She doesn't answer, but her footsteps stop.
"If your mom wants to plan the wedding before you're wearing the ring, it's fine with me. And if your dad brings his gun, I'll watch my back."
"ARG!!!!!!" The bathroom door slams.
I smile, going to her coffee maker at her side table and popping in a pod, then assess the room. She was correct that she's cramped in here. Suitcases, bags, boxes, rolling wardrobe hangers, plastic storage containers, shoe racks, the bay window still loaded with stacks of papers and miscellaneous items. Even with the bed, Pierce and I can get this moved in one load.
I head out to my truck for my toolbox and the packing supplies I threw in this morning. It doesn't take long to stack the storage bins in the front room and move the fridge to the back porch. By the time the shower shuts off, the French doors to her room are off the hinges and leaning against the wall.
I take her coffee to her bathroom and knock, twisting the knob and grinning when it's locked.
"Go away."
"Let me in."
"Nope."
"Good thing I planned for this," I mutter, taking the pick out of my pocket and working the lock.
She's in her robe, towel drying her hair when the door creaks open and her eyes come to me. "Brought you something, gorgeous." I set the coffee on the vanity and back away with a wink.
The sun is rising when she appears with a full face of makeup and hair dry. She stops, taking in the open doorway, the bins, and landing on the pile of packing boxes and tape in her room. Without a word, she takes her phone out of her purse, grabs a few hangers, and heads back to the bathroom, but I catch the small smile on her lips.
A few minutes later, I hear a bubbly, "Hey, Mama!"
There's a quick pause where I imagine her mom is questioning the hour.
"Everything is fine, but today is a busy day, and I thought we could catch up early since I didn't have time to call last night."
Pause.
"Yes, I meant to call, but something came up."
I chuckle. Yeah, something definitely came up.
"I texted that I was having a surprise lunch with Darby and her family."
Quiet.
"It went wonderful. They are great people. I actually have a lot of news. Is Dad around? You both probably should hear this at the same time."
Pause.
"No, I can't FaceTime. I'm getting ready for a meeting. This morning, I'm meeting my project manager…"
She goes on to explain what's happening with her version, keeping the focus on the progress of the house and the changes in scheduling. When she gets to the part of having to leave, her words get jumbled.
"… I think you guys should come to visit this weekend to see the house and meet my possible roommate for the next few weeks."
As if she senses my movement toward her, she swings open the door and throws her arm out with a scowl. "No, that will NOT be necessary!" Red splotches creep up her neck.
"Dad, no. I don't know what Mom told you, but we went looking at landscaping for ideas. I sent her the damn pictures."
He must cut her off because she drops her chin, shaking her head. "No—"
"Absolutely not—"
"That will not—"
"Mom, can you pop in here?"
"Yes, I know how good looking he is, but you cannot jump to conclusions."
Her head snaps up, her green eyes bulging. "What do you mean you already called them? No, no, no…"
I can barely make out a few things from her father, and then she looks at her screen. "They're gone. My dad hung up on me."
I'm on the move, sliding in behind her and folding my arms around her waist.
"He's bringing his backhoe, and my brothers."
"I need to meet them, too."
"I knew you'd set off alarms with Mom. Without my calling, they were already planning to come this weekend. She was so excited, she insisted Austin and Andrew clear their weekend and come along. Dad wants them here for a different reason."
"I'll get rooms at Brasher for them."
"This is serious, Miller. They are descending to Charleston in a pack. The three Rhodes men have an agenda."
"Your dad has a backhoe?"
She flings her head to the side to face me. "Of course he does, he owns a pool company. Austin helps run the business. He's offered to clear out the backyard, but that's irrelevant. Did you hear me? An agenda?"
"I have an agenda, too, so I respect that."
"Miller—"
"Princess, it doesn't bother me that I'll get to meet all of your family this weekend. I like the idea."
