Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3)

by Ahren Sanders

  She tips up, brushing her lips across mine, and escapes my hold. I step to the side and spot Darby staring at me across the dance floor with a mischievous grin.

  “Shit.”

  “Hey, man, if she catches it, I’ll sacrifice the ridicule to get the garter, so she dances with me.” Andrew steps to my side.

  “The fuck you will.”

  “I’ll get in on that, too.” Ashton joins. Mom’s already got stars in her eyes.

  “She’s not catching it,” I state firmly

  To my horror, Maya links arms with Poppy, dragging her in the front, and whistles loud. The flowers fly through the air, Maya jumping up to bat them into Poppy’s chest. She has no choice but to grab them.

  “Oops, looks like I may have a chance to dance with the pretty performer.”

  My mom is the loudest one cheering, and I catch Todd slightly jerking his chin my way.

  This was coordinated, the list of orchestrators too long.

  “That fucking garter is mine.”

  Todd takes his time sliding the material down Stephanie’s leg, and I stand in the middle of the dance floor with my eyes locked on Poppy, who’s biting her lower lip with hilarity glowing in her features.

  Todd finally slingshots it, not hiding his intended target. I grab it to the chorus of cheers and make my way to my wife.

  “We’ve been set up. Your niece is sneaky.” Poppy melts back into my arms.

  “She’s your niece now, too.”

  “Yeah, she is.” Her answer is dreamy and filled with happiness.

  “Baby, you straddling my lap with my dick buried inside you is a sight that I love, but are you gonna move or keep staring at me?”

  Her fingertips scale over my abs, and the walls of her pussy tighten. “I need your full attention.”

  “You had all my attention the second you woke me up by wrapping your hand around my cock.” I squeeze her ass, driving upward.

  “Ahhhh, God, that feels good.” Her head falls back, her chest arching and tits taunting me. I heave up, latching onto a nipple, and suck it deep. Her hands fly to my head, fisting at my hair. “We have to talk.”

  “We’ll talk after you fuck me.” I bite gently before rolling my tongue around the hard flesh.

  “Sweetie, please.”

  “You talk, I play.” My mouth moves to the other side.

  “Nine months,” she huffs.

  “Nine months what?”

  “My contract is up.”

  My head pops up as her implication sets in. “It doesn’t have to be.”

  “I decided last night. For days, I’ve fallen in love with your life. The dynamics of your family and friends.”

  “They’re your family now, too.”

  “That’s why I’m ready to make this decision. It kills me not to be here with you for the birth of Darby’s little girl. Or be here when Miller and Ashlyn have their baby.”

  “I can understand that, but we’ll work it out without you giving up your career and dreams.”

  “Dreams change. Especially now.”

  My heart races and I swallow the burn in my throat. “We have time.”

  “We do, but I don’t want to wait.”

  I study her, seeing no trace of hesitation or indecision. Instead, her expression is filled with firm determination. “This is a huge decision, baby.”

  “Does it freak you out?”

  “Moving to Charleston and having you full-time? That’s my goal.”

  “Then give me nine months.”

  “We get closer to that timeline, and feelings of regret or anxiety hit, promise you’ll tell me.”

  “I promise.”

  I fold her in my arms and crush my mouth to hers. My tongue sweeps through, taking over greedily. She whimpers down my throat, rocking her hips, and slanting her head to give me better access.

  My cock throbs eagerly, and I force myself to slow, breaking away but keeping our lips close.

  “Baby, did you say all you need to say? Any more heartfelt and monumental life-changing decisions?”

  “Not right now.”

  “Good.” I hold tight and twist her to her back, keeping our connection. “Because now I’m showing you exactly how happy all this makes me. You may not walk afterward.”

  She grins, locking her legs around my waist. “It’s a good thing my husband likes to carry me.”

  Chapter 18

  Poppy

  I’m startled awake when Evin hooks my knees over his elbows and hefts me from the truck. “Someone is worn out.” His lips brush across my forehead.

