Page 119 of The Wayward Son

He tucked the phone in his pocket and unsaddled the horses. While he was brushing Houston, his phone rang.

“Hey, Jade.”

“You’re back?”

“Yeah. And you’re working.”

“I am. Or I’m supposed to be.”

“Don’t get in trouble on your second day. Come see me later.”

“I will. I get off at five.”

“See you then.”

Sawyer returned the phone to his pocket and finished with the horses, then went to his loft and took a long shower. After he dressed, he made himself a sandwich, then sat on the couch with a book. Twenty minutes later, he started getting sleepy. He set the book aside and laid down on the couch.

Jade went up the stairs to the loft and opened the door, then peeked in. “Hello?” When she got no answer, she stepped inside and saw Sawyer asleep on the couch. She went to him and knelt next to the couch. After watching him for a few moments, she kissed him.

He opened his eyes, then smiled. “Hmm. I missed that.”

She kissed him again. “I missed you.”

He moved over a little and pulled her onto the couch. “I’m glad. I’ll have to leave more often.”

“Please don’t.”

He put his arm around her and she laid her head on his chest. “How’s it feel to be working again?”

“It’s fun. You were right about the cowboys, though. My goodness. And I’ve only been there in the afternoon. It’s going to be crazy at night.”

“Too crazy?”

“No. Nothing I can’t handle.”

“You could just move into the loft with me and you wouldn’t have to work.”

She raised up and looked at him. “I’m not moving in with you. And I’m not going to let you take care of me.”

“You were living with me in Missoula.”

“That was temporary. And I had my own room. And we weren’t sleeping together.”

“Which makes it an even better idea, now.”

“It’s too soon, Sawyer.”

He pulled her back down. “Fine. I’m sorry. You’re right. All this sneaking around is getting to me.”

“I promise you, it won’t be forever.”

“How long?”

She tried to raise up again, and he held her down. She groaned. “Please don’t pressure me.”

He kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry. Tell me about the cowboys at work.”

She spent a half-hour talking about work, then sat on the edge of the couch. “Have you had anything to eat since you got back?”

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