Page 33 of Crossed Lines

As soon as I say it, the speakers start playing the first notes of a popular line dance song. A few cheers can be heard from the crowd before people start to gather on the dance floor. Rather than several lines, people stand wherever they can fit, making the floor look more like a mess than an organized line dance, but I wouldn’t expect anything less.

“Do you know this dance?” Macy asks, watching in disbelief.

“Unfortunately, yes,” I say with a laugh.

“Alright, you’re gonna have to teach me one tonight.”

“Yes, ma’am.” We both know we need at least one more drink before we make our way to the dance floor.

We watch for a minute or two before Macy says, “Oh wow. This night just got a whole lot better.”

“What? Why?” I ask, turning to look only to find my brother walking toward us.

I groan, and before I know it, he’s standing in front of us. “What are you doing here, Sawyer?”

“What? Are you the only one allowed to go out tonight?” he asks.

“No, but you knew we were coming here. Why couldn’t you have stayed home tonight or gone to whoever’s house it is you’ve been sneaking off to?”

He chuckles. “I’m hurt that you don’t want your big brother hanging around.”

“I’m sure,” I retort.

“I’ll stay out of your way.”

“You don’t need to stay out of my way,” Macy interjects.

Sawyer rolls his eyes and tells me, “You better watch her.”

“She’s harmless.” This causes Macy to elbow me in the ribs. “Ouch. Calm down.”

“Actually, I’m looking for Beck. He called me like an hour ago and said his parents were watching Jade tonight, and he wanted to get out. He hardly ever wants to go out, so I couldn’t say no.”

Wait. Beck wanted to come out? He didn’t say anything to me. He didn’t even mention that Jade was going to his parents’ this afternoon. I would’ve gotten her an overnight bag ready if I had known.

When I left his house, we discussed potentially meeting up at the Fourth of July Festival tomorrow, and I told him that Macy wanted to go out tonight.

I suck in a breath. I told him we’d be going out, and then he suddenly decided he wanted to go out, too? Why would he do that? Especially with my brother here? What game is he trying to play?

Before I can figure out what any of this means, I look over and see Beck walking toward us, looking absolutely breathtaking in jeans, a black button-down with the sleeves rolled up, and his hair looking a little messy like he ran his fingers through it a few times after the shower. But the most devastating thing about him is the way he’s looking directly at me like I’m the only one in the room.

CHAPTER 14

Beck

Tell me why Willow told me she was taking her friend to Roadside tonight, and I hastily threw together a night out with Sawyer. Is it dangerous for me to be with Sawyer when I’m here solely to keep an eye on his sister? Yes. But it would’ve looked strange if I were here by myself. Harper would’ve asked too many questions, and Brooks would’ve been having too much fun at my expense.

So, Sawyer, it is.

I’ll just have to be discreet. It’s not like I’m going to do anything. I’m just here to keep a watchful eye. Make sure she doesn’t get into any trouble.

Who am I kidding? I’m here to see if anyone hits on her tonight. I’ve already seen my stable hands eyeing her up when she’s stopped by with Jade.

That’s where the idiocy comes in again. What would I do if someone did hit on her? Absolutely fucking nothing. Because I drew a line in the sand and I’m not trying to cross it. I’ll have to sit here and watch her talk to someone, all while making sure Sawyer doesn’t notice that I’m seething inside. This is going to be absolute torture.

And yet, seeing her looking so beautiful makes it all worth it.

“Ah, look who it is. Good to see you again, Beck,” Willow’s friend says, breaking Willow and me from our locked eyes. Her tone indicates that she knows I’m more than just Willow’s employer for the summer.