Miller's grip intensifies.
"Dad! Brock wasn't someone I hooked up with. He was like my boss."
He cocks an eyebrow at me in disbelief, and I feel like a teenager caught lying. "A man like that, it's easy to read his intentions." Dad's gaze swings to Miller, letting his statement hang.
All the air leaves my lungs until black spots fill my vision.
"Princess, take a breath," Miller leans in and whispers.
I do as he says and glare at my dad, the bitch inside coming alive. "Dad, Brock was my coworker," I grate out.
"Is he the reason you left?"
"One of them, yes. He was a factor in my decision."
He holds my stare, not fazed by the daggers I'm shooting at him. It's all I can do not to scream when his lips curl and he takes another sip of his drink. "Sorry it took eight years, but I'm glad to know you can still spot an asshole."
I open my mouth to defend myself, then realize it's no use. I just told my family I lost myself and walked away with no attachments to my old life. "You can rest assured that my judge of character has returned and is sharp as a tack."
"Oh, yes, it is." Mom's eyes are dreamy, locked on Miller.
"Oh good lord, here comes the Pinterest board," I grumble for him to hear.
"Bring it on." His grip loosens, and some of the tension eases.
I elbow him and take the chance to move the subject along to safer subjects. "Tell me about my house."
After Darby left, we all went to a quick lunch and then split up. Mom and I met with Evin, and she signed the forms even though he assured us it was unnecessary. He had the adamant and firm letter I drafted to Ian sent over with the updated papers. When it was over, Mom told me it was time we talked in a way that didn't leave room for argument.
This didn't surprise me since she was blindsided with the fact that I needed her help. We spent the afternoon in her suite with me doing most of the talking. She listened as I shared the slightly more detailed version of my reasons for moving. I expected her to find the holes in my story, but if she had reservations, she didn't pry. Instead, she dove into the subject of Miller.
For the first time, I saw the positive side of his decision to ban sex. It’s much more than merciless teasing and exploring each other's bodies. It’s about getting to know each other. Learning about things in our lives. Because of this, I could keep my mom entertained with stories of him, his relationship with his family, and the business he helps run.
When the guys returned to the hotel, it shocked me to see Miller with them, carrying a bag. They all were filthy, sweaty, and starving. Austin and Andrew went to their room to get ready for dinner while Dad went to shower. Miller astonished me again by saying he got me my own room because I wasn't 'sleeping on a pullout couch in my parents' suite'.
Mom, who was already swooning, sighed with approval before practically shoving me out the door with my overnight bag. Miller showered in my room while I changed and told him about my meeting with Evin.
We didn't have time to discuss my house before meeting my family at the restaurant. Now that I've given everyone a rundown on my life, I want to know about their progress.
"Your backyard is visible now. I cleared out most everything, and tomorrow I'll work on the front. Miller's arranged for the city to pick up next Monday," Dad explains.
"Great! Can I walk through my yard without fear of being attacked by serpents?"
"Let's put it this way, good thing you and your mom weren't there today."
I shiver dramatically, thinking about what they found in the overgrowth. "Thanks, Daddy."
"He was up on a machine. It was us that had to do the grunt work," Austin complains.
"And for that, I have a huge thank you present." I lean into Miller's ear and tell him it's time.
He waves at the waitress, and she nods, ready for us.
"Your contractor even got his hands dirty." Andrew jerks his chin toward Miller.
I choke on my giggle, pretty sure Miller doesn't appreciate the reference.
"Andy didn't even scream too loud when that rat snake wrapped around his ankle," Miller shoots back.
This time, I can't hold back, laughing loudly. My brother hates the name Andy. Drew, yes, but never Andy. Something about the look on Miller's face tells me he already knows this. Mom joins me, patting Andrew on the hand.
"Princess, we need to clean out your room tomorrow."
I freeze, all the laughter dying, and feel the blood draining from my face. "Mmm, I haven't exactly packed."
"Noticed that."
"Maybe we could have this conversation in private."
"We already know you're shacking up with the contractor. No need to hide it," Austin states bluntly at the same time Dad groans.
I narrow my eyes. "It's not shacking up!"
"What would you call it then?"
"He was kind enough to offer me a place to stay."
"You expect us to believe you're moving into the guest room?"
"Yes." I straighten, putting on my best convincing face. "He has a lovely guest room."
There's a quiet stagnancy to the air right before my brothers both bark out a laugh and my mom giggles again.
"Andrew and I are the same age. You may want to give up on the charade." Miller's voice is loaded with humor. "Besides the fact I already roped them into moving your storage unit tomorrow afternoon."
My eyes bulge and my face whips to his. "I never agreed to that."
"You want to argue with me?" His gaze drops to my lips, his intentions clear.
"You wouldn't."
"Try me." He inches closer right as the waitress arrives and places a heaping tray of desserts in the middle of the table.
I redirect my attention to the truffles, grab one, and shove it in my mouth, knowing he's won this round.
•—•—•—•—•
"You're doing what!?!" I screech, not caring that it sounds like I'm fifteen years old.
"Surfing." Austin is extremely too smug.
"Like in the ocean?" I reply stupidly.
