by Ava Miles
They were loading the plates in the dishwasher when he heard the alarm chime, signaling a door opening. Only one person came into his house without knocking. He braced himself for the visitor, and Amelia Ann stilled beside him.
His mama walked into the kitchen and paused to take in the unexpected scene.
“Hello, Mama,” he made himself say, placing a hand on Amelia Ann’s waist.
“Hello, Georgia,” the woman beside him said in a clear voice, even though he could feel how tight her muscles had become in the space of seconds.
“I wondered if that was your car out front,” his mama said.
“It is,” he told her, not crossing to kiss her like he normally would.
If she saw the car, she’d broken an unspoken rule. She knew he had a woman here, yet she’d walked in anyway, probably because she’d seen Amelia Ann’s car too. Apparently Rye wasn’t the only one he was going to have to battle to be with her.
“Well, this is quite a surprise,” Mama drawled, setting her purse down on the counter.
“I expect it might be,” Clayton replied. “Was there something urgent you needed, Mama? I was having breakfast with Amelia Ann.”
There was a stony silence, and Amelia Ann bit her lip.
“I suppose it can wait. I’ll let you two get back to your…breakfast,” Mama said in an extra sweet drawl, one that had his jaw locking.
“No need,” Amelia Ann said like the former debutant she’d been—no emotion, manners impeccable. “I have to run.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
Her smile was too perfect now, and he felt chilled by the sight. He hated seeing her revert back to this persona of hers—this fake woman he didn’t know.
“It was good to see you, Georgia.”
“You too, sugar. Do tell Rye hello when you see him.”
Like she didn’t talk to Rye every day as his manager. Mama could be a prize bitch when it suited her, and he gave her a hard look as he led Amelia Ann to the front door.
When they were outside, she halted. “I can walk to the car, Clayton. You’d best go back inside.”
He wanted to kick something. “I’m sorry she was like that.”
“Well, I suppose it was a shock, seeing me there. I…”
She wrung her hands and he grabbed them.
“Don’t let her do this to you,” he told her, staring into her eyes. “It’s only awkward if you let it be. There’s no shame in what we did.”
He could feel the slight quiver that ran through her body, but she pulled herself up and stood tall. “You’re right,” she said, kissing him on the cheek. “I’ll call you later.”
She was a step away from him when he yanked her back. “That’s no way to kiss a man you spent the night with.”
“But—”
His mouth demanded things from her, reminded her of the things they’d shared. There was no way he was letting this moment be spoiled for her, for them. When he released her, she let out a shaky breath.
“Well…”
He couldn’t ignore the urge to kiss her again, so he leaned down swiftly. “How about dinner tonight?” he asked when he released her, awash in the pull of the kiss, their connection.
“I could do something later.” Her soft smile told him everything she was feeling. “Eightish?”
He wasn’t a man who added an ish to anything, but he felt a grin rising on his face as an answer. Where was the usual space he craved after being with a woman? Usually he couldn’t wait for his latest conquest to step off his land and leave him in solitude.
“Fine. I’ll pick you up. Text me when you get home.”
Those sultry eyes blinked a few times before she said, “It’s daylight out, Clayton. I’m fine driving back.”
“Humor me.”
“Okay, sugar. Thank you, Clayton.”
That chicken bone rose back into his throat. “For what?”
She only gave him a Mona Lisa smile and turned away, walking to her car. He watched until her tail lights disappeared from his vision. Even though he knew his mama was waiting for him, he still didn’t move.
He was in love with Amelia Ann. Now it was time to face the other people he loved, the people who had serious reservations about his involvement with her. He would need to step up and be a man about what he’d chosen.
He turned around to face the woman who no doubt was going to chew his ass six ways to Sunday.
He should regret last night, but he didn’t.
Not for one second.
Chapter 27
Georgia was spitting mad when he returned to the kitchen, and Clayton knew better than to try and pacify her. The best thing to do was let her get it all out. He braced himself on the kitchen counter across from her.
