Southern Girl Series: Bohemain Girl, Neighbor Girl & Intern Girl

by Cates, Georgia

  Well damn. I hadn’t considered the possibility that Lucas would know Mom and Dad. But that makes sense. They visit Ollie in Birmingham on a regular basis.

  Lucas’s eyes widen. “Nothing’s wrong with them, I hope.”

  “No, not with them. They’re well and globetrotting in Scotland as we speak. Our birth mother is the one who’s ill.”

  “You have contact with the woman who abused you?”

  “Not by choice. She found Ollie and me several years ago. She claimed she was clean and wanted to apologize for the things she’d done. Said she needed to right her wrongs against us. And she did at first but then it turned into her asking for a little money to get by because she couldn’t make rent. Within a few months, her hand was out every time she came around. Last week she told me she was in end-stage renal disease and needs a kidney. If we don’t give her one, she’s going to die.”

  Lucas rubs my leg. “Fuck. That’s a terrible guilt trip to put on anyone but especially your children.”

  “There’s no guilt trip where Ollie’s concerned. He was very clear about not giving her one of his.”

  “But you’re considering it?”

  I live by the law of attraction. Helping her is positive but I have reservations. “I don’t know. The thought of giving someone an organ I could need later down the road is scary as hell. Is that selfish?”

  “No. It’s a very legitimate concern, especially considering her past. This woman hurt you and I think you’re a saint for even considering it.”

  “Despite every neglectful and cruel thing Christie did to us, she’s a human being. How do I live with myself if I stand by and let her die when I could potentially save her?”

  “Do you know if you’re a match?”

  “Our blood types are compatible. I’m her child so genetically I’m a fifty percent match, which is acceptable. I’d need to go through the tissue typing and crossmatch testing so our compatibility could be confirmed. After that, I would need a physical to see if I’m healthy enough to donate.”

  “Is she clean and sober? Does she follow doctors’ orders?”

  “She’s been a noncompliant diabetic in the past, but I don’t think any doctor would consider the transplant if she weren’t currently doing as she should.”

  “Do you want children?”

  There’s no doubt in my mind. “Yes.”

  “Have you considered how donating your kidney might impact your ability to have a family?”

  Of course Lucas’s mind would go there given what he went through with Eli. I can’t believe I didn’t even consider that, especially when having a child is so important to me. “I’ve been so busy going back and forth about it I haven’t given that possibility any thought.”

  “People survive with one kidney all the time but it seems like that could cause problems in a pregnancy. So many things can go wrong even under the best conditions. I think she’s asking you to put your future family at risk by doing this.”

  “That’s an entirely new way of looking at it.”

  “You wanted my opinion and there it is.”

  “You raise some valid points.” Not only is Lucas sexy, he’s also mature and intelligent and wise. I’m glad we had this conversation.

  “Don’t ever feel guilty for putting you and your future family ahead of this woman.”

  I’m glad I talked to Lucas about this. His objective opinion makes me feel like it’s okay if I don’t go through with the donation. I needed to hear that from someone who didn’t have a place within my inner circle.

  “Thank you for listening.” Most guys would have lost interest within the first two minutes.

  “I’m sorry you’ve been worried about Oliver. And I hate that you’ve been putting yourself through hell over this decision regarding your birth mother. But I’m not a bit sorry that those things brought you to Birmingham.”

  “Me either.”

  He takes my glass from my hand and places it on the coffee table before sliding closer. His hand cups the side of my face and then glides around to the back of my neck. “Your hair is beautiful.”

  “Thank you.”

  He pushes all of my hair over one shoulder and drags his nose up the side of my exposed neck. “You smell so good. It’s driving me insane.”

  He presses a kiss below my earlobe and chills erupt down the left side of my body. He’s making a habit of this. And I’m okay with it. “We’re even because that drives me crazy.”

  We both know what we’re here for. There’s no need to pretend that I’m anything but what I am: ready to fuck.

  Placing one knee on each side of his hips, I lower my body and feel his erection pressing between my legs. He shoves my shirt up and he presses his hot mouth and wet tongue between my breasts. Leaning back with my palms on his thighs, I arch my back and thrust my chest forward. I don’t have a perfect body but I do have great boobs. And I want to show them to him.

  Reaching for the hem of my shirt, I pull it over my head and toss it to the floor. He unfastens the back of my bra and reunites it with my shirt. I’m completely bare from the waist up.

  He cups my breasts and pushes them up and together. His thumb and index fingers pinch my nipples, sending a message directly to my groin. You better get ready, Lawrence. He wants you.

  “Fuck, these are beautiful.” He flattens his tongue against the underside of my breast and drags it upward in one clean sweep until the tip reaches my nipple. He sucks it into his mouth and holds it prisoner for a moment before releasing it. “Mmm.”

  I grind my hips against his groin when he moves over to give my other breast the same attention. My maxi skirt has ridden high so my panty-covered crotch easily feels the huge erection confined within his jeans.

  “I want to take you to my bedroom.”

  “Let’s go.”

  I move from his lap and stand. He grasps my hand and leads me down the hallway to his bedroom. Stopping at the bedside, he removes his wallet and phone from his pocket and drops both on the nightstand.

