Page 46 of Tangled with the Tight End

“Surprisingly busy.” Sometimes, the weather cuts down on the foot traffic, but everyone is gearing up for Christmas, so I’ve not seen a downturn yet.

“That’s good.” He rests his hands on the table as nervous energy seeps out of him. I bite my bottom lip. His gaze darts to mine and then settles on the counter of baked goods behind me.

“Is everything okay?”

“No….” He swallows and finally meets my gaze. “You know how our mothers have been pushing a relationship for some time now.”

“Yes?” My voice is laden with tension as unease settles around me. I don’t want Sawyer to have developed feelings for me. That’s the last thing I want or need.

I’ve always enjoyed our friendship but adding that layer would make things awkward. We’ve always laughed at the absurdity of their desire.

“Hear me out for a second.” He clears his throat as his cheeks pinken, lays his hands on the table, and I drop mine into my lap. There’s no way I want to accidentally allow our hands to brush.

My stomach churns with anticipation. I wish it was the good kind, but it’s not. When I’m around Sawyer, I feel none of the desire and longing that I’ve experienced since the second I met Gabriel.

“Over Thanksgiving, my mom was harping on endlessly about getting married and starting a family.”

“Okay….” I’m going to be sick.

“And I know we don’t have those types of feelings for each other, but I see the appeal of getting married and having kids.” He chuckles. “For one thing, my parents would shut up about it.” The humor drops from his face. “And for another, my dad says he won’t give me the dealership if I’m not married and producing grandchildren.”

“That’s archaic.” I cross my arms over my chest. “And blackmail.”

“And my dad isn’t old-fashioned and high-handed?” He raises his hands in question as he asks the question.

“No, you’re right.” I rolled my eyes. “He is. But putting that stipulation on you is ridiculous.”

“I know,” he sighs and sags into the chair. “But I don’t know what else to do.”

I lift my hand and cover his. “You tell him to get over himself and that you’ll get married when the time is right.” I study him as he nods and presses his lips together.

“Thank you.” He squeezes my hand and stands. “I needed to hear that.” As he rakes his hand through his hair, he smiles. “Thank you for letting me down gently.”

I laugh as I join him and shove the chair under the table. “You’re my friend, and I’ll always be here to talk sense into you. You don’t want to marry me. You want to marry someone who makes you light up inside. Someone who turns your world upside down. And….” I wrinkle my nose. “And someone who’s in love with you.”

“You’re right.” He tilts his head sideways. “I had to ask so I can tell my dad that you turned me down.

“No problem. That’s what friends are for.”

“So, are you seeing Marco’s brother? I heard the two of you were together up at the lodge the other night. After he nearly bit my head off and sent me on my way for talking to you.” There isn’t an ounce of jealousy on his face. Just curiosity.

“No….” A ball of sadness swells in my throat. “We want different things, so it would never work.”

“I see.” He frowns and pats my shoulder. “I’m sorry to hear that.” One corner of his mouth arches upward. “For two reasons. It would completely end my father’s harassment if you weremarried to someone else, but in a non-selfish way, I’d love to see you happy.”

“Thanks.”

I wander toward the door, following behind him. I’d love to see me happy as well. But why does the only possibility of that happiness have to live 1,600 miles away? Long-distance relationships never last, right? Well, saying never is a little extreme. I’m sure a few long-distance relationships last. But even if he retires in three years, that doesn’t mean he’ll come here.

Sawyer twists the lock and gives me a wry smile. “We make a pair, don’t we?”

“Yeah.”

He opens the door as Marco lifts his hand to knock. My stomach clenches at the similarities between the brothers. Blue eyes and black hair. Same cheekbones. Similar builds. The lump in my throat grows larger. I’m fucked. Even when he’s gone, I’ll have a permanent reminder.

That’s when Gino steps around him. “Norah!” His eyes light up as he runs to me and throws his arms around my legs. Fuck me. This sucks.

“Hey, Buddy.” I raise him off his feet and give him a hug. His soft body sags into mine as he clings to me.

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