Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“You’ve always been a highflyer.” He tugs my hand to his mouth and kisses my knuckles.

Runner woofs from the back seat and plops down, ready for his nap.

“You didn’t tell me how your meeting with Mr. Baldwin went yesterday.”

“It went fine. Quick and painless. He’s not upset I’m ducking out on the last month. Apparently, whoever bought the building is eager to start renovations. He even gave me back my deposit and the last month’s rent. You’ll have to keep a watch for me to see what happens.”

“I have fond memories of that place.”

I smile to myself, thinking of all the things we did in there. “I hope they don’t demolish it.”

“Not likely since it’s technically registered in the historic buildings category.”

“I wasn’t aware of that. If I had stayed, there would have had to be changes made. Wonder if they would have passed through permits.”

“You have a very persuasive and creative fiancé that would have made it happen.”

“You’d have had your hands full. My list would have been long.”

His eyes cut to mine. “I’d like to hear what you would have done differently.”

“We have days on the road. I’ll bore you with my baker geek speak later. I want to know how it went with Connie and the drop-off.”

His jaw locks, and he grips my hand tighter. “I gave Maya her phone back for the week, and she knows the rules. Connie threw it in my face that I’m breaking our week before school tradition, trying to stir the pot, but the kids didn’t bite. She asked for money to buy supplies, and when I told her they had been ordered and I’d be taking them in on the first day of school, she went through the roof. Her parents witnessed it. I left without another word.”

“I know you don’t agree, but making this drive with me is probably not a good idea. You should be where your kids need you.”

“This time is for us, and with all the shit flying around, there’s no telling what I’m facing when I get back. On the positive side, I’ll get the benefit of having them the first week of school for the first time in years.”

At the mention of ‘shit flying around’, a knot coils in the pit of my stomach. Pierce isn’t only dealing with Connie; he’s dealing with angry neighbors who want their mailbox structure replaced with a very specific brick, and the father of the driver who hit Runner is arguing who’s at fault. On top of all that, Kendrick Construction is about to launch into a new project.

“You should let me drive for a while.”

“I drive,” he states matter-of-factly.

“No need to be macho. I’m capable of driving across the country.”

“It’s not macho; it’s a man thing. You’re with me, I drive. Besides, you can sit there looking gorgeous and reserve your energy. You’ll need it.”

“Oh, really? Why is that?”

“I’ve mapped out the route, and we’re passing through at least seven states. I plan on fucking you in all seven. You may need to get creative.”

A rush of heat travels through my bloodstream, and I take my hand from his and slide it between his legs. My fingers outline the ridge of his cock, which hardens at the touch.

“Jesus, we’re not even out of town yet, and I’m ready to pull over.”

“Technically, we had sex in South Carolina this morning. You’ll have to get us to Georgia.” I continue to massage him. “And, since I haven’t had car sex since I was twenty-one, you need to hurry.”

He accelerates, his eyes slicing to me. “As soon as we hit the fucking state line, you’re mine.”

I lick my lips and moan, squeezing him gently. “You could use a little incentive.”

I twist in my seat and hiss when a stabbing pain cuts into my calf. “What the hell is that?” A large bag I didn’t notice with a plastic binder pokes out from under my purse.

“Something Annie told me to put up front.”

I yank my hand back and pull the binder out. DARBY’S WEDDING BOOK is printed in bold black letters on the front. Color-coded tabs with labels and sheet protectors are clipped inside. The bag is loaded down with bridal magazines that have corresponding colored tabs with Mom’s notes.

I thumb through the magazine on top and groan at her favored selections. “No, no, no! I am not wearing poof and tulle!”

“I have no clue what that means.”

“It means my mom is trying to make me look like a bride from another generation.”

“Guess she was serious about jump-starting the wedding planning on this trip.”

A growl comes from the back of my throat when I read the letter she included. “She’s already spoken to the minister at the church and reached out to a venue.”

“That a problem?”

“We haven’t set a date! I can’t possibly plan a wedding right now. Who even knows when I’ll be back in Charleston? The renovations on the resort may take longer than expected.”