Southern Attraction

by Kaylee Ryan

  Yes!

  Me: You know, I met this city girl. If anyone can take me out of the country, it’s her.

  I’m honest to a fault and I mean it. I could and would do that for her. Only for her.

  Jamie: Sounds like we’re both lucky.

  Me: I know I am. I miss you already.

  Jamie: Miss you too. I’m getting back on the road. This is my last stop before home. I’ll call you when I get there.

  Me: Okay. Be safe, James.

  I feel like a damn broken record telling her to be safe all the time, but it worries me that she’s driving all on her own. I can’t keep asking her to do this. Next time, I’m going to her. Olivia can handle things for a few days.

  Too antsy to sit around, I grab my keys and head over to Aaron’s. At least being around others will distract me… I hope.

  When I pull into the drive, Whitney is sitting on the front porch reading. I don’t see Aaron.

  “Hey, stranger,” she calls out. “Our girl make it home?”

  “Not yet. She’s almost there.” I walk up on the porch and take a seat in the rocking chair beside her.

  “You’re not mad, are you? That we surprised you?”

  “Fuck no. It’s the best damn surprise ever. I just hate her driving all that way on her own. I hate that we live so far away, and I hate that she’s not here with us right now.” I rest my elbows on my knees and hang my head. I can’t seem to get out of this; first I’m spilling my guts to mom and now Whit. I need to man up.

  “She’s a big girl, Mike.”

  “Yeah, she’s also a beautiful girl driving all on her own. Do you watch the news? You know how many damn crazies there are out there. Fuck!”

  I feel her hand land on my shoulder. “She’s fine. You really like her, huh?” I turn to look at her and she laughs. “Stupid question, I get it.”

  “I’m driving myself crazy, Whitney. I never should’ve let us start this. I can’t handle her being so far away. I just don’t see how—”

  “Why do you have to declare anything now? You’re both good with slowly getting to know one another. Take turns every few weeks going to visit, and she’ll be here for the wedding. Slow is good—look at me.” She grins.

  “I don’t really remember anything slow. Aaron was hooked right away.”

  “Maybe, but things between us were slow. I was hooked early on as well, but we took our time. If it’s meant to be, you’ll find a way.”

  Gravel crunching has us looking toward the driveway where David and Dad just pulled up.

  “Look at you, beating us here,” Dad says in greeting.

  “Hey, Whit. Where’s Aaron?” David asks.

  “He’s out at the barn getting the truck loaded up. He told me to send y’all over when you get here.”

  “I’ll drive,” David says, already turning back to the truck.

  I stand to follow them.

  “Mike,” Whit calls out. I turn to face her. “Time,” she whispers. “She’s in this with you. Y’all just need some time.”

  I nod and head toward my truck to get my gear. Once I have it all loaded into David’s, I double-check that I have my phone and grab the charger just in case. I have a full battery, but I’m not risking it going dead until I know she’s home.

  “We spreadin’ out?” Dad asks once we reach the pond.

  “I like that plan,” Aaron agrees.

  Secretly, I do as well. I don’t need them hounding me for checking my phone every five seconds. Then again, this was supposed to be a distraction, so I don’t do that. Not that it would’ve stopped me, but that was the idea going into this.

  Grabbing my gear, I head toward the north end, the farthest away. Setting up my chair, I place the cooler next to it, my fishing bag on the other side. I make quick work of getting my pole ready to cast and take a seat. It’s a little early to be fishing, the water’s still pretty cold, but we do it anyway, because it’s a nice warm sunny spring day and this is what we do. It’s nice to escape to nature after being cooped up all winter.

  My pole is propped up on its stand in the grass, right by my feet, and my phone is in my hands. I look around and see how everyone else is going. I haven’t heard any yells of excitement, so I’m guessing they’re waiting for a bite as well. David is texting on his phone, or at least that’s what it looks like. I’m sure it’s my sister. Dad has his hat down over his eyes and I’m certain he’s napping, enjoying the quiet. Aaron’s looking out over the water, a goofy happy grin on his face. It’s so big I can see it from across the pond. He’s marrying the love of his life, my cousin Whitney, in a few weeks and he’s riding the high.

