Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

Ashlyn looks at him and back to me, her gaze moving rapidly as if we are face-to-face. I squirm in my seat, knowing that look.

“We all saw the video and you were incredible.”

“Dante sent the video?” I screech.

There’s a pregnant pause before Miller clears his throat and buries his head in Ashlyn’s neck. My skin prickles and my eyes swing to the breakfast bar where Evin is gloating with a sly smile.

“Every bit of my strength is going to strangle my husband.”

“Don’t be too hard on him. He sent it to Ryanne and we bullied her to share it.”

“She’s on my shit list, too.”

Tyler stirs with a little noise and both their eyes drop to him. It’s impossible to miss the way Miller looks at his son.

“Give him kisses.”

“We will,” Ashlyn whispers, ending our call.

“Is it safe to approach?” Evin jokes.

“Only if you wipe that smile off your face.”

He smiles wider, turning to the kitchen and coming back with a bottle of wine. Gently, he eases me to a half-sitting position to lean on him and pours two glasses.

“You were wonderful.”

“I was sloppy, uncoordinated, and off-count.”

“In my eyes, you were sharp, lithe, and completely in rhythm.”

I sip the wine, trying to hide my grin at his word lithe. It’s been a long time since someone has said that.

“Not to mention sexy as hell.”

“For that, you’re forgiven for sending another video of me that went viral through the family.”

“Blame Ryanne. I sent to her, and she’s the one who can’t withstand the pressure.”

My smile fades and I aimlessly run my fingertip around the rim of my glass. His hand goes to my head, gently massaging the base of my neck. After a few seconds, I admit in a whisper, “I’m a horrible person.”

“Highly doubtful.”

“It’s true. I’m jealous Ryanne met Tyler tonight.”

“I know.”

“It’s weird that Ryanne flew to Charleston and is with our family while we’re here. Thinking this way makes me feel like a territorial bitch.”

“Not at all, it makes you—who you are. Darby, Ashlyn, and you have grown close. You’re sad to miss this. It’s understandable.”

“I guess.”

He studies me for a minute, his eyes a glittery bronze.

“Is something amusing?”

“You’re cute when you pout.”

“I’m not pouting.”

His eyebrows shoot up.

“I’m sulking, there’s a difference.”

“You have no idea why Andrew pushed so hard for Ryanne to get to Charleston, do you?”

“He’s pushing to get her there full-time.”

“Yes, and the fact that Tyler is his nephew. He wants there here for a reason. If things play out, Tyler will be Ryanne’s nephew, too.”

I gasp, jerking up as his words hit me. “Oh my God!”

“It can’t be that big of a surprise.”

“They’re crazy about each other, but that’s huge.”

“Not really.”

“Did he say something to you?”

Evin sips his wine, his eyes studying me, and he stalls in a way that tells me he’s holding back.

“Evin, this is my best friend! Tell me!”

“He called me yesterday and wanted to discuss how we can help sell this house. He’s done with the cross-country travel.”

“That’s not a secret.”

Andrew’s consulting business allows him the flexibility to mostly work anywhere. Similar to Evin, it’s easier for him to travel here with Ryanne’s job obligations. He’s spent almost the last five weeks in Vegas.

“He plans to talk to Ryanne this weekend and tell her that. It doesn’t matter if she has a job or sells this house. He’s prepared to do anything to get her moved.”

“She wants the security of a job.”

“We’ll see. He’s determined.”

I read into his statement loud and clear. “Oh boy. Maybe it’s a good thing we’re here. Charleston may blow up this weekend.”

“People are usually subdued when there’s a baby involved.”

“Sneaky! He’s using his newborn nephew as bait.”

He shrugs. “Whatever it takes. It’s a good plan.”

“You’re such a guy! That’s an ambush! I should warn her. Janie, Dozer, Ashlyn, Miller, they’re all accomplices.”

“You’re not calling her. She knew what she was getting into with Andrew, so let them work it out.”

I huff and dissolve back into his side. “Now I’m jealous she gets Tyler as a nephew.”

“Getting greedy?”

“Maybe, I want all the kids to call me Aunt Poppy.”

“That will happen anyway, regardless of bloodlines.”

I lay my head on his shoulder, sipping the wine.

“I’m taking over the mortgage on this house.”

“What?” I cough-choke.

“When Ryanne moves, I’m taking over the mortgage until it sells. Your job is here, and we need a place to live. It makes sense.”

“What?” I repeat, my brain not following.

“Cal and the trainers want you back full-time, right?”

“How’d you know?”

“It was a given before we arrived. The two-week trial was an experiment in your agility. It’s no surprise you’re killing their expectations.”

“I wish I shared your confidence.”

“The best way to get you there is to train with your team.”

“I didn’t like the idea in November and I don’t like it now.”

“In November, it was about your rehab. This is about your training. Talk to Cal and work out a schedule.”