His Southern Sweetheart by Carolyn Hector Read Free Book Online

end of the summer?” Lexi said, casting a glance at the end of the bar. “Philly says you two went out on a few dates.”
    Nate half grinned. “Yeah, well, Philly is five years old.”
    â€œFive going on eighteen,” mumbled Lexi. “So what’s the deal with you two?”
    â€œNo deal.” Nate shrugged.
    â€œWill you bring her to the Keaton wedding?”
    â€œHell no!” Nate all but shrieked. At Lexi’s bemused smirk he explained, “She’s in a different place than I am.”
    â€œMeaning she wants you in her bedroom?”
    â€œMeaning,” Nate said with a sigh, trying to come up with what he meant, “she wants things I’m not sure I can provide.”
    The word bedroom only conjured up the image of Amelia Marlow. In retrospect, he did have her phone number and knew how to take the first step. Beside him Lexi pretended to sway. Her fruity pink drink sloshed onto the bar top.
    â€œNathaniel Reyes does not have the right stuff to give a woman?”
    The other women lingering around the two of them began gawking at him with their brows raised. “Keep your voice down.”
    â€œOh, yeah,” she said teasing, “we don’t want the bidding ladies to think the merchandise is broken.”
    Nate fought against the impulse to cover his groin as all eyes went toward his lower half. “Will you keep your voice down?”
    â€œOh, trust me, I don’t think anything will stop a bidding war. As a matter of fact, I heard some of the ladies in the church choir comment on how they’ve pooled their money together and are going to divide up your weeklong stay amongst them.”
    â€œWhat did your future fiancé get me into?”
    â€œA sleazy way to do a good cause,” Lexi joked.
    Nate turned to her and grabbed her arm. “You’ve got to do me a favor. Lexi, I need you to bid on me.”
    â€œI didn’t bring any cash.” Lexi stretched her eyes wide with such surprise, Nate believed her.
    â€œI will give you everything in my wallet.” Nate reached for his back pocket but a heavy hand patted his arm down. He turned in time to see his smug big brother grinning.
    â€œYou’re not trying to get my lady to buy you?” Stephen asked, siding up to Lexi with a protective arm around her waist. “You wouldn’t want to start any rumors, would you?”
    Tight-lipped, Nate shook his head back and forth. Lexi had spent most of her life dealing with rumors about herself, her family and her brother-in-law. Being born a blonde to a family of brunettes was enough to get the townspeople talking. The former beauty queen had had to deal with vicious lies about relationships and of course the clincher—when she left the pageant world and her parents turned their backs on her. Nate admired Lexi. “Funny, considering you’re the one who—”
    â€œAnother round for my brother!” Stephen interjected himself verbally and physically. He tapped the top of the bar for attention, probably to avoid Nate bringing up the unfortunate topic of how he’d met Lexi. “What are you drinking? Beer or cognac?”
    â€œHe ordered a beer,” Lexi said, saddling up to Stephen, “but Philly’s teacher down there sent this drink over.”
    Kill me now , Nate thought.
    Amused, Stephen saluted Brittany down at the other end of the bar. “A potential buyer? Nate, dance with the woman so she can see what she might be getting.”
    â€œMan, in a minute I’m leaving this place.”
    â€œYou can’t go now,” Lexi wailed. “Think of the children.”
    â€œI’m rich, Lexi,” Nate countered with a cocky smile. “I will write a check for a sizable amount.”
    Another hand snaked around his free arm. Nate turned to the side and flashed a grin at Donna Jean, secretary of the First Baptist Church. She took notes for the pastor and all the board