Page 34 of Sawyer
“It’s a very unlikely scenario, but one that you do need to consider when entering a business arrangement such as this.It’s always good to have plans for when things go bad so that you’re a little more prepared,” I explain, and she puts the paperwork down, leaning back on the sofa.
“Nothing really prepares you for death.”She swallows roughly.
“It can be a hard time.”Turning my body to her, I give her my full attention.
“When my parents died, there were so many things that had to happen.Not only in trying to process the grief, but also trying to figure out what to do with all their things and make sure their wishes are adhered to.”
“How old were you when your parents died?”
“Eighteen.I was pregnant with Kevin at the time.I was made to be an adult before I was ready.Steve, the boy's father, and I were childhood sweethearts, and we both decided to stay in Whispers to start a family.In hindsight, that probably wasn’t the smartest decision, but I was young and thought I was in love, and as an only child, I knew that the farm would become mine one day, so why not start working on it as soon as I could…”
My breathing becomes shallow, knowing this woman has had a tough life for most of it.
“My parents died the day before Kevin entered the world.Kevin was my father’s name.”
I rub my chest, a deep pain blooming behind my rib cage.I can’t imagine losing my mom, especially not right before bringing a child into the world.
“After my parents were gone and this farm was mine, Steve took over.He controlled everything and ran it into the ground.A financially successful farm became almost ruined in a short amount of time.It was hard for me to do anything, having a new baby to care for and pushing through sleepless nights.I was a zombie for almost twelve months.Now that he’s gone and it’s firmly in my hands, I’m doing everything I can to build it back up again.”
There’s determination in her eyes, and I think back to what Kevin mentioned about his father earlier.
“I obviously didn’t know your parents, but I think they would be pretty proud of you and the kids.Proud of what you’ve done here so far and of how you’re raising the boys.”
She looks up at me before asking tentatively, “Victoria told me that you were raised by a single mom?”
I nod.“I was.Never really knew my dad.My mom now lives down in Florida.”
“Is that why you’re here, Sawyer?”I can tell she’s holding her breath, and I frown.
“What do you mean?”
“Are you here to try to save me or something?Are you here because you feel sorry for me?”
My head nearly rears back, but I keep it together and look her in the eye.Is that what she thinks?
“I think we both know a woman like you doesn’t need saving.I think you’re pretty amazing, Annabelle.I admire you.I enjoy spending time with you.I think you’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met, both inside and out,” I tell her, becoming more in awe of her each time I see her.I feel different around her.Not myself, but in a good way.It feels easy, natural, a genuine connection.
Taking it really slow, I reach out my hand.She doesn’t flinch this time but watches me carefully.The gravity of the situation sits heavy in my gut, the feeling of trust that she’s giving me unmatched to anything I’ve felt before.I tenderly touch her cheek, pushing her hair back from her face.I hear her suck in a breath, her lips parting a little.
I’ve never moved this slow with a woman before, but I touch her cheek so softly, like she is made of glass and might break.As I lean forward a little, our eyes search each other’s.
“Sawyer…” She says my name so quietly I can barely hear her.
“Yeah, Annabelle?”I whisper, our noses nearly touching as I breathe her in.
Vulnerability shines in her eyes.“It’s been a long time since a man kissed me.”
“I would like to rectify that situation.”I remain still, not moving until she tells me to, my heart thumping out of my chest as I brush my fingertips along her jawline.
“I’d like that too,” she says sweetly, and I look down at her lips, spotting her pulse racing in her neck just before I take her lips with mine.
I go slow, my lips brushing hers before she meets me halfway with a little more pressure.Moving my hand from her cheek, I cup her jaw, my other hand lifting to her other side.As her mouth opens with a barely audible moan, I kiss her more thoroughly.Like it’s a green light for us both, her hands run up my arms and grip on to my shirt, and my tongue flicks against hers.The weight of her head sits in my hands as our tongues tangle and the kiss becomes more heated.When I groan against her lips, I know it’s time to rein myself in.
Even though I want so much more with her, I pull back a little but keep her close, the two of us panting.I watch her, seeing a mix of emotions on her face.My heart races, anxious for her to say something, hoping that wasn’t too much.Not wanting to push her too hard, too quick, wanting to do the right thing.City me would have her in the bedroom tonight, but I’m learning country me is a totally different person.
“That was worth the wait.”A smile brightens her face, and I blow out a breath.She laughs breathily, her head falling to my shoulder, her cheeks red.I laugh with her as I bring my hands to her waist and pull her tight to me, knowing that I’m falling a little more for the woman who has completely taken over my thoughts.And I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do about it.
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