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If it weren’t for Eleanor, who loved us both dearly, we probably would’ve killed each other. Which doesn’t bode well for us spending the next five days togetherthroughChristmas day.Honestly, I’m not sure what Eleanor was thinking, but I trust my best friend. And of course, I’ll honor her last wish.
Sawyer says, “I had a really great time with you tonight, Katie.”
When I realize he’s on the porch with a woman and appears to be at the end of a successful date, I hesitate. I donotwant to see this. But if I head back to the car, they’re going to see me.
Katie giggles. “I had a great time with you, too.”
Then I hear lip smacking sounds. Seriously? Sawyer’s got a date on aTuesdayafternoon? How do I have such impeccable timing? Also, I want to puke.
After Katie lets out a moan, I realize Ihaveto do something. All three of us will be forever scarred if this goes any further.
I clear my voice as I stomp my feet to bring attention to myself. I may not be able to confront strangers, which sucks being a lawyer, but I’ve never had any problem facing off against Sawyer. He’s the one person I can do that with, and I’m not sure what that says about me or him.
I’m extra loud when I say, “Hey, how’s it going? I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
Sawyer yanks his hands from under Katie’s shirt, and she brings her arms to her side to hold her bra in place, which clearly has been undone.
“Um, you kinda are.” Katie looks at me, her eyes bulging.
Extending my hand to her, I say, “Hello. I’m Dawson.”
She returns the shake, keeping her elbow to her side, and she sort of looks like a penguin. She fumbles for words before she finally says, “Katie.”
“So nice to meet you.” I look at Sawyer and smirk. “I see you’re still living up to your name, Bra Claw.”
Katie looks back and forth at Sawyer and me. “Bra Claw?”
I smile brightly and bat a hand. “Just an old college nickname.”
Sawyer lets out a forced chuckle. “College was forever ago, Beer Barfer.”
I gasp. “That was onlyonetime, and it was after a keg stand.”
“Yet the name stuck all through college—bummer for you.” He shrugs.
I sigh, turning to Katie. “I’m so glad to see that Sawyer found someone. You seem great.”
“Oh, this is just a first date.” Katie fidgets.
The boldness I have around Sawyer engulfs me, and I nod toward him with a smile. “Then you should know, Katie—if you stay the night, you’ll have to share Sawyer with Mr. Bugsby. His lovie—all growing up.”
Sawyer laughs that humorless laugh of his, dry yet still charming. “Aw, Dawson, you’re just a funny bunny, aren’t you?”
“What’s so funny? Mr. Bugsby’s great.” I wink at Katie when I say, “But he might be due for a bath.”
Katie points to her car. “Well, shoot. I have to get going. My family is expecting me for dinner.”
“I’ll call you,” Sawyer says, desperate.
“Okay, then,” she says nervously, backing up. “Bye.”
I want to tell Katie she’s dodging a bullet, but that’d be crossing a line. Instead, I give her a wave. “Bye, Katie. Merry Christmas.”
Sawyer turns to me, flashing those fiery emerald eyes—the same ones that woo every straight woman but me. He scowls. “We’re about to spend a lot of time together, and remember who you’re dealing with, Dawson. You sure this is how you want to play it?”
“Oh, this is definitely how I want to play it.” It’s been an excruciating year, and I need some excitement in my life.
“Then game on.”
