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 the 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.
"That's a better idea," Stephanie agrees. "Grab your folders and show us what you've put together."
"You men take your time. We'll be out there." Ashlyn grabs a stack of folders, evading my eyes, and goes through the open space with the women behind her. I catch the glare Darby shoots Pierce's way before she's out of sight. He's unaffected, his attention on the walls and ceiling leading up the staircase. Evin goes with him as I walk the main floor, forcing myself to focus.
The spacious rooms surprise me. I was expecting a choppier layout. Without seeing the architectural drawings, I make assumptions on the rooms, which are all empty. Then I round the corner to find a set of French doors open to a large room I believe
