Miller's Time (Southern Charmers Series Book 2) Read online

  Copyright © 2020 by Ahren Sanders

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales or events is entirely coincidental.

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  Proofreading: Kendra Gaither @ Kendra’s Editing & Book Services

  Cover Design: Letitia Hasser, RBA Designs

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  Bonus Extravaganza

  Have You Met Pierce Kendrick?

  About the Author

  Author Links- Keep in touch!

  Other Books by Ahren Sanders

  Prologue

  Ashlyn

  Welcome to your new life, Ashlyn.

  A chill runs down my spine as I stare at the dingy, worn-down, drab space in front of me. Even with the weather still considerably warm in Charleston this time of year, the cold settles in my bones. It isn't the first time dread and uncertainty battle in my subconscious.

  Buyer’s Remorse? Is that what this is?

  Get it together, Ashlyn. You wanted this, so now it's time to own your decision. I reprimand my subconscious and shake the thoughts out of my head.

  Maybe it wasn't such an excellent idea to drive in a day early and stay here by myself. A night at the Brasher Hotel sounds better and better, I think, comparing the luxurious accommodations to the rickety old Victorian that needs much more work than I will admit.

  Then, like the few times I've allowed myself to wallow, the dread disappears, and a renewed sense of pride takes its place.

  This is my house. One-hundred-percent owned by me. No more renting, no more throwing my money into a black hole of no return. I'm now a proud homeowner, in a quaint little neighborhood, in a perfect new city. When this place gets the love and attention it needs, it will be spectacular.

  That's the last time I will second-guess my decision or dwell on the negative. Because this is my new beginning. The fast-paced, rat-race, dog-eat-dog world of Chicago is in my rearview mirror, and Charleston will become my paradise.

  Right as my sense of confidence is reaffirmed, my phone rings and I debate answering for fear of losing my cloud of happiness. This call could go either way. But if I don't answer, the consequences could mean three overbearing and domineering men pounding on my door before daybreak.

  "Hey, Dad."

  "Your mother worries. I don't like her worrying. She's losing sleep, barely eating, and her anxiety is off the charts. We can't live like this, so I'll buy your house and you can come back here and plan your next steps."

  I smile to myself, swallowing my humor. Each day, he comes up with a fresh approach to get me back to Atlanta. "That sounds awful. Losing sleep, barely eating, high anxiety? How is she functioning?"

  "It's tough, and it's serious. You need to rethink your plans and get back here before she has an all-out panic attack. She's not capable of handling this kind of stress, and frankly, we're all worried about her. Your brothers and I can hardly get her to smile. This decision of yours has her in a panic."

  "Is she there? May I speak to her?"

  "She's resting comfortably. It's not a good idea to disturb her."

  "Okay, Dad."

  "Okay? As in we'll see you first thing in the morning?"

  "No, okay as in it's not wise to bother her, considering tonight's girl’s night out. We hung up thirty minutes ago after I spoke to all the women on speakerphone. It would be a shame to call her back and distract her with this ludicrous attempt to get your way."

  The line goes silent, and I know he's scrubbing a hand through his hair and trying to think of a way to backtrack so he doesn't get his ass handed to him. Mom’s my biggest cheerleader in this endeavor and if she had her way, she'd be here.

  "Really? Thought you'd have better sense than to throw Mom in the mix. She will be pissed."

  "Ashlyn, maybe we need not mention this to her."

  "Stop trying to dictate my life and I'll let it slide."

  "I'm not dictating; I'm protecting. You have no business buying a run-down pit and pouring your financial foundation into it. You need to be in a safe home in a place where you have family and friends."

  I walk the room, running my hands over the walls and wainscoting, my mind drifting to the hope we can keep some of this original charm. He rambles on with the same argument I've heard many times since announcing my relocation. I may be a thirty-four-year-old professional woman who's been out of my parents' house since I entered college at eighteen, but my dad and brothers forget this when it comes to my decisions and freedom.

  I'm gazing out my kitchen window when he finishes his rant.

  "I love you, Dad, but you're fighting a losing battle. I don't remember you having this much resistance when I stayed in Chicago."

  "That's because you moved into a safe area, had a job with people to look out for you, and had friends nearby. You are all alone down there and living in a dilapidated old house that probably has squatters."

  "The squatters took the second floor when I got here."

  "That is not funny!" His southern drawl booms through the line, and this time I laugh.

