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ChapterTwenty-Three
Hallie
After climbing out of the shower, I dry off before slipping on some yoga pants and a tank. I quickly dry my hair, arranging it into a messy bun. Staring into the mirror, my mind wanders back to the conversation with Sawyer in the hot tub. I didn’t mean to sound so insecure. I just struggle to see why he would want to be with me. He’s the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. He could easily have his pick of any woman. The last thing I want is for him to be with me out of pity or a misplaced sense of duty.
The past two weeks have been intense, and we’ve pretty much lived in each other’s pockets. We’re bound to have grown close. How do I know that closeness hasn’t been misinterpreted for more intense feelings? For me, it hasn’t. I’ve never felt like I do when I’m with him. What I’m feeling is real, and I hope Sawyer feels the same.
Standing up from the vanity unit, I glance across the room at my phone, where it’s sitting switched off on the nightstand. I wish I could speak to Jess. I could use her advice right now. Maybe I could send her a quick message? I could turn it straight off again and check for a reply in a bit. Biting my bottom lip, I cross the room and pick up the phone. There’s no way Matt could have put a tracker on it. Sawyer himself said it was unlikely.
“Shit, Hallie, do you want to risk it?” I mutter to myself as I turn the phone over and over in my hand. “It was unlikely he’d ever escape, but he did. I can’t turn it on and put everyone here in danger.” Placing the phone back on the nightstand, I sigh before heading out of the bedroom and onto the landing.
Once downstairs, I can hear voices coming from the den. Pushing open the door, I find Sawyer and Brooke on the large leather sofa that faces the television.
“Hey, we’re deciding which movie to put on. Come in,” Sawyer says as he stands from the sofa and makes his way toward me. “You okay?” He lowers his head and brushes his lips against mine. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of his kisses. Brooke watches us as she moves from the sofa to the loveseat with a smile on her face.
“I’m good. What movie did you choose?”
“I’m trying to convince him we need to watch something romantic, but he says he’s had his fill of romance movies,” Brooke says, rolling her eyes.
“I think that might be my fault,” I say with a laugh. “We had a movie day last week, and I subjected him toPride and Prejudice. I think I may have scarred him for life.”
“It was very painful,” Sawyer says, trying not to laugh.
“I’d have loved to have seen him sit through that.”
“What about the latestMission Impossiblemovie? A bit of action for Sawyer and Tom Cruise for us?” I suggest.
“Sounds perfect,” Brooke agrees. “You happy with that, Sawyer?”
“More than happy.” He slips his arm around me and pulls me against him. “Do you want a drink?”
“Sure. Do you have any soda?”
“Yeah, I think so. I’ll go check. Brooke, you want anything?”
“Wine, please. Hallie, you sure you want a soda? There’s plenty of wine.”
“I’m good with a soda, thanks.”
“Wine and soda coming up,” Sawyer says as he climbs off the sofa and heads out of the den. Despite chatting to Brooke earlier, I can’t help but feel a little nervous and unsure of what to say now that we’re alone. She’s sitting on the loveseat next to the sofa, searching the cable channels for the movie.
“So, how are the wedding plans coming along?” I ask, not wanting to sit in silence.
“Wonderfully,” she gushes, her whole face lighting up at the mention of the wedding. “I have my final dress fitting the week after next. Do you want to see a picture of the dress?”
“Oh, sure. I’d love to.” I’m pleased but taken aback she wants to show me. I haven’t been to many weddings, but I always thought the bride’s dress was kept a secret from guests. She pulls her phone from her jeans pocket, her fingers flying across the screen.
“Here it is.” She moves from the loveseat to sit next to me on the sofa. I gasp as an image of her wearing the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen flashes on the screen. It’s a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. Delicate lace covers every inch of the dress which hugs her body’s curves. Brooke has an amazing figure, but this dress makes her look even more incredible. Halfway down her legs, the dress tapers out into a fishtail.
“Oh my God, Brooke, you look beautiful. Your dress is stunning. Has Sawyer seen you in it?”
“Has Sawyer seen what?” he asks as the door to the den pushes open, and he enters carrying drinks. Brooke quickly locks the screen on her phone, pushing it back into her pocket.
“No, he hasn’t, and he won’t until the day.” She puts her fingers to her lips as she moves from the sofa back to the loveseat.
“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me,” I promise as I take the can of soda Sawyer is holding out to me.
“What are you two talking about? Keeping secrets from me already, Hallie?” Sawyer teases as he passes Brooke her glass of wine.
