Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3)

by Ahren Sanders

  “Ride with Jill and Warren.”

  “They don’t have to be there until Friday.”

  “Neither do we.”

  “Yes, you do. You need to be there Thursday night for the bonfire.”

  Darby nods her agreement. “It’s a small gathering at the beach house.”

  “How many fucking parties are included in this weekend?”

  “Does it matter?” Darby throws back. “It’s a wedding, we’re celebrating.”

  “I didn’t reserve a room for Thursday.”

  “Scottie has it handled.”

  “No,” I repeat.

  “Come on, Evin, we want to see Poppy. You can’t keep her all to yourself,” Ashlyn pushes.

  “You’ll be with her all weekend.”

  “It’ll be crazy, and Thursday will provide a more intimate atmosphere.”

  I narrow my eyes at my sister, feeling more to this story. “What’s going on?”

  She side-eyes Ashlyn, then throws her hands up. “Fine. We want to see her, but more importantly, we want to make her comfortable.”

  “She has me. I’ll make sure she’s comfortable.”

  “You’re being a caveman.”

  At this, Jackson laughs and my head swings to him. He’s rocking back on his feet with his arms crossed and face full of amusement.

  “You enjoying this?”

  “Yeah, two beautiful ladies piling up on you is entertaining.”

  My phone alerts an incoming message and Darby’s eyes drop to my pocket. “That’s her.”

  It’s not a text from Poppy; instead, there’s a video from Dante with a message—‘Pips lit it up!’

  “Ooh, Let’s watch it,” Ashlyn suggests, spying over my shoulder.

  “Don’t you have a meeting to go to?”

  “It can wait a few minutes.”

  “I remember a year ago when you were private and minded your own business.”

  “That was before we were family. Now I have carte blanche to be nosy.”

  “Actually, why don’t you send it to the big screen so we can all see it,” Jackson recommends with an arrogant smirk.

  All three of them stare at me expectantly. “Fine, then you people need to get a life and stay out of mine.” I give in, grabbing the remote and syncing the devices.

  The screen comes alive, and this studio differs from the one Poppy took me to. The crowd of dancers is older and dressed a lot less formally. They form a semi-circle and the music goes on.

  Dante slides in front, and less than a second later, Poppy spins in. My eyes fix on her and everyone else disappears. She looks completely different from a few minutes ago. Her hair is tied in two buns on either side of her head, both with small flowers tucked into the top. She’s wearing a sports bra and an oversized tank that is cut off, exposing her stomach. The tight black shorts hug her perfectly, and right above the waistline her jeweled ring sparkles.

  She’s fucking gorgeous.

  “Paahhhhh,” Devin mumbles, laying his head on my shoulder and reaching to the screen.

  “That’s right, buddy, she’s pretty great.”

  Dante shouts a few times, but I can’t tear my eyes away from her. Knowing her story, watching her perform, and seeing the photos in her room, I’ve always pictured her as a ballerina. I seriously misjudged her talent. She owns the dance floor. Her movements are fast, her body completely in tune with the beat. Sweat glistens on her skin, but she doesn’t slow down.

  My cock stirs in my pants, and I have to remind myself my nephew is in my arms.

  When the music stops, she collapses into Dante, and the room erupts with clapping. She works to regain her breath with her expression glowing.

  Mine…

  The video ends, and the room is quiet. Jackson turns to me, his eyes wide with shock and surprise. He clears his throat, “That’s your Poppy?”

  “That’s her.”

  “I thought she was a stage performer.”

  “She is. Dante signed them up to teach this class today.”

  His expression is easily readable and anger burns in my chest. Tension escalates in the air and Darby speaks up.

  “Jackson, Evin’s protective of Poppy.”

  He throws his hands in the air. “You’re reading me wrong. Never in a million years would I have put the two of you together. She may not be what I pictured, but I get it now. That smile alone would have me chasing her across the country.”

  “You have no idea.”

  “She have a sister?”

  “No.”

  “A friend?”

  “Not one you want to get tangled up with.”

