Dirty South (A Blue Collar Bad Boy Romance) Read online

  I wave to Vernon as he walks around to the passenger side door to open it for me, as he always does. He leans down to give me a kiss on the cheek, and I feel how smooth his face is compared to Boone's, who always seems to have a bit of stubble, no matter how recently he's shaved.

  Vernon gets behind the wheel and we pull away from the curb. "I know we were just going to get drinks, but my friend Peter is having a little party on his boat tonight. You feel like going?"

  "Um, sure," I say, pulling nervously at my skirt. Meeting the friends is a step toward coupledom, that much I know. "Is Lynn coming?" I ask hopefully.

  "Naw, she doesn't much like a couple of the other girls." Oh, great. I trust Lynn's instincts when it comes to people, so I doubt I'm going to fit in.

  We head across the river to the yacht club on Hutchinson Island. My father bought a fifty-foot sailboat soon after Boone's changes started massively improving Woodall & Sons' profits, but he never learned to captain it like he planned to, so now it just sits there useless. Vernon parks in the lot and we head down to one of the slips. At the end is a giant yacht with the lights on deck turned up and music playing. Vernon takes my hand as we head across the gangway and then climb the steps up to the main deck. I take a deep breath, and fix my best debutante smile on my face.

  "Hey, y'all," a man says, heading toward us with a beer in hand. "Glad you could make it."

  "Peter, I'd like you to meet Callie," Vernon says. I smile and shake his free hand. He's not very tall, but he has the wide shoulders and stout build of a wrestler.

  "This is a beautiful boat, Peter."

  "A gift from my parents for finally finishing up my law degree," he replies, and I have to consciously stop myself from guffawing. Were they all sold out of briefcases and watches? "I think the ladies are just returning from a tour, actually," he adds, nodding behind me. I turn, and tense up as I see Virginia leading a group of other women up onto the deck.

  They all greet Vernon warmly, and I find myself stepping slightly behind him, trying to hide. Come on, Callie. It's not high school anymore. I put my hand on Vernon's arm as though to steady myself, and step forward.

  "Virginia, good to see you again," I say smoothly.

  She gives me a blank look. "Have we met?"

  I wince, feeling like an idiot. "We knew each other a long time ago. I went to Calvary for a while," I say with a light smile that includes Vernon. "I'm Callie Woodall."

  "Callie Woodall," she repeats, staring off into the distance. "Oh! Are you related to Mason Woodall?"

  "He's my father," I explain.

  "What year were you at Calvary?" she asks.

  I want to sigh. "We were the same year." She stares at me. I do my best to maintain my polite smile as the women behind her exchange glances. "I left after sophomore year," I add, as though that explains her amnesia.

  "Wait, Callie Woodall..." Virginia says, with some light of recognition in her eyes. To my horror, she giggles. "No..."

  "What is it?" Vernon asks, glancing between us innocently, though he seems to sense there's something he's not understanding.

  "You look so different! Oh my god!" Virginia exclaims. "We always used to say you looked like one of those creepy Victorian dolls from movies that would come to life and scare everyone!" My smile disappears, and she seems to catch herself. "But we were so cruel back then. Look at how gorgeous you are now!"

  One of the women behind her takes pity on me and jumps forward to introduce herself. The rest of them envelop me and I follow them over to one side of the boat, while the men congregate on the other. I try to recover from that horrible blast from the past, but I'm having trouble shaking it off. The other girls are nice enough, but I feel like Virginia just marked me as not being one of them, and now I'll never fit in.

  "Your father owns Woodall & Sons," Virginia says, suddenly turning to me.

  "Yes, it's been passed down in our family for generations," I reply.

  "How fun!" she says, and I look at her quizzically.

  "I suppose it is, though to me it's just always seemed like the boring family business," I respond carefully.

  "I know someone who works for that company," she continues, and I finally realize where she's going. "Boone Tillman. You know him?"

  "I do," I reply casually, feeling a little thrill of power from my secret. "We met when I was young, and then I've seen him around seen I've been back from college." I realize the conversations around us have quieted, and the other women are listening in.

