Southern Attraction

by Kaylee Ryan

  “Better,” he whispers. I shiver as his hot breath caresses my ear.

  I try to pay attention to the movie, but to be honest I can’t even tell you what we’re watching. I’m looking at the screen, but I can’t focus on anything except the feel of his arms wrapped around me and his hands against my skin. Mike runs his finger under the waistband of my jeans and I shiver at the contact. He must think I’m cold, because the next thing I know he’s pulling the throw off the back of the love seat and is tossing it over us.

  I snuggle deeper into his hold, letting the warmth wash over me. Mike continues his soft caress, and I actually feel myself relax into him. I try to fight the pull, but sleep is creeping in. Slowly I drift off to sleep.

  A loud scream jolts me awake. I try to sit up, but strong arms are wrapped around me. “It’s okay,” Mike whispers. “Liv screamed at the movie. I got you,” he assures me. I try to sit up and his arms tighten around me. “I got you.”

  I nod and take a few calming breaths to slow my racing heart. When the panic leaves me, I look at the screen to see a girl covered in blood while a guy in bloody overalls chases her. No wonder she screamed. “What the hell?” I grumble.

  Mike’s chest rises and falls with his silent laughter. “Not into scary movies?”

  “Not even a little bit,” I confess.

  “I think that was the plan,” he whispers, just low enough for me to hear him.

  Looking around, I see Liv, Kinley and Whitney all snuggled up, and the guys are wearing shit-eating grins. “Glad I fell asleep.”

  His hold tightens. “Me too.”

  After a grueling bloody ending during which I spent the majority of my time with my eyes closed, the credits begin to roll. “Thank God that’s over,” Kinley says. You can hear the relief in her voice, which causes Evan to chuckle.

  I sit up and slide to the end of the love seat, and this time Mike doesn’t stop me. He turns his body, placing both feet on the floor just as Whit turns the lights on. We’re all rubbing and blinking our eyes at the brightness.

  “Another?” she asks.

  “I can’t take another one of those,” Kinley announces.

  “Yeah, me either,” Liv agrees.

  “We should probably head out and get the kids,” Evan tells Kinley.

  “Yeah, it’s already past their bedtime,” she agrees. “We have an early shopping day tomorrow anyway.”

  “Wedding shopping!” Liv cheers, making us all laugh.

  Everyone stands and stretches, then heads upstairs. I follow the crowd, Mike behind me. We’re the last two.

  “Hey.” He laces his fingers through mine and keeps me from walking up the stairs.

  I turn to look at him.

  “How long are you here?” he asks, rubbing his thumb across my knuckles.

  “I leave Sunday. I have to be back at work Monday morning.”

  “Can I see you again before you leave?”

  “I don’t know what time we’ll be back tomorrow.” My heart is racing so fast, I feel like a damn teenager.

  His eyes bore into mine. “Doesn’t matter.”

  Do I want to see him before I go? Yes. I would be a fool not to. The attraction is stronger than I remember. Even though it’ll be a one-time thing, I don’t want to pass it up. Whatever this is, it’s too intense not to explore.

  “I don’t know what Whit has planned, but I can try to stop by the bar, maybe?” I’m not really sure how to handle this.

  “Give me your phone.” He holds out his hand that’s not laced with mine.

  Digging into my back pocket, I unlock the screen and hand it to him. His thumb flies across the screen and I hear a low vibrating sound.

  “Now you’ve got my number,” he says, handing the phone back to me.

  “And apparently you have mine.”

  “I do, and I plan to use it. You should do the same.”

  “What time do you close tomorrow night?”

  “Doesn’t matter. You call me when you’re ready.”

  Will I ever be ready? He’s just as intense as this attraction I feel toward him. Can I handle that?

  “We better head up before they come looking for us.” Keeping my hand in his, he steps toward me. “It was great to see you, Jamie. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.” Leaning in, he kisses my forehead, then leads us up the stairs.

