Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3) by Ahren Sanders (inspirational books for women .TXT) 📕

“Jesus, Poppy.” I make it to her in three strides, clasping her hips. “I didn’t think it could get any better than having you wake up in my arms. You’re fucking killing me.”

Her gaze drops to where my thumb is grazing over the ink on her hipbone.

“I’ve had them so long it’s easy to forget they’re there.”

“I can promise you I won’t forget it.”

“Do you have a thing for tattoos?”

“I do now.”

She grins shyly up at me. “They have a special meaning.”

“Tell me.”

“This one,” she slides her finger across my thumb, “is a symbol of the element of water. I got it the night of my first show.”

“Very fitting. What about this?” I snake my fingers up her side.

She lifts her arm, raising her top enough to reveal the rest of the script. ‘Dance to your destiny.’

“Remember that dance instructor I mentioned?”

I nod, remembering every word she’s said since we’ve met.

“She’d repeat this anytime I became overwhelmed or discouraged. The day I decided on my college program, this tattoo was a gift to myself.”

“And the piercing, any significance?”

“That’s the result from a wild night out, a lost bet, and a reckless dare among Dante, Ryanne, and me.”

My fingers brush over the jewel. “Wild nights out and dares sound like a story I want to hear.”

“Not sure I should divulge those secrets to a man who never loses control,” she teases, placing her hands on my chest. “You may run without a second glance.”

“I can promise you I’m not running. And know that my control issues are the only thing holding me back from kneeling, rolling that piercing with my tongue, before I peel these bottoms off with my teeth.”

Her breath hitches at the same time her hazel eyes brighten. She licks her bottom lip, gripping the material of my shirt as a tremor rolls through her body.

“If I thought you were ready for that, we wouldn’t be leaving this room today. Which would definitely send a message to Darby and the rest of them.”

“Is it a one-time offer?” she barely whispers.

“Nothing with you is a one-time offer. We’re moving at your pace.”

She tips up, bringing her mouth close. “You’re a dangerous temptation, Evin Graham.”

“I can say the same thing about you.”

Her lips touch mine, and she dissolves into me. I take my time exploring her mouth and enjoying what is quickly becoming my addiction. Her scent, her taste, the warmth of her body to mine. I wasn’t kidding. If I thought she was ready, we wouldn’t leave this room.

Slowly, I break away, placing my forehead to hers. “Keep your eyes closed.”

I take the ring from my pocket and slide it on her finger, noticing it’s too big.

“Oh my God!” Her eyes pop open, bulging wide. “Wha—, whe—, how?”

“Happy birthday.”

“You bought me a diamond ring for my birthday? You didn’t even know until a few hours ago.”

“This is true. I purchased the ring last night.”

“Purchased how? The store was closed.”

“Messaged the concierge and explained what I wanted.”

“There was no concierge at the desk.”

“One good thing about having Scottie plan this trip was his insistence on a twenty-four-hour contact. I utilized that benefit last night.”

“I- I- I don’t know what to say. It’s too much.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Evin! It’s a diamond ring!”

“It’s a ring meant to be on your finger. I’ve walked by that store a dozen times over the last few days, never paying attention. Until last night. Seeing your reaction to this ring in the display case, I knew it was meant to be yours.”

“I can’t accept this.”

I haul her into my arms and move to the sofa. “It’s a present, Poppy. A present with no expectations.”

“But it’s a diamond.”

“Forget the diamond.” I reluctantly move it to her third finger, noticing it fits tighter. “Is that better?”

She stares at her hand, then brings her eyes to mine. A burning sensation solders through me at the mixture of uncertainty and sadness in her expression. I cup her chin, stroking my thumb across her jawline. “Baby, what’s on your mind?”

“I’ve never met anyone like you. It doesn’t seem fair to feel this connection and you leave tomorrow.”

That’s all the incentive I need to push forward. “Say the word and I won’t leave.”

“Are you serious?”

“I don’t want to wait a month to see you at Stephanie’s wedding. I’d like to spend more time with you now.”

“Is it that simple?”

“For you it is.”

She chews on her bottom lip, holding my stare, and her voice is shaky when she speaks. “I am not ready for you to leave.”

“Thank fuck.” I crush her to me, burying my face in her neck and inhaling deep.

We sit like this for a few minutes, her body pressed tight, her heart racing. “I share a place with Ryanne. She’s super cool, but I’m not sure how—.”

“I’ve already messaged Scottie for a favor. He’ll get my room extended. We can stay here if you’re comfortable. If not, that’s okay.”

“You’ve already messaged Scottie? When?”

“This morning when you fell back asleep.”

“You were planning to stay behind?”

“I knew last night that I didn’t want to leave, but needed to get a read on you this morning.”

“Was I that easy to read?”

“The fact that you were the most beautiful thing I’ve ever woken up with sealed the deal in my mind.”

She glances around nervously before saying, “There’s something else I should tell you. You are the only man, outside of Dante, that I’ve woken up with in over seven years.”

Dante is not a threat, but jealousy spikes. “There’s no pressure here for any more than what we have right now.”

“This is unbelievable.”

“Poppy, I finally understand more about Pierce Kendrick than I thought possible. Twenty-four hours ago, I didn’t know you existed. And now you consume my thoughts.”

“What do we do when you go home? Our worlds are so different.”

“Why don’t we see what the next few days bring and talk about it then?”

A timid smile spreads across her lips, and she lifts her hand, wiggling her finger. “Thank you for this. It’s gorgeous.”

“You’re gorgeous.”

“Evin, it