  "I thought Boone owned Woodall & Sons," one of the other women pipes up.

  "My father still owns a majority share," I explain.

  "Boone loves working with Mason, luckily," Virginia says knowingly.

  "I'm glad to hear that," I say.

  "We should double date sometime," she says. "You and Vernon, and me and Boone."

  "Mm, that would be lovely," I reply. I don't know what makes me so sure that she isn't being genuine. This is exactly why I hid my identity at work. Nowadays when people find out I'm a Woodall, they like to gather me into their fold, hoping I might be socially or monetarily useful to them someday. I get the feeling that Virginia just wants to solidify her relationship with Boone, but she's got a thing or two to learn in that area.

  "I didn't realize y'all were dating," I say sweetly.

  "I thought you said he hadn't called you back," one of her friends pipes up, and Virginia shoots her a death glare.

  "Just because he didn't want to date you doesn't mean anything, Elizabeth," Virginia says, managing to come off like a schoolteacher instructing a child in her ABCs.

  Elizabeth gives a pained laugh. "That's true, I suppose."

  "Well, I've heard he has quite the reputation," I jump in, feeling sorry for Elizabeth.

  "We'll see about that," Virginia says confidently.

  "Are y'all talking about Boone Tillman again?" Peter asks, strolling over.

  Chapter Nineteen

  "Jealous?" Virginia asks impishly.

  "Confused, more like it," Peter says with a laugh that's echoed by the other men. "He didn't even go to college."

  "Seems like he didn't need to," Virginia replies. I glance at her, surprised to hear the righteous indignation in her voice.

  "Did you know his mother's in prison?"

  "Was," I correct him, then blush as everyone looks at me. "Or so I heard. Not that it matters either way."

  "Callie's right," Virginia says. My mouth drops open. I never thought I'd see the day when Virginia and I end up on the same side of anything. "Y'all are being classist."

  "Classist?" Peter guffaws. "Virginia, you'll only drink champagne if it's Dom Perignon."

  "So? That just means I've got good taste," she sniffs. "And I like a man who's had to work for what he's got."

  My heart swells with pride even as my cheeks burn with anger. I can't believe these men are maligning Boone because of his upbringing, and I'm in shock that Virginia is standing up for him so righteously. My lips are twitching with the desire to speak up too, but I know I can't show my hand.

  "That's not fair. I worked my way through law school just like everyone else."

  "That's not the—ugh, forget it. Y'all have got me in a mood now." She turns on her heel and walks to prow of the boat. Peter turns back to a few of his buddies, who chime in to agree with him. I glance at Vernon, who's leaning silently by the helm. I shake my head, and walk over to the cooler and pull out a beer.

  "Thanks," Virginia says, as I head out to the prow and hand it to her.

  "Why don't you come on back?" I suggest.

  "You're sweet, but I'm just not in the mood. Give Peter my regards, would you?" she asks, handing the beer back to me and heading down the front steps toward the lower deck. I watch as she crosses the gangway and disappears into the darkness.

  On the way home, I sit quietly, studying my hands. We're almost back to my house when I finally ask Vernon what's been on my mind.

  "What do you think of Boone Tillman?" I a
sk.

  "Why?"

  I shrug. "Just noticed you were quiet while Virginia and Peter were arguing."

  "Those two are just hotheads."

  "I agree with Virginia. What do you think?"

  "Why does it matter?" he asks, turning off the engine as we pull up to my house. I don't answer, putting pressure on him to fill the silence. He sighs. "I think all Peter was saying is that Boone is different from us."

  "Us?"

  "You know, us. The people who grew up a certain way. Not better or worse, just different, is all."

  "Right," I say, pressing my lips together.

  "What time should I pick you up for my father's reelection party tomorrow?"

  "Um, you know, I'll meet you there, alright?" I ask, quickly slipping out of the car before he can respond. "'Night." I close the door and wave at him from the sidewalk, indicating that he should be on his way. After a moment, he pulls away from the curb. I ball my hands into fists as I watch him go. I expected more from him.

