Georgia Pine (Southern Promises Book 3)

by K. G. Fletcher

  “Watch out for Jo-Jo, Jennifer. You know she doesn’t like it when she gets splashed in the face,” she reminded her firstborn as she gently slid into the refreshing water out of Tim’s line of sight. Her eyes followed Jennifer as she cut through the water toward him. He reached underneath and effortlessly pulled her up by the arm and onto his back next to Julia.

  “Okay, hold on tight, girls. I’m gonna give you a boat ride.”

  Jennifer and Julia seemed delighted as they held on to his strong shoulders. He pushed off the side of the pool, and they squealed as he cut through the water and started to swim laps. With each exerted breaststroke, the wake of the waves rose up to their chins. When Jill saw how much fun her sisters were having, she threw her goggles to the side and joined in the game, holding on to Tim for dear life. Jessica watched in awe as all three of her daughters collected on the back of this giant man. His strength and ability were amazing. Each time he came back to the ledge, she thought the game was over, and he would stop. But Tim continued lap after lap, his endurance uncanny. She started to worry.

  “Girls, I think that’s enough for now. You’re gonna wear the poor man out! Why don’t you get out and dry off? I’ll get some popsicles.”

  Tim swam a final lap and dropped the girls at the corner stairs, helping each one out of the water. Jessica waded over to him with the baby in her arms. “Do you mind holding Joanne while I help the girls?”

  “I’d love to,” he panted and held his arms out, Jo-Jo reaching for him.

  Quickly, she splashed up the stairs, aware that Tim was watching her backside as it came up and out of the water. Grabbing her towel, she hurriedly tied it around her waist.

  Once the girls were settled with popsicles in their hands under the shade of the porch, she approached the pool, wearing a cover-up, and paused to watch Tim hold her baby. He bounced her up and down in the water, making her laugh, a real baby whisperer.

  “I can take her now,” she said, a pain of melancholy shooting to her heart when she noticed happy smiles on their faces. Jo-Jo’s daddy never played or smiled at them like that. “There’s a towel on the chair for you and an extra popsicle if you want it.”

  Tim’s green eyes sparkled with playfulness. “Nice.”

  Later, the girls played on the swing set in a separate area of the manicured backyard while Tim manned the grill. Jessica couldn’t help but hum along to a familiar Georgia Clay song as the music echoed through speakers in the state-of-the-art stereo system while she made a pitcher of lemonade. Her cell phone pinged with a text message.

  I think it would be in your best interest to bang that yard guy—I’ve always thought he was HOT in a sweaty, off-limits kinda way!

  The text ended with three flame emojis making Jessica bite her lip. She was sure Elizabeth’s imagination was going crazy.

  Before she went back outside, she grabbed two cold beers from the fridge. It was weird to watch another man cook on the large stainless-steel grill in the outdoor kitchen. Stephen hated being outside except to golf, and she had always been the one to grill. It was nice to see a man in front of the fire for a change.

  “How’s it coming?” she asked while handing him the frosty bottle. The heavenly aroma of grilled meat wafted into her face.

  Tim looked down at her with a spatula in one hand and took the beer Jessica offered with the other. His smile dazzled, and she noticed tiny droplets of perspiration on his chest. “Should be done in a few minutes.” A colorful beach towel was wrapped around his waist and his muscular arms and abs were dangerously close to her face. She had to stop herself from staring at the intricate design of his tattoo.

  “Okay. I’ll tell the girls to go wash their hands.” She started to leave.

  “Wait. Cheers.” He thrust his bottle toward hers and smiled. “Thanks for having me. It’s been a great day.”

  Biting her lip to suppress a smile, she clinked her bottle with his. “Well, I’m happy you’re here,” she said matter-of-factly. Their eyes met as they each took a long pull from the amber bottles and she was momentarily stunned by the striking ivy-green color of his eyes up close, not able to look away. Her face started to flush, and she almost choked in an attempt to regain her composure. “I’ll go… tell the girls it’s almost ready.”

  He nodded and licked his lips before he flipped the burgers one last time. Oh lord, how was she going to get through this night?

