“I wanted to give her something unique.”
“Considering you’ve spent little time with her, call the person who knows her best.”
“That’s a toss-up between Darby and Scottie, and they’re both busy.”
“Message Darby, trust me on this. Spending that kind of money and shipping across country is risky.”
I shoot a few pictures of the pieces and send a message to Darby.
Ryanne grabs a card, and we stroll through the art market, stopping at our favorite booths to shop.
Darby calls as Ryanne loads our cart.
“Hey!” I scoot into a quiet alleyway.
“Hi, where are you?”
“Ryanne and I are shopping.”
“For a wedding present?”
“That’s on my list. What did you think? Will it fit Stephanie’s style?”
“She’d love that. But Evin already sent a gift in both your names.”
A warm sensation flows through me. “That was thoughtful. He didn’t mention it.”
Her bubbly giggle rings in my ear.
“What’s so funny?”
“I know exactly why he didn’t mention it. Heard about the airline ticket brawl.”
The warmth turns to humiliation as heat burns my cheeks. “Scottie has a big mouth. And it wasn’t a brawl, it was a strong disagreement.”
Ryanne joins me, her smile growing at my irritation.
“Stop smirking!” I snap.
“No, it is highly entertaining.”
“Is that Ryanne?”
“Yes, and she finds the whole thing humorous, too.”
Yesterday, I received an alert that my credit card account had a refund. In a panic, I called Scottie, and he explained Evin had him switch the payment method on my ticket. My new accommodations included flying first class.
It took a full five seconds for this to register before I went crazy. Scottie hung up on me, laughing when I demanded he reverse everything.
Evin was my next call. He barely got out ‘hello’ before my tirade hit. He also found me amusing. Since he was not here to distract me, I may have gone a little too far. When I mentioned canceling the trip unless he let me pay, all humor died. The icy reaction reached across the country.
It was over the top and dramatic. I knew this immediately but was too stubborn to back down.
“Poppy, I pay for you. You have a problem with that, too bad. But don’t threaten me when I’m too far away to do something about it. Your ass will be on that plane or my ass will be in Vegas to get you.”
I realized Evin had not only the gleaming eyes that could talk me down; he had the voice to hit home.
I’m screwed. With one last attempt, I said we’d talk about it later.
He said there was nothing to talk about.
I huffed out of pride, knowing I was beat.
He remained quiet until I relented.
That was it.
“Evin and I rarely argue,” I rush to tell Darby.
“Oh, sweetie, that’s about to change. But in a good way.”
“How is fighting a good thing?”
“Poppy, let me give you some advice that was doled out to me by some wise women. It goes deeper than picking your battles. It goes to understanding the man he is. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and voice your opinions. But know he’s not stripping your independence.”
“He should have spoken to me about it. I found out from my credit card company, which was not cool. Then he upgraded me to first class, which is unnecessary.”
Her silence makes me uneasy. “I’m sorry, he’s your brother and I sound ungrateful.”
“No, I’m trying to find the right words to explain. If this is about the principle of talking to you, it’s understandable you’re upset. But what is it genuinely about?”
My stomach drops and I glance at Ryanne to see her watching me closely. She reads my expression and shakes her head. I think about lying, but I’m a terrible liar, even through the phone.
“Evin spent a week here and didn’t let me contribute to anything. I don’t want it to look like I’m taking advantage of him.”
“Look to who? Evin? I’m pretty sure he doesn’t see it like that at all.”
It’s me who’s quiet this time.
“Oh my God, Poppy, do you think we care?”
“I don’t want to be a freeloader.” There, I said it.
Ryanne drops her chin to her chest while Darby gasps. “No one in our circle would ever think that. If Evin knew you said it, he’d lose his mind.”
“Let’s not tell him.”
“Put me on speakerphone. Ryanne needs to hear this.”
I step closer to Ryanne and do as she asked. “You’re on.”
“Okay, it’s important that I set you straight, and your best friend most definitely needs to be knowledgeable. She can make you see reason since I can’t pop in when you have these doubts.”
“I like this chick already,” Ryanne claims loudly.
“Likewise, Evin is very complimentary about you,” she responds, not missing a beat. “Now, Poppy, you will not like what I’m going to say. But it comes from experience. Don’t argue with Evin about money—ever. If he wants to do something for you, let him. If you choose to argue, get ready to see a grown man turn into a caveman. I learned the hard way.” She stalls to take a breath. “Pierce doesn’t let me pay for anything. He never has. Since I was seventeen, he’s never even let me pay for a movie ticket. When we were engaged and I moved in here, he refused my attempts to contribute. When we got married and I was legally Darby Kendrick, he put my name on all our bills. I have access to everything, and the one time I paid them, he exploded. My husband has certain views on taking care of his family. I found other ways to contribute and let him get his way.
“Miller is the same. Although their situation is more complex because Ashlyn bought their house, renovated it, and he bought the addition. Like me, she attempted to reason with him with no luck. I was rooting for Ashlyn because she can be a shark. Unfortunately for her, Miller likes her form of bitch and the argument lasted a nano-second. She found her way to work around.”