  “I’m eager to meet Poppy,” he says with a grin.

  “You’ll get your chance. She will be in Charleston for a few days,” Darby announces freely.

  I narrow my eyes and glare at her. “How do you know that?”

  “Come on, did you think it would stay a secret?”

  “Scottie has a big mouth.”

  “Yes, he does, but not this time. I figured it out on my own. Your secrets are hard to keep from me. Don’t worry, I didn’t tell anyone. Well, until now.”

  “Exciting, I’ll plan a dinner—” Ashlyn tries.

  “No need,” I cut her off. “We’re keeping it low-key.”

  The women share a look that is easy to read.

  “Not kidding, Darby.”

  “Okay,” she replies without an ounce of sincerity.

  My eyes fall to my nephew, who’s dozing off. “Your mom is a pain in my ass.”

  Chapter 13

  Evin

  What a shit fucking day.

  The pounding in my head finally weakens when I park behind Poppy’s car.

  It wasn’t enough that a four-hour delay in Atlanta blew my plans to hell. Then I had to run into the last person I expected waiting for the same flight. Too focused on rearranging the night, I didn’t see Rina coming until it was too late. The total scene was a clusterfuck and she didn’t take rejection well. Especially when drunk—or close to it. I made my escape to the sky lounge and boarded the flight last to avoid her walking through first class.

  Now, it’s two-thirty in the morning, and I’m finally where I need to be. A text from Ryanne tells me she’s waiting.

  I grab my suitcase out of the backseat and head up the walkway. Ryanne opens the door before I can knock and leans in for a quick hug.

  “She’ll be relieved. She fell asleep with her phone in her hand.”

  Guilt tightens in my chest that I missed all Poppy’s calls while in the air. “Thanks for your help.”

  “Meh, you can thank me with a fabulous dinner.”

  “You’re on.”

  She smiles warmly and locks the door. “There’s a clean towel in the bathroom if you want to shower.”

  I look at Poppy’s closed door and my heart races, knowing how close she is, but still wanting to wash off the grime of my day. “I’ll be quick.”

  Ryanne’s grin slips and her expression turns thoughtful. “She told me you know about her family.”

  “Those assholes aren’t worthy enough to be called her family.”

  “She also told me you know everything.”

  An uneasy feeling rolls in my gut. “Ryanne, I don’t think—”

  “She said you think it’s beautiful.”

  “I didn’t lie.”

  “She has the most untarnished soul of anyone I’ve known. Her entitled family will never know the magnificence they let go. Poppy is a dreamer, but never underestimate her strength.”

  “Never.”

  “I’ve been waiting a long time for Pips to find someone worthy. Dante, too. He and I have both dated enough fucksticks to know it would take a special man to understand and appreciate all that is Poppy. Her beauty on the outside is nothing compared to the woman on the inside.”

  Irritation sparks and slowly burns through me at the implication. “Jesus, Ryanne. You don’t know me well, but I’m not the type of man that needs to fly across
the country to get a gorgeous piece of ass.”

  “Good answer. Poppy has shared a lot about you. Your family, friends, job, the clingy skank that was chasing you down. She loves and gives with everything she has. Since you came into her life, that love is bursting wide. It’s disgusting and brilliant at the same time. It also makes me want to believe that love at first sight exists. Be the man that lets her chase her rainbows and has her back.”

  “Goes without saying,” I grumble, tired of this conversation. “When Dante sandbagged me a few weeks ago, this was new but no less serious in my mind. You both have every right to your curiosity and grilling, so I’ll lay it out. What Poppy and I share is real. As real as it can be. My feelings run deep. So fucking deep I can picture a future that was never in my plans. Our situation isn’t ideal, but we’ll work through it. She’s trusting me to figure out a way to make this work. You’re right. That family she kicked to the curb will never understand the magnificence they let slip through their greedy fingers. With me, she’ll never feel that. I appreciate everything that makes her who she is. My job isn’t only to have her back, it’s to support her dreams and let her chase them. In return, I get all the wonder and amazement of sharing it.”

