and thrusts her head forward. “Jealous of your entitled attitude and endless need for validation? Sure. Yeah. Definitely jealous of that.”

“You know I’d be your boss, right? I can—”

“Fire me? Ha. I dare you. I don’t work for you yet, remember? Your brother will have a fit if I leave before y’all even hire me. Your wine program will take a nosedive when I go, contrary to what you believe about your own prowess.”

“Our wine program will be just fine without you, thank you very much.”

“That’s not what Beau says. And deep down, you know that’s not true. Why can’t you just admit I know more than you?”

Samuel’s nostrils flare as he stares her down. Emma is a small girl, and he dwarfs her. He’d dwarf anyone. He’s the biggest of the Beauregard boys, and that’s saying something. Not that it seems to faze her one iota. She’s going toe to toe with him, and I have to admit, it’s kinda fun to watch.

These two do not like each other.

I think they might also want to tear each other’s clothes off.

I shouldn’t smile, because really, whatever’s going on between them is none of my business. But smiling feels nice right now: a welcome antidote to the brick sitting in my stomach.

“I was actually going to go with a mocktail,” I say in an attempt to break the stalemate. “Something not too sweet?”

Emma turns to offer me a tight smile. “My favorite mocktail on the menu is the basil and lime smash. We make it with club soda, so it’s more refreshing than sweet.”

“Sounds perfect.”

With one last wicked glance at Samuel—Lord, if looks could kill—she disappears across the restaurant.

Samuel watches her go. “Sorry you had to see that. I don’t normally get into it with staff in front of guests. But Emma and I don’t exactly see eye to eye.”

“I picked up on that. She gives as good as she gets.”

“I know.” A muscle in his jaw—same one as Beau’s—twitches. “It’s so damn annoying.”

“Annoying?” I sip my water. “Or arousing?”

Samuel shakes his head and straightens, taking a long breath through his nose. “Y’all enjoy your meal. If there’s anything we can do for you, just say the word.”

“Will do.”

He heads toward the front of the restaurant.

“Prowess,” Samuel mutters as he goes, running a hand up the back of his head. “What the fuck does that even mean?”

To: Annabel Rhodes ()

From: John Riley Beauregard ()

April 29, 2006 3:01 AM EST

Subject: Re: HOLY SH!T YOU GOT DRAFTED!!!!!!!!!

BEL ONLY 21 DAYS UNTIL YOU COME HOME! Not that I’m counting. I can’t wait to celebrate with you. This has been the longest semester without you here.

We had a draft party with the team on campus, but I’m waiting for you to come home to really throw down. Should we go somewhere ridiculous, just because we can? Aruba, Bahamas? I know you’ll just be getting back from Spain, but I’m down if you are.

I can afford this shit now. How wild is that?

TBH the whole draft experience has been a whirlwind. After the combine I got really excited about going pro. Been my dream for as long as I can remember. Just wish my dad could’ve been here to see it come true. We all miss him. Samuel especially has really been struggling since the funeral.

I’m doing my best to fill Daddy’s shoes as head of the family. It ain’t easy. But all this happening is putting a pep in everyone’s step. Plus, let’s be real, the money doesn’t hurt.

Still. I’m gonna miss Carolina. I’m gonna miss you. Part of me wants to stay so I can finish my degree. But then another part thinks I’ll have time for that later, after I make my money and fix up the farm.