Southern Charmer (Charleston Heat 1)

“I stand by that statement,” I say hotly, before sucking on my beer like my life depends on it. “Was I upset when I found out The Jam wasn’t the hit The Pearl was? Yes. But I’m still proud of the food we made there. And I still got The Pearl. Which is still makin’ money hand over fist.”

Luke settles his back against the bar and looks me in the eye. “I’m saying this as a friend, E. But maybe you’re ignoring the fact that you’re feelin’ a little lost right now. You gotta give yourself time to mourn The Jam. Part of me thinks you’re wantin’ this girl to kiss you to distract you from the fact that you failed. ’Cause let’s face it, Elijah—you’ve never failed at a damn thing in your life until now. I don’t buy that you’re over it already.”

I set my empty bottle on the bar harder than I mean to. Jake looks up from the glass he’s wiping clean. He nods when I motion for another beer.

I’m angry. Which means Luke is probably right.

Doesn’t mean the things I feel for Olivia aren’t real, though.

Doesn’t make her any less special. So maybe I pump the brakes a little. Let our friendship deepen. But I’m not giving up on her.

Not yet.

I settle my elbow on the bar and let out a sigh. Jake hands me a fresh beer. “Luke, I appreciate the honesty. I don’t disagree with what you’re saying. Maybe I am jumpin’ in a little fast with Olivia. Maybe I am still a little upset about The Jam. But that’s all the more reason to have a good time tonight. I promise to slow down, all right?”

Luke opens his mouth to say something when I hear a familiar voice at my elbow.

“Well well well. If it isn’t my long lost brother.”

I look to see my baby sister Grace standing beside me, beer in hand. Smiling, I pull her into a hug.

“Hey Gracie,” I say.

“Hey yourself.” She pulls back to examine my face. “I was this close to filing a missing persons report, Elijah. I haven’t seen you in almost a month.”

I run a hand up the back of my head. Gracie’s got mama’s death stare down pat.

“I’m sorry. I know I been a shit brother lately. But with everything going on at the restaurant—”

“And everything going on with your new friend, Olivia.”

I blink. “How’d you know Olivia and I are…whatever we are?”

“Word travels fast in this town.” Grace smiles. “Also, she talks about you a lot when she comes into the shop. Like, a lot lot.”

My heart skips a beat.

“She does?”

Grace’s smile deepens. “Oh, you got it bad for this girl, don’t you?”

“That’s none of your business.” I sip my beer. “But if you must know, then yes, I would very much like to see more of Olivia.”

Luke steps up beside me.

“Grace,” he says. “You look…great.”

Still smiling, she replies, “Hi, Luke. I haven’t seen you in forever. How’ve you been?”

“I’ve been all right,” he replies. “What about you? I hear you’re killing it over at Holy City Roasters.”

Her smile turns teasing. “Sure am.”

She goes in for a hug. He lets her. When he steps back, he looks at her for a beat too long.

Grace is blushing. Luke is staring.

She only looks away when her phone starts to ring. She glances at the screen.

“Sorry,” she says. “I have to take this.”

Turning around, she moves away from us and brings the phone to her ear.

I take the opportunity to spear Luke with a look.

“What?” he says, sipping nervously at his beer.

“You know what. I saw the way you were looking at her.”

He turns bright red.

“I’m sorry, E,” he says. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“Look,” I say, turning to him. “Grace is a grown woman. She can make her own choices. I wouldn’t usually interfere with stuff like this. But she’s been dating the same guy for a while now, and she says she’s really happy with him. So leave her alone, all right? I don’t want you fucking with her head.”

Luke runs a hand through his hair. I can’t read his expression.

“Of course. Gracie’s a friend. Nothing more.”

I look at him. “Good. You understand, right? That I just want my sister to be happy?”

“Of course,” he repeats. “I want the same thing for her, Eli. Always have.”

I keep my eyes on him for another beat, trying to figure out what’s going on. He looks like a lost puppy dog. It’s pitiful.

Whatever. Luke’s love life is none of my business.

I turn my back to the bar and lean against it as I scan the crowd.

That’s when I lock eyes with a gorgeous brunette who steps through the side entrance nearby.

My heart skips a beat again.

It’s her.

Holy shit she’s here.

“Eli!” Olivia says, eyes going wide with surprise.