“Lucky?” I raise an eyebrow. “Seems like I’m more than lucky right now.”
She looks at me for a long moment, and I think she might shut me down again. But then her mouth quirks up just the tiniest bit.
“Yeah, well, maybe you’re not such an idiot after all.”
That’s all I need. Not the “I forgive you,” but the fact that she’s not shutting me out. The tension that’s been hanging over me starts to dissipate.
Charlie’s still sitting on the counter, twisting around to inspect his knee as if it’s a magic trick, and I’m trying to figure out how the hell I got so lucky as to be part of this little moment.
Clint steps back, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “You good, Dakota?”
She exhales, glancing over at me one more time, and I’m still trying to figure out where we stand. But it’s different now. Less cold.
She’s still a little guarded, but she’s not looking at me like I’m the cause of all her problems anymore.
“Yeah,” she says softly, meeting my eyes. “We’re good.”
And that’s all I need. It’s a small step, but it feels like a win.
Just as the last of the tension seems to bleed out of the room, the front door creaks open. We all glance toward the entryway, and in walks Sawyer.
“Well, look who’s still alive,” I say, throwing him a lazy salute.
He steps inside fully, taking in the sight of Dakota, Charlie, and me huddled together in the kitchen. His brows raise in surprise.
“Hey, what’s going on here? Thought I was gonna be cooking for just the usual suspects.” He catches sight of the smallbandage on Charlie’s knee, and his face softens. “Everything good?”
“Yeah,” Dakota answers quickly. “Charlie had a little tumble, but he’s okay. I didn’t know you worked here, too, Sawyer.”
And I didn’t know she knew Sawyer. Interesting.
Charlie looks up at Sawyer with wide eyes.
“I’m okay. Reid helped me, and then Clint did the bandage.” He wiggles his knee, testing it out. “I’m tough.”
Sawyer’s grin widens, and he looks at me. “Nice job, man. Sounds like you’ve got your hands full with this one.”
Dakota shrugs it off, her smile returning. “Well, he’s a tough kid. No permanent damage.”
“I’m making my famous chili tonight. If you guys want to join, the more the merrier,” Sawyer replies. “I figured it was gonna be a quiet evening, but it looks like I was wrong.”
Dakota hesitates for just a second, glancing at Charlie. “You sure? We don’t want to intrude.”
“Nah,” Sawyer says, waving it off with a flick of his hand. “You’re not intruding. We’ve got enough room to fit a few more. Besides, it’s chili night. Who turns down chili?”
“Well, if you’re sure,” she says, turning her attention back to Charlie, who’s looking up at her with awe in his eyes. “I guess we’ll stay for dinner.”
“Great,” Sawyer says, his smile broadening. “You’ll love it.”
Hmm, so more Dakota.
More time to make her definitely forgive me.
I like the sound of that.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Dakota
