Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

“What?” I laugh. “Why? She’s not going to be mad, Michael.”

Reaching over the console, he laces his fingers through mine. “I know that. But once she finds out you’re here, she’s going to monopolize all of your time. I selfishly want you all to myself.”

“You’re good for my ego,” I tease him.

“Just telling you how I feel.”

“I’m sure she’ll have some wedding stuff to do, but I promise to come to your place every night,” I say as we pull into the long lane that leads us to Whit and Aaron’s place.

He looks over at me. “That’s more than I could ask for.”

We pull up outside of the house and climb out of the truck. Mike holds his hand out and I readily accept it as we walk up the front porch. Raising my hand, I push the doorbell. I hear Aaron yell out that he’ll get it. When he opens the door, his eyes widen.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“Yes.”

He smiles. “Whit, baby, can you come here,” he yells over his shoulder.

“What’s going—” She stops when she sees Mike and me standing in the foyer. I watch as realization washes over her and she squeals. “Eeeek!” She rushes me and throws her arms around me in a hug. I hug her back. I miss my best friend. “What are you doing here? Is everything okay?” She steps out of our hug and stands on tiptoes to kiss Mike on the cheek, stepping back into Aaron’s waiting arms.

Mike slides his arm around my waist and pulls me to him. “She showed up last night.”

Whit’s eyes find mine. “You good?” she asks again.

“Yeah. Are we interrupting anything?”

“Never, I was just folding laundry. Come in.” She grabs my hand and pulls me to the living room. I hear Mike and Aaron laughing behind us. “Spill,” she says once we’re sitting on the couch, facing each other. I spend the next twenty minutes explaining what brought me to Kentucky on a whim. She glances over her shoulder to where the guys are sitting at the kitchen island. “You’re in love with him.”

I shrug. “I care about him, more than anyone else I’ve ever dated, but I can’t really say.”

“You moving here?” she asks.

“No. I’m here early for the wedding. I’ll go home after that and decide what to do.”

“You’re staying with him while you’re here?”

“Yes. He asked me to and… that’s where I want to be,” I admit.

“I just worry about you and him. I worry about both of you getting hurt.”

“I think we’re past that point. I know hurt is inevitable. I’m in too deep.” Looking over my shoulder, I find his eyes and they soften. “We both are.”

“You could stay.”

“You know I can’t.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it.”

“My parents, my career. Now’s my chance, Whit. I’ve always wanted to branch out to a bigger firm. My loyalty lay with Mr. Warren, but now… now it’s time to pursue the career I’ve always dreamed about.”

“What do you ladies want to do today?” Aaron asks as he and Mike join us in the living room. I watch as Aaron picks Whit up and takes her spot, sitting her on his lap. Mike slides in next to me.

“Mike and I are going to the bar for a while. I want to see where the magic happens.” I waggle my eyebrows and Whit bursts out laughing. “You have any last-minute wedding stuff you need help with?”

“No, it’s all good. We’re ready.” She looks at Aaron and smiles.

“Good. Well, I’m here if you think of anything. Might as well put me to work while I’m here.”