  Swiping the screen, I see it’s a little after eight. Jamie should be home by now, even with the stops she made. I know last time she ran into traffic, so I don’t want to freak out yet. Who am I kidding? I’ve been freaking out since she pulled out of my parents’ driveway.

  I jump when her face lights up my screen. “Hey,” I whisper.

  “Did I wake you?”

  “No, not at all. No way could I sleep until I knew you were home safe. Dad, Evan, Aaron, David and I are fishing. You make it home?” I ask, keeping my voice soft so as not to disturb the fish or my fellow fishermen.

  “Yeah, traffic again. But I’m home. I’m going to unpack and start a load of laundry, maybe grab something to eat.”

  “I need you do to me a favor.”

  “Sure, what’s up?”

  “I need you to talk to your boss or look at your calendar, whatever it is you need to do, and give me some dates before the wedding. I need to see you.”

  “Mike, it’s only six weeks away.”

  “That’s too long. Can you get them to me? I was thinking if I drove up on a Friday night, I could leave Sunday, or if you’re able to get Monday off, I could stay until Tuesday morning. If I leave when you do for work, I could be back to open the bar that night. Olivia can handle it until then, and Dad will be there to help her if she needs it.” I’ve done nothing but think while sitting out here watching my bobber float in the water.

  “You sure? I know you hate being away from the bar.”

  I don’t even think before I say, “I hate being away from you even more.”

  “I’ll talk to him tomorrow and get back with you.”

  “Don’t worry about when. You tell me when to be there and I’ll make it happen.”

  “I miss you,” she says quietly.

  My chest tightens. “You have no idea, Jamie.” Although, as soon as I say the words, I feel like she does know. This connection we have is more than just an instant attraction, but I can’t explain it. But I know it’s more. So much more.

  “I need to call my parents and Whit and let them know I’m home.”

  “Okay. Sweet dreams, James.”

  “Night, Michael.”

  Suddenly, the weight is lifted from my shoulders and I feel like I can take a deep breath, the first since she pulled out of the driveway earlier today. I’ve seen Aaron and Evan—hell, even David with Liv—and I never understood how their happiness would stem from that of the woman in their lives. I get it now. I’ve only had a taste of what they have and I’m a selfish bastard. I want it all.

  I’m on cloud nine today. Mike’s coming here, as in he’ll be here in a few hours. I’m taking off early today, and then I’m off Monday as well. That’s three full days with him. To say I’m excited is an understatement.

  “Morning, Jamie,” Mr. Warren greets me.

  “Good morning. Don’t forget I’m leaving early today and I’ll be off on Monday,” I remind him.

  He chuckles. “That’s right, your man friend is coming to town.”

  I can’t help but blush. I was honest with why I needed off. “Yeah, he’ll be here in a few hours.”

  “Take off whenever. We’re fine here.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Warren.”

  “Fine here” is an understatement. Things are painfully slow, but he doesn’t seem to be stressed about it. I’m just w
aiting for the day when he announces his retirement.

  I try to stay busy, answering the phone, explaining that we’re not taking on any new cases, and going through what little active cases we do have and seeing if there are any loose ends to tie up. I try like hell not to watch the clock, but it’s hard. Especially when I know in a few hours he’s going to be here.

  My phone vibrates on my desk. I grab it and smile when I see his name. “Hey,” I say in greeting.

  “Any special parkin’ spots?” he asks.

  “What?”

  He laughs. “Do you have a certain number of spots you’re allowed to park in?”

  “Where?”

  “At your apartment.”

  “Are you here?” I squeal with excitement.

  He laughs again. “Yeah, babe. I just pulled into your complex. Just want to make sure I’m not taking anyone’s spot.”

  “No, it’s a free-for-all, so you can park wherever. It’s a huge lot so you should be fine. I can’t believe you’re already here.”

  “I left earlier than what I planned. Couldn’t sleep.”

  “I’m ten minutes away. Let me close down and tell Mr. Warren I’m leaving. I’ll be right there.”