  I grab the bottom of his T-shirt and tug upward. “I want this off of you.”

  He crosses his arms and grabs the bottom of his shirt, pulling it up and over his head. I stand in awe, taking in his male beauty. Broad shoulders. Pecs filled with muscle. A deep V at his waist, pointing right to his dick. That shit is awesome. Any woman who says it isn’t is a damn liar.

  He has ink. A lot, actually. And I will take my time exploring every little bit of it a little later. Maybe even lick it with the tip of my tongue.

  My hands splay over the mounds of muscle covering the top of his chest and I suck one of his nipples into my mouth, giving it a tug with my teeth. Women pay too little attention to men’s nipples. But not me. I love them.

  His hands lace through my hair at the nape. “I have a confession.”

  I look up but don’t release his nipple. “Mm-hmm?”

  “When I turned around and saw you yesterday, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. And then you told me you were Oliver’s sister. I was crushed because I knew that meant you were out of my reach.”

  Releasing his nipple, I stand upright and snake my arms up around his shoulders. “I think I’m very much within your reach. I’m yours until the morning so make it count.”

  He slides his hands down my sides and into my maxi skirt and panties. “We may not sleep at all tonight.”

  “Count me in.” Even if it means I won’t be worth shit driving home tomorrow. Every orgasm he gives me tonight will be worth it.

  His mouth covers mine while he pushes my bottoms down. I step out when both pieces drop to my feet and reach for the button of his jeans.

  Lucas ignores his phone vibrating on the nightstand. “Do you need to get that?”

  “No fucking way. I’ve waited all day for this.”

  A full minute doesn’t pass before the phone dances again. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  The phone rings a third time withi
n two minutes. “They’re persistent.”

  “They’re dead if they don’t leave us alone.”

  He groans as he releases me and reaches for his phone. “It’s Warren. I need to take this.”

  I’m guessing he wouldn’t be calling Lucas so late on a Sunday night for no good reason.

  “Hey, man. What’s going on?”

  Lucas turns and sits on the bed. “What are they telling you?”

  I sit next to him and loop my arm through his free one. I’m surprised when he laces his fingers through mine and squeezes.

  “Have they told you how they think he’ll do if she delivers this early?”

  Suspicions confirmed. Bridgette and the baby may be in trouble.

  “I’m on my way.”

  Lucas ends his call with Warren and releases my hand. “Bridgette’s in the hospital and I really need to be there.”

  “Of course you do.”

  He gets up and fetches his shirt from the floor. He quickly pulls it over his head and reaches for his phone and wallet on the nightstand while I pull on my shirt.

  When we’re both dressed, he comes to me and cradles my face, looking into my eyes. “I wouldn’t leave you if I didn’t have to.”

  “It’s okay.”

  He presses his forehead to mine and laces his fingers through the hair at my nape. He holds me that way for a few moments before saying anything.

  “Fuck, I wanted this so much.” His voice is a growl of frustration.

  “I wanted it too.” He’ll never know how much.

  “I wish I could hit pause or rewind so we could have more time together.”

  “You don’t wish it harder than I do.”

  He pulls back and kisses my forehead. “It’s late. I’d feel better if you spent the night here instead of going back to Oliver’s.”

  “I may do that if you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind at all. What time do you think you’ll leave?”

  “Probably around seven since our plans have changed.” No reason to stick around if I’m going to be alone.

  He pulls away and looks deeply into my eyes for a moment. “Don’t you dare come back to Birmingham without coming to see me.”

  “I think I know where to find you.”

  He kisses the top of my head and inhales deeply as he holds me for a brief moment. “Drive carefully tomorrow.”

  “I will. And I send only positive energy for the health and safety of Bridgette and the baby.”

  “Boho girl, you have a kind and gentle soul. And that is something that we see too little of these days.”

  He squeezes me one last time and then he’s gone.

  11

  Lucas Broussard

  One Month Later

  I run the numbers three times and come to the same conclusion. “I think it’ll make money. It won’t be a killing but it’s worth trying.”

  Oliver has returned from the rehabilitation center refreshed, functioning at 110 percent. And he came up with some great ideas while he was there.

  Contract brewing. That was one of Oliver’s big brainstorms while he was away. We’ll brew beer for those who don’t have their own brick and mortar brewery. They employ us and use our resources and equipment to produce their product.

  “Where are these people located?”

  “A small town outside of Macon, Georgia. It’s on the way to Savannah so I thought I might swing by and see the fam after my meeting with them.”

  Hmm. I need to figure out a way to get in on that trip.

  “You should if you’re that close already. How are your parents by the way? I haven’t seen them in a while.”

  “They’re good. Been traveling a lot, but I think they’re planning to stay home for a few months.”

  “How is Lawrence?” This is the first time that I’ve uttered her name to Oliver since the festival.

  “Lawrence is Lawrence.”

  Generic answer. I want to know more. “Still a hippie?”

  “Always and forever.”

