Southern Charm Read online

  Southern Charm

  Copyright © 2019 by ML Preston

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Published by ML Preston

  Cover Design by SR Books and Co, LLC

  Cover Photo by The Reed Files

  Edited by Studio Enp

  No parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

  This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. Under no circumstances may any part of this book be photocopied for resale.

  This is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.

  This book contains mature content, including graphic sex. Please do not continue reading if you are under the age of 18 or if this type of content is disturbing to you.

  Table of Content

  One Storm.

  One Night.

  Southern Comfort.

  One Surprise Visit.

  Vacation in Savannah

  Impromptu Trip

  Atlanta

  Back to Life

  Monday Morning Blues

  Tybee Island

  No Place Like Home

  Atlanta… Part Two.

  From Jacksonville to the Keys.

  Big News

  Unexpected Guest.

  Slip of the Tongue

  Breaking News.

  Fresh Start

  New Beginnings

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Follow Me

  Upcoming Releases

  “WHY DID I SIGN up for this assignment?” I think to myself as I fan away the sweltering heat surrounding me. As a journalist, you must be ready to go the moment the story breaks, but going across the country to watch the birth of a baby giraffe, an assignment that you volunteer for is ludicrous. Not the actual event, I mean, the birth of life in any facet is great. But the fact it’s in Texas, during the middle of a hot summer, that’s the part I didn’t think through. Now I’m stuck in this nice hotel with no AC thanks to rolling blackouts to conserve the state’s power. I have been without the comfort of a cool breeze for two hours now.

  I’ve ordered two bottles of wine and one hot caramel sundae sans whipped cream. The ice machine isn’t working because of the power outage, so my dessert was gone before it could melt. To help ease the heat of the day, I take a cold shower. My phone rings, interrupt my cool down. I jump out of the water and as I run to catch the call, I trip over my shoes. Thank goodness, I land on the bed.

  “Hello, this is Nicole speaking.” I try to mask my breathlessness.

  “Nikki, Briggs was wondering how things were going? We heard about the blackouts down there.” Sherri, Mr. Briggs assistant, asks. Mr. Briggs is the chief editor at the paper where I work.

  “Oh, I’m managing,” I reply. “I’ve been without power for two hours now. The hotel’s generator failed, so nothing works around here.” I let out an exhaustive sigh.

  “Has the baby been born yet?” Sherri changes the subject, probably sensing the agitation in my voice.

  “No, not yet. The animal trainer will let the reporters know when they feel the time is near. I’m not far from the zoo, so I should be able to get there to catch the whole event and snap some great photos for the website and paper.” I lay in bed, spread eagle, inviting the droplets of water to keep me cool.

  “Well, Briggs asked about you so, I thought I should call. I’ll tell him the Texas heat has met its match with Nicole Wilson. You take it easy and I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Bye, Sherri.” I disconnect the call and lay there in complete silence staring at the time on my phone thinking about going to my rental and sit under the cool air. I began to drift off after a short while when there is a knock at my door. Startled, I jump up and ask who is there.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am. It’s Cliff the maintenance guy. I need to check the thermostat since the power has been restored.”

  I glance around and see the flashing telltale sign of restored service on the alarm clock and the lights are on in the bathroom.

  “Just a minute,” I call out as I scurry to my feet and grab one of the plush, terry cloth bathrobes provided by the hotel. I open the door to a middle-aged man wearing glasses, old tattered jeans, a company polo, and a tool belt. He looks like he has been running around like crazy, trying to get the hotel back in order.

  “This will only take a minute, ma’am. Sorry to interrupt you.” He walks over to the thermostat and inputs a code that appears to override the auto setting. A second later, I can feel the cool air beginning to circulate.

  “No worries, Cliff. I’m just glad the electricity is back on.”

  “The hotel will comp you one night’s stay and offer you a free dinner at our restaurant downstairs. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.” He speaks with the humblest of voices and I can tell it embarrasses him to have to deliver such news.

  “Thank you, Cliff. Be sure to thank your manager as well. I’m sure this hasn’t been easy on you.”

  “Yes ma’am. I’ll let them know.”

  He leaves and I breathe a huge sigh of relief as the room becomes liveable again. The blackouts were no one's fault, so I couldn’t help but wonder if the discounted bill and complimentary meal was awarded because I’m a Journalist. Shrugging off the thought, I lay back on my bed when my phone buzzes. It’s a message from the caretaker at the zoo. The baby is ready to be born. I hurry, get dressed, grab my Nikon, tablet, purse, and keys and head back out in this Texas heat.

  ***

  I capture some amazing shots of the birth. The veterinarian even allowed a few pictures for my personal collection of me nursing the calf. It made me realize how wonderful being a mother could be. Maybe one day. I’m an aunt to two wonderful boys and a girl, but I wasn’t there for their births. I’ve occasionally visited and took part in caring for them when they were newborns; but now they’re three, four, and two. Definitely no longer babies. I often wonder if I would ever have a family. I mean, I love my job because of the different levels of opportunity I have.

