Southern Desire (Southern Heart 2)

“Aw . . . ,” all three of them say at the same time.

“You’ve been busy,” Whitney says when we reach the pond. “When is everyone else getting here?”

“In about an hour. Evan was helping Kinley get the kids ready to take to Mom and Dad. Have you talked to Mike?” I turn to look at Olivia.

“Yeah, he just finished up at the bar.” She shows me the texts on her phone. “He’s waiting on David. Then they are heading this way.”

Just as we get the coolers unloaded and the blankets in the tents, Mike and David pull up. Olivia and Jamie go help them with unloading and setting up Olivia’s tent.

“You having a good day, gorgeous?”

She steps close, slips her hands under my shirt, and rests them on my lower back. “I am. Thank you for all of this. I was dreading today, but you’ve made it more than just mourning her. I’m remembering her. Thank you for that.”

“Think I earned a kiss?” I ask. My hands rest on her hips, pulling her closer to me.

Her answer is to stand on her tiptoes and touch her lips to mine.

“Hey now!” Mike says, joining us.

“Hey, man, glad to see you finally took a night off.”

“Long overdue.”

“Sorry we’re late. Blame my wife,” Evan says, joining us.

“Me? You’re the one who wouldn’t hand Walker over to Mom,” Kinley calls him out. He just smiles down at her. “Shoo, you men go do manly things. Whit and I are going to start on the food. Send Jamie and Olivia our way too,” she says over her shoulder. She walks off toward the gazebo where we set all the coolers and the grill. “Let her go, big brother,” she yells when she sees that Whit isn’t following her.

“You can’t make me!” I yell back at her.

“Aaron.” Whit laughs. “Go, do manly things.” She grins, pulling her hands from under my shirt and backing away.

I watch her go.

“Come on, man.” Mike laughs, slapping me on the shoulder.

All the tents are barely set up, before Olivia is yelling that it’s time to eat. The girls already have their plates made by the time we get there. I pile mine high with food and head toward Whit. She’s sitting on the outside bench of the gazebo. She sees me coming and moves her drink out of the way.

“So, Whitney,” Evan says, “you plan on swimming tonight?”

“Uh, no. I think once was enough. I can say I did it and move on.” She laughs.

“Jamie?” he asks.

“Sure, I’ve swum in the ocean. Surely this isn’t that bad.”

Whitney shudders next to me. “Yeah well, there was something slimy that swam past my leg, and then everyone left me. Those two”—she points to Evan and my sister—“got out, and this guy”—she points to me—“swam away. I was out there in the dark all alone with God knows what. No, I’m good.”

“Come on, babe. I’ll protect you,” I tell her.

“Not happening, mister. I will be just fine hanging out on the dock. You all can have at.”

Leaning over, I kiss her, taking her off guard. Pulling away, she smiles. That’s all I want for her. Especially today.

Tonight has been so much fun. Hanging out by the campfire, laughing and cutting up with friends. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. We are currently sitting around the fire; it’s late and everyone has finally chilled. Evan and McKinley are curled up in a lawn chair. Olivia and David are sitting close. Mike and Jamie also seem to be hitting it off. Not that that was the intention, but hey, good for them. I know that things have been a little rocky for Jamie and this new guy she’s been seeing. I’ve not had time to get details. I plan too though before she leaves tomorrow. Then there are me and Aaron. I’m curled up on his lap, much like McKinley and Evan. I have a blanket over my lap to ward off the chill of the night. His hands are on my thighs, gently rubbing circles. He’s talking to the guys about some fishing trip, but that doesn’t seem to keep him from showing me affection. I’ve lost count of the amount of times he’s kissed me. Just small pecks, on my shoulders, my neck, my cheek, my forehead . . . to name a few.

At first I could tell his friends were surprised, but as the night wore on, they got used to it, as have I. It’s addicting; he’s addicting.

“I think we’re going to call it a night,” Evan says, pointing to a now sleeping Kinley in his lap.

“Let me help.” I hop up and follow him to their tent, unzipping it so he can carry her inside. “Night,” I whisper.

“Thanks, Whit. Goodnight.”

I turn to go back to the fire and run into Aaron. “You ready for bed?” he asks with a yawn.

“It’s been a long day.”

“Yeah, and I didn’t sleep much last night.” He must see the confusion on my face, as he goes on to explain. “You were in my bed, in my arms for the first time. I needed to take that in. It was hard to fall asleep when I could watch you.”

Wow. “Yeah, let’s get you to bed.” He reaches for my hand and leads us to the tents. “What about the others?”

“I told them we were calling it a night. Mike and Jamie were going for a swim. Olivia and David were calling it a night as well.”

“Okay.” We stop in front of the tent he set up for Jamie and me—if I decide to not sleep in his. Like there was a decision to be made there. “Keep going,” I tell him. He gives my hand a gentle squeeze, letting me know he’s happy with my decision.

Once in the tent, we settle on the soft padding of blankets and kick off our shoes. “Come here,” he mumbles, pulling me into his arms and tugging the spare blanket over us.

“This is nice,” I say as I look at the moonlight filtering in through the tent.

“Mmm,” he says. I relax against him, soaking up the warmth and safety of being in his arms. I’m just about asleep when he sends my heart soaring.

“Every damn night, baby. Every night I want to fall asleep with you.” He kisses my shoulder.

I hold my breath. I think he thought I was asleep. It’s not until I hear his soft snores that I exhale. Every night? He wants this? I want that too. I want it all with him. I want the life I promised my mom I would strive for. Full of love and happiness. The message I got from Kathy earlier today pops in my head. She knows I haven’t had the test yet. I need to, I know I do. I just want a little more time to live blissfully unaware. I know it’s irresponsible, but I just . . . need this time. Time with him, time for me to feel alive and loved, and I just . . . need more time.