Page 4 of The Paternity Puzzle

“It always surprises me just how much Royce looks like his dad,” Evangeline said.

Sawyer watched Eddie walk away, noting Royce even carried himself like his dad. “All his kids favor him in one way or another.”

“Strong genes,” Evangeline said.

“Very.”

Sawyer forced his attention away from Eddie to find his mother studying him closely. He hadn’t told Evangeline about their appointment at the fertility clinic, but she possessed a sixth sense where her children were concerned. Had something in Sawyer’s voice given him away? Evangeline would be so excited for them if she knew what they had planned. Her brow rose inquisitively, and Sawyer was on the verge of confessing when Commissioner Rigby approached. He used the interruption to make a break for it and was relieved when Chief Mendoza struck up a conversation with him about the convention. His father caught his attention a few minutes later, gesturing that they were heading out. Sawyer waved goodbye and breathed easier. He continued to make small talk until Royce finished taking photos.

“I’m ready to get out of this uniform,” Royce said when he joined Sawyer. “Did you still want to go to Joe’s, or…”

Sawyer followed him out of the community center and back toward the locker room.Ormeant going home alone, where theycouldn’t have sex. It was better to kill a few hours in public where they’d have to keep their hands to themselves.

“My mom got me in the mood for wings and jalapeño poppers now,” Sawyer said.

“You don’t like junk food.”

“It’s the only vice I can indulge in tonight,” Sawyer pointed out. “I can’t drink a beer. I can’t have you. There’s no way I’m going to eat a damn salad with grilled chicken on it.”

Royce chuckled and patted him on the back. “Do you think anyone will notice if neither of us has a beer?”

“Maybe, but we’ll come up with an excuse if someone mentions it,” Sawyer said.

“I saw your parents in the audience. They’re so thoughtful.”

“They weren’t the only parental support you had tonight,” Sawyer said.

Royce nudged him with his elbow. “Stop gloating. I’ll text Eddie and thank him for coming.”

“Or you can tell him in person on Sunday when he comes to the cookout at my parents’ house.”

Royce stopped suddenly. “Eddie is coming to their Memorial Day party?”

“Yep.”

“Evangeline has invited him to every occasion at her house, but he’s never attended before. Why now?”

Sawyer rolled his eyes. “Stop being so suspicious. He’s not casing the joint to rob my parents blind. I keep telling you. He’s—”

“Trying. I know.” Royce continued down the hallway, and Sawyer naturally followed him. Stopping at the locker room door, Royce turned to face him. “You can’t come in here with me.”

“Because you’re mad at me about Eddie?”

“Because I’m mad with lust,” Royce countered. “Six. Damn. Days.”

Longing knotted Sawyer’s guts. “It’s been torture.”

Royce rested his hand on Sawyer’s hip and squeezed. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”

“Be back in five minutes, or I’ll come looking for you.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” Royce said with a wink before disappearing into the locker room. He had thirty seconds to spare when he returned with a duffle bag slung over his shoulder and a cocky grin on his face. “Let’s enjoy some wings and darts.”

“And jalapeño poppers.”

The usual suspects were at Joe’s, helping to distract Sawyer from the lust clawing at his guts. He assuaged some of his hunger with tasty bar food he’d probably regret later. No one asked why they weren’t drinking or commented on their early departure. Sawyer would take his wins where he could get them. They drove home in separate vehicles since Sawyer had come straight from the airport. Royce snagged his suitcase from the trunk and rolled it into the laundry room. Sawyer was usually the one who insisted on throwing the clothes in the washing machine as soon as he walked through the door, but he figured Royce was just trying to stay busy.

“Where are my babies?” Sawyer said when he entered the living room.