“You’re married. Evin and I just met,” I point out.
“Seventeen, Poppy. I was seventeen. It has not changed. Evin has these same traits. He’s protective by nature and wants to take care of you. That’s his way.”
“I don’t need taking care of.”
“It’s not about you needing it; it’s about him wanting to do it. Big difference.”
“Makes total sense to me,” Ryanne pitches in. “I’d let Chris Hemsworth spoil me.”
I elbow her in the ribs. “Your opinion isn’t needed.”
“Ryanne’s right,” Darby agrees. “Trust me on this. You’ll get used to it.”
“Okay.”
“My brother’s crazy about you. We’ve always had this bond and I can feel it. He sees a future with you.”
“I want that.”
“So, accept the fact that he bought and upgraded your ticket. What’s done is done, not worth the argument.”
“He didn’t really let me argue; he shut me down.”
“Know that feeling. This second pregnancy is proof my arguments get shut down a lot.”
I smile, knowing Darby will be pregnant many more times if Pierce gets his way.
“And fair warning, he’ll make decisions that affect you without consulting you. If he buys you a bakery, we can talk about being aggravated.”
I giggle along with her, knowing Pierce and Evin purchased Darby’s bakery without her knowledge. “I don’t think a bakery is in my future.”
“You may rethink that when you visit. My bakery has a suite that has become my sanctuary.”
“I can’t wait.”
“I’m glad you messaged. I’ve wanted to call you, but the time zones are killer.”
“I understand.”
There’s a loud screech in the background. “Ugh, I need to go. My little mons
ter is trying to crawl on Runner’s back.”
“That sounds dangerous.”
“I’m more worried about my poor dog than my son. He’s a determined sucker.”
“Talk soon.”
“One more thing, you’ll find your way to workaround. And when you do, it’ll make you both happy.”
We hang up, and Ryanne throws her arm around my shoulder. “You’ve totally got the approval from her.”
“Yeah, she’s great.”
I toss my phone in my purse and grab the handle of her rolling cart that holds our purchases. “Come on, we have a lot of ground to cover.”
She eyes me skeptically and then her lips split into a wide smile. “You have an idea for a workaround?”
“I do, and it requires your help.”
Chapter 12
Evin
“Evin,” Tessa peers over the rim of her glasses, “You seem to forget we’ve worked together for over six years.”
“This is different. We gave you two weeks to transition. If you’re uncomfortable with the load, let me know.”
“I told you two weeks was generous. We’ve had ten days. Maybe it’s you who’s uncomfortable.”
I sit back and see the playful look she’s shooting my way. “This is new for me.”
“A lot is changing in your life.” There’s a knowing twinkle in her eyes.
“Don’t start.”
“Wouldn’t think of it, but should I put a standing weekly order of flowers to Poppy?”
I blow out a breath and stare at her a second before rolling my eyes and nodding. “Yes.”
“Got it.” She jots in her notebook. “And the annual banker’s dinner in September, should I RSVP with a plus one? I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t take care of your obligations.”
“Stop fishing for information.”
“Word that you’re off the market has spread like crazy; it’s too much fun to tease you.”
This is why I hired her. I trust her with my business and know her ability to get things done, no matter the pressure. She’s also fun. In my experience, there isn’t much she can’t handle.
“You meet Poppy in a few weeks, you’ll understand why I’m off the market.”
There’s a familiar infant giggle from outside my office, and her head swings as Darby and Devin arrive. Tessa shoves her notebook on my desk and jumps up, rushing to greet them.
“Cute boy!” she coos, holding out her hands, and Devin goes to her easily.
“Mom had an appointment and Jill isn’t around.” Darby drops her bags on the sofa. “Since this isn’t formal, I hope it’s not a problem.”
“No problem.” At my voice, Devon twists and squeals when he spots me.
“I don’t think he wants me anymore.” Tessa brings him over, and he head dives into my chest.
“Hey, buddy. What’s up?”
He babbles, shunting his fist in my face.
“I’ll be moving to my new desk if you need me.” Tessa exits with a wave.
I take the folder of paperwork to my sister, who is now lounging on the sofa. “We could have done this another time.”
“This is good if it’s not too big an interruption.”
“You know this bank loves y’all. How many people did you pass on the way up here?”
“We arrived fifteen minutes ago. He charmed too many.”
I glance at my nephew and notice a lot of faint kiss marks. “Jesus, Darby, give me a wipe.”
She giggles, shuffling through her bag for a wipe. Devin doesn’t like the way I swipe it over his face. “Sorry, but you got too many germs on you.”
He responds by sinking his few teeth and gums into my chin.
“He’s hungry, as always.” Darby digs again.
“I got this. There’s stuff in the break room.”
“Don’t give my baby chocolate muffins again!” she shouts after me.
I bounce him to the break room and find a tray of muffins from this morning’s meeting. Devon lunges toward them. “Let’s start with a banana.”
I grab it, peel it, and offer it to him. Jackson walks in and grins, coming over to scrub his hand over Devin’s dark head. “Are we grooming this one early?”
“He’ll be reading spreadsheets by next week.”
