Page 23 of Sparks Fly

My heart did that stupid little flip it had started doing lately. I sat up a little straighter on the couch. I didn’t check my calendar. I didn’t ask myself what made sense.

I just answered.

Me: Dinner sounds great. How about 7?

The response came quickly.

Sawyer: Perfect. I’ll pick the place.

I took another sip of wine. For once, what I wanted had nothing to do with appearances or expectations. It was simple and real, and I let myself want it.

* * *

7

Sawyer

Benji and I had an early morning install.

I pushed my mask up and stepped back from the finished gate.Late-morning sunlight caught on the black iron, tracing the delicate vines woven through the bars. Every weld was clean. Every curve was exactly where I wanted it. For once, there was no voice in my head telling me it was only good enough.

Benji squinted beside me with his arms crossed while he studied the gate. “Hell of a thing,” he muttered as he leaned closer to inspect the lines.

I nodded. “We did good.”

“Better than good,” Benji said without looking away. “That’s a showpiece.”

Praise from Benji was not handed out easily and usually had to be pried loose, so I didn’t brush it off. I let it sit there for a moment, warm in my chest, before we started loading the gear back into the truck and heading back to the shop.

Benji spoke, his voice slow and careful. “So,” he said while glancing over at me, “you’re still talking to my sister?”

I kept my eyes on the road. “We’re getting dinner tonight.”

Benji turned his head toward me. “Really?”

“Really,” I said while easing the truck into the next lane.

He let the information settle for a second. “Huh.”

“She told me about Jason,” I added while keeping my tone even. “Didn’t sound like she was impressed.”

“She’s not,” Benji said after a moment. “Or at least I don’t think she is. We talked a few days ago. She brought you up.”

I glanced at him before I could stop myself. “She did?”

Benji shrugged slightly. “Said you were… cool. Different. Hot.”

I laughed quietly. “Nice to be appreciated.” My grip loosened on the wheel for half a second, like my body needed a little room to hold the thought.

Benji watched me. “Look,” he said finally, “You’re one of my best friends…”

“But?” I asked, already hearing the shape of the sentence.

“If you break my sister’s heart,” Benji said while turning fully toward me, “I’m going to break your face.”

“Noted.”

“I’m serious.”