Page 61 of My Not So Wicked Stepbrother (My Not So Wicked 1)

“Too tired for me?”

I closed my eyes, trying to muster up the courage to lie to him. The truth was I was never too tired for him.

“Em,” he whispered. “I’ve missed you.”

My eyes peeked open. I let out a heavy breath and walked toward what would be ecstasy and misery.

Sawyer’s grin filled his face while he scooted over for me.

Cautiously, I crept into bed. My exhausted body naturally snuggled down into the pillows, doing its best to avoid any direct eye or physical contact with the glorious chest nearby. It didn’t help that my pillows and sheets smelled like him, making all my senses turn on. It was like he sprayed his pheromones all over. If ever I wanted to try out Jenna’s stupid plan of kissing him, it was now. I could blame it on being up all night. All I knew was I was never washing my sheets.

Sawyer joined me by resting his head on the pillows next to mine. His happy face was staring right at mine only a foot away. It was then I remembered I hadn’t brushed my teeth in hours since I’d been stuck in airports and on planes. Maybe he would leave once he caught a whiff. Though I did really enjoy the view.

Sawyer took a moment to peer into my eyes. In his I could see the wheels turning. What was he so deep in thought about?

“Tell me about your trip, Em.”

Where did I even begin? Food was always my go-to. “Did you know they fry Oreos in Alabama?”

“Really?”

“It’s true. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all that great. But they sell real Dr. Pepper everywhere down there even though they call it Coke.”

“What?”

“Coke is synonymous with soda there.”

“Weird.”

“Yeah, but no worries, I caught on really quick.”

Sawyer grinned. “How was the conference?”

“Interesting.”

“How so?”

“It wasn’t the conference, per se, but during the plant tour I told you about, one of the managers there, Dustin, invited me to apply for a supervisor position in their new galvanized steel mill.”

Sawyer’s brow crinkled. “You’re not interested, are you?”

I shrugged. “Maybe. Dustin said the pay would be more than I’m making now and the opportunity for advancement there is better than here.”

“Who’s this Dustin, again?” Sawyer’s jaw tightened up with the pronunciation of his name.

“He’s the melt cast manager. He was great. He let me go up into their observation deck to check it out and he makes a fine chicken salad sandwich.”

“He cooked for you?” Sawyer growled.

“Well, kind of, I guess. We had lunch together at the plant.”

“Let me guess, in his private office.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Are you okay? I didn’t mean to upset you. Maybe we should talk about this later.”

“I’m not upset,” he snarled, “but I think you should be careful about this Dustin guy. What do you even know about him? Sounds like he’d like a casting couch style interview.”

“Did you get enough sleep last night? You’re awfully grumpy.”

He took a breath so deep, when he let it out his cheeks inflated. At least it let me know I wasn’t the only one with stale breath. Though I didn’t mind it. “I’m sorry, Em, I just didn’t know you were thinking about moving. You’ve never said anything.”

“Well, I’m not sure I want to, but I think it’s good to keep my options open.”

“Is Dustin an option for you?”

I flipped on my back and stared at my trey ceilings and the spinning fan. “I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore. I’m not even sure where I belong,” I choked out.

“Hey there.” Sawyer scooted closer. His body heat enveloped me. “Em.”

I turned to find his face inches from my own. His warm amber eyes radiated in the dark room. I held my breath, which made me feel even more fuzzy. Where had the oxygen in the room gone? I kept telling myself this meant nothing to him, but then his strong hand combed through my hair.

“Em,” he repeated. “I know where you belong.”

“You do?” I whispered.

He nodded and moved in closer. I could feel his warm breath on my face. His eyes searched my own while his hand caressed my cheek. “Your cuts are healing nicely.” He shook his head as if he had said something stupid.

Okay, maybe I was reading him wrong. I thought we were having a moment. Like the moment I’d been waiting for, for a year now. “That cream Shelby recommended has helped. How is Shelby?” I asked out of nervousness and uncertainty about what exactly was happening here.

His finger began to outline my lips. “I don’t want to talk about Shelby.”

Me either. I was more focused on how every cell in my body was chanting Sawyer’s name and every goose bump possible was raised and singing hallelujah. Could this be real? My body said yes and closed our eyes to wait.

Sawyer’s hand glided down my cheek, then my arm. His breath had become warmer the closer he got, making the anticipation grow.

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