Southern Desire (Southern Heart 2)

“Yeah, Aaron took me riding for the first time, and all I could do was think about all the shots that I could have gotten had I had my camera. When I mentioned it, we went out again, only this time not on a horse and I got some great shots for sure.”

“Great doesn’t justify them. I’m happy for you, Whitney. You really seem to be settled here. It’s like a calm surrounds you that you didn’t have in the city.”

“I love it here, I really do. Everyone is nice and I love being able to be close to family. Although, I feel like I don’t see them all that often.”

“Life.” She laughs. “It’s always getting in the way, but in this case, that’s not such a bad thing. You’re building one.”

She’s right, I am building a life here.

“So, Kathy called me last week.”

Damn. “Yeah, I talked to her about then. She sent me the names of some doctors here. She wants me to have a mammogram, you know, just to be safe. Early detection.”

“Have you?”

“No, not yet.”

“And why the hell not?”

Leave it to Jamie to call me on my shit. “At first I just wanted to settle in, you know? Not think about cancer or the risk that I have with Mom having had it. I know I need to do this, I do, but I just wanted some time to not be that girl.”

She places her hand over mine where it rests on my knee. “I get that, Whitney, I do. I understand. I was there with you and I watched her fight. That’s all the more reason you need to do this. You need to get the test. Early detection is key, and you know that.”

“I know. I’m going to go, I promise. She sent me some names and numbers. I’ll call next week.”

“You better. Don’t make me drive back down here.”

“Come and get it, ladies,” Aaron calls from the kitchen. The panic sets in.

“Whitney, have you not told him about the tests?”

I shake my head.

“Girl.” She stands, grabbing my arm. “He didn’t hear us, but you need to tell him. I’ve only been in his presence maybe ten minutes and I can tell you Aaron Mills is the kind of man to stand beside you.”

“I’m just not ready. He already treats me like I’m glass. Can you imagine what he’ll do if he found out I’m at risk?”

“Whitney, it’s nothing you did. Everyone knows that family history of breast cancer plays a factor. I’m sure Aaron knows that.”

“Knows what?” he asks.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“That we are bound to be up all night. It’s been too long.” Jamie saves my ass.

Aaron laughs. “No worries. I grabbed a couple pieces of pizza, and I’m headed out to the office. I have paperwork calling my name.” He leans in and kisses me. “Have fun. Call me if you need anything.”

Just like that, he’s out the door and I watch him go. Jamie’s laugh pulls my eyes back to her. “What’s so funny?”

“You got it bad, and gurrrlll, he is so hot.” She raises her hand for a high five and of course I don’t leave her hanging.

The rest of the night is spent with us laughing, talking, and drinking. I’ve missed her, but I don’t miss Chicago. With Jamie here, I feel strong in my decision to make Kentucky my permanent home.

Last night when I made it back in the house, the girls were tipsy. Whitney insisted that I sit with them for a few minutes. I did, of course. Telling her no really isn’t an option for me. They were entertaining, to say the least, telling me stories from their childhood. It was after two before I convinced them it was time to call it a night. I sent them upstairs while I cleaned up the living room and kitchen. Not that they were messy, but there were a few wine bottles and their glasses that needed to be picked up.

When I made it upstairs, Kinley’s door was shut. I stood outside it for the longest time, but I didn’t hear anything. It took all my willpower to keep from knocking on the door and getting a goodnight kiss from my girl. I was sure I was going to have a sleepless night knowing that she was next door. I was shocked when I made it to my room to see her curled up in a ball on my bed, wearing one of my shirts. I stood frozen, just taking her in. She’s the first and only girl who’s been in my bed. I have too much respect for my parents, and none of the others meant anything to me. I really need to start on my house.

That’s how I ended up where I am now, with Whitney lying on my chest, her soft breaths mingled with mine the only sound in my room. The sun is starting to rise and I realize I slept maybe a couple of hours at most. I couldn’t. As soon as I climbed in bed beside her, she gravitated toward me. I pulled her into my arms and nothing has ever felt so right. I spent hours just holding her, memorizing the moment, taking in her beauty from the comfort of my bed, bathed in the moonlight.

So here I am, my girl in my arms as I watch yet another sunrise with her. It doesn’t matter that she’s sleeping, this is still another moment, another memory with her. Olivia is coming over and they are all going out shopping and whatever else women do on a day out. I’m going to be gathering firewood and making sure there is ice and beer in the cooler. I have tents to put up and food to gather. Evan is coming over to help. Mike said he would as well if he could get out of the bar. He’s got some things to take care of before he’s off for the night. I have a long-ass list that needs to be done, including checking in at the stables, but I can’t make myself get up. Not when she’s wrapped around me. Yeah, not happening.

I hold her, dozing here and there, until she stirs beside me. “Morning, gorgeous.” I kiss the top of her head.

“Hi. I guess this was okay?”

“What? You being here? Hell yes, it’s all right.” I wrap my arms a little tighter around her to get my point across.

“I just . . . couldn’t resist.”

“I’m glad you didn’t. I heard Jamie get up about a half hour ago.”

She sits up. “Shit. Why didn’t you wake me? Or go sit with her?” she asks, jumping out of bed.

My eyes rake over her in my shirt. She’s so damn beautiful. “I didn’t want to move.”

She whips her head around to look at me. “What?”

“You were in my bed, curled up in my arms. I wasn’t moving until that changed.”