  ***

  By the time they finished eating at the outdoor patio table, the summer sky was a wash of faded color. The shades of pink and orange in the sunset were replicated in the tiny bowls of rainbow sherbet placed in front of each little Kaufman girl. The underwater pool lights automatically came on at the first sign of dusk and a few rogue evening golfers finished up their rounds on the expansive course beyond the fence line. Tim had put on a t-shirt before they sat down to eat but kept a damp towel around his swim trunks. Dinner was delicious, the simple grilled meal reminding him of the months he spent with his sister Tabitha and her family in Malibu. Few leftovers sat in the middle of the round outdoor table, a testament to hungry little girls and famished adults after an afternoon of vigorous swimming fun.

  Tim sipped on another beer, relaxed and engaged in the chatter of children as they ate their sherbet. He glanced over at Jessica who listened to the youthful conversation intently, her full pink lips turned up in a lazy smile. The freckles on her face were more prominent after hanging out all day in the summer sun, and her long blonde hair frizzed slightly from air drying in the humidity. She was incredibly, naturally beautiful, her vivid blue eyes sparkling with a child-like wonder of their own.

  Earlier, she seemed modest around him, clinging to a towel wrapped around her waist until she entered the pool. It was as if she didn’t want him to see her body in a swimsuit. This humored Tim. Jessica Kaufman was all woman with soft curves in all the right places, her ample cleavage gorgeous in the tight spandex of her suit. She seemed more relaxed after dinner, the few beers she consumed probably helping the situation. It was the perfect summer evening, and Tim was thankful to be a part of it.

  Baby Jo-Jo rubbed her eyes as she sat in the highchair pulled close to Jessica. Her mother took the bib that was around her neck and wiped her mouth before pulling her up and out of the chair, holding her close. Jo-Jo snuggled against her tanned chest and yawned.

  “Girls, you need to finish up so we can go get ready for bed.”

  Jennifer’s eyebrows shot up, and she comically smiled before she started spooning the remnants of her dessert faster and faster into her mouth. Her two sisters followed suit, and the sound of silver spoons clinking against the glass bowls was diminished by the erupting giggles, swirls of colorful sherbet dripping down chins.

  Jessica laughed. “Okay, okay. I think y’all are done for the night. There’s not a drop left in your bowls. Wipe your faces and let’s go.” She stood with the baby on her hip and motioned for the girls to get up. “Don’t forget to say good night to Tim.”

  “Good night Tim,” Jennifer said first in a sing-song voice.

  “Good night,” Tim replied, surprised when the little girl reached her arms out to hug him. She smelled like chlorine and sugar. Her sisters immediately lined up behind her.

  “Good night Mr. Tim,” Jill repeated with her own sing-song voice, tittering uncontrollably.

  “Good night, Silly-Jilly,” he teased, patting her on the back as she hugged his enormous thigh with all her strength.

  Julia allowed her sister to move out of the way but hesitated last minute, sticking her thumb into her mouth as she stared up at him. Tim held out his hand, relieved when she put her free hand into his. “Good night, sweetheart.” He gave her a reassuring squeeze, making her grin around her thumb.

  The girls circled their mama’s legs and watched as Tim rose from his seat. He sauntered toward them ready to say good night to Jo-Jo too. “Good night, Little Bit,” he said, patting the child on her blonde head. Jo-Jo offered a tiny smile before laying her head on
her mother’s shoulder. She was tuckered out.

  Jessica looked up at him with huge, sapphire eyes. “I hope you’ll stay a little longer. I’d love some adult conversation.” She ogled her four kids. “If you know what I mean.”

  Tim put his hands on his hips and nodded. He watched as she corralled her children like a mother hen and disappeared into the house. Music continued to play softly through the speakers, and when he recognized the Van Morrison classic, Moondance, he couldn’t help but sigh. In that moment his own heart was dancing with pure gladness.

  He finished his beer in two gulps and gathered the dishes, stacking the bowls and plates and taking them inside. He efficiently loaded the dishwasher and wiped down the countertops and outdoor table. He even cleaned the grill with a wire brush, humming the entire time to the syrupy soft rock music that echoed through the air. Hanging the wet towels across the back of the chairs, he surveyed the cleaned-up area with satisfaction.

