Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

“How about every time I land on one of your properties, instead of paying you, I have to give you kisses?”

He smirks. “I have a better idea.”

“Do tell,” I say, rolling the dice.

He gathers all of his money and throws it on the board. “We call it a tie, and I make love to you. We both win.” He grins.

“You do drive a hard bargain, Mr. Wallace.”

He stands from t

he seat across from me and rounds the table. I scoot back in my chair, not sure what he’s going to do next. Bending down, he scoops me up bridal style and carries me to his room. He starts stripping out of his clothes, so I do as well. Mike climbs into bed and holds the cover open for me. I slide in next to him, only I don’t stop there, straddling his hips instead. Like the southern gentleman he is, he pulls the cover around me, around us; he knows I get chilly in this icebox he lives in.

He cups my cheek with one hand while the other rests on my hip. “I love you, James,” he says reverently.

“I love you too.” I slide my hand between our bodies and grip him. Raising my hips, I align him with my entrance.

“Condom, babe,” he softly reminds me.

I shake my head. “I’m clean. I’m on the pill and I want to feel you. All of you. I don’t want anything between us. I’ve never… I want it to be you.”

He places his hand over mine and together we guide him as I slowly lower myself onto his length. “Fuck, Jamie.”

“It’s so different,” I say, moving my hips, causing us both to moan.

His hand that still rests between us begins to rub against me. “I’m close, Jamie. I’m not going to last. I need you there,” he says, applying pressure with his thumb.

I grind against him, chasing my release. “Now,” I pant, and even through my orgasm, I feel him release inside of me. It’s the most erotic moment of my life. My hands are gripping his chest, my head is bowed and the tears are falling. It was beautiful and heartbreaking.

“Shower,” he says softly. I don’t know how he manages, but he slides off the bed, still inside of me, and carries me to the shower. He adjusts the water and steps in, me still in his arms. When he finally pulls out and lowers me to my feet, I can feel the mix of our release on my thighs. “I love you so fucking much. I love you.” He wraps me in his arms, burying his face in my neck.

“We should clean up.” Reaching for the soap, I pour some in my hands and rub them together before running them all over his body, not missing an inch. “I’m going to miss you so much,” I choke out.

“My turn.” He switches our positions and runs his soapy, callused hands over every inch of me.

We stay in the shower until the water runs cold. This time we don’t bother with clothes. After we dry off, we climb right back into bed and I snuggle into him. His arms are locked around me so tight I’m surprised I can breathe, but I love it, the feeling of love and security his hold brings me.

“I’m going to miss this, miss you,” I whisper.

“Baby,” he chokes out. “You have no idea.”

We don’t say anything else; no words are needed. There’s nothing left to say anyway. We’re both breaking our own hearts due to distance. It’s petty, but neither of us knows how to or is willing to sacrifice to keep it from happening.

It’s Friday night, the wedding rehearsal. It’s the first time we’ve left his house since I accepted the job. It feels good to be out, but I miss our little bubble. The day after tomorrow, I have to walk away from the only man I’ve ever really loved for a job. I have to do it, or I’ll always wonder what would’ve happened. We both understand that, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less.

The wedding is small with no wedding party. Although, that didn’t stop us from getting matching dresses. It’s just Whit and Aaron standing at the altar—well, with Lexi. Aaron promised her she could stand up with him. She’s having a hard time. Whit told me they hope by letting her be the only one who’s part of the big day with them, she’ll realize she’s gaining, not losing. She loves Whit, but she’s afraid she’s losing her Uncle Aaron. She’s the sweetest ever. McKinley and Evan should be proud of the little girl they’re raising.

The rehearsal went off without a hitch. I’m still not sure why we had to have one since there’s no wedding party, but in the end, it was good for Lexi to know what she’s going to do tomorrow.

Mike hasn’t left my side the entire night. The guys are over at the bar having a drink and he’s here with me, glued to my side, his hand on my knee. “Go say hi,” I whisper.

“No.”

“Mike, I’ll be right here.”

“And I’ll be right beside you. I have two fucking days, Jamie. I’m not leaving your side.”

Leaning into him, I place my lips next to his ear. “I love you, Michael.”