  Her gaze flickers with satisfaction. “Glad we set that straight.”

  “Now, at the risk of sounding like a dick, this conversation is over. I’ve spent almost twelve hours getting here. The woman I’m crazy about is across the house in bed. A bed I’m ready to be in with her.”

  “Glad you’re not a fuckstick.” She waves me off, turning to her room. “Goodnight.”

  I lay my suitcase in the hall outside of Poppy’s door, grab what I need, and go straight to the bathroom. The instant the door closes, a sense of familiarity washes over me. Her things are scattered around, her scent lingers in the air, and her crown with wilting flowers hangs on the corner of her mirror. I rush through my routine at record speed, with my mind on one thing.

  I slip quietly into her room, dumping my clothes in the corner. It takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the darkness and land on her sleeping form. She’s tucked in a ball, clutching her pillows, just as I picture her every night.

  My body folds around her, inhaling deep and kissing the side of her neck. The stress of the day and the last two weeks seeps away listening to her shallow breaths. Her pulse picks up speed against my lips and she tenses.

  “Evin?”

  “Yeah, baby. I’m here.”

  Jabbing pain slices across my ribs and I grunt as she scrambles away. Her lamp clicks on.

  “Evin!” Her cry pierces through the air.

  “Hell, babe, your elbow is sharp.”

  She reaches over and pinches my chest before doing the same to her arm.

  “Shit.” I rub the sting, propping up. “What was that for?”

  “I had to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

  “I’ll have the bruises to prove this isn’t a dream.”

  She launches into me, her arms and legs wrapping tight as her lips crash down. Her tongue sweeps through before tangling with mine and taking over. I grip her ribcage, pulling her closer. She doesn’t let up, kissing me with everything she has. My cock strains against my shorts and she grinds down, whimpering. Wetness falls on my cheeks and I slow the kiss, breaking away.

  “Gorgeous, why are you crying?”

  “Because you’re here, in my bed, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I really, really missed you.”

  My chest tightens, and I know at that moment. I’m more than in love with this woman.

  I’m gone.

  Thirty-five years of waiting was worth every second to have this.

  She swipes at the tears trailing down her cheeks and sniffs a few times. “When I didn’t hear from you tonight, I worried.”

  “Baby, I missed your calls because I was in the air trying to get here. The plan was to surprise you at the theatre.”

  Her hands sift through my hair as her eyes scan over my face. “Why is your hair wet?”

  “I showered.”

  “How’d you get in?”

  “Ryanne knew my plans and was waiting for me.”

  “Sneaky. She sat by and let me fret all night when I didn’t hear from you.”

  “I’m sorry you got upset, but it couldn’t be helped. Delays in Atlanta pushed everything back.”

  “I wasn’t upset, I was worried.”

  “It won’t happen again. Even if it risks ruining my surprise, we’ll talk.”

  “Do I sound clingy?”

  “No, but even if you did, I wouldn’t care. You clinging to me would not be a hardship.”

  A small giggle escapes, and she presses her forehead to mine. “How long are you here?”

  “Until we leave for South Carolina. We’re moving into the hotel tomorrow.”

  “We could stay here and save you the money,” she says hesitantly, chewing on her bottom lip.

  “Maybe another time.”

  “Ryanne wouldn’t mind.”

  “It’s easier right now at the hotel. I can set up to work on Monday and Tuesday and not worry about cluttering your dining room. I also like knowing you are right downstairs working. Not to mention we need our privacy. Swear to God, I would have gotten out of the shower and climbed into this bed naked tonight, but with Ryanne down the hall, I had to get dressed.”

  Her lips curl. “That is too bad.”

  “I hate to say this because it’s likely to fire you up. And when you get fired up, I usually like it. Seeing as I’ve been up for twenty-four hours, I’m too fucking tired to do anything about it. But you have to get over the money issue. The hotel will not break me.”

  “It’s not only the hotel. It’s the hotel, the airline ticket, the dinners, the weekly flowers, the accommodations in Kiawah, the wedding present—everything adds up.”

