Page 21 of Restorations

“I can go too!” Baz starts toward the door, and I follow. “Honey, Sawyer has to work.”

He turns to look at Sawyer, his little eyes sad. “I can go to work.”

Sawyer grins, but I shake my head. “No. Why don’t you stay here and play. Maybe Sawyer will come back after work.”

Sawyer moves closer to me, keeping his voice low enough for only me to hear him as Baz pouts. “If you’re cool with it, he could go. It’s just me and Linc.”

I look at Sawyer, also keeping my voice quiet. “You don’t have to do that. You’ll be working.”

He shrugs. “We’re just checking out a house a few miles away. I’ll watch him closely, and Linc will be there to watch him too.” He smiles, and I know how much he cares for my son. The knowledge warms my heart. “Only if you’re okay with it. We’ll be back in an hour or so.”

I look over at Sebastian and then back to Sawyer. “Are you sure?”

He laughs, knowing I've given my okay and walks to Baz, lifting him up. “Of course. I can’t give up the chance to hang out with my best friend.”

My eyes flick instinctively to Asher, his former best friend. Even if Sawyer is joking around with Baz, I wonder if that stung Ash. Did he mean it to? Asher’s eyes are shooting daggers at Sawyer, but he doesn’t say a word.

“Yay! I’m bringing my truck!” I love seeing my son happy, that’s for sure.

I look back to the kitchen. “You haven’t had breakfast.”

Sawyer shrugs easily. “We’ll grab something.”

I give him a smile, knowing Baz is in good hands, and I walk over to Sebastian, leaning down to look into his eyes. “You’ll listen to Sawyer? And Uncle Linc? Stay right with them?”

He nods his head emphatically.

I hug him. “Okay. Have fun.”

He smiles brightly, slipping on his shoes that are by the door, and I walk them out. Sawyer assures me it will be okay before they back out of the drive, and I wave good-bye before walking back inside.

I’m met with dark angry eyes and a strong body. Asher is waiting for me at the door as I sheepishly close it behind me. “What?”

“You just let him take Baz anywhere he wants to?”

I roll my eyes. The one thing I will not put up with is anyone accusing me of being a bad mother. “Sawyer won’t let anything happen to Sebastian, and you know it.”

“He hates kids. One bit him in high school when he had to go over to the elementary school to read to the first graders.”

I want to laugh, but Asher’s angry gaze won’t allow it. “He loves Baz, and Baz loves him back. That’s all that matters.” He folds his arms over his broad chest, and I don’t miss the way his biceps flex. “Are you sure that’s all that’s bothering you?”

I brace myself, knowing I'm poking the bear, giving him every opportunity to call me a slut. He did walk in on Sawyer trying to cover his handiwork with his own. “And what else would be bugging me, exactly?”

He drops his hands taking one step closer to me, his eyes flickering with scorn. “You tell me. You’re the one being pissy.”

His eyes move to my neck, and I feel like I’m going to melt into the floor from the heat coming off him, especially after only moments ago being cornered by Sawyer. “You mean me walking in on Sawyer slobbering all over my sloppy seconds?”

Okay, that stings.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to slut-shame.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Viv.” His voice is cold and deep, full of anger and betrayal, but his eyes don’t leave my neck. I see his hand flexing at his side, almost like he’s fighting the urge to touch me, his gaze lingering on the flesh of my neck. “You wanna spread your legs for that fucker, go for it.” He leans in even closer. “You wanna fuck everyone within a thirty-mile radius, go for it.” His breath is warm on my skin as his mouth nears my ear. “I don’t care who you let touch you.”

I try not to let the words hurt me. He’s right, everyone is easy on me. They all seem to want to protect me, but I hurt him too. I left him behind, even if I loved him and he didn’t love me. Even if I wanted to try, and he crushed me when he didn’t wantto. I took Baz away from him for a year, knowing how badly he needed him.

And for that, I'm forever remorseful.

He doesn’t push away from me though, and I felt how badly he wanted to stay last night. He may want to hate me, but part of him, even if it’s a very carnal part, wants me. He lifts his gaze to meet my eyes.

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