Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

“Thank you, Mr. Warren.”

“Fine here” is an understatement. Things are painfully slow, but he doesn’t seem to be stressed about it. I’m just w

aiting for the day when he announces his retirement.

I try to stay busy, answering the phone, explaining that we’re not taking on any new cases, and going through what little active cases we do have and seeing if there are any loose ends to tie up. I try like hell not to watch the clock, but it’s hard. Especially when I know in a few hours he’s going to be here.

My phone vibrates on my desk. I grab it and smile when I see his name. “Hey,” I say in greeting.

“Any special parkin’ spots?” he asks.

“What?”

He laughs. “Do you have a certain number of spots you’re allowed to park in?”

“Where?”

“At your apartment.”

“Are you here?” I squeal with excitement.

He laughs again. “Yeah, babe. I just pulled into your complex. Just want to make sure I’m not taking anyone’s spot.”

“No, it’s a free-for-all, so you can park wherever. It’s a huge lot so you should be fine. I can’t believe you’re already here.”

“I left earlier than what I planned. Couldn’t sleep.”

“I’m ten minutes away. Let me close down and tell Mr. Warren I’m leaving. I’ll be right there.”

“No rush, I’ll just take a quick nap here in the truck until you get here.”

“Oh I’m going to rush. I can’t wait to see you. Hold tight,” I say, ending the call before saving my files and closing down my computer. Rushing down the hall to Mr. Warren’s office, I knock on the doorframe. “Hi, Mike just called and he got here early, so I’m going to head out. Thank you so much for letting me off early and Monday as well. I know I’ve been taking a lot of time off lately.”

“It’s fine, Jamie.” He waves his hand in the air. “I’m sure you’ve noticed I’m starting to slow down here.” He must see the worry on my face. “Go on now, we can talk about it next week. Everything’s going to be fine. Enjoy your time with that man friend of yours.”

“Thank you. Have a great weekend,” I call out over my shoulder, already headed back to my desk to grab my purse and phone. It seems like I get stuck at every damn red light. I’m giddy with excitement and cursing the traffic, wanting to get home in record time.

Pulling into my apartment complex, I see his truck parked in the same section where I normally park. I pull into the space beside him and turn off the ignition. Grabbing my keys, purse and phone, I climb out and head to the driver door of his truck. I’m not even at the front of my car when he’s out of the truck and stalking toward me. His big arms wrap around me as he lifts me off my feet and holds me tight.

“I fucking missed you,” he says, muffled from where his face is buried in my neck.

I’m laughing, smiling so hard I feel like my face might crack. “I missed you too.” Slowly he sets me back on my feet, his hands resting on my hips. “I thought you were taking a nap?”

“No way could I sleep knowing you were on your way here. Not something you want to sleep through.”

“Well, grab your stuff, country, and we can go inside.”

Leaning down, he kisses me, just a quick chaste one, but I’ve missed his lips on mine. I stay in my spot while he reaches into the cab of his truck and grabs his bag and keys. He’s next to me in what feels like maybe seconds, lacing his fingers through mine. “Lead the way.”

Releasing his hand to unlock the door, I hold it open, motioning for him to go before me. He grins and walks inside. Shutting the door behind us, I lock it back from force of habit; I am a single woman living alone, after all. When I turn around, he stalks toward me and his lips are on mine. The kiss feels desperate and familiar. I’ve missed him more than I thought.

I take a step back until my back hits the wall. “On three, wrap those legs around me.” He counts off and on three, he lifts me and I do as I’m told. I can feel how hard he is, and it’s all for me. His mouth crashes back to mine, our tongues dancing to a tune all our own. “Bedroom?” he says between kisses.

“First door on the left.” My arms around his neck, legs clamped around his waist, I hold tight while he moves us to my room. This is a different version of Mike. Up to this point, he’s been… distant, I guess you could say. We’ve slept in the same bed and shared many kisses, sensual touches, but this… this is raw need.

In my room, he kicks the door closed before sitting me on the edge of the bed. “I fucking missed you,” he says, pulling his shirt over his head. “Move up.” He nods to the bed.

I do as he asks and scoot back on the bed. Like a predator, he follows me, resting his weight on his elbows on either side of my head. My legs fall open, allowing him to settle against me. “Mike,” I say against his lips that are currently caressing mine.