  I start walking. There's only one person I want to see right now. Boone. I want him to wash off all that fake, genteel bullshit. That's my favorite thing about him. Even with all the fancy trappings, he's still real. He's still himself. And I feel like I can be myself with him, even when I was still lying about my name.

  I walk up the sidewalk opposite his house, so lost in my thoughts that I almost cross the street before I spot another person headed up his steps. I freeze, and pull back from the light of a streetlamp. Boone's front porch light flicks on, and my stomach drops as I recognize Virginia's pretty profile silhouetted against his door.

  It swings open, and I catch a quick glimpse of Boone as he gestures her inside. I want to yell out to stop this scene from happening, but my throat closes up. I find myself running back to my house, needing to put as much space as possible between me and... that. I collapse on a bench just inside Forsyth Square with a sob.

  Hot tears trickle down my cheeks and I angrily wipe them away. I knew Boone was seeing other women. I knew that. But it's another thing entirely to actually see a late night tryst happening. And especially with Virginia, even if I was warming up to her.

  No wonder she wanted to leave early. She probably had the same desire I did: to see Boone.

  I've deceived myself into thinking I'm special to Boone, but clearly I'm not.

  Chapter Twenty

  I glance around the crowded party, looking for Lynn. The Keenes have removed most of their furniture for the reelection party, but guests are still overflowing into the back garden. I finally spot her in front of the fireplace, posing with the rest of her family for a picture. I frown as a man I haven't seen before puts his arm around her waist.

  I wait until they're done and then hurry over as I see Lynn make a beeline for the kitchen. "Lynn!" I hiss, trying not to draw attention.

  She stiffens and looks back warily, then relaxes as she sees it's me. "Thank goodness. Come on," she says, gesturing me to go with her. I follow her into their kitchen and we dodge around the cater waiters as Lynn heads for the fridge and grabs two beers.

  "Who was that guy? Your cousin or something?" I guess.

  "I wish," she replies, taking a long swig. She glances around to make sure no one else is listening. "He's one of my dad's junior staffers. My dad says he was getting a lot of questions about me from his more conservative constituents, so he said I have to show up with this guy."

  "Oh, Lynn, I'm sorry," I say, studying her pained expression. It would be a tough lie for anyone, but especially someone as naturally forthright as Lynn.

  "Whatever. I think I'm going to move away soon anyway. As soon as my parents are done using me as a prop for their political ambitions."

  "No! Don't move. I'd hate it here without you."

  "You'd still have Vernon, right?"

  "I... I don't know," I stammer. I want to be honest with her, but she is his sister.

  "No one's forcing you to date him," she points out, her tone a little sharper than usual.

  "You're right," I reply evenly. "The truth is, I wish I liked him in that way. I think he's a good guy, just not for me."

  "You'll tell him, right?" she asks, softening a little. "I mean, I know he's not the most exciting guy in the world, but he's still my brother."

  "I'll tell him tomorrow. Today might not be the best timing," I say, indicating the busy environment around us.

  "Is it just about Vernon, though?"

  "What do you mean?" I ask cagily.

  "You just seemed so happy lately, and if it's not Vernon, then maybe it's someone else..."

  I sigh. "I maybe have still been seeing Boone," I admit. "But Vernon and I weren't exclusive! And we never, you know..." I trail off.

  "Ugh, of course Vernon would be old-fashioned that way," Lynn replies, rolling her eyes. "Well, I hope you go for it."

  "Go for what?"

  "With Boone."

  I manage a pained smile. "He spent the night with Virginia last night, so I don't think that will be happening."

  "Does he know you want more, though?"

  "It doesn't matter. I mean, he doesn't want more, clearly, and even if we both did, then what? My dad would probably fire him."

  "All I know is, I'd do a lot to be with who I want to be with," Lynn says. "Sorry I'm being preachy. I just hate having to pretend with this guy."

  "I get it," I assure her.