  It’s been a month since we parted ways and we haven’t spoken since, other than the final texts that I sent on Oliver’s behalf. I’ve picked up my own phone at least twenty times to text her but didn’t. I see very little point when she’s four hundred miles away. We agreed to have sex, not enter into a long-distance relationship.

  “How would you feel about some company on the Macon trip?”

  “I don’t mind but this meeting with them is preliminary. It’s just an informal discussion over a late lunch. Won’t be much to it.”

  “This is a new concept for us. I’d like to follow it through from the beginning.” But even more, I’d like to see Lawrence again.

  “I’m on board with that.”

  Fuck yeah. “When is the meeting?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon.”

  I could see Lawrence tomorrow night if all goes well. “What are your plans for the weekend?”

  “We’d stay at my parents in Savannah tomorrow night, Saturday, Sunday, and leave early Monday so we can be back by lunch.”

  Two days and three nights in the same town as Lawrence. Surely, we can find a little time to sneak away together. That is if she’s still up for seeing me. Damn, I hope so.

  “I’ve never been to Savannah.”

  “Lawrence is the tour host of the family and the history buff. I bet she’d be happy to take you around town for a tour.”

  She’d fall right into my lap.

  “I enjoy American history. I’d love for her to take me on a tour.”

  Porter stops in my office doorway. “A tour of what?”

  “Lucas is going to the meeting with the Macon guys and then on to Savannah. I told him Lawrence would give him a tour of Savannah.”

  “You’re gonna turn him loose in Savannah with your sister?”

  “You know how much she loves showing people around and talking about the history of the city.”

  “He’ll probably take her to the nearest hotel and give her a tour of his dick.”

  Come on, Porter. Don’t be a sack of shit about this.

  Oliver points his finger at Porter. “You need to shut the fuck up implying that my sister would do something like that with him.”

  “You weren’t here. You didn’t see the two of them together at the festival.”

  I can’t believe that Porter is throwing me under the bus like this. “Oliver put me in charge of covering for him with his sister. It’s not as though I had any idea she was going to show up here. But she did and it was easier to keep up the charade if I kept her close.”

  “He kept her close all right.”

  What is this shit Porter’s trying to pull? He knows how protective Oliver is when it comes to his sister.

  “Keep on, Porter, and you’re going to find your ass yanked up over your ears,” Oliver shouts.

  “Tell me you didn’t fuck her.” Porter makes a V with his fingers and points to his eyes. “And look me in the eyes when you say it.”

  “Why don’t you kiss my left nut?”

  “See, Oliver? He can’t say it.”

  “I did not fuck Lawrence.” But I wanted to. Badly. And I still do.

  “See? Lucas didn’t touch my sister. Are you happy now, Porter?”

  I never said that I didn’t touch Lawrence, but if Oliver wants to assume that without asking then I’m okay with that.

  Oliver gets up to leave. “Be ready to roll out at eight if you plan on going with me.”

  “I’ll be ready to go.”

  I turn on Porter as soon as Oliver is gone. “That was a total dick move.”

  “I saw the two of you together. I know you tried, so what happened? Did she turn you down?”

  I think he’s crushing on Lawrence like a thirteen-year-old boy and believes that he can snuff out any chances I have with her by ratting me out to Oliver.

  “Drop it. You’re annoying me.” I crumple a piece of paper and throw it at his head, hitting him between the eyes. “Get out
of my office, jackass. I have work to do.”

  He gets up but stops in my doorway. “I know you’re planning to get Lawrence in bed while you’re in Savannah.”

  I swipe the stapler from my desk and throw it at him, narrowly missing his nuts.

  “Motherfucker. You almost hit me in my nads with that.”

  “Not another word to Oliver about Lawrence and me. Mention it again and I will hit you in the balls with a speed stapler next time. You won’t ever walk the same again.”

  I was a pitcher for eight years. Porter knows that I can do it.

  “Okay, okay. But a warning from one friend to another. Oliver’s going to know that something’s going on when he sees the way you are with her.”

  The way I am with her? “What is that nonsense supposed to mean?”

  “You aren’t you when you’re with her.”

  “I think we can agree that Lawrence is unlike any other woman. I’m different with her because she’s unique and needs to be handled in a different manner.”

  “You can say whatever you like but I’m not a fool. You want her and it’s going to be a problem when Oliver finds out. There will be a fallout with serious repercussions. You’d better be damn sure she’s worth it.”

  * * *

  Our meeting with the Macon guys ran long so it’s after six when we pull into Savannah. “Mom and Dad said you’re welcome to stay at their house. You don’t have to go to a hotel.”

  “I don’t want to put them out.”

  I have no idea where the Thorns live, but I’m certain it isn’t within walking distance to Wren’s shop like the hotel that I’ve booked.

  “Sure you don’t want to come out to the house for dinner? Mom will have plenty.”

  No. I have somewhere to be. “It’s been a long day. I think I’ll have room service brought up and turn in early.”

  It’s a short walk to River Street from my hotel and Lawrence is right. With its cobblestone streets, picturesque parks, and historic buildings, this is a beautiful city. I can see why she loves living here.

  I have no trouble finding Law of Attraction Boutique. It’s right across from the river, just as she described.