  “No rush, I’ll just take a quick nap here in the truck until you get here.”

  “Oh I’m going to rush. I can’t wait to see you. Hold tight,” I say, ending the call before saving my files and closing down my computer. Rushing down the hall to Mr. Warren’s office, I knock on the doorframe. “Hi, Mike just called and he got here early, so I’m going to head out. Thank you so much for letting me off early and Monday as well. I know I’ve been taking a lot of time off lately.”

  “It’s fine, Jamie.” He waves his hand in the air. “I’m sure you’ve noticed I’m starting to slow down here.” He must see the worry on my face. “Go on now, we can talk about it next week. Everything’s going to be fine. Enjoy your time with that man friend of yours.”

  “Thank you. Have a great weekend,” I call out over my shoulder, already headed back to my desk to grab my purse and phone. It seems like I get stuck at every damn red light. I’m giddy with excitement and cursing the traffic, wanting to get home in record time.

  Pulling into my apartment complex, I see his truck parked in the same section where I normally park. I pull into the space beside him and turn off the ignition. Grabbing my keys, purse and phone, I climb out and head to the driver door of his truck. I’m not even at the front of my car when he’s out of the truck and stalking toward me. His big arms wrap around me as he lifts me off my feet and holds me tight.

  “I fucking missed you,” he says, muffled from where his face is buried in my neck.

  I’m laughing, smiling so hard I feel like my face might crack. “I missed you too.” Slowly he sets me back on my feet, his hands resting on my hips. “I thought you were taking a nap?”

  “No way could I sleep knowing you were on your way here. Not something you want to sleep through.”

  “Well, grab your stuff, country, and we can go inside.”

  Leaning down, he kisses me, just a quick chaste one, but I’ve missed his lips on mine. I stay in my spot while he reaches into the cab of his truck and grabs his bag and keys. He’s next to me in what feels like maybe seconds, lacing his fingers through mine. “Lead the way.”

  Releasing his hand to unlock the door, I hold it open, motioning for him to go before me. He grins and walks inside. Shutting the door behind us, I lock it back from force of habit; I am a single woman living alone, after all. When I turn around, he stalks toward me and his lips are on mine. The kiss feels desperate and familiar. I’ve missed him more than I thought.

  I take a step back until my back hits the wall. “On three, wrap those legs around me.” He counts off and on three, he lifts me and I do as I’m told. I can feel how hard he is, and it’s all for me. His mouth crashes back to mine, our tongues dancing to a tune all our own. “Bedroom?” he says between kisses.

  “First door on the left.” My arms around his neck, legs clamped around his waist, I hold tight while he moves us to my room. This is a different version of Mike. Up to this point, he’s been… distant, I guess you could say. We’ve slept in the same bed and shared many kisses, sensual touches, but this… this is raw need.

  In my room, he kicks the door closed before sitting me on the edge of the bed. “I fucking missed you,” he says, pulling his shirt over his head. “Move up.” He nods to the bed.

  I do as he asks and scoot back on the bed. Like a predator, he follows me, resting his weight on his elbows on either side of my head. My legs fall open, allowing him to settle against me. “Mike,” I say against his lips that are currently caressing mine.

  “Missed you,” he repeats.

  I snake my hands under his arms and grip his strong muscular back. My fingers tingle as they skim over the taut muscles of his back. He moans and I’m not sure if it’s the kiss, my hands on him, or the fact that I just lifted my hips, causing friction. My body’s reaction to him is primal. I know his reasoning for holding off, but I need him. At this point that’s what it is: actual need, to feel all of him. To be joined with him in the most intimate way.

  “More,” I whisper, my lips next to his ear. He rolls his hips and a mumbled “Yes” falls from my lips.

  His lips leave mine and I crack my eyes open to find him staring down at me. My heart stutters at the look in his eyes. His steady, lust-filled gaze bores into my eyes with silent question. My answer is to lift my hips and grind against his erection.

  “Fuck,” he mutters, rocking into me once more.

  “Don’t stop,” I beg him. This is more than he’s given me and I’m taking it; if begging is what I have to do, I’m not above that.

