Page 30 of Sawyer’s Mistake

Sawyer’s room was sparse. It looked like all his things were still in a duffle bag in the corner, except for a book on the night table. She gravitated towards it. The spine was well-worn, but the title was still legible. The Road, by Cormac McCarthy.

“What’s this?”

“Just something I picked up at the Residence. Have you read it?”

She nodded. “A long time ago. I remember crying when I read it. I don’t think I could bear to read it now.”

“It’s a good book. I’m glad I didn’t die before finishing it.”

She paled at his words, leaning back against the wall for support.

“Hey, I was just kidding. Please don’t look scared.”

I’m scared all the time. Don’t you see?

“I’m okay,” she lied, embarrassed. “I know you were just joking.”

“Take off your clothes,” he ordered.

“What?” she looked up to find him holding one of his checkered shirts in his hand.

“You can get changed in there,” he added, pointing to the bathroom.

He really just wants to put me to bed.

She grabbed the shirt and spun away, barely managing to stifle a sob. Hot tears rose to her eyes, making everything blurry. Suddenly, Jake’s hands were on her shoulders, a warm and steadying force.

“Hey, Saoirse, what’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” she sobbed. “I thought you wanted—”

Embarrassed, she bit her lip to avoid making an even bigger fool of herself.

“What did you think I wanted?” he asked, his voice a low rumble.

“I thought you wanted me,” she said simply. It took all her courage to look up into his bright green eyes. She was mortified. If he laughed, she would die of embarrassment.

His eyes crinkled … but not in amusement. Rather, he looked pained.

“I want you,” he said simply. “I’ve wanted you for a long time. But you look like you need some sleep. I want to give you time and space and—”

“Time?” she whispered. “Don’t you realize that’s precisely what we don’t have anymore.”

“We’re safe here. I’m sorry I didn’t protect you better. I would die before letting anything happen to you.”

“I know you would,” she said quietly. “But I don’t want you to get hurt.”

He smiled and took her in his arms. He held her for a few seconds then turned her around and slapped her gently on the butt. “Come on, Saoirse, go get changed.” His voice was still quiet, but there was no doubting its command.

Tears still rolled down her face, but she took a deep breath and nodded.

There was something strangely reassuring about doing as he commanded. She headed straight into the bathroom, hoping he couldn’t smell her arousal.

#

Jake

Sawyer forced himself to remain in the bedroom as she disappeared beyond the door. She didn’t need him ogling her as she got changed. He had the feeling the safest thing for them both might be if he left, but he couldn’t imagine doing that. What if she still thought he didn’t want her?