“I didn’t know you were coming this morning, Mama.”
Her red eyebrows rose like she was already thinking he was sassing her. “I had some things to drop off, so I thought I’d take you out to breakfast.”
He held his tongue, not giving anything away.
“You can imagine my surprise when I saw Amelia Ann’s car outside.”
Still he said nothing.
“Clayton Chandler, how long have you been carrying on with Rye’s sister? I mean, I have seen a mighty number of things in this life, but it about blew me over to walk into this kitchen and find that young woman here, playing house with you, wearing her dress from last night and your shirt.”
Playing house? His heart kicked up at that, pounding in his ears. “Rye knows we’re together, Mama.”
Her eyes narrowed as she marched across the kitchen in her pointy-toed black boots and drilled her blood-red nail into his chest. “Are you saying Rye Crenshaw knows you’re sleeping with his sister?”
“It’s not like that, Mama, and I’d kindly ask you not to disrespect me or Amelia Ann that way.”
“Oh, it’s not like that, is it? I’ve seen her eyes on you before. I just never imagined in a million years you’d fall to her ways.”
He took a deep breath to counterbalance the anger rising in him. “Mama, she doesn’t have ways. She’s an innocent, and I’ll remind you again not talk about her that way.”
“So, she’s not one of those cheap women you dally with to pass the time?”
Curse words coursed through his mind, ones he couldn’t say in front of her. “Of course she’s not, Mama, and you know that.” He crossed his arms. “That’s all I plan to say on this subject.”
She threw her long mane of red hair over her shoulder. “All you plan to say? Well, I hate to tell you this, son, but I’m not done talking. I’ve seen you hook up with a lot of women, Clayton Chandler, but this has to be the craziest, most idiotic choice you have ever made. Rye is your best friend and your boss. Amelia Ann is his baby sister. Hell, son, she’s not even out of school yet.”
One dart. Two dart. Three. She’d managed to hit the bull’s-eye of his heart with each volley.
“Mama, I know all that, okay?”
She drilled her finger into his chest again. “Then why in the name of all that’s holy are you with her?”
“Because I love her, all right?” he shouted back and then clenched his teeth tight.
So he’d been able to say it after all—just not to the woman who had the right to hear it first.
“You love her? Rye’s sister?”
“Stop calling her that. Her name is Amelia Ann, and yes, I love her.”
Her sudden smile caught his off guard. “Well, I’m glad you can admit it. I didn’t think you could feel otherwise about her given the situation.”
What was she talking about? “But you just said—”
She waved a hand. “I only said those things to rile you up. Give me some credit for knowing my own son.”
So, she had faith in him after all? It moved him something fierce to hear that. “I do love her. I don’t know what the hell to do about that, but I’m with her. I’d appreciate it if you’d just leave us to our own devices like Rye has agreed to
do.”
“Rye can’t have agreed to that,” Mama said, settling back against the counter. “I know that boy as well as I know you.”
“He has agreed. Or at least he hasn’t taken a swing at me.”
Mama went over and poured herself a cup of coffee. “That’s more likely.”
The silence in the kitchen grew as she stirred in a spoonful of sugar.
“Clayton, I know you love her, but this can’t end well. Not between you and Rye and not between you and Amelia Ann. Rye won’t be able to handle the situation, and Amelia Ann is likely too young for you.”
He bit back a curse word. “Mama, I appreciate your thoughts. I do, but it’s my life.”
“I decided to retire, believing you were ready to take over as Rye’s manager. I thought y’all were both in good hands. If this breaks the two of you up, it will split my heart in two, Clayton.”
Dammit, were those tears in her eyes? He crossed the room to her, his eyes level on hers. “Rye and I won’t let anything come between us.” Since he’d first touched Amelia Ann, he’d been praying non-stop that what he’d always believed was true.