  Once we reach the top of the steps, Whit looks at us, grins, and then quickly turns back around.

  “Ladies, we leave here at eight in the morning,” Liv says.

  Once we all agree to the time, Evan and Kinley leave to go get their kids.

  “You ready?” Liv asks David.

  “When you are,” he tells her.

  Liv gives both Whit and I a hug before linking her arm through David’s and heading outside.

  Once the door closes, Mike snakes his arm around my waist and pulls me into him.

  I try to turn to look around the room, to look for Whit and Aaron.

  “They’re gone,” he says, his lips against my ear. “Giving us time to say goodbye.”

  “How did they…?” Who am I kidding? Whit’s been hinting for months that Mike and I would be good together.

  He chuckles softly. Looking down at me, his blue eyes sparkle. “Have fun tomorrow.”

  “We will,” I say excitedly. “I’m really glad I’m not going to miss this. I hate living so far away from my best friend.”

  He doesn’t reply, placing his lips on my forehead. “Be safe, and call me when you get back. Don’t care what time, just call me.”

  “Okay,” I agree, tilting my head up to look at him.

  “Good night, James,” he whispers before kissing the corner of my mouth.

  I’m not sure what has me more surprised: the kiss, although short, or the fact that he remembered my real name is James.

  I told him that night. He asked if Jamie was short for anything. Usually I just say no, that’s my name, but something had me telling him the truth. I was named after my dad. My parents had so much trouble conceiving, they knew once they had one healthy baby they were going to stop. Mom was convinced I was a boy, and they had picked out the name James Matthew, after my father. To their surprise, I was a girl. Mom insisted that the name James stick, and that’s the story of how I became James Lynn Turner.

  “Night,” I say, my voice barely a whisper.

  With a gentle squeeze to my hand, he releases me, turns and walks out the door. I stare after him, my hand resting on my lips where his connected. It was simple, soft, sweet and just enough to leave me craving more of him.

  “I knew it!” Whitney says loudly, causing me to jump. I quickly turn to face her. “I knew you liked him.”

  “Whit, come on, have you seen him? That ass? Of course I’m going to watch him walk away.”

  “Uh-huh.” She grins. “I’m on to you, missy.” She points at me.

  I can’t help laughing at her. “He lives here. I’m in Chicago. It would never work,” I finally admit.

  “My earlier idea fixes that too,” Aaron says, sliding up behind Whit and wrapping her in his arms. She melts into his hold.

  “Yeah, yeah.” I wave my hand in the air. “I’m going to call it a night. It’s been a long day.”

  “And tomorrow we’re going dress shopping,” Whitney sings.

  I make my way toward the stairs, stopping to give her a hug. “Night,” I whisper.

  “Night,” Aaron answers while Whit hugs me tight.

  Once in my room, I go through my nightly routine and climb into bed. I toss and turn, trying to get comfortable, when my phone vibrates from its place on the nightstand.

  Unknown: Night, beautiful James.

  Mike.

  Me: Good night, Michael.

  I use his full given name, which he also confessed the night we hung out at the lake.

  A slow grin spreads across my face as I think about that night. The attraction that sparked between us. I was sure I had imagined it. You know the whole “you can’t to
uch so you want to” kind of thing. But tonight, it was there once more, igniting between us, even stronger than I remember.

  Then again, maybe not. This time I don’t have a boyfriend. This time I could touch him and him me, we’re both single. This time I was on the receiving end of what these sweet southern boys have to offer.

  Slowly I drift off to sleep, excited to see what tomorrow night brings.

  After I laid awake for hours, I finally fell asleep, dreaming of what it felt like to hold her. To just be with her. I’ve fought hard since that first night, tried to tell myself that the connection was all in my head. I work all the time, and that night was my first night out in… well, too damn long. The weekend over, I said goodbye to this new girl with the golden blonde hair and sparkling green eyes and thrust myself back into work. Back into the bar, my legacy.

