Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“How would he know that? Has he ever been to Aspen?”

“No, but he’s spent countless hours researching online and scouring social media this last week. I’m pretty sure he did some shameless name-dropping to get us a reservation.”

I giggle, wondering what we’ll be walking into tonight. With Scottie, there is no telling. I start to say something about his eclectic preferences when her eyes dart over my shoulder, her mouth forming a firm line. I follow her line of sight to watch Pierce as he looks down at his phone and brings it to his ear. I don’t have to question who’s calling because he lifts his face, and the fury in his eyes tells it all.

His gaze locks with mine, and there’s a second of warmth between us before his expression turns to stone. He jerks his chin to Scottie and stalks out of the room. Stephanie steps in close right as Scottie rushes to my side, wrapping an arm around my waist and urging me to lean into him.

“It’s Connie,” I rasp.

“Most likely,” Stephanie agrees.

“I don’t know what she sounds like, but that sounded like a pig squealing,” Scottie chirps.

“He knew this was coming.” Stephanie tries to sound strong.

“I guess he did.”

“Let’s sit.” Scottie nudges me forward, but I shake my head.

“I’d rather stand.”

“For what it’s worth, I like him.”

“How do you know?” I tear my eyes from the direction Pierce went. “You spent five minutes with him.”

“One of my best traits is reading people. That man is insane about you. He may have been talking to me, but his focus was elsewhere.”

“Whether or not that is true is arguable. You know what happened between us and why we can never work. His children are his life, and that woman comes with them.”

He scoffs and glances at Stephanie. They share a look that I can’t bring myself to care about. Seconds later, Pierce strolls back into the room. His face is blank, but the worry lines around his eyes give him away. Scottie steps aside, and Pierce stops in front of me, circling my waist and dropping his mouth for a quick kiss.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yep,” he clips.

“What did she say?”

“I’m not sure since I tuned her out.”

“She’s pissed.”

He shrugs.

“Pierce, seriously, what happened?”

“She fucked up big time.”

“What does that mean?”

“Darby, she’s not coming into your day. Let it go. Don’t we have reservations to get ready for?”

My irritation spikes, and I swallow a gulp of wine. Then I glare at him, waiting.

“No, Darby. We’re not—”

“What happened?” I demand lowly.

He blows out a breath, strengthens his hold, and shares, “I ignored her calls, knowing the kids are with my parents today. The only reason I answered the phone is because it was Andi at the office. It wasn’t Andi calling; it was Connie. She showed up at the office, acting like a bitch.”

“Oh my God, no.”

“Yes, that’s why she fucked up. There are witnesses to her behavior. One of the ladies in the office called the police.”

I search for something to say, but Scottie beats me to it. “That’s fantastic.”

My head spins to find both of them smiling wide. “This is not funny.”

“Actually, it is,” Pierce chuckles himself.

“How can you say that? She interrupted your place of business with a tirade of craziness.”

“That’s why it’s funny. I am thousands of miles away, and she instigated a situation that means she has to answer to the police. I didn’t have anything to do with it.”

His lawyer comes to mind, and I understand what he’s saying. “Do you need to go home?”

“Fuck no. I told you, baby, I have this handled. The kids are safe and where they are supposed to be. My financial obligations are handled per court order, and I took a pre-planned vacation. She doesn’t have a leg to stand on legally with our custody agreement.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to remind him, again, that any relationship between us is too complicated. He reads my mind, his eyes growing dark, and he drops his forehead to mine. “Don’t you dare say it. Don’t even think it. Wipe that shit from your mind. I’ve got this handled.”

I nod, giving in for the sake of saving the conversation until we are alone.

“As gorgeous as the two of you are huddled together, we are drawing attention. I think it’s time to get me a drink and mingle,” Scottie pipes up.

“I couldn’t agree more. Let’s go back to celebrating Darby.” Pierce slides his hands down and squeezes my ass before twirling so I’m tucked to his side.

It happens so fast, I almost miss it, but I catch Stephanie winking at Pierce. My feet stumble over themselves at the subtle, yet approving gesture.

Now, I know I’m in trouble.

•—•—•—•—•

Cars line the driveway leading up to my parents’ house when Pierce parks beside my SUV outside the shed. Instead of it being the two of us returning to Charleston, it’s four. Stephanie and Scottie surprised me again when they announced they were coming home with me for a few days. Scottie insisted it was for the full tourist experience, but it felt off.