"Where else would we fucking go? The contractor has a ton of wetsuits and boards. We saw them moving your shit in his garage today. We're hitting the beach tomorrow."
"Stop calling him the contractor! His name is Miller."
"Austin, stop antagonizing her." Andrew sticks up for me, at the same time shoving chips in his mouth.
I slide off the barstool to go find Miller and put an end to this plan right as a loud 'yoohoo' calls from behind. Jill lets herself in the back door, followed by Maya, Cole, and Darby. A few seconds later, Warren, Evin, Pierce, and a man I don't recognize follow with arms loaded down with bags and dishes.
"What in the world?" Mom asks.
My thoughts of finding Miller evaporate as a beautiful older woman sashays through the door, stopping a few feet away and sizing me up. I stay frozen, my skin prickling under the microscope of her gaze.
With all the stories of Annie Graham, I've been warned that she's notorious for her smart remarks. There's no other choice but to wait and see what she throws my way.
"No one told me this was a formal affair."
"That's because it's not," Darby replies.
"Then why is the woman of the house wearing designer jeans and seven-hundred dollar boots? No wonder you like this chick. She's got fancy-schmancy tastes like you."
"Mom!" Darby chides. "Behave or you'll be asked to leave."
There are a couple of snickers, but the ringing in my ears drowns them. Internally, I'm freaking out and not because she called me the woman of the house. This is my test.
I channel my best sass, flipping my hair over my shoulder and kicking my boot in the air. "Actually, they cost nine-hundred, but since I'm an exclusive and preferred client, I received a discount. I could give you the website if you'd like."
Andrew and Austin's jaws drop, while Darby giggles. Annie's eyes light up as she flashes me a complementary smile. "I always knew Miller would land himse
lf a classy broad. You'll do."
The ice is broken, and she comes forward, engulfing me in a hug, and whispering in my ear. "Never lose that sass. You'll need it to keep these boys in line."
"I learned that already."
She steps back, right as Miller comes up behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist.
"You get it out of your system?" he asks her.
"For now. She'll get used to me."
I tilt my head back to him and feel my heart rate pick up. He's fresh out of the shower, his hair still damp, and looking at me with intent in his eyes. His lips sweep across mine in a quick kiss. "Nine-hundred dollar boots?"
I shrug. "I have an obsession with footwear."
"Think I got that when I unloaded fifteen bins labeled shoes today."
"You should have seen my closet before I moved. I forced myself to clean out my collection and gave it to charity. It was a dark and depressing day."
"Good thing your house has so many closets."
"Why do you think I bought the house?"
He throws his head back laughing, hauling me closer to him.
"Yeah, I like this one," Annie throws in, reminding me we have an audience.
"Move over, woman. Stop hogging her." An older version of Evin butts in.
"Edward Graham," he introduces himself.
I free myself from Miller and hug him. "Nice to meet you."
"Whatever you do, no matter how hard she pushes, do NOT give my Annie the website address," he mutters in my ear.
I shift back and wink with a slight nod. "Got it."
The energy in the room picks up as my family swoops in for introductions. With all the attention off me, I tug Miller to the hallway. When we're out of earshot, I spin, ready to state my case, but don't get a chance. He hauls me against his hard body, sliding his hands in my back pockets and squeezing my ass. His mouth crashes down, his tongue tangling with mine with a possessive demand. I have no choice but to follow his lead, holding on to his shoulders to keep standing. Heat and need build low in my spine, slowly trickling its way through my body. His scent surrounds us, lingering in the air and invading my senses. I lose myself in him, savoring the stolen moment of intimacy.
His hips surge upward, the thick bulge pressing into me. I whimper at the sensation, instantly greedy for more. He growls down my throat, curling his tongue around mine once more before tearing away. "I fucking missed you today."
I fight to regain my breath and barely get out, "Missed you, too."
"I like your parents, Princess, but I'll be glad as fuck when you're back in my bed."
"Maybe you could stay in my room tonight?"
He moans, dropping his forehead to mine. "Don't tempt me, Ashlyn. My willpower is only so strong. Two days without you has taken its toll, and we both know what will happen if I come to that hotel tonight."
"I'm an adult, Miller, and they are aware I have a man in my life." I throw his words from Thursday morning back at him.
"Yeah, they're very aware of that fact. I've made it through this far unscathed. Not sure it's smart to test my luck by fucking the hell of out you with them down the hall."
A new kind of electricity courses through my system at the promise in his statement. The thrill is quickly doused when I remember my conversation with Austin earlier. My arms go around his neck, and I lean back to see him. "Speaking of unscathed, you are not taking my brothers surfing tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Because bodies disappear easier in the ocean."
"I'm an excellent swimmer."
"It doesn't matter. I'd like to get to the point where you fuck the hell out of me. To do that, you can not go surfing with my brothers."
The corners of his lips curl up, and his eyes sparkle in amusement. "You can stop worrying. Knowing what's waiting for me is incentive enough to watch my back."
There is no further discussion when his mouth closes over mine again.
Chapter 13
Miller
"Didn't you leave an hour ago?"