  Sitting up, he rests on his knees and pulls me up with him, his eyes never leaving mine as he slowly unbuttons my shirt. I quickly pull my arms from the sleeves when he’s done and toss it on the floor. Reaching behind me, I unhook my bra, but before I can discard it, his hands cover mine. I start to protest, thinking he’s trying to stop me, but his lips on my bare shoulder halt the words in my throat. Slowly, painfully slow, he kisses from my shoulder all the way down my arm as he pulls the strap down. One side off, he starts the process all over again with the other side. I’m breathing heavily, which I know he can see from the rapid rise and fall of my chest. I’ve never been this turned on before in my entire life. Bra discarded, my nipples are painfully hard, begging for him.

  “Lie back.” His voice is gruff with want.

  I waste no time resting back on the softness of the mattress, his heated gaze devouring me. I’m just about to beg again when his heads dips and he takes a nipple into his mouth. My entire body tingles at the electricity of his touch as he works one and then the other over with his mouth, tongue, and teeth.

  “Mike.” I want to tell him I need more, want more, but his name is all I can manage as sparks of desire zip through me with every nip of his teeth. As if he understands my simple plea, he rocks his hips into mine. My legs clamp around his waist, holding him to me.

  His lips release me and travel up the column of my neck, landing at my ear. He nips and bites before I feel his hot breath and the low rumble of his southern drawl. “Come for me, darlin.’ I want to watch as you fall apart in my arms.” His words are followed by a constant steady rhythm of his hips as he presses his jean-covered erection against me. From the waist down, we’re both clothed, but my body doesn’t seem to mind as I lift into his movement, causing more friction.

  His lips are on my neck, kissing, licking and nipping as he whispers in my ear. “Feel what you do to me?” Thrust. “This is all you, beautiful.” Thrust. “I missed you, Jamie. I need to hear you. I need it,” he pants as he continues to move his hips to a silent beat only he can hear. “I need you.” There’s so much conviction in his voice, the desire alone could’ve sent me flying over the cliff of ecstasy.

  Mike settles beside me, kissing my neck and working his way toward my lips.
“You make me feel like a teenager,” he chuckles.

  “Hmm, so what do you think our teenage selves would do in this situation?” I trace the planes of his abs.

  “More than likely it would be time to take you home. I’d pray all the way that your daddy can’t tell that I just had my hands and mouth all over you.” He kisses me softly.

  “Maybe,” I say, not committing.

  “Maybe? You got one better?” he asks as he traces small circles on my hip.

  “I do actually, but I’d rather show you.” Before he has a chance to protest, I push him back on the bed and straddle his hips.

  His hands rest on my thighs. “I think I like this version much better,” he says as one hand slowly runs up my stomach, which quivers at his touch. He doesn’t stop until he has a breast in his hand, as if he’s feeling the weight. He runs the rough pad of his thumb over my nipple and I throw my head back at the sensation, until I remember this is my story to play out. Lifting my head, I circle my hips, and his eyes close. He drops the hand that’s caressing my breast to my thighs and his grip tightens.

  When I move to slide down, his eyes pop open. He doesn’t say a word; instead those blue eyes watch me, curious. Sitting on his thighs, my hands find their way to the waist of his jeans. Not breaking eye contact, I release the button and slowly pull the zipper down. Moving off his thighs, I kneel beside him.

  “Lift.” The word is a whisper but he still hears me. He lifts his hips and I tug his jeans down so he can kick them all the way off. Still he says nothing, just rests his hand on my hip. I hold his stare as my hand slowly works up to his erection. I cup him in my hand and heat blazes in his eyes.

  “I can’t resist you.” He says it like it’s actually causing him pain.

  I don’t comment, just offer him a shy smile before finally breaking eye contact and taking in the man before me. My hand is caressing his erection through his boxer briefs. I know he’s affected from the sound of his breathing, and I suddenly have this all-consuming need to give him the same pleasure he’s given me. I know him well enough to know he would never ask or initiate this. He has this theory in his head that if we have sex I’ll be his and he won’t be able to walk away. Considering we live in different states, I’m not sure how that would work out for us.