  From the fun, family oriented pieces to the crime scene reports, all keep me on my toes. It’s not your typical nine to five and certainly not one for a mom, but I admire those who are in the field and have families. Granted they’re usually the ones at the anchor’s desk.

  As I take the exit, my rental bucks and drags to a slow stop. I’m able to maneuver off to the shoulder before it lets out a choking sound and dies completely. I check the gas level, and find it’s full so I look at all the other gauges: the thermostat, battery, oil pressure. Nothing seems to be wrong. But, then the check engine light comes on.

  “Fucking great!” I exclaim. I lay my head on the steering wheel, wondering what the fuck just happened. With a deep sigh, I pull out my cell phone and call roadside assistance for the rental company to come and rescue me. What makes matters worse is that it’s one hundred and three degrees out here, and I am again without air conditioning.

  “Thank you for calling Hertz rental car. This is Abby. How may I help you?”

  “Yes, my name’s Nicole Wilson.” Lodging the device between my ear and shoulder, I reach over into the glove compartment. “Uh... I am on the side of the highway in this heat furnace and the car just died.” Findin
g my rental agreement I sit back in my seat, taking my phone in my hand.

  “I am so sorry to hear that. Are you in a safe location?”

  “Yes. I pulled over far out of the way so I wouldn’t block traffic. Do you need my contract number or anything?”

  “No, ma’am. Your name and number is enough for us to connect with the car’s GPS. Will it start?”

  “No. It just cut off on me without warning.”

  “Ok, I see you’re at the exit near Jefferson Blvd. I have a driver en route. The ETA is twenty minutes. We will have a car to you at the hotel by 7:00 a.m.”

  “Thank you, Abby.” I huff and disconnect the call with my head pressed into the seat in absolute anguish.

  I’m so upset, but I don’t know why. Where did I have to go? I’m heading back to a hotel where I will cash in my meal voucher, likely have a few drinks at the bar while catching up on sports, and then off to bed. My flight back to Georgia is at Nine-fifteen AM. Going over my itinerary in my mind reminds me I need to check-in for my flight. As I’m pulling up the airline website, a knock on my window startles me. I turn the key for power and let the window down just a smidge.

  “Yes, may I help you?” I ask, glancing up at him uneasily.

  He pauses for a moment and licks his lips before speaking. “Yes, ma’am. My name is Brian, I am with roadside assistance. Hertz sent me to tow the vehicle and get you to your hotel.” He flashes a delicious smile.

  I place my seat back in its upright position and open the door to get out. Taking a few swallows as I stare at him, I remember a response would be good at this point.

  “I’m sorry. I’m just not having the best of days.” I say once I’m out of the vehicle.

  “That’s ok, ma’am. This heat will make a good day go bad real quick.” He laughs. “If you don’t mind, I just need you to sign this permission slip allowing me to tow the vehicle.” He hands me the iPad and points to where I need to sign.

  My hand gently brushes against his as I take the device. “Sure thing, Sir.” I use my sarcastic, southern belle tone and this brings a smile to that gorgeous mouth.

  His teeth are bright and mesmerizing. The calluses I notice on the insides of his hands and his worn boots tells me he’s hard working. But it’s the way he carries himself, confident and prideful that has me tingling on the inside… deep down inside. I smile when I hand him back the iPad before proceeding to grab my things from the car. Get a hold of yourself, I say to myself while watching his every move. He returns to the tow truck and hops inside to position it right in front of the rental to place it on the flatbed. As he walks back towards me while placing a water bottle under his arm and shoving his hands into his work gloves, I stand at full attention; thinking to myself what those hands could do to me.

  “Now, it’s hot as the devil’s toenails out here, so you can get in the truck and cool off before you melt. I wouldn’t want to have to scoop you up.”

  Either the heat is taking a toll on my mental status or that’s a sly grin across his face.

  “Sure. Is the door unlocked?” I manage to speak without sounding like a schoolgirl.

  He drinks from the bottled water he is carrying and licks his lips as he finishes. I watch as a dribble falls from his bottom lip and hits the ground. Lucky ground.

  “I’ll help you climb in. Wouldn’t want you to hurt those sexy legs of yours.”

  I blush at his comment. It’s obvious he’s flirting and I’m ripe for the picking. We walk to the passenger side of the tow vehicle where he helps me get into the cab of the truck, secures my seatbelt, and slowly drags his hand across my exposed thighs; thanks to my short shorts. I tremble a little at the obvious desire he’s holding in and the blatant desire I need. Our eyes lock for a minute and he throws me a wink before heading to load the car onto the flatbed. I use the side mirror to check my composure, my hair and reapply my lip balm. I watch with deep intent as his muscles flex while using the controls on the side of the truck to pull the car into place. When finished, he walks back over, climbs in, and pulls off heading to the hotel. The radio is off, the silence serving as my soundtrack while I stare at the scenery during our drive.

  “Were you waiting long?” His voice brings me back into reality.

  “No, actually I wasn’t.” I keep my response short so I don’t make a fool of myself. This man is gorgeous and now that I’ve cooled under this air, I know it’s not the heat talking. Perhaps the heat between my thighs.

