Miller's Time (Southern Charmers 2)

“Andy didn’t even scream too loud when that rat snake wrapped around his ankle,” Miller shoots back.

This time, I can’t hold back, laughing loudly. My brother hates the name Andy. Drew, yes, but never Andy. Something about the look on Miller’s face tells me he already knows this. Mom joins me, patting Andrew on the hand.

“Princess, we need to clean out your room tomorrow.”

I freeze, all the laughter dying, and feel the blood draining from my face. “Mmm, I haven’t exactly packed.”

“Noticed that.”

“Maybe we could have this conversation in private.”

“We already know you’re shacking up with the contractor. No need to hide it,” Austin states bluntly at the same time Dad groans.

I narrow my eyes. “It’s not shacking up!”

“What would you call it then?”

“He was kind enough to offer me a place to stay.”

“You expect us to believe you’re moving into the guest room?”

“Yes.” I straighten, putting on my best convincing face. “He has a lovely guest room.”

There’s a quiet stagnancy to the air right before my brothers both bark out a laugh and my mom giggles again.

“Andrew and I are the same age. You may want to give up on the charade.” Miller’s voice is loaded with humor. “Besides the fact I already roped them into moving your storage unit tomorrow afternoon.”

My eyes bulge and my face whips to his. “I never agreed to that.”

“You want to argue with me?” His gaze drops to my lips, his intentions clear.

“You wouldn’t.”

“Try me.” He inches closer right as the waitress arrives and places a heaping tray of desserts in the middle of the table.

I redirect my attention to the truffles, grab one, and shove it in my mouth, knowing he’s won this round.

•—•—•—•—•

“You’re doing what!?!” I screech, not caring that it sounds like I’m fifteen years old.

“Surfing.” Austin is extremely too smug.

“Like in the ocean?” I reply stupidly.

“Where else would we fucking go? The contractor has a ton of wetsuits and boards. We saw them moving your shit in his garage today. We’re hitting the beach tomorrow.”

“Stop calling him the contractor! His name is Miller.”

“Austin, stop antagonizing her.” Andrew sticks up for me, at the same time shoving chips in his mouth.

I slide off the barstool to go find Miller and put an end to this plan right as a loud ‘yoohoo’ calls from behind. Jill lets herself in the back door, followed by Maya, Cole, and Darby. A few seconds later, Warren, Evin, Pierce, and a man I don’t recognize follow with arms loaded down with bags and dishes.

“What in the world?” Mom asks.

My thoughts of finding Miller evaporate as a beautiful older woman sashays through the door, stopping a few feet away and sizing me up. I stay frozen, my skin prickling under the microscope of her gaze.

With all the stories of Annie Graham, I’ve been warned that she’s notorious for her smart remarks. There’s no other choice but to wait and see what she throws my way.

“No one told me this was a formal affair.”

“That’s because it’s not,” Darby replies.

“Then why is the woman of the house wearing designer jeans and seven-hundred dollar boots? No wonder you like this chick. She’s got fancy-schmancy tastes like you.”

“Mom!” Darby chides. “Behave or you’ll be asked to leave.”

There are a couple of snickers, but the ringing in my ears drowns them. Internally, I’m freaking out and not because she called me the woman of the house. This is my test.

I channel my best sass, flipping my hair over my shoulder and kicking my boot in the air. “Actually, they cost nine-hundred, but since I’m an exclusive and preferred client, I received a discount. I could give you the website if you’d like.”

Andrew and Austin’s jaws drop, while Darby giggles. Annie’s eyes light up as she flashes me a complementary smile. “I always knew Miller would land himself a classy broad. You’ll do.”

The ice is broken, and she comes forward, engulfing me in a hug, and whispering in my ear. “Never lose that sass. You’ll need it to keep these boys in line.”

“I learned that already.”

She steps back, right as Miller comes up behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

“You get it out of your system?” he asks her.

“For now. She’ll get used to me.”

I tilt my head back to him and feel my heart rate pick up. He’s fresh out of the shower, his hair still damp, and looking at me with intent in his eyes. His lips sweep across mine in a quick kiss. “Nine-hundred dollar boots?”

I shrug. “I have an obsession with footwear.”

“Think I got that when I unloaded fifteen bins labeled shoes today.”

“You should have seen my closet before I moved. I forced myself to clean out my collection and gave it to charity. It was a dark and depressing day.”

“Good thing your house has so many closets.”