Page 64 of Break My Heart
‘What’s wrong with that? Love makes people happy.’
‘A lot of things make people happy. You don’t need love for that.’ I go past her to my desk.
‘A guy doesn’t ask you to meet his parents unless he’s serious about you.’
‘Aria, I really don’t have time for this,’ I say, sitting down as I wake up my laptop. ‘Dinner’s at four and I have a lot to do before then. Close the door on your way out.’
She leans across the desk, a smug grin on her face. ‘You can deny it all you want, but I know you like him.’
I sigh in annoyance.
‘Okay, I’m leaving.’ She laughs and hurries out the door.
When she’s gone, I start to wonder if any of what she said is true. Sawyer said he only invited his fiancé to have dinner with his family, and now he’s inviting me. But technically his mother invited me, not him, so I shouldn’t make his invite mean something when it doesn’t.
I really like Sawyer, more than I should. It was so thoughtful of him to bring me those pastries this morning. And offering to build me a table? Who does that? Not Ryder, my ex. He wouldn’t do anything for me, not even fix a clogged sink. I bet Sawyer would’ve helped me hang those pictures even if I hadn’t won at pool. He’s just that type of guy.
Why did I have sex with him? Now I’m getting my emotions involved because my stupid hormones took over this morning and landed us in bed. I had a feeling Sawyer and I would be good together, but I never imagined we’d bethatgood. When it comes to sex, we’re a perfect match, completely in sync. He’s somehow ableto read me and know what I want, being gentle one minute and rough the next. The sex was so good I had to do it again to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. And then I invited him in the shower! Sawyer must think I’m a sex addict, but the truth is, I’ve never been that into sex. I could take it or leave it, but with Sawyer, I couldn’t get enough.
Just after three, I finish up my paperwork and go out to the storeroom where I’m keeping my hard cider. I’ve got three batches going, each a different recipe started at different times. I take a sample of the one that’s fermented the longest and taste it.
‘This might be the one,’ I say, smiling.
The competition is only a few weeks away. If I win, it could put G’s on the map, drawing in people from all around the area instead of just locals. Ryder’s the one who told me about the competition. He was going to enter it a few years ago, then decided he didn’t need to. He already gets more business than he can handle. Winning a contest wasn’t worth his time and effort, but to me, it could determine if I stay in business.
Sales are down since the beer special ended, which I expected, but if they go down even more, I won’t be able to pay my bills. I knew the town would be loyal to Sawyer, but I was hoping they’d at least give me a chance. I’m always overhearing people say how much they like my beer, but is that enough to keep them coming back?
I return the cider to the shelf and go back to my office. I close the door and change into the clothes I brought for dinner; a pair of black pants and a dark red sweater.
‘Gina?’ Aria knocks on the door.
‘Yeah?’ I look at myself in the mirror behind the door and shake out my hair, trying to give it some volume.
‘There’s um, someone here to see you.’
‘I don’t have time. I’m leaving soon.’ I reach in my purse and grab my lipstick. ‘Who is it?’
‘Me.’
I freeze, my lipstick held in the air. ‘Ryder?’
‘Yeah,’ he says with a laugh. ‘Can I come in?’
What is he doing here? He hasn’t been here since the week before the opening when he helped me get everything set up. I paid him for his time so he wouldn’t think helping me meant we were still a couple. He never cashed the check. When we talked later, he said he was being a friend and wouldn’t accept my money. But I know Ryder, and I know he doesn’t do anything for free.
I open the door. ‘Ryder, what are you doing here?’
He smiles as his gaze moves up and down my body. ‘You look good.’
‘Thanks.’ He looks like he always does, dressed in jeans, a button-up shirt, and a leather jacket. He’s a good-looking guy, but I’m not attracted to him. When our relationship became all about work, my attraction to him went away. If he ever wanted to get back together, I wouldn’t do it. I don’t see him that way anymore.
‘I wanted to check in, see how things are going.’ He pulls me in for a hug. ‘I’ve missed you, kid.’
I always hated it when he called me that. He said it was a term of endearment, but I think it was his way of reminding me that’s he’s older and wiser and the one in control. It didn’t help that I was his employee for years. He saw me as his subordinate and still does.
‘Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?’ I ask.
‘I’m going to go,’ Aria says as she leaves.