  “Endless days of drinking, eating, and partying have that effect,” I murmur, snuggling into his chest. “Just need a little nap.”

  “I’m taking you straight to bed. We’ll unpack later.”

  “What about Runner?” I glance around and see the dog on the front porch waiting.

  “He’s good.”

  I nod, cuddling back and closing my eyes. The next thing I know, he’s placing me on top of the bed. Instantly, my forehead breaks out into a sweat and my stomach churns. Saliva fills my mouth, and I scatter forward, using my force to shove him to the side and racing to the bathroom. My knees slam on the tile hard before the first round of sickness hits.

  “Jesus, Poppy. What happened?” Evin’s concerned voice sounds from behind me.

  “Go away.” I flush the toilet, falling to my butt.

  “Not a chance in hell.” He gathers my hair and rubs my back soothingly.

  I’m too sick to argue how disgusting it is that he’s witnessing this. My torso convulses as my stomach empties until I’m ready to pass out, laying my head on my forearm, and flushing the toilet again.

  “We’re going to the ER.”

  “No, the nausea is passing.”

  “Baby, something is very wrong here.”

  “It’s probably a bug.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, a slicing pain tears through my abdomen and I realize my stomach isn’t empty. Round two isn’t as bad but racks through me until I’m left heaving.

  “You’re covered in sweat.”

  “Hmmm,” is all that comes out, my eyes falling shut.

  No telling how much times passes before a wet cloth is on the back of my neck and Evin’s hovering. “Can I help you up?”

  “No.” The simple word stings my throat.

  He sits, his long legs trapping my body as his hand runs up and down my back.

  “Seriously, go away. This is gross,” I rasp.

  “I’m not leaving.”

  Another wave of queasiness strikes, but thankfully it fades quickly. Evin continues to rub my back and exhaustion takes over.

  “Poppy, you’re not falling asleep on the toilet.”

  “What if I get sick again?”

  “Do you feel sick now?”

  “No.”

  “Baby, I’m pretty sure you expelled everything your little body has. In the off chance you get sick again, we’ll get a bucket.”

  I scrunch my nose at the thought but have no energy to argue. He gets off the floor and gently raises me. My legs are like jelly, wobbling as dizziness hits and I clutch to his biceps.

  “Shit, will it hurt to lift you?”

  I shake my head, and he carries me to the vanity. “Be right back.”

  He disappears and comes back with a t-shirt. Tenderly, he removes my dress and bra, slipping me into the oversized shirt. The scent of fresh laundry detergent and the softness of the material instantly comfort me. I swallow a few times to help clear my head.

  “I’m okay. It’s all passed. I need to clean up.”

  His eyes flash with concern, but he helps me down, making sure I’m steady before stepping back.

  “You want to set up camp on the sofa or the bed?”

  Runner trots in, coming straight to us and circling our legs. Like everyone else in the family, I fell instantly for Darby’s dog. He seemed to feel the same, although he was affectionate with everyone, so maybe he was just an overly fri
endly dog. It was my idea to bring him home today and give Darby and Pierce more room in their vehicle for the kids.

  “Where is Runner most comfortable?”

  “He’s a dog, he’ll adapt.”

  Everything in Evin’s house is top of the line and the highest quality. His sofa is big, soft, comfortable, and inviting. But since he recently redid his bed with the intent to sleep like heaven, that’s where I want to be.

  “Bed, but I need my toiletries first.”

  “You okay for me to leave?”

  I nod, and he pats his thigh for Runner to follow. Once he’s gone, I grab a hand towel and go to the sink, catching my reflection.

  “You are beyond a hot mess,” I huff out, turning on the water.

  Evin brings me my travel case, kissing my head softly. “Call if you need me,” he says, leaving me alone

  I whip my hair into a sloppy bun and get to work on washing the remnants of my makeup off and brushing the horrid taste away. When I’m done, my color has mostly returned and my stomach is completely settled.

  The sheets are turned back and Runner is sitting expectantly, waiting for me by the bed. I climb in and his big brown eyes follow my movements.

