Page 45 of The Wayward Son

J.T. laughed. “I know an empty can when I see one.” When Sawyer set the can down and stepped back, J.T. saw the bruise on his side. “Shit. It looks like you were kicked by a horse.”

Sawyer rubbed his side. “Pretty close. That’s what it feels like. And felt like when it happened. Although it took more than one punch to cause this. So, actually multiple kicks by a horse.”

When they heard a knock on the door, they both looked at it. J.T. raised an eyebrow. “Are you expecting anyone?”

“Who would I be expecting?”

J.T. shook his head, then went to the door. Since neither he or Sawyer were dressed, he opened it a crack. “Sage? What the hell?”

“We brought you breakfast. But if you’d rather we left…”

“Did you bring coffee?”

“I brought coffee grounds.”

“Give us a minute.” He closed the door and looked at Sawyer. “Sage and Jade with breakfast and coffee.”

They both got dressed, then J.T. opened the door and let the women in.

Sage studied J.T. “You don’t look too bad.”

“Thanks. What were you expecting?”

She shrugged. “A tequila hangover.”

“We were in bed by eleven. I drank just enough not to drive home. But not enough to cause a hangover.”

She went to the counter and set the grocery bags down. Jade followed her with the box of pastries, then smiled at the two men.

“Good morning. A little brother sleepover, huh?”

Sawyer ignored her comment. “You guys went into town already? What the hell time is it?”

“Ten.”

Sage started unloading the groceries. “I got you a few things since you’re a little incapacitated and shouldn’t be driving.”

“I’m not incapacitated.”

She handed him the can of coffee. “Get some coffee going. I think you both need some.”

J.T. opened the box of pastries. “Be nice to him. He’s about decided to stick around. I don’t want you to chase him off with your attitude.”

“My attitude?”

Jade took the lemon Danish from the box. “While you three work that out, I’m going to eat my Danish.” She took a napkin and went to sit on the couch.

Sawyer started the coffee machine, then took a bear claw and joined her. He sat next to her on the couch. She looked nice this morning with her hair in a long braid. And the dark blue sweater she was wearing made the shade of her hair stand out even more. It seemed to change colors depending on the light. Today, in the low light of the overcast sky outside, it was a dark auburn. No matter what color of red it was in any given situation, he liked it.

“How did you sleep last night? I’m sure Sage’s bed is more comfortable than mine.”

“It was really nice. Still has the new bed smell.”

He cocked his head. “As opposed to mine with its…”

“Not new bed smell.”

Sage came over and sat in one of the chairs. “Did it smell a bit like a sweaty boxer?”

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