“I hope you’re right, but you know he adores his baby sister. You mess with that, you mess with everything.”
The thought of hurting Amelia Ann made him nauseous. “I don’t plan on hurting her.” Then he realized he needed to go a step further to convince her. “Mama. Do you remember how you told me to ask Daddy for a sign? Well, he’s given me one twice now about Amelia Ann.”
Was he really telling her this? But somehow it felt right to tell her. The words had been threatening to burst from his lips for days now, and the best person to hear them was his mama.
Her mouth parted, and then she snapped it shut, fighting deep emotion. “What was it?”
“Do you remember Daddy calling you his firefly?” he asked and felt his ears turn red.
Her hand pressed to her heart, and she nodded.
“Well, I’ve seen fireflies around her. I know it’s stupid, and dammit, I’m not completely convinced, but…”
“Oh, God,” she said in an agonized voice, and the eyes he knew so well squeezed shut, her lids fluttering with emotion. She took a deep, cleansing breath like she was fighting for control. And when she finally gazed at him, the tears she usually only shed at his daddy’s grave trickled down her face.
“Yet you told me…” she paused, dashing away the tears with her fingers. “It’s a sign, son.”
Hearing her say it, seeing her fall to pieces like this, had his own heart beating madly in his chest.
She took a fortifying drink of her coffee and then set her cup down with renewed purpose. “Do you plan on marrying her, Clayton?”
The counter bit into his back when he bumped into it. Jesus. Marriage? “We’ve only just become serious. Let’s leave that discussion for later.”
She set aside her cup and took his hands. “I know you’re not completely convinced your daddy gave you a sign, but I am. She’s the right one for you, and I’ll have to trust your daddy on that. Get to know her better.”
Get to know her better? What did Mama have in mind? Brunch?
His mind was reeling now, and his hands weren’t steady when he reached for his coffee cup, so he let them fall to his sides. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”
“I don’t think so. You’re going to have to step up to the plate and be a man if you’re going to keep Rye’s respect and your own. Be honest with him about how you feel. You, J.P., and Rye have been brothers since you first met up. Rye will come around once he knows how you feel about his sister, but you have to tell him. I know it’s hard for you to share your feelings.”
Tell Rye his feelings? He’d rather be gut shot. He wished the earth would crack and gobble him up right now.
“Your daddy was the same way, but don’t try and play the role of some dumb macho man, Clayton. Amelia Ann will need you to do your part to keep the peace in her family. Don’t let her down. Stop stewing, honey.” Mama kissed his cheek and picked up her coffee. “It will all work out. You have a powerful helper in your daddy, all the way from heaven.”
He didn’t even know how to respond to that.
But he did know one thing. The first person he had to share his feelings with was Amelia Ann. He thought of seeing her tonight, and it was like the rocks in his chest his mama’s talk had heaped on him dropped away.
Maybe telling Amelia Ann how he felt would be easy.
But Rye?
He didn’t know how he’d take the news, and his fears about their friendship and working relationship cast long shadows over him once again.
Chapter 28
Selecting lingerie and a dress to wear for her date with Clayton made Amelia Ann feel like a seductress. The black lace bra and panties were lined with white satin. Pure sensuality. And concealing her ensemble was a stoplight red dress that clung to her curves—a little number she wouldn’t dare wear to work or school. To add to the tantalizing effect, she went with a smoky eye and neutral lipstick. She was just spritzing herself with her magnolia perfume when the doorbell rang. He’s early, she thought, having kept a careful eye on the clock.
How sweet.
When she opened the front door, she felt her mouth gaping open like the maw of a fresh-caught catfish. “Tammy!”
Her sister scanned her outfit and whistled, something she’d never heard her sister do before. “Well, looks like someone has a date.”
“Umm…” Had Rye told her? Was she a coward for wishing he had?
“I had to pick up some plants at one of the nurseries in town, so thought I’d see if I could catch you home,” her sister told her. “John Parker has the kids, but it looks like a quick dinner with you is out of the question.”
