Page 73 of Power Play

We walk into Stella’s bakery with just three minutes to spare, which I’m thankful for. We were cutting it a little close after a very eventful shower that took twice as long as I had planned for. Although, I would have been late for that shower in a heartbeat. Stella’s wrath does not compare to Sawyer’s fucking mouth.

Walking up to the hostess stand, I don’t recognize the woman working—I’m assuming she’s one of Stella’s new hires—but she immediately smiles as she greets me, completely ignoring Sawyer’s existence.

“How may I help you, sir?” she asks with an even bigger smile, if that’s even possible.

I feel Sawyer’s grip on my hand tighten when the hostess addresses me as sir. Looking at her, I see she’s shooting daggers at the hostess. My girl is a tad possessive of me. It’s hard not to let myself smile at that thought as I turn back.

“Table for two. It’s under Lockwood,” I tell her, offering a small smile to be polite to my sister’s employee but nothing more.

Her eyes immediately light up.

“Of course, Mr. Lockwood. Your table’s ready for you already. Follow me,” she says.

The hostess grabs the menu, brushing past my arm unnecessarily close as she walks by to bring us to our table. The entire time she talks to me, she completely ignores Sawyer. I would say something about it, but it’s fucking cute watching Sawyer fume.

She’s all possessive and stabby over me, and I fucking dig it.

Sitting down across from Sawyer, I can’t help but smirk at her as she pours herself a cup of coffee and begins drinking it.

“Why are you smirking?” Sawyer snaps.

“Because you’re mad,” I tell her flatly, unable to stop smiling at this beautiful crazy woman across from me.

“And that makes you smile because?” she pushes.

“Because it’s cute that you’re mad over me,” I tell her, leaning forward on the table. “But I’ll let you in on a little secret, she didn’t stand a chance. I only have eyes for this blue-eyed little psycho.” I wink.

Her face eases into a smile, no longer looking like she’s about to commit murder.

“I just can’t help it. You’re so damn hot, and she was practically ready to drop to her knees in the middle of the bakery and suck your cock. That makes me grumpy. You’re mine to look at like that,” Sawyer says like it’s a known fact.

“I like that. Besides, you’re the only one I want on their knees for me.” I grin.

Watching her blush might be my favorite thing to do, especially since Cassie let slip that she doesn’t blush often. I like that my mouth and my actions can cause that reaction in her.

Reaching across the table, I grab the coffee and pour myself a cup, smiling as Sawyer looks at the menu. Stella walks up, smiling and giving Sawyer a hug before finally coming to say hi to me.

“I already have a little bit of everything going for you guys. I’ll bring it out a couple at a time, then you can get a taste of everything we have,” Stella says, smiling over at Sawyer.

“Thanks, that’s so sweet of you. I’m starving,” Sawyer says.

“I wore her out,” I add, unable to hold back from teasing her more. I don’t expect the smack on the back of my head, although I shouldn’t be surprised when I’m around Stella.

“Don’t be crass, big brother,” Stella retorts, ignoring Sawyer, who’s glaring at me. “I’ll be back out when the foods ready. Enjoy your coffee and the Danishes.”

As she walks away, Sawyer’s attempt at being angry fades into a smile. It seems she might enjoy her time with me just as much as I do her.

“Okay, Rex. I have an important question that’ll decide if you’re in the doghouse,” Sawyer says.

“This must be serious if that’s my penalty.”

“Oh, it’s the most important questions I’ll ever ask. Pancakes or waffles? Which one is superior?”

“Superior? Neither,” I deadpan.

“Excuse me? Wrong answer. Doghouse,” Sawyer grumbles.

“No, I just think French toast is superior. By a landslide. There’s something about the cinnamon and the butter and the drippy syrup that’s just delicious.”

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