  “Are you allowed in the bed?” I whisper and he wags his tail, leaping up and nudging in my face excitedly.

  Evin comes in with a glass of water and stops dead, scowling. “The beast is smart, he played you. Pierce broke him of the bed habit a while ago.”

  I giggle, scrubbing Runner’s neck. “I’m a sucker.”

  He sets the water on the nightstand and nudges my hip over to sit. Runner takes a hint and lies down against my other side. Evin’s hand goes to my forehead and then rounds my cheek. “You don’t have a fever and you look better.”

  “One-hundred percent better.”

  “What happened?”

  “We were on the road and my eyes felt heavy. Next thing I knew, we were here. As soon as you put me on the bed, it hit out of nowhere.”

  “Does that happen often?”

  “Never before. As I said, it’s probably a bug.”

  His face is etched with worry. “I’ve been with you ten days straight. We’ve traveled together, been around the same people, and eaten the same food. I’m perfectly fine. I called Darby. Her family is fine, as are Mom and Dad.”

  I chew on the corner of my lips and think about the last few days. “Then it was my fault. If this isn’t a stomach bug, then it’s a case of overindulgence.”

  “Explain that.”

  “The food, breads, desserts—I indulged in everything to the extreme. This morning, the eggs benedict was the tipping point. My body couldn’t process all the richness. Think about it, you know my regimen. I train a lot. My work schedule keeps me dancing. The only exercise we’ve gotten were our walks on the beach each day. My system runs on adrenaline a lot. Moderation is key, and this weekend there was no moderation. That episode was my body purging my bad choices.”

  He stares at me, processing my explanation, and nods. “That makes sense.”

  “We’ll test the theory. If I get sick again, we’ll assume it’s a bug. If not, and I continue this well, it was careless diet.”

  “Sounds like a plan. But you’re wrong, our walks are not the only exercise we’ve gotten.” His eyebrows arch playfully.

  “Hmmm,” I press my finger to my mouth and pretend to think hard. “I must have missed the other.”

  “Getting sick must have wiped your memory. I specifically remember you riding me so hard you were begging for God.”

  “I did that? Must have forgotten.”

  “I had to carry you to the shower.”

  My legs rustle reflexively thinking about this morning.

  He picks up on it, his eyes dancing as he brings his mouth to mine, kissing softly. “You get some rest and give me the green light that you will not puke on us and I’ll give you a replay you’ll never forget.”

  My stomach pitches for a different reason. “Watch for that green light soon.”

  “I love you, Poppy.”

  “Love you.”

  He stands, shooting Runner an exasperated look. “Today’s your lucky day, beast. Don’t get comfortable.”

  I smile, situating the pillows, and curling into the soft body of fur. Runner sighs his approval, probably equally exhausted from a weekend of exciting adventures.

  My mind wanders back to growing up and our family dog. Years of bittersweet memories roll through my head. The way our family once was, my grandparents, my adolescent years of dance—all of them making me smile. It has been a long time since I’ve allowed myself sentimental reminisces.

  The bed jiggles and my eyes open, first landing on Runner’s rising chest where my arm is slung. Then I find Evin, propped up on pillows, laptop in lap, looking at me with a smirk.

  “Hi,” I croak, my throat heavy with sleep.

  “Hi yourself.”

  “When did you come to bed?”

  “Three hours ago.”

  My body jolts, waking Runner and his head pops up. “Three hours? Did I fall asleep?”

  “Out like a light.”

  “Wow.”

  “I’m predicting your memory loss is all mental. Seems like your body remembers the daily workouts.”

  “Still hazy,” I joke, stretching and feeling the soreness in my thighs from this morning. “Have you been watching us sleep?”

  “Not the entire time. Unpacked, started laundry, then set up in here to check emails. How do you feel?”

  I do a quick assessment. “Refreshed and relaxed.”

  “Good. We’ll take it easy. Tonight’s off.”

