Southern Pleasure (Southern Heart 1)

Mom and Grandma talk about how pretty it is and how the white furniture really stands out with the color of the walls. All the same things Kinley had said.

“She’s done a great job. I love the room,” Mom says, handing my phone back to me.

“She really has. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

“How are they, McKinley and Aaron?” she asks.

“Good. Aaron and Jerry are still partners, although Jerry keeps saying he’s ready to retire and work for Aaron,” I laugh.

“I’m sure he is,” Dad says. “It’s hard work.”

“And McKinley?” Mom prompts.

“She’s great. She graduated a few months ago, so she’s living at home, which I think I told you. Jerry and Sarah gave her the space above the garage and she’s turned it into a studio for her photography. You should see some of her pictures. She’s really good. She’s been great about helping me shop and set the baby’s room up. She made me a list of everything I still need to do and has even convinced me I need a new truck.” I stop talking when I realize I’ve been gushing about her.

Looking around at my family, I see my praise didn’t go unnoticed. Dad and Grandpa are smirking at me; Mom and Grandma are wearing grins that could light up the state of Alabama.

“I’m glad she’s been such a help,” Mom says.

I nod. “She really has.” I dig into my food, hoping to end this part of the conversation.

The last five days have flown by. I’ve enjoyed spending time with my parents and grandparents. I don’t get to see them nearly enough. Dad, Grandpa, and I went fishing. It was great to spend that time with them. I could tell it wore Dad out, but he insisted we go.

Grandma and Mom purchased the largest suitcase I’ve ever seen and filled it to the point of bursting at the seams with baby items. Grandma made her a quilt, while Mom went crazy with dresses and what she called onesies, socks, and a whole bunch of other stuff I have no idea about, like burp cloths.

Mom drove me to the airport and it was a tearful goodbye. I’ll miss them, but once I’m boarded on the way back to Kentucky, it’s Kinley who filters through my mind.

Evan comes home today.

That’s my first thought as I slowly open my eyes to the early morning sun. We’ve texted a couple of times since he’s been gone, but it’s not the same. I think this is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since I’ve been home.

I’ve missed him.

I know it’s wrong and we’re just friends, but a girl can miss her friend, right? Groaning at my thought process, I reach for my phone. I see I have a missed text from Aaron.

Aaron: Morning! Text me when you roll your sleepy ass out of bed. I have a favor.

Checking the time of the message, I see it was sent at 5:55 this morning. It’s now 8:02.

Me: What’s up?

Aaron: I was supposed to pick Evan up from the airport, but one of the horses is sick. I’ve been in the stables since about two. Anyway, can you pick him up for me?

Today is Sunday, and I don’t have anything on the books for the studio. Being a photographer, I don’t have a traditional nine-to-five schedule and I love it.

Me: Sure, what time is his flight?

Aaron: Lands at two.

Me: Got it.

Aaron: You’re the best sister ever!

Me: LOL. Remember that when I come cashing in my IOU.

Aaron: You got it, little sister.

I smile at our banter. I love my brother. We’re friends just as much as we are siblings. I wonder what he would think about the thoughts I’ve been having about his best friend. When I was younger, I had the biggest crush on Evan. Now, this is . . . different. I can only assume it’s because we’re older, but my thoughts and these feelings go deeper than my teenage crush. When I was younger, I just wanted his attention and wondered what it would be like to walk down the halls of the high school holding his hand, being his girlfriend. Now, I want to trace every inch of him with my tongue. I want to strip him naked and have my way with him. Definitely not a schoolgirl crush.