  I’m awake too damn early, and of course my first thought is Jamie. Suddenly, I’m no longer tired. It doesn’t matter that I didn’t even get five hours of sleep. What matters is that she promised to call me tonight. What matters is that I get to see her again.

  Our attraction is undeniable, and it’s never been that way for me with any other woman. It’s been a long damn time, longer than I care to admit, since I’ve been with a woman. This has to be my body’s way of telling me that I’m depriving it. Then again, there are beautiful women who frequent the bar on the daily and none of them, not a single one, can turn my head like she can.

  Reaching for my phone, I pull up our text from last night and, without thinking too much about it, send off another.

  Me: Good morning, beautiful.

  I get a reply almost immediately.

  Jamie: Morning.

  Me: Have fun today. Can’t wait to see you later.

  I see the little bubble that tells me she’s replying. I watch as it disappears and reappears several times before my phone finally alerts me to a new message.

  Jamie: I leave tomorrow.

  We’ve already discussed this. Not sure why she’s telling me again.

  Me: I know. I still want to see you.

  Jamie: I’ll text you when we get back.

  Me: I’ll be waiting.

  Tossing my phone on the bed, I head for the shower. Time to get this day started so the night will come even faster. I need to get done what has to be done at the bar so when she calls I’m ready.

  I’ve counted inventory yet again; it didn’t need it, but I need to stay busy. I rearranged the stock room, paid bills and now I’m behind the bar. Not unusual for me on a Saturday night, but tonight is different in the fact that I don’t want to be here. I want to be with her. It’s already six o’clock and still nothing.

  “You’ve checked your phone a hundred times since I got here,” David laughs from where he sits at the bar across from me.

  I don’t reply, just keep wiping down the bar.

  “They’re on their way back,” he tells me.

  Looking up, I see the smirk on his face. Fucker.

  “What are you and my sister getting into tonight?” I ask, trying to move the attention from me.

  “Livy wants to just stay in. She’s exhausted from shopping all day.”

  Livy. I never would have thought my friend’s eyes would light up the way they do when talking about my baby sister. “They find what they were looking for?” I ask, even though I don’t really care. It’s polite and keeps the conversation from me. That’s the main objective here. I know he’s onto me.

  “Livy said they all found their dresses. And something about Whit and boots, but I’m not supposed to tell Aaron.” He looks up at me.

  I raise my hands in surrender. “I know nothing about boots. Got it,” I chuckle.

  “Anyway,” he continues, “Livy said they should be back a little before seven.”

  I know I have no messages—I would’ve felt my phone vibrate—but I’m still itching to pull it out and check. I don’t, not with David’s eyes on me. Instead, I drop the towel onto the bar. I’ve wiped the same section fifteen times.

  “Slow night,” he says.

  “Yeah, I’ll probably head out early,” I confess. I take that as the perfect opening to get out of here without announcing that I’ll be meeting up with Jamie.

  “Big plans?” he asks.

  “Nope,” I say just as my phone vibrates in my back pocket. My arm whips around and retrieves it before it’s finished with the alert. Quickly swiping the screen, I pull up my messages.

  Jamie: Headed back. You still want to meet up?

  Is she serious?

  Me: Name the time and place, sweetheart.

  Jamie: I’m the out-of-towner, remember? Whit and Aaron are staying in. I think Liv and Kinley are on the same plan.

  Me: You tired?

  Jamie: It was a long day.

  My mind races with what we can do. It’s too cold to be outside. She’s tired, so my place is all I can think of. It’s going to be hard as hell keeping my hands off her, but the alternative is not getting to see her again before she leaves.

  Me: My place? We can just hang out, watch a movie, whatever you want.

  I sound desperate. Oh well, it’s already sent.

  Jamie: That actually sounds great.

  Me: I’ll pick you up. It’s supposed to snow, and I don’t want you driving on the slick roads.

  Jamie: I’m from Chicago, remember?

  Me: I’ll pick you up.

  Jamie: If you must. Eight?