Amelia Ann scanned the street, feeling in her bones Clayton was going to show up any minute.
“You want me to go, don’t you?” her sister asked. “Since you haven’t told me about anyone, I assume this is a new relationship.”
That confirmed it. Rye had kept his mouth shut.
“No, come on in. Have a drink with me.” They were standing with the front door open like they had no manners at all.
Her sister came inside and shrugged out of her jacket as she followed her into the kitchen.
“Sweet tea?” she asked, opening the refrigerator.
“I’d love some. Do you have an orange?”
“Of course.” She poured her two glasses of tea and topped the glasses with orange slices, her sister’s favorite way to garnish it.
“Oh, this is divine. Now tell me about your date. You look fabulous. He must be pretty special.”
“He is. I’m seeing Clayton,” she told her sister and watched as Tammy’s eyes widened in shock.
“Clay-ton. As in ‘Rye’s best friend and manager’ Clayton?”
Oh, why did she feel like a kid explaining herself in the principal’s office? “Yes. The very same. Rye is aware of this.”
“He is? And Clayton is still standing? Our brother sure has mellowed.”
“Clayton will be here soon, but we can talk for a bit. I have something else I wanted to share with you.”
Tammy glanced toward the door. “Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer for me to leave before he arrives? I don’t want things to be awkward.”
Now that made her laugh. “Of course it will be awkward.”
Even more so if Tammy knew she’d lost her virginity to Clayton last night and planned to have more wonderful sex with him after dinner. But that wasn’t something she felt comfortable telling her sister. No one had ever talked about sex growing up. It was like it didn’t exist. Until fifth grade, she’d honestly believed the storks had delivered them to the hospital like her mama had told her.
There were small traces of dirt on her sister’s T-shirt from the plants she must have been carrying earlier. Amelia Ann refrained from brushing it off. Her sister’s short blond hair was still perfectly curled around her face, however, and her makeu
p was brilliant. Those small stains were the only sign of what she’d been up to earlier.
“Does Daddy know?” Tammy asked. “John Parker mustn’t, or he would have told me.”
Which is why Clayton probably hadn’t shared it with his other best friend. She’d wondered about that. “Yes, Daddy knows, and he’s happy for me.”
“Well, I have to admit, I am pretty surprised,” her sister said as she sipped her sweet tea. “I thought you and Clayton…ah, weren’t that fond of each other.”
Given the way they bickered, her assessment wasn’t exactly surprising. “It was just…our way.”
“I see.”
The quiet that descended was already awkward, and she glanced over at the clock to see how much longer she had until Clayton arrived. Five minutes. Right now it felt like an eternity.
“It must be serious between the two of you given the…err…complications.”
Her throat went dry, and she took a healthy sip of her own tea before answering. Was Clayton as serious as she was? Probably not, but he cared for her. That she didn’t doubt. “Yes.”
“I know I’m no expert in these matters, but if you need someone to talk to…” Tammy said, clenching her glass so tightly Amelia Ann could see her knuckles.
Yeah, they’d never really talked about personal matters, and they both knew it was a gap in their relationship. The things that came normally to other sisters, people like Susannah, Sadie, and Shelby, just didn’t feel natural for them.
“Thank you. Now, about that other thing I wanted to tell you… I’m volunteering at a community legal clinic. While I work on other legal matters there as well, my focus is on domestic violence.”
The only sign of her sister’s discomfort was the way she fiddled with the orange slice on her glass. “I’m glad to hear that. It’s an important cause. Did this happen because of the concert?”
She felt the nervous urge to tap her foot on the kitchen tiles, but she resisted. “No, I was interested in this before. It’s…Tammy, it’s my life purpose. Like gardening is yours.”
When Tammy pressed her fingers to her temple, Amelia Ann knew she was struggling to control her emotions. “I’m glad for you, honey. I am.”
