Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“Pierce, Dad has a point,” Miller interjects.

“Not a good one. You’re crazy if you think that woman didn’t tell me no. I’m an excellent negotiator. We were crazy in love, and now that she’s back, I’m not willing to waste time. Why is that a bad thing?”

“It’s obvious you’re not wasting time. However, it isn’t all about you. Darby has been thrust into a cyclone situation, and last night, we took away her safe place.”

“I’m her safe place!” I erupt, slamming my fist on my desk. “Goddammit.”

I can’t miss the guilt that flares in Dad’s eyes. He doesn’t give me a chance to question before he’s up and at my door. “Call your mama. I think that may help unwind the damage.” Then he’s gone.

“Damage? Who said anything about damage?”

“I don’t think that was a suggestion. Obviously, Mom has some answers for you.” Miller follows behind Dad, closing me in.

The person I want to talk to is Darby, but she’s unavailable.

Reluctantly, I dial Mom, and she answers on the first ring, sounding anxious. “Honey, I’m glad you called.”

“I think you have some stuff to share.”

“Oh, Pierce, I don’t have a good feeling about Darby…”

•—•—•—•—•

After her voicemail plays in my ear, I end the call and jump in my truck. Darby was supposed to be here an hour ago but never showed. She’s not answering her calls or texts, and at this point, I’m ready to call her family. After the conversation with my mom, I’m not taking any chances.

It was news to me that Mom and Dad had suffered through losing two pregnancies before Miller was born. I wish I’d known that nugget of information twelve years ago while Darby was crumbling. But that’s not what’s been spinning in my mind all day. It’s the way Darby responded to the news and almost everything else that was discussed.

When I pull down the lane, Darby’s hunched in her trunk while Runner plays nearby. She’s dressed in athletic clothes, her hair on top of her head and a faint sweat stain on her tight tank top.

She flashes me a bright smile and waves as I park. That smile sends a rush of relief over me.

“I was wondering what time you’d show up. I just got home myself,” she sing-songs, crawling back in the trunk.

“Show up? I’ve been worried fucking sick about you,” I growl, my hand itching to spank the ass perched in the air.

“Here we go!” She holds up her hand victoriously, waving her phone and popping the button for her trunk. “I knew it flew to the back somewhere.” Her eyes go to her screen, and the grin falls from her face.

“Eight missed calls and four text messages from you? Is everything okay?”

“Hell no! I’ve been blowing it up, trying to find you when you never showed at my house. You were supposed to be there at seven.”

“I changed the plans. Didn’t you get my messages?”

“What messages?”

“I left you a voicemail and sent you a text that I was going to try a spin class tonight since you were with your kids.”

I rip my phone from my pocket and scroll through. “No messages, Darby,” I say a little too forcefully, flipping my screen around so she can see.

Her eyes shoot me a warning as she hands me her phone with our text thread.

I’m going to try a new spin class Mom’s therapist raved about. It’s been too long since I’ve worked out. Let’s change the plans to my place tonight. Beer is in the fridge, and I should be home around 8. Hope you had a wonderful time with the kids.

The message was sent at five-thirty, about the time Maya had my phone. Fuck me.

“I left the same voice message as well.”

“Baby, I didn’t get them. I’ve been fucking pacing the floors waiting on you. Why didn’t you answer?”

“My elbow knocked over my purse, and everything went flying in different directions. I was searching for my phone when you arrived.”

I tug her to me, holding tight. “I was worried.”

“I’m sorry about the mix-up, but you’re overreacting.”

“Let’s get inside.” The words come out gravelly.

She dips backward, her eyes sweeping over my face and her lips pressing into a thin line. “Jill?”

I lift her off the ground and carry her with Runner at our sides.

“Put me down. I’m disgusting and need a shower,” she demands, wiggling to get free.

I inhale deeply and shake my head. “You smell like chocolate and perfume to me.”

“I still need a shower.”

“We’ll shower after we talk.” I heft her up on the counter and fit my hips between her knees.

“This is unnecessary. Whatever you’re muddling over is nothing but girl-talk.”

“Did I fuck up by bringing Maya and Cole here?” I cut straight to the chase.

She draws in a breath and stares at me for a few seconds before shaking her head. “I don’t think so. Did they say something?”