Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

I stare at her closely, trying to figure out if she’s sincere or if she’s baiting me. Either way, she needs reminding my life with Darby isn’t going to affect my relationship with Maya and Cole. “Connie, this is not a fling. When Darby moves, it is not the end of our relationship. There will be no aftermath this time because I’m making it permanent. If you truly are concerned about their well-being, know I’ve got it covered on my end.”

She holds my stare, and I watch as the meaning of my statement dawns on her. A spark of anger shimmers in her eyes right before they go cold. She, of all people, knows that trying to back me into a corner does not work.

The stare-down is broken when Cole comes racing in, throwing his arms around her middle. “Hey, Mom!”

“Hey there.” She kisses the top of his head. “You having a good day?”

“The best! I beat all the other boys in the watermelon eating contest.” He beams.

“That doesn’t surprise me at all.” She grins, ruffling his wet hair. “Where’s your sister?”

“Right here. Hey, Mom.” Maya comes in, her face still flushed from dancing.

“You guys ready to go?”

“Do we need to change?” Maya holds up her backpack.

Connie shakes her head. “We’re meeting Blaire and the kids at the fountains.”

“Awesome!” Cole punches his arm in the air. “I love the fountains.”

“I’ll walk you out.” I start toward the front door.

They say their goodbyes, and Connie’s face flames when they hug Miller and Evin. On the walk to the car, Maya cuddles to my side. “This was a great day, Dad. I don’t think it’s ever been this fun.”

“You still have a lot of fun ahead of you. Be good for your mom, and help make sure Cole doesn’t wander off.”

“I will.”

Connie doesn’t look my way again, driving away without a word, while the kids wave their way out of sight.

“You buying her act?” Miller hands me a beer when I get back to the kitchen.

“Connie loves the kids, and I’d like to believe she’s looking out for their welfare. But my gut says she’s playing at something.”

“Your gut is right. That woman is the green-eyed monster of jealousy. Easy to spot the second she stepped into the yard. She wants this life with you, and from what I’ve been told, she’s been angling at it for years. Even before Darby left, she had her sights set. When you told her this wasn’t a fling and things were moving toward permanent, I saw the hatred in her features. Stay on your toes, man. I get the feeling she’s not giving up,” Evin tells me.

“Darby tell you anything about my relationship with Connie?”

“She didn’t give specifics, but I know it has something to do with impaired judgment and faulty condoms.”

“That sums up my relationship perfectly.”

“I hate to be a dick, but she’s known for going to drastic lengths to get her way. Don’t let your guard down,” Miller advises.

I take a swig of the beer and nod, my eyes scanning the back yard to find Darby. She’s now sitting on the edge of the pool next to Andi, staring up to the house.

“Evin, the instant Runner caught sight of Connie, he barreled straight for Darby. Have you ever seen him that protective before?”

“Once, when Darby was visiting, a snake was coiled on the porch at the shed. Runner saw it first and went crazy. Darby screamed her head off until Dad got there and took care of it. It was a cottonmouth.”

“Good to know that dog can sense trouble.”

“He’s a big cuddler, but he’s fiercely protective of her. My guess is he felt the vibe Connie was giving off.”

“Connie’s not going to be a problem. If you think that dog’s protective, you have no idea what I’m capable of.”

“Let’s ditch the subject of that bitch and move onto something more important.” Miller’s voice is loaded with humor.

“What’s on your mind?” I cock an eyebrow, slicing my eyes to him. Instantly, the hair on the back of my neck prickles at his shit-eating grin.

“Tell me how in the hell you managed to fuck up a proposal you’ve had sixteen years to prepare for?”

Evin drops his chin but not before I catch his lips twitching.

“I didn’t fuck anything up.”

“She say yes?” he pushes.

“She will.”

“I’d say that is a fuck-up. Losing your touch.”

“We’re done here.” I flick him the finger, leaving them both laughing as I go to Darby. Miller may have been joking, but he’s right about one thing. I’ve had sixteen years to prepare.

My patience has worn off.

•—•—•—•—•

“God, I missed this,” Darby mumbles, snuggling closer and twisting her naked body with mine.

“You’re the one who refused to sneak off to my old room.” My hand squeezes her ass.

“I wasn’t talking about the sex, you feign. I was referring to the Fourth in Charleston. After we split up, I couldn’t bring myself to come home for this holiday. All holidays were difficult, but this one always felt like it was our special time.”