  When Jessica still hadn’t come back down, he approached the staircase and started to go up to see if she needed any help. He stopped himself, realizing he might interfere with their bedtime ritual and decided to go back outside, thankful she wanted him to stay. It had been one of the best days he’d had in a very long time.

  Tim wasn’t used to being idle and looked around the outdoor patio, trying to decide what to do next while he waited for Jessica. The summer air was still warm and resonated with the sounds of summer critters gearing up for their nighttime symphony among the soft rock coming out of the outdoor speakers. He flung the damp towel from his hips and waded into the pool, the underwater lights throwing off subtle shades of pink, which made him smile. He pulled the tie out of his long hair and wrapped it around his wrist before slowly submerging himself. When he came back up, he tilted his head back, the ends of his mane stretching down his back in long saturated strands. He rested his shoulders against the tiled side and propped his arms on the ledge, the sound of the water lapping back and forth, soothing. Excess water dripped from his beard, and he pulled his hand down his face, wiping it off. His mind flashed back to a time when he enjoyed his own private pool often going for night swims. It seemed so long ago, and his life had changed so much. He shook the memory off when he saw Jessica enter the kitchen and look around in surprise. The pleasure on her face was evident as she came outside to look for him.

  “Tim?”

  “Over here.” He didn’t dare move, aware of the growing bulge in his swim trunks. Jessica was beautiful in the soft pink haze of the pool lights, the shimmering water reflecting across her flawless face that radiated her megawatt smile. He watched her open the safety gate and approach the side of the pool opposite him. She kneeled and dipped her tanned legs into the water, hiking her cover-up in the process so it wouldn’t get wet. “You didn’t get enough swimming in earlier?” she asked.

  “I’m not swimming,” he teased.

  “You’re not?”

  Tim waded over and dropped to his knees right in front of her. His long hair floated around him on the surface of the water like lilies in a pond. “I’m relaxing now. You wanna join me?” He watched Jessica bite her lower lip and avert her eyes. Boldly, he moved closer and slid his hands around her calf muscles under the water making her clench. “Please?” he whispered, his voice rumbled with bold anticipation.

  Her eyes locked in on his before he watched her slowly pull the cover-up over her head, flinging it onto a nearby lounge chair. The rise and fall of her chest against the spandex of her suit caught his attention, and he was tempted to reach up and touch the pebbled buds of her nipples against the fabric. She reached for him, and he helped her slip into the water, holding her awkwardly by the forearms. They were head to head while she squatted and he remained on his knees. As they stared at one another, he found it hard to breathe, the warmth of her skin penetrating his fingertips.

  “Thank you for cleaning everything up,” she whispered, the blue of her eyes eclipsed by her dark pupils.

  “You’re welcome. Thank you for inviting me to dinner with your family.”

  He watched as she licked her pink lips and nodded. Gripping his forearms tighter under the water, Jessica Kaufman surprised him when she boldly leaned forward and kissed him.

  Chapter Six

  Oh, my god… O.M.G.! I just kissed him! Jessica’s inner voice screamed. She pulled back and exhaled short puffs of air, disengaging her hands from his sturdy forearms.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” Her apology came out fast, her stuttering voice high and uncertain. Jessica lowered her head to look away before she felt Tim’s fingertips touch her chin lightly, raising her face to meet his gaze.

  “Don’t be sorry. I’m not.”

  Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she felt light-headed. Her lips burned as she realized she yearned to meld them with his again. But had she gone too far? Her divorce was only a day old. What kind of woman moved on that quickly with a day-old divorce, and with their yardman? Elizabeth would be out of her mind with glee, but the thought worried her, and she started to move away from him in the water.

  “No. Wait.” Tim grasped her arm and pulled her back, standing in the process as the water lapped violently around them.

  She felt small looking up at his massive frame that towered over her like a giant shade tree. He pulled her up into a standing position as her eyes welled with tears.

  “Don’t…” he whispered, drawing her close.

  Jessica stiffened in his embrace, and then her body trembled as it resonated with regret.