"Hour and a half." Pierce comes in carrying two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. He pours a generous amount in each glass before dropping in the recliner.
"You forget something?"
"Nope."
I click off the TV and toss the remote on the couch next to me, grab my glass and wait.
"Ashlyn went back to the hotel?"
It's a stupid question with an obvious answer, but I give him what he's looking for. "It's her last night with her parents. They decided not to stay over Sunday night. I'll meet them at the house tomorrow morning."
"You okay with that?"
"Not my first choice, but it's important to her."
He takes a sip, sitting back like he's staying a while.
"Something on your mind?"
"There's a lot on my fucking mind."
"Are we going to dance around it or get to the point?"
"Darby talked to me."
"How'd that go?"
"Hurt like a fucking son of a bitch, but at least I know what's bothering her. I have you to thank for that."
"She would have come to you eventually."
"Maybe, or she would have internalized and figured out a way to move past it without sharing. Either way, we'll work through it."
"No doubt you will, but now that you know how she's feeling, why is your ass at my house? Shouldn't you be at home working through it?"
"Seeing as you're moving your girlfriend into your house tomorrow, figured it was a good time to get you alone."
"Pierce, say what you came to say. I'm pleased as fuck you and Darby had your heart to heart, but that's not why you're here."
"It's been bothering me since we left last week. You're no amateur. There's not a chance in hell you'd let a knock-out like Ashlyn walk away from you in a bar in Chicago. I was right there with you for over ten years, picking up women, fucking the night away, leaving it all behind. She is not the type of woman you leave behind."
I expected this. Pierce and I may not share the same twin bond that connects Darby and Evin, but we've got a strong relationship and a no bullshit policy. Therefore, he's not letting this go.
I lock eyes with him, gulp my whiskey, and admit, "You're right."
He doesn't flinch. I pour another healthy dose of liquor and lean back, studying my brother. All our lives we've been close, and when his life fell apart, I was scared to death I wouldn't be able to help him. For years, it was me who did whatever it took to help him live through his hell. Nothing got between us until Darby returned and shared her secrets.
It pissed me off beyond belief until I finally saw the lengths he would go through to get her back. Seeing Ashlyn again set the ball in motion, but this week with her gave me a true understanding of Pierce's motivation.
"That's all you're going to give me?" he asks impatiently.
"You're right. She's not the kind of woman you leave behind. She's not the woman who sits next to you in a bar for hours and you let her leave because she gets a goddamned phone call."
"I know this shit."
"Ashlyn Rhodes walked into that bar in Chicago, wearing a black cocktail dress that clung to every one of her curves, twelve-hundred-dollar shoes, with so much beauty and class that every man turned his head to get a look at her. She sat down next to me, ordered a martini, and the second the tip of her tongue rimmed the glass my dick went hard. Game over."
"What the hell happened?"
"I'm not sure you can understand."
"Try me."
I blow out a breath, scrubbing a hand through my hair and shooting back another swallow. "One time wasn't enough. Twice wasn't enough. I needed more. One night turned into the weekend. There was something there between us, something I never experienced before. For those days, she owned me. I was so wrapped up, I missed the clear signs something wasn't right. Our conversations were light, and every time a personal detail slipped in, she cut it off. The last night together, she was sprawled on top of me, and I knew I
wanted more. We fell asleep. The next morning, the bed was empty and there was no sign of her but a fucking generic note. Lily ghosted me."
"Who is Lily?"
"Lily was the fictitious name known as Ashlyn Rhodes."
This gets a reaction. He bolts up, his eyes bulging. "No fucking way."
"One and the same."
He has the decency to drop his chin to his chest before his shoulders shake with his hilarity.
"Not sure what's funny."
He doesn't look at me, his body shaking harder until he's bent over.
"You're an asshole."
He nods in agreement, chuckling louder. "I am a total dick, but please tell me you heard yourself. I've had to put up with you calling me pussy-whipped for years. It feels good to finally throw it back."
"No one said anything about being pussy-whipped."
His blue eyes slice to mine, and my fist clenches with the urge to punch the arrogant smugness off his face.
"Seriously, Miller? You didn't get any details on her life in days?"
"Did you hear the part about shutting me down when personal details came up?"
"Yeah, I heard it, and it proves my point. Pussy-whipped."
"It would suck for Darby to be a widow when this baby comes."
The threat doesn't stop him. "Don't you see the irony here? You spent all your life with a shield up when it comes to women. One look at Ashlyn, you're totally into her, and she plays you at your own game. I gotta say, you've met your match."
It's not his humor that gets to me; it's the fact he's right. I've met my match, in more ways than one. My irritation fades, and I crack a smile, thinking about having her around full-time tomorrow night.
"Now I completely understand your reaction the day we went to scout her house."
I let the answer linger, trying to decide exactly how much more to share. He picks up on the silence. "There's more to this story. I may have missed the signs once, but the instant I saw her again, I knew something was wrong. She walked out of her house and instantly there was a tightness in my chest. She put on a strong front, but she was a shell of the woman I spent the weekend with. I made it my mission to find out why."
Miller's Time (Southern Charmers Series Book 2) Page 15