Page 79 of Sparks Fly

Sawyer nodded, her voice dropping rougher. “Yeah. Absolutely.” She paused, like she needed the confirmation spelled out. “Just to clarify…”

“Yes,” I cut in, my chest rising faster. “Tonight. All of it.”

Sawyer moaned softly, like the sound slipped out before she could contain it. “Fuck, Addie. Hurry.”

I grinned, dizzy from wanting her this much. “Patience, baby.”

“I’ve been patient for, what, three, four weeks?”

“Whatever it’s been,” I murmured, “it’s felt long enough.”

We hung up, and for a second I just sat there on the edge of the bed staring at the empty screen in my hand, my body thrumming with nerves and excitement.

I showered as fast as I could. I shaved everything, took my time with my favorite lotion, skipped makeup, and only added a swipe of lip gloss.

I twisted my damp hair into a loose bun that would still look good messy, then stepped into that red lingerie set. Pulling soft sweatpants and a zip hoodie over it felt like armor and surrender at the same time.

I through the last few items in my bag: toothbrush, chargers, my curling iron, a book I already knew I would not touch.

I paused at the door long enough to check my phone one more time, then grabbed a bottle of wine from the kitchen counter and locked up behind me.

I took an Uber to Sawyer’s. The drive across the city felt longer than it actually was. Lights blurred past the window while my pulse matched the rhythm of the tires on the road. My leg bounced with nervous energy, every red light feeling like an insult.

Sawyer was waiting, and I had never wanted anything so badly in my life.

* * *

26

Addison

When Sawyer opened the door, barefoot and holding a half-full glass of whiskey, I nearly melted. She looked unfair.

The neckline of her T-shirt hung loose with her collarbone on display, one hip cocked casually against the doorframe like this wasn’t the most charged moment of my life.

“Hi, beautiful,” Sawyer said softly before leaning in to kiss me.

The kiss was firm, slow, and familiar. The second her mouth touched mine, some of the nervous energy I’d been carrying all evening loosened.

“Hi,” I said with a laugh against her lips.

Sawyer’s hand settled at my waist as she studied my face. “You okay?” she asked.

The question shouldn’t have made me emotional, but it did. I nodded once before immediately shaking my head.

“Yeah. No. Not really,” I admitted.

Concern flashed across her face. “Addie—”

I grabbed the front of her shirt and laughed. “Not like that,” I said quickly. “I’m just nervous.”

Sawyer’s shoulders relaxed. “Jesus Christ,” she muttered.

“I know it’s ridiculous,” I said as I stepped inside.

“It isn’t ridiculous,” Sawyer replied, closing the door behind me.

I looked down at my shoes before meeting her eyes again. “I’ve spent like three weeks thinking about this.”