  Me: See you then.

  Locking the screen, I slide my phone back in my pocket. That’s when the world around me comes back into focus and I hear David laughing.

  “What?” I ask.

  “You know what. Let me guess, Jamie?”

  “Yup,” I confess.

  “You know your sister is going to go crazy over this little piece of intel, right?”

  “Give me tonight, man. Jamie’s going back home to Chicago tomorrow. Just give me tonight with her without Liv trying to play matchmaker.”

  I watch as he finishes off the Coke sitting in front of him. He’s never been one to drink and drive, and I know he’s just biding his time like I am until my sister gets home. “You got it. I’m heading out. I told Liv I’d be at her place when she gets there.”

  “Later, man.”

  David waves and walks out the door.

  “Hey, Beth,” I say to my lead night server. “I’m taking off for the night. You need anything, just call.”

  “Go!” she says excitedly. “We’ve got this. You work too much, Mike.”

  I nod, toss the rag I was using to wipe the bar into the sink and head back to my office. I quickly shut down my laptop, pack it up and head home. I need to pick up a little before leaving to get Jamie.

  “Who you texting?” Whit asks from her seat beside me. Kinley and Olivia are up front.

  Olivia turns to look at me. “My brother?” she asks, excitement in her voice.

  My face heats. “He offered to keep me company tonight while all of you are snuggled up with your significant others,” I respond, trying for nonchalant and failing miserably.

  “He’s a great guy,” Kinley says quickly, meeting my eyes in the rearview mirror before looking back at the road.

  “He is.” Whitney reaches over and squeezes my hand. “He’s also easy on the eyes,” she giggles.

  My best friend is so damn happy here.

  “Ewww,” Liv laughs, while Kinley nods her agreement. “But for the sake of wanting to see him happy, he’s a handsome man. I mean, he is my brother, after all.” She grins.

  That has us all laughing at her. “It’s just two people hanging out. I go back home tomorrow. I’m a city girl, and you can’t take that boy out of the country.”

  “You know, a year ago I would’ve agreed with you,” Whit says from beside me. “Now?” She looks down at the diamond shining on her finger. “Now all I can say is to keep your mind and your heart open. Life is full of surprises, and if you keep yourself closed off, you’ll never be ab
le to experience the miracles it sends your way.”

  “Listen to you, all philosophical,” Liv teases.

  “Love does that to you,” Whit says.

  Kinley pulls into the driveway and puts her SUV in Park. Aaron walks out on the wraparound porch with Walker on his hip, Evan right behind him holding Lex. She turns in her seat to face us. “He loves you,” she tells Whit. “I’ve never seen him this happy. Thank you for that.”

  “I love him too, more than I could ever put into words.”

  “She’s right, you know,” Kinley says to me. “I never would’ve thought this is where life would’ve led me, but look at me now. That man”—she points over her shoulder—“and those kids are everything to me.”

  “He’s into you,” Liv says. “Ever since you visited back in the summer. He’s never admitted it, but he doesn’t have to. I see the way he listens intently when your name is brought up, the way his eyes sparkle when I tell him to reach out to you.”

  “Guys, come on. I know he’s a great guy, but it’s just not possible to be more.”

  “Never say never, my friend,” Whit says just as there’s a knock on the window.

  Turning our heads, we see Aaron standing at the driver window, baby Walker tapping on the glass and wearing a huge grin.

  “He’s the cutest,” Whit laughs.

  “Looks like girls’ day is over,” Liv says. “I need to get going anyway. David’s waiting on me at my place.”

  “Thanks for today,” Whitney gushes. “I’m so excited to have the three of you be a part of this.”

  “We love you,” we all say in unison, laughing as we do.

  After our goodbyes, Whit, Aaron and I wave from the steps. “I guess I should go freshen up,” I say.

  “Y’all are more than welcome to hang out here,” Whitney offers.

  “Look at you.” I grin.

  “What?” she asks, confused.