  "I am fine. I have a few connections here, which hopefully will lead to friends. Stephanie is in town and she's bringing Darby by tomorrow. Darby's husband, Pierce, is part owner of a construction company and has agreed to give me some advice and guidance. If he can't take on the project, he's got some recommendations. Once this gets underway, I'll figure out my next steps in my career."

  "You have all the answers. Have you thought of the headache and mess of this renovation?"

  "Yeah," I chirp happily. That is the one thing that I'm looking forward to.

  He sighs long and loud, and I realize we've come to an impasse—for now.

  "We'll come help."

  "You don't have to do that. I will hire the best. Pierce Kendrick has an impeccable reputation. He won't steer me wrong."

  "Maybe me or one of your brothers should
be with you tomorrow. It's good to have a man by your—"

  "I dare you to finish that sentence. If you imply my gender puts me at a disadvantage, you'll be digging a hole you can't crawl out of. I can understand you're protective and it means the world that you're concerned. But I can handle myself. Don't get on my bad side."

  "Dammit, Ashlyn, I am only trying to look—"

  "… out for me. I know and love you for it. But back off. I'm in this for the long run, and tomorrow will give me an idea of what I'm facing. It'd be great if your next call was less grumpy and more supportive."

  "Your mama and I are coming down there in a few weeks. That should give you enough time to meet with this guy and see how much he's going to rake you over the coals."

  I want to argue that their visit is too soon, but I don't. The drive from Chicago and the stress of the last few weeks have caught up with me. Dad and my brothers have been overly vocal with their opinion of what they refer to as my 'snap decision'. But if they come, maybe that will help ease them into this change.

  "As long as you understand I don't have a place for you to stay, you are welcome to visit. Leave the attitude in Atlanta."

  He huffs again, and this time it's softer. "I will ask one more time for you to consider staying somewhere until you gauge the safety and security of the neighborhood. At least until you can get new locks on the front and back doors."

  "You know I did the research, and this area is safe. However, that's the first thing on my list tomorrow, Dad. Promise."

  "Call us in the morning. Your mother worries."

  "Will do. Love you."

  We hang up and I roam throughout the large rooms with visions of what this house will look like when it's done. There are stacks and stacks of ideas, drawings, and color schemes I've been working on for how I picture this place coming together. I am no professional, but once I started researching remodeling older homes and matched my tastes, it came together.

  My dad is right about one thing; I'm practically all alone here. Thank goodness for Stephanie. Stephanie Langley was a great friend while we were in law school at the University of Chicago. She returned to her hometown of Charlotte to practice law. I stayed behind, taking an opportunity at a large firm. She and I kept in touch through the years, most recently with texts and emails. But when she called a few months ago to tell me she was attending a conference in Chicago, I immediately decided to attend.

  My plans to relocate to Charleston were already in motion, and when she found out, things turned around. The first thing she did was fill me in on her best friend, Darby, reconnecting and eventually marrying Pierce Kendrick. I'd met Darby years before and knew of their torrid history. Their getting back together was a beautiful story.

  Then Stephanie put me in touch with Evin Graham. Evin is a portfolio and investment manager working at a bank here in Charleston. But he's also Darby's twin brother. He turned out to be a jack-of-all-trades, helping me with financing questions, guiding me with the best options.

  So, even though I'm technically alone here, I know exactly three people. Four if you count my realtor.

  Stephanie's already warned me that Pierce and Darby are awaiting the birth of their first child together, and he will turn me down. It's nothing personal. He's fiercely overprotective and doesn't want to load his schedule right now.

  I respect that and will take whatever time and advice he can give me before moving on to interview and hire another contractor.

  The men in my family may think this is a snap decision, and they are right to an extent. Purchasing this house without consulting my family was the first step in asserting my independence. An escape from the poor choices and consequences that threatened to ruin me back in Chicago. I haven't shared the true reason behind the decision to leave my old life behind with anyone. It's better to erase the past and start fresh where no one knows the woman I was. A role I played easily to keep up appearances.

  I’m aware of what people think of me.

  Cold-blooded, cut-throat, ruthless. The Prada Princess with a black heart.

  That part of my life is over. It stayed in Chicago with the rest of my regrets and terrible decisions. For years, I gave myself to my profession, my image, and my reputation, not realizing how blind I was. It wasn't until the night it all came crashing down that I understood my reality.

