Page 68 of Sparks Fly

Sawyer

Sunday morning, I dropped Addison back at her car so she could spend the day making favors with the bridal party.

She stood beside my bike with the spare helmet tucked beneath one arm, looking far too polished for someone who had fallen asleep against me after takeout and a long foot rub.

“Thank you for last night,” she said.

“You already thanked me.”

“I know.” She smiled. “I’m doing it again.”

The night had been simple. Dinner on the couch, her feet in my lap, her head eventually resting against my shoulder. Nothing dramatic. Nothing complicated. Just good.

“I’ll see you soon?” she asked.

“Definitely.”

She kissed me before handing over the helmet, slow enough to make me wish she didn’t have somewhere else to be.

“Go make wedding favors, Sunshine.”

She groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

I watched her climb into her car and drive away before meeting up with the crew for our Sunday ride. Afterward, I spent a few hours in my shop, cooked dinner, and watched tv as I ate.

Later I climbed into bed with my phone in hand. Addison and I texted until her replies slowed, then stopped altogether, and I knew she was asleep.

* * *

Monday morning, Benji dropped an egg-and-cheese sandwich onto the workbench beside me. I had been at the shop for an hour, and already deep into the project I was working on today.

“You’re in early,” he said, taking a sip of coffee.

“I’m always early.”

“Not this early.” He leaned against the counter and studied me. “Couldn’t sleep?”

I peeled off my gloves and reached for the sandwich. “Something like that.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “This about my sister?”

I took a bite instead of answering.

Benji grinned. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.”

“You brought me breakfast to interrogate me?”

“Breakfast was a kindness. The interrogation is a bonus.”

“You’re a good man.”

“I try.” He took another sip of coffee. “So, what’s going on?”

I took a bite, chewed, and swallowed before answering. “Addison.”

Benji nodded like he had already guessed. “You good?”

“Yeah. I just…” I leaned against the workbench. “I feel like she’s stuck between two worlds. There’s who she is with me, and then there’s the version everyone else expects her to be.”