Page 149 of Knockin' Boats
I glanced at Sawyer. “Is he always like this?”
“Nah, usually Cash is the one embarrassing us.”
“It’s his cousins’ influence,” Hudson said with a head shake. “Wes, especially. But also, the doughnut guy, Miles. He’s as bad as Danny over at Just The Sip. Maybe worse. They could be brothers.”
Fisher grinned. “It was a really good trip. Thanks for covering the boats for Hud.” He winced. “I know you had your hands full.”
“He handled it like a pro,” Hudson said, eyes meeting Sawyer’s. “I’d trust him with my business anytime.”
“Thanks,” Sawyer said. “I did my best.”
“You always do,” Hudson said. “And I’m pretty sure you have a lot more to give just as soon as you’re ready.”
We left after polishing off the apps and the Glazed Holes that Fisher gave us for dessert. I’d gotten one filled with raspberry jam and it was freaking delicious.
I started concocting doughnut recipes in my head even though my menu was already at capacity. Maybe Vera would like to add something to the resort menu.
“Your friends are so funny,” I said, casting a glance at the dildo that Sawyer had dropped onto one of the seats. “I’m glad we went.”
“Yeah, me too.” He reached for my hand. “We don’t have to use that toy if it’s too weird though.”
I grinned. “Oh, we’re definitely using it.” I paused. “Maybe not tonight though. Not sure I’m up for enemy vibes just now. Still getting used to having my friend back.”
Sawyer dropped his hand on my leg. “More than a friend, I hope.”
“Much more,” I agreed. “And speaking of more…”
“Hmm?”
“What did Hudson mean? About you taking on more just as soon as you were ready?”
“Oh. Nothing important.”
I almost let the comment slide. It was late. We were both tired. The shit with Rick had taken it out of us. But there was just something about his tone that bothered me.
Something familiar.
And unwelcome.
I waited until he pulled the boat into dock at the RV park and we were walking back to his camper to press him.
“Tell me what Hudson meant.”
Sawyer cast me a look. “It isn’t a big deal.”
I tugged him to a stop. In the dark, I couldn’t read his expression as well as I’d like, but there was an insistent voice in my head that I couldn’t let Sawyer shut me out again.
“I love you, remember?”
He drew in a sharp breath. “I love you too, Ash.”
“And I know we’re new at this still, but…” I licked my lips. “I don’t want you to shut me out. That happened before and?—”
I cut myself short, biting my lip. I wasn’t here to cast any blame. I was the one who’d fucked up our friendship. I knew that I did. I just didn’t want us going down the same path that led there.
“I’m not trying to shut you out,” Sawyer said after a tense minute. “Sorry.”
“Will you tell me what he meant then? I mean, you said it wasn’t a big deal, so…”
