Page 55 of Sawyer

“Yeah, one day, I’m trying to manage a high-profile criminal case, and the next, I’m working for Tanner here, and then the next, I’m meeting my new commitments of sponsoring kids’ baseball in Whispers.Or on days like today, trying to manage all three at once.”He releases a heavy breath, and I do the same, nodding my understanding.

“It’s a lot.”I lift my hand, touching my forehead, the gash from a few weeks ago now all healed, but the scar still there.A reminder of what my life is, and it isn’t city trips in a jet, heading off to meetings before enjoying fancy dinners.

His thumb rubs my hand where he still holds it, bringing my gaze back to his.“I’m not sure what day I’ll be back in Whispers…” As he looks at me, his brow crumples, like he can read my thoughts.I mentally try to find those steel walls that were around my heart, the ones I started lowering for him, feeling like I need them back.

“It’s fine.I survived many nights without you before, and I’ll survive many after,” I say, more for my own benefit than for his, but he doesn’t look impressed.

“Make no mistake, Mama…” Stepping closer and bringing us flush, he leans over me, his mouth right near my ear, his breath hot on my cheek.“I would rather be at your dinner table, eating your food, in your bed, eating your pussy, and falling asleep with you in my arms… than anywhere else… Don’t you for one damn second think any different.”

My heart skips a beat, my body instantly warm all over, as I soften for this man who says everything I didn’t know I needed to hear.I look up at him, wide-eyed, to see a very serious expression.There’s only honesty there in his unwavering stare, in the firm set of his jaw and the slight pinch to his brow.No one has ever said anything like that to me before, and it was hot as hell.

“Well then…” I clear my throat, looking around to ensure no one heard him.“Looks like I’ll just have to take care of that myself until you return.”With that, I turn around and walk to my boys, biting my lip so I don’t release a full-blown grin as I hear a slight growl come from Sawyer.

He knows I’m independent.I wasn’t lying; I can take care of myself, in every way.So I don’t really need him.But wow, do I want him.

25

Annabelle

Iget the boys ready, glancing up at the bright blue sky and feeling good.As I pull my hair back into a pony, my cell chimes, and I grab it immediately, knowing it’s Sawyer.

You sleep alright last night, Mama?

I grin instantly before I reply.

Terrible, you?

Awful.I had a nightmare that those chickens ate my feet.

I burst out with laughter.

We probably need to get you some farm boots.

I send the message, unable to wipe the smile from my face.

Already ordered.Should be arriving at your place later today.

Very efficient of you.

I bought you and the boys some too.So we all have new pairs.

I read his message, and my breath gets caught in my chest.

You didn’t need to do that.

Even though, as I look down, seeing a hole in the toe of mine, the need for new boots is evident.His kindness is one of the things I like most about him.The thoughtful and generous gifts, the sweet and meaningful comments… He builds me up without really doing a thing.

I wanted to.Besides, if the chickens eat your toes, I’m not sure I could cope with that.

I swear, I’m permanently giddy around this man.Before I can reply, another message comes through.

Miss you…

I feel it in my chest.The pull to him, the ache when I know he’s so far away and not sure when he’ll be back.

I miss you too…

I miss the boys…