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Chapter Eight
Sawyer
Two things I’ve discovered in my brief time here is that this group may be the closest family I’ve ever met, and at the same time, they’re probably the dirtiest. And considering I’ve spend the past ten years on the road, traveling with guys who have perfected the art of the hook-up, that’s fucking saying something.
The grandparents are…well, they’re a hoot. I couldn’t even tell you when the last time my face hurt this much from smiling. Not much in life has given me reason to smile lately, so it feels awesome just to sit in a lawn chair with a beer in my hand, laughing at the inappropriate banter of the Summer clan.
Listening to their stories and their teasing makes me miss my family.
I end up staying to the end of the party. Partly because the company is so easy and comfortable that I feel like I have real friends for the first time since I don’t even know when. For the last decade, everyone wanted something and friendships felt…off. Forced. I’m not saying I didn’t find valuable friendships with certain teammates along the way, but nothing like I feel right now. I can see myself having a beer with these guys on a Friday night after a long week, sure, but it’s more than that.
It’s more than a few guys sitting around, bragging about who they bagged the night before or the new luxury car they bought their wife to keep her happy. It’s an instant camaraderie that I felt that first night at the bar and sense it even further now that we’re all together in a family setting.
I didn’t realize I was missing it until it practically slapped me upside the head.
The other reason I find myself tearing down tables and stacking them in the back of Levi’s truck is because of AJ. I crave more time, more moments with her. She’s helping pick up her sister’s backyard and put it back together after this shindig, so that’s what I do too. Plus, I can keep snacking on these bacon-wrapped scallops that Levi made. They’re fucking delicious.
“Thanks for your help,” she comes up beside me after the final dish has been taken inside.
“It was no problem,” I reply casually, shoving my hands into my pockets to keep from taking her into my arms and kissing the shit out of her.
“Hey, AJ, you about ready?” Jaime hollers from the back door, her purse tucked under her arm.
It’s late, the breeze off the Bay cool, even for late August. I see goose bumps pepper her arms as she gazes up at me, eyes hooded under long, dark eyelashes. Her eyes fill with confliction, and I know it’s time to make my move. Stepping closer, I’m rewarded with the scent of her lotion and sweet perfume. She smells like sunshine, all fresh and intoxicating.
I want to be the one to take her home. I want her in my car, just like she was that night many weeks ago. I want a chance to find out if this indescribable chemistry is as undeniable as it feels. And fuck yes, I’d love to finish what we started that night in July.
But not tonight.
Tonight, I want the chance to spend more time with her, even if it’s just a trip across town, because I can’t seem to get enough of her.
She feels it. Her eyes shine with resolve, and maybe a little question too, as she turns her head a bit to answer her sister. “Actually, go ahead. I’m gonna catch a ride with Sawyer.” Her eyes never leave mine.
Jaime snickers from the doorway. “You’re gonna get a ride, all right.” The insinuation is there and makes me smile.
AJ rolls her eyes. “Knock it off, Grandma. Some people can demonstrate self-control.”
“Whatever,” she replies before throwing a smile my way. “Nice to meet you, Sawyer.”
“Nice to meet you, as well.”
“Drive safely. Remember to keep the horse in the barn until you’re safely at home,” she adds, giggling like a little girl.
“Says the girl who’s about to give road-head,” AJ retorts, earning another laugh from her sister.
“I heard road-head! Let’s go,” Ryan’s voice boosts through the night, as he comes up behind his wife and slaps her on the ass.
After quick goodbyes, we’re left alone again. The air becomes electrically charged and I suddenly can’t get to my car quick enough. I’m silent as I watch the breeze lightly blow her brown hair across her forehead. My fingers twitch as I bring them to her face and brush back the strands.
“Are you ready?” I ask, not really sure what I’m referring to. Ready to go? Ready to indulge in another mind-blowing kiss? Ready to see where this chemistry takes us?
Yes. All of that.
I lead her around the house and toward my car. My hand rests comfortably on her lower back, the hem of her top riding up and revealing just a sliver of warm flesh. She’s silent as I open the door and she slips inside. Her toned legs look six feet long as she sits in the seat, her tanned limbs looking delicious against the black leather. My heart pounds like a snare drum in my chest as an all too familiar sense of déjà vu washes over me.
I wonder if she’s thinking the same thing.
We’re both quiet as I pull away from the street and start driving. I have no idea where I’m going, but I keep moving. At some point, she’s going to have to tell me where she lives, right? Otherwise, my only option is to head to my place, which doesn’t sound like a bad idea in the least. Or I could just ask her where she lives.