  “I can handle it.”

  She studies me, obviously wanting to say more, but gives in. “Fine, I’ll let it go for now because I’m still partly shocked you’re in my bed, which outweighs everything.”

  “Appreciate that.”

  “Ryanne has an event tomorrow; we’ll have the house to ourselves.”

  “Good to know. You think we can go to sleep?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Are we going to sleep sitting up with the lamp on?”

  “Give me a second.” Her gaze travels over me as her hands move around my neck and over my chest. My cock twitches and hardens again when she slowly scales her nails lightly up and down my abs.

  Her eyes drop lower and she licks her lips. “Thought you’re exhausted.”

  “My dick has a mind of its own when a beautiful woman is feeling me up.”

  She giggles softly, leaning in to kiss the center of my chest. “I’ll let you sleep.”

  “New plan.” I twist, holding her with one arm and switching off the lamp, then fall back. “Lay your head on my shoulder. We sleep like this.”

  “You sure?” she doesn’t wait for an answer, nuzzling into my neck. “I may get heavy.”

  “Baby, anytime you’re in my arms, you’re weightless.”

  “Always so sweet.”

  It takes a while for her breathing to even out and then I let my eyes close, holding her tight.

  I wake to the smell of cinnamon, the spot next to me empty. My eyes go to the picture on her dresser.

  It’s of her in my arms the first time she brought me here. We’re locked together, our mouths fused, with her wrapped around me. One of the shots Ryanne snapped.

  Poppy cracks open her door, peeking in and smiling widely. “You’re awake.”

  I scrub my hands through my hair and prop up, looking around for a clock. “What time is it?”

  “Mid-morning.” She remains in the doorway, staring.

  “Why are you over there?”

  “Because I’m memorizing this.”

  “How about memorizing with a kiss?”

  “I can do that.” She crosses the room and fling
s herself on me.

  The taste of cinnamon and sugar coats my mouth when her tongue molds with mine. She angles her head, giving me deeper access, and melts into my body. My hands go to her ass, squeezing my approval. She pulls away too soon, laying her forehead to my cheek. “You sleep okay?”

  “Better than the last two weeks.”

  “Me too.”

  “Why do you taste so sweet?”

  “I made cinnamon rolls. This morning seemed like a special occasion to break out my grandma’s recipes.”

  “You made them from scratch?”

  She nods.

  “Can’t wait.”

  “Would you like me to bring you some coffee?”

  “You made coffee?”

  “I may not drink it, but Ryanne does. She made it.”

  “She here?”

  “No, she’s gone, but she mentioned us doing dinner tomorrow since it’s my only night off before we travel.”

  “You make the reservations, invite Dante if he’s off.”

  “He’ll love it.”

  “How long before your rolls are ready?”

  “Not too long.”

  “I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

  She lifts off, running her lips across mine once more. I follow her out of bed and pause when she lifts my shirt from last night off the floor, slipping it over her tank. The second she does, she frowns, sniffing deep.

  “Smell like an airplane?”

  “No, it smells like stale perfume.”

  I still, blowing out a deep breath. “I had an unpleasant run-in at the airport.”

  “With who?”

  “Rina Lewis.”

  She strips off the shirt like it’s got a disease. “What kind of run-in?”

  “The kind that left her with no misconceptions of where I stand.”

  “Tell me.” She crosses her arms, taps her foot, and narrows her eyes.

  “I never saw her coming. They delayed the flight in Atlanta, and I went to the closest bar, finding a table. The bitch plopped right in my lap and threw her arms around my neck, leaning in for a kiss. My instincts kicked in, in time to turn my face, but she got my cheek before I stood and gently put her on her feet.

  “She wobbled, giving away she was drunk or close to it. I saw two women at the bar watching us curiously. When she spotted my ring, things got ugly, and she wanted to know why I hadn’t called. Can’t take a fucking clue I want nothing to do with her. I told her straight out I am involved with someone. Her anger turned emotional. I got out of there.”