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

disgust. How the hell does he fit into the picture?”

Marco’s lips curl on one side, and he gives a satiric chuckle. “Isaac and I came to an understanding after the draft. His image and newfound fame were an excellent influence on my campaign. He’d broken up with Natasha, but he carried guilt over Caitlyn. I took advantage of that guilt. Once elected to the Senate, I carefully chose a handful of charities each year that he donated to generously. These charities are based on causes I felt Caitlyn would support. We also donate to the endowment for the arts at UNC. We both benefit mutually in our professions from the attention it attracts. To keep up the appearance of a strong relationship, I attend one of his games each season and he attends an event of mine. Outside of that, we rarely communicate.”

“He knows a lot about your family. Will he be a problem?”

“I think you saw firsthand how Isaac feels about Caitlyn. He has never gotten over her. My guess is he’s feeling the sting of thinking with his dick all over again, seeing Poppy and knowing she’s married to Evin. So no, he won’t be a problem.”

“We’re done. Let me know when you’re gone and I’ll contact my lawyer.”

Dante and I are almost through the door when Marco calls my name. I slice my eyes over my shoulder to see him standing again, this time with a new purpose.

“Fair warning, I’ve decided to move to Charleston when my time in office is over. If you think I’m not serious, there’s your proof.”

I barely contain my growl, giving him one last glare before leaving.

Chapter 28

Poppy

“You should go. It’s time.” This comes casually from Ryanne as she reviews the clipboard in her hand.

“I should go?” The squeaky pitch pulls her attention.

“I’m sorry, should I have disagreed?”

“No, but we’re talking about something huge here.”

She rolls her eyes exaggeratedly. “It’s only huge because you’re making it a big deal. Huge is spending the night with a stranger for the first time in your life. Huge is giving him your virginity and then marrying him less than twenty-four hours later. I could go on and on about the magnitude of decisions you have made. Relocating with your husband while you recover isn’t huge.”

“Wow, should I hobble home and pack my things now? Maybe leave you a note in the morning when we hit the road so I don’t disturb you?”

“I’ll wake up to say goodbye.”

“Ryanne!” I crinkle up the bag I’m stuffing and throw it at her. “This is serious.”

“Now you’re being ridiculously dramatic. You’re not leaving tomorrow. But you’ve been stalling and he’s patient. He wants you in Charleston, where his family can be a part of helping. Plus, he has work and other things on his mind.”

Guilt consumes me, and I slink into the chair, dropping my head back. “I’ve become the biggest bitch ever.”

“Dramatic again.”

“My husband is prowling around like a caged animal every waking minute. He’s waiting on me hand and foot, working full-time, dealing with crazy Marco—who’s driving him nuts, and living in a bungalow with a roommate. Not one complaint. I wouldn’t blame him if he bailed on me.”

Her eyebrows crinkle, and she shoots me a side-eyed glare.

“Seriously. He should go home for a while. He needs to get back to his life. See his family, settle things at work, do his normal routine for a bit without worrying about me.”

“You want to see an animal, let him hear you say that.”

“You know I’m right.”

“What I know is you’re being stubborn and he’s being a saint.”

“He went for a five-mile run this morning, came back, showered, and was working at six a.m.”

“He’s an overachiever, so what?”

“Know what I did today? Got my boot, put weight on my foot for all of three minutes, and then did turnout and flexing with motion measurements for an hour with a therapist.”

“You also did upper body Pilates in the living room, made your own breakfast, took your own shower, and came to work to help me.”

“You forgot to mention kicking ass in rehab.” The deep voice has me twisting so fast, my body wobbles in the chair.

Evin’s propped on a shoulder against the conference room door, arms and legs crossed. My heart skips a beat at his appearance. Since the meeting with Marco two weeks ago, I’ve gotten used to the casual Evin. But today he had a virtual staff meeting. He’s unbuttoned the first two buttons on his neck and rolled his sleeves, but otherwise, he’s all business. My gaze travels slowly back up his body and catches the intensity in his stare. I know the answer but ask anyway. “How long have you been here?”

“Long enough.”

“You risked your life coming through the front in this office of women. There’s going to be a riot. I bet Kay is on social media right now checking if Chris Hemsworth is in Vegas,” Ryanne jokes.

His eyes fly to her and soften as the tip of his lip curls to the side. “The only woman I saw was the grandmother type at reception who pointed me this way.”

“Bess, she’s great.” Ryanne bends to give me a half-hug. “Good luck at the doctor. Thanks for your help. I’ll see you tonight. Try not to be so negative on yourself.”

She leaves, patting Evin’s shoulder on her way past.

I reach for my crutches, scooting forward on the chair.

“Stop,” he orders, stalking to me and crouching between my legs. His hand sifts through my hair before framing my face gently. “I don’t need to get back to family, work, or any fucking routine. If going to Charleston makes you uncomfortable, we’ll stay.”

“I don’t want you to miss out on anything.”

“What in the world am I missing?”

“Your life.”

“You are my life.”

My heart sinks low in my chest and a lump forms in my throat. “I’m scared. It’s too much change at once.”

“Then we stay. Every day, you’re getting stronger, even if you can’t see it.”

“I have a