  Guilt spikes. “Stupid gluttony. No one wants to be around me.”

  “It’s not your fault. It was a windfall. I didn’t like the idea of having a bunch of people here. I picked up the phone to call Darby, but she was calling in. She also had concerns.”

  “Of course she does, she’s got a baby and she’s pregnant. Who wants to take that chance?”

  “It’s not that. It’s about the kids. Connie gets them tomorrow for a few days, and she’s already on a rampage about this weekend.”

  “Why?”

  “Because Connie’s a cunt, and everything good that makes the kids happy is a reminder that she never could get Pierce. According to Darby, Connie’s called each of them multiple times today, and each time they hang up their moods are shifting. Darby’s torn on how to wade in, which pissed Pierce off. He doesn’t like his kids upset, but he’s had years to work around it. The fact it touched Darby sent him over the edge. He doesn’t handle Darby being upset, especially at the hands of Connie. He called her and told her to lay off her shit. My guess is he did this forcefully and in a way that has her stewing. Darby’s worried the kids’ moods may damper our announcement.”

  “She has all that happening and she’s concerned about us?”

  “That’s Darby.”

  “Man, I racked up in the sister-in-law department.”

  This earns me a smile that touches deep inside my chest.

  “What did you tell your parents?”

  “They already knew Connie was pulling her stunts this weekend. But Mom also agreed you should rest.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Why?”

  “This was our night and I ruined it.”

  He shuts his laptop and slides it onto his nightstand. “You ruined nothing. We’ll have our announcement.”

  “We will?”

  “My sister may have a big heart, but she has a bigger mouth. She’s not doing well with the secret. She came up with an alternative.”

  “Can’t wait to hear.”

  “She’s planned a Zoom meeting under the ruse of having some early pictures from the weekend. Instead, it will be our wedding.”

  I bolt up, balancing on my calves, and bouncing so hard Runner jumps to attention. “That is genius!”

  “Yeah, brilliant.” There’s a hint of sarcasm in his tone right as a series of short
buzzes sound.

  “Is that your phone?” I glance around. “Where is it?”

  “About to be under the tires of my truck if these fuckers don’t quit texting.”

  “What fuckers?”

  “That’s the endless fiery pits of hell known as a family text chain. Mom may understand, but she jumped right in on rescheduling family dinner at her house tomorrow. Darby wants to host. Ashlyn chimed in that since she has the outdoor kitchen, we should come there and enjoy the pool. They’re going back and fucking forth with Mom and Darby not backing down. I’m stuck having to deal with it.”

  “What do you prefer?”

  “I don’t give a shit, but I’ll call it all off if they can’t decide soon. Ashlyn wants to show off her house, Mom wants to show you the farm, and Darby wants to show you the new nursery.”

  “I’ll handle it with them.”

  “Appreciate it.”

  “How long before our call?”

  “An hour.”

  “We better get busy. There are way too many candid shots in our wedding album. We need to pull a few and make a slideshow.”

  He leans back, gazing at me intently. His expression grows serious, his eyes heating and baring into mine. The change in the air sends a ripple down my spine. “Evin?”

  “So many times, I look at you, think about you, imagine what you’re doing if you’re not with me, and every fucking time, it physically hurts how beautiful you are. Right now is one of those times.”

  I know fully that my bedhead is crazy, his shirt is swallowing me, and a few hours ago he watched one of the most unattractive things a person can do. None of it fazes him. My heart threatens to burst.

  I maneuver over a back-to-snoring Runner and plaster myself to Evin’s side, placing my palm on his chest. “It’s the same for me.”

  He buries his face in my hair, inhaling as his pulse races against my palm. “I hate you got sick. But I’m thankful it gave me the excuse to cancel our plans and have you to myself. If that makes me a selfish, greedy bastard, fine with me.”

  I kiss the underside of his jaw, sliding my hand to his cheek. “Let’s get this over with and maybe I can convince you to break in that fabulous tub.”

  “It won’t take much convincing.” He untangles, grabbing his laptop.