Southern Pleasure (Southern Heart 1)

“Yeah.”

“He telling the truth? You sign those papers?”

“I did. I didn’t read them. I skimmed to make sure the baby would be his full responsibility and signed.”

Done with this conversation, I reach over and snatch the cigarette out of his mouth. I crush it in my hands, then dust them off on the table. I know there are more where that came from, but I want to get my point across.

“See that you follow the contract. I would hate for you to be in contempt.” I stalk back to Aaron, slide in the booth, and pick up my now cold burger. I have to choke it down.

Aaron motions for the check as I make quick work of my food. He pays the bill and we leave. I feel sick at the thought of what types of situations she’s getting herself into.

I’ve spent the last six weeks working on my studio. I painted each of the four walls a different color. I’ve been picking up props at flea markets and clearance sales. It’s all really starting to come together. Aaron is supposed to help me hang blinds today. Sometimes I’ll need the natural light and others I won’t. I’m going to get him to help me setup my green screen bar and lights when he’s here as well. What are brothers for if you can’t use their muscles?

Stepping back, I survey the large room. It’s better than I had hoped. I have my first shoot in two days.

I can’t wait!

Not wanting to lose my momentum waiting on Aaron, I drag the ladder to the far wall, gather my hooks for props, and climb up. I want the hooks high enough so the kids won’t be able to get to them. I know how little ones like to explore in new places. Raising my arms to hammer in the first nail, I feel the ladder wobble. The next thing I know, I’m falling backward. Nothing but hard wood floor waits for me below. I brace myself for impact. However, it’s not the hard floor I collide with—-it’s strong arms.

“I got you,” a deep, husky voice whispers in my ear.

Evan.

He gently places my feet on the floor while holding onto my arms to make sure I have my balance. “Thanks,” I mumble.

“You’re welcome. Why didn’t you wait for Aaron to do this?” he asks.

“I’m on a roll. I have my first shoot in two days and I’m excited to get everything finalized.” My brain finally registers he’s here. “What are you doing here? Not that I don’t appreciate your impeccable timing.”

“Aaron’s stuck in traffic coming home from the stockyard. He called and asked if I had time to run over and help you. I believe he said, ‘Kinley is chomping at the bit to get this done.’”

“I’m excited,” I defend.

He chuckles. “I can see that, but we can’t have you getting hurt. Now, show me what needs to be done. We can get this place whipped into shape.” He reaches down and picks the hook up off the floor.

“I was . . . um . . . hanging them for those,” I point to the box of hats and scarfs I’ve acquired for props.

Evan nods and starts to climb the ladder. “Why so high?”

“I plan to do a lot of family and kids shoots. As a matter of fact, my first shoot is with twin boys for their first birthday. Little people like to explore in new places. I wanted the props out of the way of temptation for them. Besides, there will be less of a distraction and it will be easier for me to maintain their attention.” I look up at him and all I see is his ass, front and center in all its glory. Let me just tell you, Evan Chamberlin can fill out a pair of worn Levi’s. My mouth waters and I feel my face flush. Damn! I quickly look down to get myself under control.

“Can you hand me the next one?” Evan asks.

Shit!

Bending down, I pick up the other hook and attempt to hand it to him without looking. “Kinley,” his deep voice rumbles my name.

I get lost in the sound and forget I’m hiding my blush, which only makes me blush harder. “You good?” he asks.

Am I good? Um, hell yes I’m good. Turn back around and let me get back to ogling your fine ass. “Yeah,” I say instead. “Why aren’t you working today?” I ask to get my mind off his ass.

“Misty had her four month check-up today.”

“How did it go?”

“Good. She hasn’t gained much weight. The doctor told her she needs to eat more. She measured okay, but the doctor is just worried about her getting enough calories.”

“What did she say about it?”