“I know.” He takes my face in his hands and kisses me. His tongue caresses mine slowly, tasting me.
A mouth that kisses like his is rare, and all the doubts that were eating me up dissolve.
We’ll be all right.
* * *
JAMIE
Allendale has been reported missing,and a slow-moving police investigation has started. The cops are already hypothesizing the man left town of his own free will… to lie low, for reasons they aren’t willing to share. A pedophile on the run is exactly what I want them to see him as, so that’s a win.
War is scarce around the house, which has me wondering whether his uncle ordered him to give me a wide berth. Sawyer and I carry out a normal routine to keep up appearances, which I hope is also helping her distance herself mentally from Connecticut.
Trick’s sons are both Christmastime babies, and he and the wife are having an early December birthday party for them, separate from the actual holiday week. When Trick texts to invite me, he suggests I bring Sawyer so everyone can meet her. I accept immediately. Keeping Sauce occupied and distracted is my highest priority right now.
It’s midafternoon but looks later because storm clouds are spitting down freezing rain. I call Ash to suggest she drive the three of us to Coynston for the upcoming party. As usual, she’s game for a group road trip.
Within the hour, she’s in the lot, engine idling, windows fogged from the blasting heat and the chatter between her and Sawyer. When I open the passenger door, Sawyer gets out.
I give her a quick kiss. “Sit in back with me, Sauce.”
Ash scoffs. “Am I the chauffeur?”
“You are, yeah.” Guiding Sawyer into the back, I wink at Ash.
She smirks and shakes her head. “You’re lucky you’re my favorite cousin.”
As soon as I’m settled, she backs out of the spot and swivels the wheel. Leaving the lot, the car fishtails slightly. She’s a deft hand at keeping control, but I tell her to mind the road anyway.
“No backseat driving allowed.” Ash’s hearty chuckle is shameless.
Sawyer rolls her eyes. As we turn a corner, her hand squeezes my thigh to keep from sliding.
The girls talk about school. I learn Sawyer brought two formal dresses back from Connecticut. One for the Briar Club Induction Ceremony and one for a GU holiday party.
“Did you bring the burgundy dress for the birthday party?” I ask. “Becausethat’sthe outfit I’d like to see again.”
Sawyer clucks her tongue skeptically. “Of course not. I brought the Chanel dress and a pantsuit.”
“It’s a kids’ party,” Ash says, glancing at us in the rearview mirror like we’re insane. “I’m probably wearing jeans and a sweatshirt.”
Cocking my brow, it’s my turn to look skeptical. “A sweatshirt?”
“Well, maybe not that,” Ash concedes. “Why? Did Trick say we should dress up? He told me casual clothes.”
I shake my head. “The last birthday party he threw had fireworks and a professional photographer. I’ve been to weddings that were more low-key.”
Ash laughs, and Sawyer appears thoughtful.
“Shut up, James. I told Sawyer our family is laid back and cool. And that she doesn’t need to be nervous. Why are you making us sound so bougie?”
“That’s me exaggerating, is it? Were there staged photo areas at your ma’s party or not?” My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I slide it free.
War: Hit me back when you’re alone.
As I start to put my phone away, it buzzes again.
C: When you get to Coins, come see me.