"Sure you do! You instigated this. I could have let them think I was living in a hotel or Airbnb, and we could have finessed this. Now, you're going into a hostile situation."
I raise my eyebrows and try to hide my amusement. "Hostile?"
"He's bringing the backhoe to bury your body!"
At this, I can't hold back, laughing loudly.
"What about this is funny? Why are you constantly laughing at me?"
"Because you're hilarious when you're hysterical. I think we've found one of those missing pieces you're searching for."
She spasms, her eyes filling with wonder. Realization settles over her and she melts into me, winding her fingers with mine. "Never in my life have I been considered funny, much less hilarious."
"Makes me happy to be the one to share it with you."
"You're not worried at all about my dad, are you?"
"No, and you can let him know he doesn't have to haul his equipment. I'll have one here."
She scans my face before doubling over and bursting into giggles. Just like last night, with her body vibrating against mine, I go hard as steel.
The next twelve hours until I can get her under me again are going to suck.
•—•—•—•—•
I curl in behind her, laying an arm across her chest and kissing the back of her head. "Wake up, sleepyhead."
"Owww, please be gentle," she whines.
"You sore?"
"Everywhere."
"You should have taken me up on my offer for a hot bath at my place."
She flinches, hissing lightly as she rolls into me. "Why aren't you at your place?"
"Because you're here."
"I figured you'd go home."
"Not without you."
"You missed the game?"
"I streamed the first half on my phone."
Her sleepy eyes go soft, and she gives me her version of sweet before she nuzzles into my neck. "I'm glad you stayed."
Her words score through me as I lightly run my hand up and down her back. Yesterday's events roll through my head. As expected, the office was full when we arrived, everyone eager to see the woman who landed Miller Kendrick. I was right. After Saturday night when mom got wind of Ashlyn, she wasted no time fueling the office gossip. My last-minute request to meet with Andi spread like wildfire. I suspect that was my dad's big mouth. So, it was no surprise that Mom showed up with bags of pastries as if it was a typical Monday morning ritual.
What should have been a quick meeting turned into a revolving door of people 'stopping in' my office with bogus excuses. I finally had to lock my door to cover the basics of Andi's involvement without interruptions. I thought the attention would push Ashlyn, but she took it all in stride, even suggesting a tour of the building so everyone could get their fill of 'the woman who caught the playboy's eye'. I let it go until we walked into the breakroom full of people enjoying Mom's treats. Right there, I tugged Ashlyn to me and kissed her with the audience, whispering the word 'playboy' against her lips before pulling away to let her know how I felt about her description.
Surprisingly, she didn't flinch, even though she pinched the shit out of my side. By the time we got back here, a crew was working. Her smile was wide and loaded with girly excitement when I handed her the goggles and told her to change because she was first with the sledgehammer.
Another thing I learne
d about Ashlyn is she is an exceptional student. She listened, absorbing every instruction, and had no problem with manual labor. Not one complaint, never as she hammered, tore apart, and hauled trash away. At the end of the day, she was covered in dust and grime, but her smile was still beaming.
At seven, Andi called with a few updates, and I took the call on the patio. This was my first mistake. By the time I came back in, Ashlyn was lying in bed, freshly showered, and fast asleep. Waking her up proved useless. My second mistake was not picking her up and driving to my house. Because when I crawled in behind her after my shower, I realized her bed was shit. She whimpered when I folded her to me but didn't wake.
"Princess, we have to get up."
"Don't you ever sleep?"
"Every night."
"Is it normal that even my toes are aching?" she purrs into my neck.
"The way you went at it yesterday, not surprising."
"I know now why you're so built. This construction gig is no joke. Manual labor is hard."
"Yeah, it is, but baby, I go to the gym four times a week."
"I don't know how."
I chuckle, sliding my hand to her ass and squeezing. "Your bed sucks. We're moving to mine tonight."
"Mmhmm." She's drifting off again.
I hate to do it, but I haul us both up, getting a wail from her. "What are you doing?"
