Page 18 of Karma's Kiss

“Who asked him?” I teased.

David—who was standing there listening to us—flung his hands up and groaned. “Oh hell. This party is going to cost me an arm and a leg. I’m gonna have to get a second job.”

Sawyer walked up to the group then. “Hate to interrupt—”

“Please do!” David tossed his arm around Sawyer’s shoulders and tugged him playfully so they both almost lost their footing and fell to the ground. “These ladies are driving me insane talking about Elmo-inspired fruit platters andPeppa Pigs in a blanket.”

Sawyer chuckled, took one look at me, and then laid it all out there. “I just thought you should know I’m takin’ your sister out tonight.”

Davidlaughedat this. A real belly-aching laugh with his head thrown back and everything. “No shit? ’Bout time.”

“What’s that mean?” I frowned.

“Any advice?” Sawyer asked David.

David studied me, one eye narrowed shrewdly like he was really thinking it over. “She might look sweet and dainty, but she’s a spitfire.”

I rolled my eyes, already walking away.

“Don’t let her win every battle!”

If he said anything else after that, I didn’t hear it. Now, I grab my purse from the side table near the door and am about to slidepast Sawyer to get this show on the road, but my mom stalls us before I can make my great escape.

“What a gorgeous pair you two make. Let me take a picture before you leave!”

“We’re not going to prom,” I protest. “We don’t need pictures.”

Sawyer steps into the foyer and smiles at her. “Where do you want us?”

I want to sock him in the arm for willingly going along with her ridiculous request.

“Oh! Over by the fireplace. Yes. Step closer, and Madison, put your back to him so he can wrap his arms around your waist.”

We are officially too close for comfort. Sawyer’s hard body cocoons me. He’s somehow taller than I realized. I slyly peer back over my shoulder. He’s wearing jeans and a white button-down, clean boots. His hair’s still a little damp from a shower, and it’s holding on to its wave even better than usual. Men in Hollywood would sell their soul for that hair.

My assessment doesn’t include a look at his face. His handsomeness is a given; no need to confirm what I already know.

“Now where did I put my phone?” My mom pats her hips like her dress has pockets. Then she snaps her fingers. “Think I had it in the pantry a second ago.”

The pantry?

“Use mine!” I urge, yanking it out of my purse, but she’s already wandering off into the kitchen.

I sag. “This will take a while,” I warn him.

“It’s fine.”

He doesn’t remove his hands from my waist.

“This is what you get for humoring her.”

“She wants a good photo of us.” I can hear the amusement in his voice. “We’ll be glad to have it.”

“Glad to have it?” I echo in disbelief before I glare up at him. Ugh. Damn his captivating brown eyes. “Why?”

“First date. That’s special.”

He smiles and it’s like the whole world should take notice. I’m sure the furniture leans closer. The whole house sags in love.

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