  Then I met him. The tall, gorgeous stranger that knew nothing about the Dior Diva and the superficial world she existed in. He uncovered a side of me that had long been suppressed, and for days I lived in an imaginary dreamland. He was the epitome of perfection. For the first time in my life, I understood the pull and connection of being consumed by someone. The little I learned about him, it was obvious there was no place for me in his world.

  I walked away with the confidence to change my direction in life. Because of him, I am here.

  This is my chance. Charleston is the perfect place for me to reinvent myself.

  Chapter 1

  Miller

  "What's your gut reaction?" Pierce is all business, asking about the house in front of us.

  I don't respond.

  "Where do you want to start? Inside or outside?"

  He goes on, but I can't tear my eyes off the woman standing in the middle of the huddle.

  Ashlyn Rhodes is a fucking vision.

  A vision I'll never forget. That red hair, flawless face, striking green eyes, that fucking body… all of it hits me like a hammer to the chest. My hands itch to touch her, skim along her collarbone, down her chest, and tease until she whimpers. The sound of her pleasure faintly replays in my ears and I blow out a low, slow controlled breath to keep my composure.

  I've had a lot of women in my life. More than most know. But only one sucker-punched me the way this auburn-haired knockout did.

  For two days I knew her as Lily.

  Worshipping her like no other, neither of us holding back. The woman was insatiable, and I was wrapped up. I tried to get to know her better, but she was a master in switching my focus. She was hypnotizing, stealing every ounce of my attention. Only once did she let down her guard, and I saw a glimpse of the woman inside.

  She was hiding something, and I intended to break through.

  Three hours later, I woke alone. She vanished, leaving me with nothing but a note. A note she signed with the name Lily.

  But now I know the truth—Ashlyn fucking Rhodes.

  Vaguely, I hear Evin drive up and speak to Pierce, but I stay focused on the woman I haven't forgotten in almost six months. They go back and forth about this job, rambling about the work involved. I almost speak up when Pierce makes a bullshit comment about referring to another contractor.

  Then her laughter fills the air, and her eyes come to me. The crystal green locks with mine, her pupils growing wide with shock. Recognition flickers in her gaze, and the surprise turns into something else. She sucks in a breath, and my skin prickles with the heat between us.

  Evin makes a smartass remark, "This should be interesting."

  He's not talking about the house. A grin spreads across my lips and I look to my brother. "She's a Prada Princess, huh?"

  "You sure you're ready for this?"

  "I can handle it."

  "I'm going to give you a piece of advice."

  "Don't want to hear it." Because why should I take advice from my little brother that has made more mistakes than I can count? I don't need him to tell me how to fuck things up.

  "Too bad. Speaking from experience, every fucking ounce of effort is worth it."

  "Says the man it took seventeen years to get to this point." It's a low blow, but the truth is the truth. Plus, he has no idea of my history with this vixen.

  Evin outwardly chuckles.

  "Come on, let's go meet your new boss." He slaps me on the back and heads toward the huddle.

  I take a brief second and wonder what the hell I'm thinking. She left me without a word. Seeing her now, it's obvious Ashlyn Rhodes is not who I thought she was. But damn if t
he pull isn't still there.

  "Fuck me, I've got to be fucking insane."

  "Join the club," Pierce mutters.

  "Hell no. I said insane, not whipped."

  "Famous last words," he calls back and gets to Darby's side.

  Evin and I follow and join in the introductions. When Ashlyn offers her hand she flashes me a bright smile. "Ashlyn."

  "Miller." I dip my chin and hold her hand longer than necessary, giving it a brief squeeze. I catch the tremor as she pulls away. There's a flicker in her eyes right before she diverts her attention to Pierce.

  "How does this work? I know you can't take this project on, but it means a lot you're helping me today. Your recommendation of a top-notch General Contractor will be high on my list."

  She looks at him for direction, and it's clear she thinks he is the boss in this scenario. I cut my eyes to him and indicate for him to take the lead. His lips twitch with amusement before he turns to face the house.

  "I will check out the upstairs. Miller, you take the main floor."

  "Got it."

  "Let's do this." He makes a sweeping motion with his arm, and Ashlyn leads us inside.

  The instant we hit the entryway, the smell of musk and rot hit me. Pierce picks up on it, and we both move to open windows immediately.

  "Is it safe for Darby to be in here?" Evin props open the front door.

  "No," Pierce growls, unhappy with her breathing the polluted air.

  She narrows her eyes at him, opening her mouth to argue, but Ashlyn breaks in. "Believe it or not, my back porch is nice. We can wait out there," she offers.