"Getting up to make you coffee, and then we have to get some food. Fucking peanut butter toast isn't my meal this morning."
She inches back, blinking a few times until her eyes are clear. "You had peanut butter toast for dinner?"
"That's all you have."
So many things pass over her face before she glides her hand over my chest and cups my chin. "You missed the game, had no food, and hated my bed, yet you stayed."
It's a statement, and I stay quiet while she processes. She may be finally getting it.
"I may be handicapped with aches and pain, but I'll go get us breakfast after you help me out of bed."
I cuddle her gently in my arms, moving slowly as I swing my legs off the bed and stand. She gasps, her eyes dropping low.
"You're naked, and…"
"And hard, baby. You can say it. Better get used to it."
"You slept next to me all night—nude, and I didn't wake up?"
"Snored your way through it."
Her eyes fly back to mine. "I don't snore."
"Hate to break it to you, but you drool, too."
"I do not!"
I try to remain straight-faced, but it's impossible when she swipes at her mouth.
"Are you trying to pick a fight?"
My cock pulses at the fiery spirit building. "Bring it."
"Why? You refuse to have sex with me." There's a bite to her words.
"Princess, if I thought fucking you would get me what I wanted faster, I'd be balls deep right now. But you're missing the point. Last time I had you, I was so fucking blinded by your hold on me you slipped away. This time, we're doing things my way. Getting to know each other, sharing things, having dates and sleepovers, all the stuff that builds a healthy relationship. When I get you back, I want it all."
The flame in her eyes vanishes and is replaced with a bright green glow.
"You're punishing both of us."
"Tonight, when you're begging me to stop, tell me how brutal the punishment is."
A blush creeps up her cheeks, and she chews on her lip before dropping her eyes again. "What about now? What are you doing about this?" Her hand grazes over my dick.
"You're going to get your gorgeous ass in the bathroom and brush your teeth while I make your coffee. While you're out of sight, I'll have a conversation with myself about stronger willpower, which is something my dick isn't used to when you're around. Since I didn't plan for a sleepover, I'll wear two-day-old jeans and get a clean shirt out of my truck."
"I could help you out…" she scrapes her fingernails along my shaft, "if you want."
"Baby, you want to play this game tomorrow morning at my house, I'm all for it. But I don't take without giving. We have people arriving in less than thirty minutes, and I don't think you want a bunch of men to walk in on me with my mouth between your legs. I'm already going to suffer from a case of blue balls today. Get your ass to the bathroom."
She remains still, tracing her tongue along her bottom lip.
"Ashlyn—"
"Going, going… so bossy." She backs out of reach, but not before giving my cock another glance.
"Fuck me, I am a glutton for punishment," I say to myself when the bathroom door shuts.
I slide on my boxers and jeans, start her coffee, and go to my truck for a shirt. She's sitting on her bed, checking her phone when I get back to her.
"My family will be here Thursday as early as possible. The guys will clear the front and back yard unless you think they should wait."
"Do they know what they're doing outside of pools?"
"Yes. Dad's company is more of an elite outdoor landscaping company."
"Then they can have at it. Tell him to get me a list of what he needs and I'll have it ready."
She nods, typing off a message. "Mom wants to shop."
"Women usually do. Anything specific?"
"Furniture. More specifically, guest room furniture."
"Not a bad idea. You have three bedrooms to fill up."
"Actually, four. I sold my set before leaving Chicago. I sold most of my furnishings because they didn't suit me anymore and it was time for a new beginning. The small storage unit I'm renting is mostly boxes."
"How small is the unit?"
"Ten by ten."
"You have a contract on it?"
"Month to month."
"This weekend, we can move your stuff to my garage."
"You have a garage?"
"Somewhat. The freestanding building out back is equivalent to a three-car garage. It's got plenty of space for your things. We organize it right, your Lexus will fit, too. I can install a garage door for one side."
