There’s something dangerously seductive about the way she stands her ground, letting me know in her own way that she’s not one to mess with. Makes me think there’s a softer side she doesn’t want anyone to see… and damn some fucked up part of me wants to be the one to drag that outta her. She strides over to Honey, who squeals once she sees her.
I swipe my hat off, running a hand through my hair as I watch her in her element. For the first time in a long stretch, I feel somethin’ tear right through my chest. I don’t feel annoyed or frustrated, like I should be at some woman tryna put me in my place. The feelings are more like the aftermath of a tornado, when you stand alone, left in a mess and wonder how the hell you rebuild from here.
My gaze lingers on her back, following the curve of her spine and perfect ass, down to her heels—heels she'd been cleaning when fate decided to play its cruel joke on me. And I know this isn't over, although it should be, because out of all the damn people in the world, she’s Knox’s sister. His baby sister.
Knox leans in beside me, glancing over his shoulder like he’s about to drop a bombshell. "Once she finds out where she's stayin’," he murmurs, "she's gonna lose her shit."
"Where’s she stayin’?"
He smirks, dragging it out. "She told me she booked a guest house here in town…" He pauses just long enough for it to hit me. His grin widens. "You know what that means."
six
Sawyer
It’s been a long day of doing absolutely nothing, which somehow feels more exhausting than being productive. Add that to the fact I got zero sleep last night. Thank you goats for not abiding by the rules of quiet time. And my brain—well, that’s fried.
I’m staring at my laptop pretending to work when the buzzing starts again. The phone practically vibrates off the nightstand. I fumble around the sheets, finally snag it, and sigh.
“Please tell me this is worth me spraining a wrist.”
"You never checked in," Harrison grumbles into the phone. "Have a long first day?"
"Something like that. Some asshole decided my dress looked better with his drink on it last night. And those heels you got me..." I trail off, not even sure of their current condition.
"Sounds like you need to leave the sticks and get back here. Your clients aren’t too happy you’re gone.”
"Not a chance," I push back. I’ve yet to even lay eyes onDaddy, let alone figure all this out. He wasn’t home when I went by his house today and just thinking about the talk we still need to have is giving me anxiety. "Still got some things to figure out."
A pause lingers until it’s broken by a warm welcoming voice from downstairs. "I got you dinner down here, honey."
I whisper into the phone, hoping the person downstairs can’t hear me. "I'll call you back, Harrison. I think the host is here."
Slipping the phone into the pocket of my shorts, I descend the wooden steps.
This little home has a warm, cozy cabin feel. On the main level, there’s an entertainment area and a kitchen with an impressive coffee station, and upstairs is a large loft bedroom.
A woman is standing just outside the screen door, and there’s an adorable young boy with dirty blonde curls beside her. I push the door open and gesture inside. “Please come in.” She steps inside. Her short blonde hair is caught in a claw clip, and her smile glows.
"Hi there," she says in a way that’s almost like we’ve been friends for years. And then, before I can brace for it, she pulls me into a hug. I'm normally not a hugger, but it’s comforting.
"It's a pleasure to have you here," she says. She releases me but keeps a hand on my arm. "You can call me PJ, and this little one next to me is my grandson, Fisher."
"It’s nice to meet you both. I'm Sawyer.”
"Better not let your sons know she’s pretty," Fisher says to PJ, not even trying to lower his voice. He takes a dramatic bite of the dinner roll he’s holding.
"Oh, you hush, Fisher." She looks at me, eyes crinkling atthe corners. "Don't you listen to him, Sawyer. They're harmless."
Fisher snorts. "Harmless ain't the right word, Nana."
"Anyway, you need anything at all, Sawyer, my house is right through those trees." She points out the window. In the distance, I can just make out her place—a white farmhouse. "Seriously. If any of my boys give you any hassle, just come knock."
“I will. Thank you for hosting me."
"Anytime," she says warmly. "I love to host." She sets the plate down on the countertop. "And what brings you to visit our little town here?"
"You didn’t have to bring me a plate, that’s so sweet. But I’m just here visiting my daddy and brother."
