Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3) by Ahren Sanders (books to read for teens .txt) 📗

“Evin,” Tessa peers over the rim of her glasses, “You seem to forget we’ve worked together for over six years.”

“This is different. We gave you two weeks to transition. If you’re uncomfortable with the load, let me know.”

“I told you two weeks was generous. We’ve had ten days. Maybe it’s you who’s uncomfortable.”

I sit back and see the playful look she’s shooting my way. “This is new for me.”

“A lot is changing in your life.” There’s a knowing twinkle in her eyes.

“Don’t start.”

“Wouldn’t think of it, but should I put a standing weekly order of flowers to Poppy?”

I blow out a breath and stare at her a second before rolling my eyes and nodding. “Yes.”

“Got it.” She jots in her notebook. “And the annual banker’s dinner in September, should I RSVP with a plus one? I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t take care of your obligations.”

“Stop fishing for information.”

“Word that you’re off the market has spread like crazy; it’s too much fun to tease you.”

This is why I hired her. I trust her with my business and know her ability to get things done, no matter the pressure. She’s also fun. In my experience, there isn’t much she can’t handle.

“You meet Poppy in a few weeks, you’ll understand why I’m off the market.”

There’s a familiar infant giggle from outside my office, and her head swings as Darby and Devin arrive. Tessa shoves her notebook on my desk and jumps up, rushing to greet them.

“Cute boy!” she coos, holding out her hands, and Devin goes to her easily.

“Mom had an appointment and Jill isn’t around.” Darby drops her bags on the sofa. “Since this isn’t formal, I hope it’s not a problem.”

“No problem.” At my voice, Devon twists and squeals when he spots me.

“I don’t think he wants me anymore.” Tessa brings him over, and he head dives into my chest.

“Hey, buddy. What’s up?”

He babbles, shunting his fist in my face.

“I’ll be moving to my new desk if you need me.” Tessa exits with a wave.

I take the folder of paperwork to my sister, who is now lounging on the sofa. “We could have done this another time.”

“This is good if it’s not too big an interruption.”

“You know this bank loves y’all. How many people did you pass on the way up here?”

“We arrived fifteen minutes ago. He charmed too many.”

I glance at my nephew and notice a lot of faint kiss marks. “Jesus, Darby, give me a wipe.”

She giggles, shuffling through her bag for a wipe. Devin doesn’t like the way I swipe it over his face. “Sorry, but you got too many germs on you.”

He responds by sinking his few teeth and gums into my chin.

“He’s hungry, as always.” Darby digs again.

“I got this. There’s stuff in the break room.”

“Don’t give my baby chocolate muffins again!” she shouts after me.

I bounce him to the break room and find a tray of muffins from this morning’s meeting. Devon lunges toward them. “Let’s start with a banana.”

I grab it, peel it, and offer it to him. Jackson walks in and grins, coming over to scrub his hand over Devin’s dark head. “Are we grooming this one early?”

“He’ll be reading spreadsheets by next week.”

Devon gurgles his delight, gnawing the banana.

“You’re a natural with him.”

“He makes it easy.”

“Getting in some practice?” He wiggles his eyebrows.

“You are as bad as a woman.”

“Just pointing out the truth.”

“The truth that I’m comfortable holding my nephew?”

“That and you look good doing it. A lot of men, myself included, resemble a deer in headlights when a baby is in their arms. Not you. It fits.”

“Glad to have your approval,” I reply dryly.

“Maybe when you have your first, I can take lessons. I’m told babies are chick magnets.”

I spear him with my gaze and clutch Devin closer. “You think about using my baby to attract women, I’ll level you.”

His eyes light up at the same time he roars in laughter. Devin jerks at the noise, spitting a mouthful of slobbery mush down my shirt.

“Shit,” I hiss, not only at the mess but that I played into him. “You’re a jackass.”

“You make it too easy. Plus, you’re leaving for a week. Needed to get my fill.”

The day I returned to work, Jackson was in my office waiting. His eyes landed on the ring on my finger and his mouth split into a cocky smile. The ring didn’t need an explanation. But he’s taken enjoyment in trying to get a rise out of me.

“Don’t you have someplace else to be?”

“Actually, I have an appointment with Ashlyn. Finally wore her down.” He grins triumphantly.

When Ashlyn decided to consult, it didn’t take long for the word to spread. Her extensive experience with a top law firm in Chicago and a reputation to match made her desirable. With the baby on the way, she has been selective on her clientele. Jackson has been pursuing her for weeks to consult on a possible acquisition. “Glad to see your harassment worked.”

“It’s not harassment, it’s called persistence. Now, I assume this little guy didn’t drive himself here?”

“Darby’s in my office signing papers.”

At her name, Jackson’s eyes light up and he grabs two bottles of water, heading to my office.

Devin’s little fists grip my hand as he continues chomping. “Buddy, next time you want to spit your food on a two-hundred-dollar shirt, aim at Jackson.” I let him hold the banana to grab a few napkins. As soon as I release it, he gets excited, shoves the whole thing in his face, and screeches in delight.

My phone rings and I grab it, knowing it’s time for Poppy’s call. “Hey.”

“Hey, are you busy?”

Devin answers for me with another squeal. “If you consider watching this heathen demolish his snack busy, then yes.”

My phone rings again, this time with her facetime request. “Let me see.”

I flip the screen, and like a professional, Devin takes a break long enough to flash his grin.

“What is that?”

“It was a banana.”

“He’s adorable with goo everywhere. It looks like he tried to share