Page 142 of The Wayward Son

“Hmm. Is this going to be a tequila shot night?”

“It just might be.”

“Then I’ll come pick you up.”

When Sage walked into the bakery, Xander was helping another customer. It took a few minutes and Sage tried not to be too obvious as she watched him charm the woman buying a dozen donuts.

When the woman left, he smiled at Sage.

“How goes the Sawyer Jade saga?”

“I’m not sure. The cats out of the bag, though. I talked to Sawyer, and he saw Jade last night, but he’s avoiding actually talking to her and telling her how he feels. Stubborn man.”

Xander grinned. “Seems to be an O’Connell trait.”

“I’m not stubborn.” She went to the display case. “How was your spaghetti last night?”

“It was great. Not to brag. But I make damn good spaghetti. You should’ve stayed.”

Sage thought about what Sawyer had said to her. “When do you want to collect on your bet?”

“Hmm. How about Thursday?”

That was sooner than she expected. “Um…sure.”

“Too soon?”

“No. Not at all. I look forward to it.”

“You mentioned you live on the ranch property, but how do I get there?”

“You have to take the main road to the house, then take the road across from the barn. My house is a mile up the road.”

“Okay. Are the O’Connell men going to be standing guard?”

“No. Just a few dogs. I’ll tell my dad you’re coming so he doesn’t come out with his shotgun.”

Xander raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

Sage laughed. “You’ve met my dad, right?”

“Yeah. Not really the shotgun type.”

“He owns a shotgun. But he doesn’t generally point it at people.”

“Good to know.” He tapped the case. “So, I assume you came in for something to eat.” He looked at her for a moment. “Or maybe you just came in to say hi.”

“I came in for both. I need four lemon Danish and two blueberry muffins.”

“No bear claws?”

“No. Sawyer requested lemon Danish. He’s feeling a little nostalgic, I think.”

Xander took out the pastries and put them in a box for her. “Coffee?”

“Actually, yes. Large. It’s going to be one of those days.”

He poured her the coffee and set it next to the box. “This is the lover’s lament special. No charge.”

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