  Thunder roars and I look towards the sky to find dark and menacing clouds grouping together with lightning flashing in the background. Using this as a photo op, I grab my camera capturing some shots of the storm.

  “Wow, how can something so dark be so beautiful?” I ask as I admire natures beauty.

  “One of the things I love about severe storms is the beauty within them.”

  I glance over and see him peering out the window at the same clouds with adoration and snap a picture of him. The sound of the shutter catches his attention and his gaze falls on me. A ring from his phone breaks the palpable tension between us.

  “Yeah, this is Brian. Yes, I got the client and the car. Pulling into the hotel now. Really? For how long? Ok, will do. I’ll call you when the storm passes.” We park in the back-parking lot away from the traffic of the hotel.

  “Was that another tow call?” I ask, hoping to extend our meeting longer.

  “Naw, nothing like that. It seems this is going to be a pretty severe storm. They just want me to park until it passes. You were my last call of the day anyway, so I’m just going to drop the car off at the repair facility and head home afterwards.”

  “Home? Will your wife be waiting for you?” I know my question has dual purpose, I’m just hoping to hear the answer I want. We sit in silence for what seems like an eternity before he answers.

  “No, no wife. No girlfriend either. I ended an engagement about six months ago; she was unfaithful, so I cut her quick.” He pauses and looks away. “What about you? Any man in your life?”

  Now who’s playing detective. I feel bad for bringing up his past pain, and can sense he uses his question to deflect mine.

  “Um, no. I barely have time to eat, let alone have a serious relationship. All the guys I meet want me to be the doting girlfriend or wife but I like the action of my job.”

  “Sounds like you need someone that respects your career.”

  Is he applying for the position? I think to myself before answering. “Maybe. When the right one comes along, I’ll know.” Thunder rings louder, growing closer so, I figure I should make my exit now. “Thank you for the lift. I guess I should get inside before the rain-”

  And just like that it starts pouring down.

  I close my eyes and laugh a little while Brian jumps out of the truck, comes around to the passenger side, and opens my door. He grabs me over his shoulder and carries me to the entrance, barely giving me time to grab my things. We are both breathing heavy as he places me back on my feet. We look over each other drenched to the core and laugh.

  “So, this is Texas weather, huh?” My voice still shaking from the laughter.

  “Yeah, pretty much,” he replies.

  I realize my room key is in the side compartment of my camera bag. “Oh, no. I left my camera bag in your truck.” I bite my lip in embarrassment,

  “Don’t worry, I’ll go grab it.” He takes off under the heavy rain and returns just as fast. Now even more soaked, wearing his t-shirt like a second skin.

  “Here ya go, ma’am,” he says.

  I watch his drenched chest rise and fall trying to recapture the breath he lost while running.

  “Thank you, sir.” I feel the words escape my mouth but it sounds inaudible to me as my heartbeat now fills the void in my ears.

  “Well, I guess I will go wait in the truck until this storm passes.” A loud clap of thunder echoes, rattling cars and setting off alarms. I jump at the noise and find myself in Brian’s arms. They’re muscular, tight and feel so good a
round my body. I haven’t felt this in quite some time and when I look up at him, I find our breaths matching and our heartbeats racing.

  “WHY DON’T YOU, UM, come in and dry off. I’ll get us something to eat and drink, and I’m sure they can launder your clothes as a favor to me since the electricity went out earlier.” I melt when I notice his embrace has not broken.

  “Are you sure you want to do that? I mean, I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

  I think I can feel a distinct bone on my thigh and I can’t turn him away now.

  “No bother, it’s the least I could do. After all, you carried me on your shoulder so my feet wouldn’t get wet.”

  He places a hand on my face and looks deep into my eyes. “No queen’s feet should ever get wet.”

  My heart is definitely in trouble now. That sentence alone caused a puddle to form in my panties and it wasn’t from the rain. I pull myself from his embrace, grab his hand, and hold it as we enter the building. I stop by the restaurant to order us dinner, and a bottle of wine, to be delivered to my room. We step into the elevator and stand on opposite sides. He fumbles around with his phone and I take in the specimen standing before me. His clothes cling to him like cellophane and I drool as he removes his baseball hat to reveal his dirty blond hair. It’s cut short and wet from the rain. His eyes are a shimmering blue, highlighting a well-chiseled face with a strong jawline adorned with scruff.

  My body is lusting for this man, and the ache below is getting intense. I go to say something, but the doors open as we reach the seventeenth floor where my room is located pausing my actions. We exit the elevator and he follows me to the room. Sliding the card key into the slot, I open the door and see a bottle of chilled champagne with a card from the hotel that reads:

  Our deepest apologies.

  I smile at the sentiment and turn toward Brian, where I found myself caught in his gaze. Feeling a bit on the radar, I decide to try to break the ice.

  “Would you like to take a shower? I mean because I’m wet, I mean you’re wet and I know those clothes must be sticky, I mean sticking to you like mine are right now.” Stumbling through those words is so embarrassing.