Page 18 of Crossed Lines

I’m sure Sawyer assumes that I’ve had boyfriends, or at least I hope he knows that I’m not walking around like a nun. But I’m still nervous to bring boys up with him. Especially since it’s Beck. There’s no way he would handle it well if I admitted that I think Beck is hot.

“Beck has been busy at work, so I only see him when he leaves for work and when he comes home. But I think he’s happy with our arrangement so far,” I say.

Sawyer nods, happy with that answer. “Good. You should be able to save up a good bit of money by the end of the summer.”

I nod. Based on the pay Beck offered me per week, I should have enough for the rest of the study abroad, plus a little spending money. I’m dying to tell Sawyer about the study abroad. I don’t like to keep secrets from him, but I also don’t want him to feel bad about not being able to fund my trip. I’ve decided I’ll tell him closer to the end of the summer. That way, I’ll hopefully have already met my goal, and there won’t be any need for him to be upset or try to drain his savings to give me more money.

“Yeah, that’s the plan. So, how was your day?” I ask.

Sawyer goes on to tell me about the project he’s working on. He started up his own contracting company a few years ago. He only has a few employees, so he’s very hands-on for the projects, which he likes, but he also can’t take on too much work because everyone is working on one job at a time. I hope that when I’m done with school, and he’s not helping with my tuition anymore, he’ll take the plunge and hire more people to try to expand his company.

After dinner, we each grab an ice cream sandwich from the freezer. Sawyer always keeps a box stashed in there. We end the night by playing a round of Monopoly, where he absolutely slaughters me.

Being back in Blue Haven, back with Sawyer, makes me realize I did actually miss this place. I never thought it’d be possible, but maybe, just maybe, this town isn’t so bad.

CHAPTER 8

Beck

This first week of summer break with Jade has gone so quickly. I don’t know how I would’ve done it without Willow. She and Jade get along beautifully. Jade couldn’t wait to tell me about the bracelets they made on Thursday. I was surprised that Willow took the time to find fun activities to do with Jade. I never expected her to buy things specifically for Jade and bring them with her. She downplayed it by saying she found it at a thrift store, but that doesn’t matter at all. She saw something she thought Jade would like, and she got it. I can’t even express how much that means to me… to both of us.

Today is the first Saturday of summer, and I’m working. Thankfully, I’m off tomorrow. Willow said they were going to the pool today, and as badly as I wanted to stop by to see them, I’ve been swamped all day.

When I’m about to leave for home, I send a text to Willow letting her know I’m ordering pizza and that she’s welcome to stay and have dinner with us. She didn’t text me back before I made it to the house, and when I pulled into the drive, I saw why.

Both Willow and Jade are still in their bathing suits. They’re soaking wet and running around in the grass through one of the sprinklers I bought for Jade. It’s one of those that shoots water in all different directions. Not only does it water my lawn, but it keeps her occupied.

They both stop when they see my truck. Jade runs up to me before I even make it out the door. I’ve got to admit, it’s nice coming home to her every day. It’s a plus that she’s always excited to see me. When she’s with her mom, this house always feels so lonely. Or maybe I’m just lonely.

“Hey, Daddy!”

“Hey Jadey, havin’ fun?”

“Yes!” After a quick, wet hug, she runs back to the sprinkler. Willow stands to the side with her hands on her hips as I walk over to her. I try, I really try, not to look at her body, but I can’t stop myself. She’s standing proud in a navy bikini with white polka dots. My throat goes dry as my eyes move from her chest to her toned stomach and down to her long legs. When I make it back to her face, she’s smirking.

“Face is up here, big guy.”

Shit. “Sorry, I…” I, what? I’m not sorry. She’s gorgeous, and I wanted to look at her. I wish I could take my time and study every inch of her.

“Sorry you got caught?”

I shrug one shoulder. “Maybe.”

She chuckles, thankfully not mad. She takes a few steps closer, and instinctively, I want to take a step back. I know I shouldn’t be too close to her when she’s wearing next to nothing. Sawyer would be pissed if he knew I was looking at her like this, but it’s not my fault she’s standing in my yard in a barely there bikini.

“I’ve grown up a bit, haven’t I?” she says.

I swallow and nod. “Definitely not the Willow I remember.” She smiles, and I have to look away. “Did you, uh, get my text?”

“Oh no, sorry. We’ve been playing in the sprinkler. I left my phone over by the door.” She points to where her phone is sitting.

“Right. Well, I ordered pizza. Would you like to stay? I’m sure Jade would love it.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude.”

“It’s not an intrusion, Wills. You’re family.”

Her smile drops a little, and I wonder what I said wrong. She brings her arm across her stomach as if she’s suddenly uncomfortable.