"That's sweet but unnecessary. It's silly to move it twice, and the cost isn't expensive."
"Baby, I saw the invoice yesterday, and it's the principal. Why pay anything when I have space and you can put that money toward buying things? Pierce and I can move your stuff in a load with both our trucks. And everything from here, except that bed, is going in my house."
She opens her mouth, then rethinks it and rolls her eyes.
"And another thing, you and your mom go crazy, but when it comes to your furniture, I want my say."
"You want a say in my furniture?"
"Specifically," I point to her mattress, "the bed. That thing is shit."
She looks to where I'm pointing and purses her lips before giggling. "You really hate it, huh?"
"The only quality it has is you laying in my arms."
"I guess I’m used to it."
"It's going to charity."
"Okay."
"No argument?"
Her laughter slows and she shakes her head. "I bought it on a clearance sale off the internet. My realtor did me a favor and met the delivery guys here."
"Glad there's no attachment."
"Miller." Her voice goes serious and instincts kick in. "I thought we agreed that things would slow down today? Demanding to have a say in my bedroom furniture isn't slow."
"Considering my ass will be in that bed anytime we're not at my place, I get an opinion. And since I hate shopping, you and your mom can do the legwork. If you find something you like, I'll meet you at the store."
Her phone dings in her hand, and the instant she glances down, I know something's wrong and the bed is forgotten. Her eyebrows draw together as her eyes dart back and forth rapidly. She presses the screen, and whatever pops up causes her to inhale sharply.
"Ashlyn?" I get to her side and take her trembling hand. "Jesus, what's wrong?"
"Evin wants to stop by on his way to the office. There have been a few problems."
"What kind of problems?"
"He doesn't say. Oh God, my portfolio and investments, my money…" she trails off.
"Baby, what about them?"
"Redmond, Kersh, and Ried…"
"Who are they?"
"It's my old firm. What if they're trying to come after them?"
Anger blisters through me at the slight crack in her voice. She is pale, trembling, and all over panicked. I rip my phone out and get to Evin's number.
"What the fuck is going on?" I demand roughly when he answers.
"I guess she got my message. I'm on my way to her house."
"Re-route to my place. Let yourself in, make some coffee. We'll be there soon."
"Ask her to bring her latest statements and all the forms we copied at my office," he instructs.
"Baby," I try to sound gentle, knowing she heard him, "you have access to that paperwork?"
"Yes, I keep it all organized."
"Evin, can you tell me anything?"
"Man, this group is not happy about giving up her money. They made an offer to send down a senior manager to meet with Ashlyn and me personally to work this out."
She jolts, followed by an all-over body shiver.
"Right, Evin, we'll see you." I disconnect, shove the phone in my back pocket, and curl an arm around her. "We get to my house, you sit down with Evin and work this out."
She stays motionless, working through something in her mind, and I know the instant her spine straightens that her resolve is back. "Yes, we will talk to Evin and work this out."
I hold her a bit longer, kissing her temple and feeling a new kind of burn. She isn't pushing me away, and even if she doesn't realize it, that 'we' included me.
Chapter 10
Ashlyn
In… Out…
Deep… Shallow…
One… Two… Three…
Nothing works and I lose it, swiping my hand across Miller's table with a red haze. "Goddamned, Motherfucking, Rat-Bastard, Asshole! Box of rocks walking around in Armani like a snake oil salesman. I knew he was slimy, but he's stupid, too. He's such an idiot he probably doesn't realize I had online access and put my mom on the account as primary and not his dumbass!"
Adrenaline speeds through me, and I stand, pacing, and purposely avoiding eye contact with either man. "I may have been living under a cloud, but I'm not an irrelevant fuck like him. He's not keeping my capital. And the minute," I raise my finger in the air dramatically, whipping it around, "my money is out of these accounts, I'll report him. That weasel does not get to fuck with my livelihood!"
Miller's Time (Southern Charmers Series Book 2) Page 12