  "I should probably show my face out there," she says. I follow her out, and almost immediately lock eyes with Vernon.

  "I'll see you in a bit," I say to Lynn, and head over to her brother.

  "Hey, Vernon," I say.

  "Glad you could make it, Callie," he says.

  "Of course. You free for lunch tomorrow?" I ask.

  "Sure," he replies brightly. I wince at his excitement. I hope he's not going to be completely blindsided by my breaking things off with him.

  "Grace! There you are," I hear my father say behind me. I turn and start as I see him approaching with Boone in tow. "There's someone who's been wanting to meet you," he adds, gesturing to Boone. "Boone, this is my daughter."

  "Call me Callie," I say to Boone, shaking his hand with a cool smile, and hoping no one can see the little shiver that runs through me as we touch. Even though I felt broken-hearted last night, I can't deny that he looks as handsome as the night he had dinner at our house all those years ago, even if his suit is far nicer now.

  "Nice to meet you, Callie," he says, the light from a chandelier glinting off his golden eyes.

  "And do you know her boyfriend, Vernon Keene?" my father asks, giving Vernon a jovial slap on the shoulder.

  "Actually we're not officially, I mean nothing's—" I stammer, but thankfully Boone interrupts me.

  "Sure, we've met," Boone says, shaking Vernon's hand.

  "I'd love it if you, Boone, and I could all sit down sometime and talk business," my father says to Vernon. Boone's eyes flash with annoyance at my father. "Vernon has an MBA from Vanderbilt, you know," he adds.

  "That's wonderful," Boone replies. "I'm just going to grab a drink. I'll be right back."

  I watch him head to the bar set up in the living room, and can just see tension rise in the back of his neck muscles. Vernon and my father are already deep in conversation about his father's reelection prospects, so I head out into the backyard. I look around, waving to one of the girls who was at the boat party last night, but I don't see any sign of Virginia. She's probably exhausted from her night with Boone.

  A wave of jealousy hits me and almost turns my stomach. I can't get the image of them in bed together out of my mind. I need to be alone. I slip around the side of the garden, and then head back into the house. I glance quickly at the long line for the bathroom, and know that I don't want to wait. I try my luck on a closed door in the hallway, and slip down into a darkened, though beautifully finished basement.

  I hurry down the steps and curl up into a chair on the wall, so that if anyone sticks their head down here they won't see
me. Just as I wrap my arms around my legs and take a deep breath, I hear the door open again. The sounds of happy party guests trickle down and I see a man's feet walking down the stairs.

  "Callie?" Boone steps onto the basement floor.

  "What are you doing?" I ask, annoyed. "I came down here to be alone."

  "You didn't tell me that Vernon Keene was your boyfriend," he says, crossing his arms over his chest.

  "Oh, for—" I just manage to bite my tongue. "You know what? It's none of your business, is it?"

  "I don't mess around another man's girlfriend," he says, strolling toward me.

  "Uh-huh. And what'd you do last night?"

  "Just hung around the house," he says defensively. "Needed some time to think."

  My eyes snap up to his and I feel anger flush my cheeks. "Oh, really? Well, I hope that was helpful for you." I get up and storm around him but feel him grab my arm to stop me. I defiantly shake him off.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  "What's the hell's gotten into you?" he exclaims.

  "You lied to me! I saw Virginia and you last night."

  "You were spying on me?" he asks, looking amused.

  "Oh, am I funny to you? I wasn't spying, I just went over to see you, but you were already getting your kicks with someone else. Stupid me."

  "You're the one who wanted to keep things casual!" Boone snaps, a lock of his unruly hair flopping over onto his forehead.

  "No, I didn't! That's just the way it has to be!" I retort.

  "Well, that's not what I wanted!"

  "Oh, bull! If you wanted a relationship with me, you wouldn't've slept with Virginia last night!" I retort, struggling to keep myself from yelling. How stupid does he think I am?

  "I didn't sleep with Virginia! I mean, not last night at least. And not for a while before that," he says more quietly.

  "I saw her go into your house, Boone."