Page 77 of Sweet Home Louisiana

“You aren’t doing this.”Sawyer had come up behind her as she watched Owen.

She jumped and spun, feeling like she’d been caught running her hand over Owen’s ass instead of just ogling it.

She looked up at the big man who was frowning down at her.This was her out.Sawyer was bossy and in charge and if he put his foot down, what was she really going to do?

She turned to face him, put her hands on her hips, and said, “Yes, I am.”

Okay, apparently she was going to stand up to him.

“I don’t need you to do this.”

She softened her expression but kept her tone firm.“Yes, you do.”

“I’m not losing it.”

“I know.”

“I’m going to get my shit together.”

“I know.”

“You hate alligators.”

She shuddered.“I know.”

Kennedy poked her head out of the office.“Josh is loading up your boat.Everyone is checked in.”

Awesome.She forced a smile.“Great.”She looked at Sawyer.“I’m doing this.”

He sighed.“I’m sorry.”

Maddie felt her heart ache.She’d grown up with Sawyer.He was like a second big brother.He’d never been the flirt that Josh was or the prankster Owen was.He was more serious, more responsible, even before Tommy had died.But he’d laughed and joked and given his family crap like they all did.She’d only been here for a couple of weeks and she’d already seen the huge change in him.He was grumpy and was constantly telling the guys to “knock it off” and yes, overdid the safety checks and lectures on his own boats, but she’d also caught him rechecking Owen and Josh’s stuff as well.

PTSD.That had to be it.Tommy had been her brother and she missed him, but Sawyer and Tommy had been inseparable since first grade.And he’d been there when Tommy died.No one missed Tommy more than this guy.

“You’re sorry about the alligators or Owen?”she asked, giving him a smile.

She was relieved when he returned it.

“Both.Equally.”

She laughed.“I’ll be okay.”

He looked at her for a long moment, then gave her a nod.“Yeah.You will.”

“We both will.”Then she leaned in and gave him a quick hug before turning and heading for the boats.

Owen was watching as she approached.When she got close, he said, “All good?”

She shook her head.“No.But it’s not worse.And for right now, that’s probably enough.”

He gave her a soft smile.“Yeah.It is.”Then his grin grew.“Now let’s get you out on that water.”

She groaned but followed him to the boats.

The airboats were parked one in front of the other and Owen went to stand between the two.

“Hey, everybody,” he greeted.“I’m Owen and this is Maddie.We’re going to be your captains and tour guides today.”

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