  “You don’t feel this?” he asked.

  “What?” she muttered.

  “This?” Tim stepped back from her, still holding her upper arms. “I’m attracted to you, Jessica. I feel it every time I’m around you. I think you feel it too.”

  Jessica shook her head and tried to look away, but Tim took her chin in his hand again and turned her face to look at him. “What happened to you was awful, and you and your children didn’t deserve it.”

  She nodded and blinked her eyes rapidly to keep fresh tears at bay.

  “You need to relax and not overthink everything.” The awkward moment felt like an eternity as he stared down at her with a beguiling smile on his moist lips. “I have to ask. When was the last time you were properly kissed?”

  His question took her by surprise, and she couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows, intrigued by the expression on his face. Uncertain as to what he was getting at, she shook her head, not sure how to answer, the very thought of another kiss fanning the flame in her belly.

  He ran his thumb across her lower lip, making her toes curl. “Seriously. Think back to the last time a man thoroughly kissed you, making you weak in the knees.”

  His gaze was compelling, and her breathing hitched. She wasn’t about to tell him that the kiss they just shared had rocked her to her core.

  “Ummm. I would have to say…”

  “Come on,” he encouraged.

  Why did he have to be so incredibly handsome? And so incredibly not her usual type?

  “Try to remember the last time a simple kiss left an indelible impression on you.”

  “An indelible impression?” she repeated.

  He chuckled and nodded as he waited for her to answer.

  Chewing on her bottom lip, Jessica finally had a reply. “I would have to say, senior year of college… Adam Walters.” She tilted her head back with certainty and waited for his reaction.

  Tim nodded slowly and tried to hide a small smile tugging on his lips. “Is that so?”

  Before Jessica could respond, Tim took his time and kneeled dramatically in the pool before placing his wet hands on either side of her head. Staring back at him, her pulse jumped before he moved forward and tenderly pressed his lips against her mouth. The shock of his action was instantaneous, and her squeal was muffled as an ember of heat ignited in her belly. His tongue pried the seam of her mouth and slowly coerced her to open up to him. When she finally let
go and allowed Tim to kiss her completely, her shoulders relaxed, and her body pressed into his. A drizzle of warmth trickled into her hibernating heart, and she relented—fully. When they came up for air, she gasped, her eyes searching his.

  “That, my sweet Southern belle, was a proper kiss.”

  His gumption made her giggle. “Well, it certainly left an indelible impression.”

  Tim puffed out his glorious chest with satisfaction. “Mission accomplished.”

  ***

  It was late when Tim got home. He rode the entire way with the windows down in his truck, his long hair blowing in the humid air as he replayed the entire night with Jessica. He couldn’t remember the last time a kiss from a beautiful woman had left him reeling, the soft lips of Jessica Kaufman taking him by surprise. She had made a bold move kissing him first. He knew they had something humming below the surface; something they needed to explore. He was glad she made the first move. It proved she was interested and wanted to explore the possibility of something more. It warmed his heart that it didn’t seem to matter to her that he was a blue-collar worker tending the lawns in the neighborhood. More often than not, when a wealthy female client gave him instructions for a specific yard job, they would often check out his physique, almost in awe of his large stature. It was comical the way they flirted openly, mainly when he was hot and sweaty and doing intense manual labor. But none of them ever really had the courage to get to know him, let alone kiss him. He was the forbidden fantasy for the upper class—taboo among the privileged. The husbands took it a step further, making sure he felt inferior to them, often mocking his choice of career. It didn’t matter to Tim—if they knew the truth about his background, they’d be acting more like flies on honey.

  Tim and Jessica swam together that night, talking and kissing for over an hour. It was comfortable with her. They talked about her girls, mostly. She was a proud mama and told him story after story about each little girl. It was as if a dam had been compromised, the rush of conversation flowing like the refreshing water they languished in. He was happy to listen, enamored by her enthusiasm and love for her children. He was also happy she didn’t press him for details about his own story. They were getting to know each other, and he needed to tread lightly. The very thought of possibly upsetting her when he told her who he really was made him sigh out loud. He needed to let her down easy and hoped her reaction would be the opposite.