She gulped as the new flare of heat settled over her skin.
“But you’re right,” he finally said. “I rarely drive in the city. I can’t wait to get the Lykan here and really break her in.”
Betzy nodded, but inwardly, she was dissecting his words. This was the first time she’d heard him talk about coming home to stay in years. It was reassuring, and made her all the more hopeful.
What if?What if they really could have the fairytale romance she’d always dreamed of?
A mean wave of doubt rose at the very idea.Come on, Betzy. Stop being such a dreamer. Haven’t you learned by now?
A vision of Sawyer kissing that woman in the elevator shot to her mind. And then there was her ugly breakup with Marcus Creighton. Sure, she’d developed feelings for the guy, but Betzy couldn’t deny that dating him had been more of an attempt to prove she could get over Sawyer after the New Year’s blowout.
A shiver ran through her at the ugly thoughts, but she chose to indulge them just the same. They’d keep her from getting her hopes up. Sawyer had agreed to do her a favor. He cared about her, and even more, he felt a level of loyalty toward her family.
Betzy’s thoughts carried her all the way to the clinic, and soon Sawyer was opening her car door.
She glanced at the hand he held out before lifting her gaze to meet his. A flare of heat shot through her as he gave her a soft, almost sad-looking grin. She’d give anything to know what was happening in that head of his.
Looking back to his hand, Betzy reached out and placed her palm in his. A rush of tingles pushed through her at his touch.
“Thanks.”
She caught a glimpse of Kellianne Kingsley through the glass. Ted, she guessed, sat beside her, rubbing a hand along her back.
Inwardly, Betzy sent a prayer up to the heavens. Sawyer and his mom had become like family to her, and she had a deep love for them both. She’d made the right choice in coming, that much was clear, but that didn’t change the situation at hand. Without an adequate public appearance, the upcoming proposal could look like a hoax.
She only hoped that, after missing the most crucial part of tonight’s banquet, they’d still be able to pull off the ploy.
Chapter 11
Sawyer sank into the couch with a yawn, eyeing old Mario as he sprawled over the length of his doggie bed, his favorite toy at his side—a ratty old stuffed elephant with the trunk torn off.
“I’m so glad he’s alright,” he said with a sigh.
“Me too,” Betzy said, taking a seat on the opposite end of the couch.
Sawyer shifted his gaze from the dog to the empty couch cushion between them. The lamp at her back, bright against the darkness of the room, lit her up like an angel. One who’d taken a seat decidedly far away from him.
“Tsk, tsk.” He shook his head. “We’re a little more familiar with each other thanthis,aren’t we?” He waved a hand toward the gap between them.
Betzy stiffened slightly, holding his gaze like she was waiting for him to say more.
He didn’t. Only smiled as he enjoyed her discomfort.
“You want me to scoot over?” she asked, surprise tinting her voice.
Sawyer patted the couch. “Yep. Wearesupposed to get engaged soon…”
A small giggle sounded at her throat. “Why don’tyouscoot over?”
He shot a glance at the dog. “This seat’s closer to Mario. And he nearly died of plant poisoning an hour ago.” Just saying it aloud brought back the anxiety of those moments in the waiting area. The horrible worry over losing his little buddy who, according to vets, still had a few good years left in him. So long as he stayed out of the bulbs at Ted’s place, that is.
“That’s true,” Betzy said, but she still didn’t move in closer.
“Plus,” Sawyer added, “I was the first one to sit down, remember?Youwere the one who decided to sit so far away.” He liked teasing her. Liked watching the wheels in her head turn as she tipped to one side, a half-grin pulling at her lips.
He patted the seat again. “Come on,” he encouraged. “You and I are together, remember? We need to act like it. If you pull this stunt up at the cabin, your grandma’s not going to buy our little ploy.”
Her expression shifted suddenly. Serious now. “You’re right.” She stood to her feet and began to pace the room. Back, forth, then back again.
