Page 18 of The Wayward Son

"I forgot I'll be with Hercules."

It was after eight by the time Sawyer got home. He came in with his gym bag and a grocery bag, then went straight to the couch and plopped down.

Jade came out of the bedroom. “Wow. You look exhausted.”

“Long day.”

“Can I make you something to eat?”

He nodded toward the grocery bag. “I stopped and got a crab salad on the way home. You can get me a fork and a bottle of water, if you don’t mind.”

She nodded and went to the kitchen, and he stood and followed her to the doorway.

“I’m going to take a quick shower first.”

She smiled. “I’ll stay out of the bedroom in case you forget something again.”

“Good call.”

He took a quick shower, put on flannel pajama pants and a t-shirt, then returned to the couch. His salad was on the table, along with a fork, a napkin, and a bottle of water. He drank some water, then picked up the salad and fork.

“I’m so hungry.”

“Tell me what you were doing all day.”

“I started with five miles on the treadmill. Then I spent two hours with weights. I ate some lunch. Then took a swim, did some cardio, then spent some time in the ring sparring.”

“Weird. That’s exactly what I did today.”

He shook his head. “I don’t think you would’ve made it to lunch.”

“Probably not. You’re kind of crazy, Sawyer. Obsessed might be a better word. But…you get results. You look really good.” He grinned at her, and she scowled. “Shut up.”

He started in on the salad. It was good, but not nearly satisfying enough. What he really wanted was a big steak, baked potato, and lots of bread. Topped off with a beer, of course. He couldn’t wait to get home and eat Granddad’s cooking.

As he ate, he looked around the apartment. “Did you clean in here?”

“Yeah. Sorry. I was bored.”

“We need to get you a hobby.”

“I might need to go find a job just so I don’t go stir crazy.”

“I’ll be better company after Saturday night. But I’ll be leaving for home on Monday or Tuesday, depending on how I feel. And the invite to come with me still stands.”

“Are you expecting to get hurt Saturday?”

“No. But it’s always a possibility.”

She shook her head. “It doesn’t look like you’ve taken any damage to your face. Nothing permanent anyway.”

“I’m still as handsome as ever. I’m also really good. I don’t get punched much. But I’m also used to going three rounds. This fight will be ten. I’m bound to get hit. The guy I’m fighting is undefeated, too. One of us will end our streak on Saturday night.”

“Him. Not you.”

“Of course.” He finished the salad and set the empty bowl on the table, then drank the rest of his water. “I’m still hungry.”

“There’s a little of the chicken left. Mostly legs and wings, though.” He started to get up, and she put a hand out. “I’ll get it.”

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