Devon gurgles his delight, gnawing the banana.
“You’re a natural with him.”
“He makes it easy.”
“Getting in some practice?” He wiggles his eyebrows.
“You are as bad as a woman.”
“Just pointing out the truth.”
“The truth that I’m comfortable holding my nephew?”
“That and you look good doing it. A lot of men, myself included, resemble a deer in headlights when a baby is in their arms. Not you. It fits.”
“Glad to have your approval,” I reply dryly.
“Maybe when you have your first, I can take lessons. I’m told babies are chick magnets.”
I spear him with my gaze and clutch Devin closer. “You think about using my baby to attract women, I’ll level you.”
His eyes light up at the same time he roars in laughter. Devin jerks at the noise, spitting a mouthful of slobbery mush down my shirt.
“Shit,” I hiss, not only at the mess but that I played into him. “You’re a jackass.”
“You make it too easy. Plus, you’re leaving for a week. Needed to get my fill.”
The day I returned to work, Jackson was in my office waiting. His eyes landed on the ring on my finger and his mouth split into a cocky smile. The ring didn’t need an explanation. But he’s taken enjoyment in trying to get a rise out of me.
“Don’t you have someplace else to be?”
“Actually, I have an appointment with Ashlyn. Finally wore her down.” He grins triumphantly.
When Ashlyn decided to consult, it didn’t take long for the word to spread. Her extensive experience with a top law firm in Chicago and a reputation to match made her desirable. With the baby on the way, she has been selective on her clientele. Jackson has been pursuing her for weeks to consult on a possible acquisition. “Glad to see your harassment worked.”
“It’s not harassment, it’s called persistence. Now, I assume this little guy didn’t drive himself here?”
“Darby’s in my office signing papers.”
At her name, Jackson’s eyes light up and he grabs two bottles of water, heading to my office.
Devin’s little fists grip my hand as he continues chomping. “Buddy, next time you want to spit your food on a two-hundred-dollar shirt, aim at Jackson.” I let him hold the banana to grab a few napkins. As soon as I release it, he gets excited, shoves the whole thing in his face, and screeches in delight.
My phone rings and I grab it, knowing it’s time for Poppy’s call. “Hey.”
“Hey, are you busy?”
Devin answers for me with another squeal. “If you consider watching this heathen demolish his snack busy, then yes.”
My phone rings again, this time with her facetime request. “Let me see.”
I flip the screen, and like a professional, Devin takes a break long enough to flash his grin.
“What is that?”
“It was a banana.”
“He’s adorable with goo everywhere. It looks like he tried to share with you.”
I wipe my shirt and attempt to clean him up, but he struggles. “This looks like a job for Darby when he’s finished.”
“She’s going to strangle you.”
“Won’t be the first time. How was your class?”
“Dante killed me today.”
“I guessed the ballerina would have taken him down.”
“Yes, but he signed us up for something more modern and funk. My legs are dying.”
“She’s whining because she showed out,” Dante shouts in the background.
His voice gets Devin’s attention and he lunges for the phone. When he sees her face close-up, he cackles. She laughs along, which enco
urages him further. Mushy banana goes everywhere.
I pull the phone away, “Buddy, she gets me excited, too, but I don’t make a mess.”
“Go handle him, we’re headed to training.”
“Call me tonight when you get home.”
“The countdown is on. Less than a week.”
“Thank God. Pips is driving everyone crazy,” Dante teases.
“The countdown is on,” I agree.
“Tell Darby hi.”
“Bye, baby.”
“Let’s do our best to clean you up so your mom doesn’t strangle me.” I move to the sink, wash him off, and head back to my office.
Darby and Jackson are mid-conversation when we walk in and her eyes sweep over Devin.
“I didn’t give him a chocolate muffin.”
“Next time, I’ll send you with provisions.”
“Did you have questions on the forms?”
She shakes her head, handing over the file. “Exactly as you explained.”
“Oh look, everyone’s here!” Ashlyn chirps, strutting in with a bright smile. She’s decked out in her designer clothes, including shoes that cost more than my first car.
“I arrived early to see your new office,” she explains, coming straight to me and laying a loud kiss on Devin’s cheek. “Hey, sweet boy.”
He holds firm on my collar but reaches for her red hair. “No, Aunt Ashlyn has a big meeting and can’t have baby mess hair.”
Jackson stands. “Ashlyn, good to see you. Thanks for coming in.”
“I’m excited to be here.”
She glances around the office approvingly. “This looks great.”
“Thanks.” I wink at Darby.
“I’m glad to catch you.” The sing-song, sugary sweet tone of Ashlyn’s voice fires a warning in my brain.
I manage Ashlyn’s financial portfolio and we speak at least once a month, not to mention we see each other weekly. Her ‘catching-me’ isn’t ever a problem.
“What’s up?”
“When do you and Poppy fly in from Vegas?”
“Late Wednesday,” I tell her something she already knows.
“Great, how about y’all ride to Kiawah with Miller and me on Thursday?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I want my vehicle.”
“We’ll ride with you then. It’s silly for all of us to have cars.”
Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3) Page 12
