Page 68 of Sawyer
She smiles.“Who knew my monster spray would be so entertaining.”
I take that moment to really look her over.Her hair is free, flowing down her back in natural waves.Her blue eyes sparkle, her light makeup perfect to highlight her features.Her short white dress skims over her curves, ending just above her knees, and her feet are covered in knee-high brown cowboy boots.She looks like every country boy's dream girl, yet she’s all mine.
“Maybe a new product line for Gertie’s…” I suggest, chuckling, and she gives my chest a playful smack.My business mind never really switches off.
Sutton gets to his feet as Kevin and Noah calm down.“Alright, you got the monsters out of me, little dudes.Let’s get these two out the door and pick a movie, then go into the kitchen and eat all of Sawyer's food.”
He’ll hand me my ass at some point for this.
“Thanks, Sutton,” I say as the kids kiss their mom goodbye and run into my kitchen, where I know they will find cupboards full of food I ordered just for them.
“You got the look of love on your face, Sawyer.Haven’t seen that since Becca Langer… or Mandy…” he whispers.
My heart beats a little faster at that observation, knowing he’s spotted the feeling I’ve been nervous to name.He eyes me, before his gaze flicks to Annabelle, then back to me.
“Go.Enjoy.I’ll run the kids around, so they fall asleep and don’t wake until morning.Oh, and Sawyer…” He starts to walk to the kitchen, Annabelle still telling the boys to mind their manners and do as Sutton asks.
“Yeah?”I ask.
“Looks like she has the same look on her face as you do.”He nods to me, and I swallow roughly, hoping he’s right.
30
Annabelle
As we step into Whiteman’s Bar, nerves prickle my skin, and I pull at my dress.
I had no idea what to wear tonight.I haven’t been here for years.The last time I was, I sat outside in my car, waiting for Steve, ready to drive his drunk ass home.I waited all night, just so he could trash-talk me the entire way home, before giving me a black eye for my trouble.I shiver at the memory.
“Are you cold?”Sawyer holds my hand tight, walking us through the crowd to a booth in the back.
I shake my head, smiling.“No, I’m okay.”
He looks good tonight in his black jeans and a button-up shirt that’s open at the collar.Casual, yet still better dressed than half the people here.
“I thought we could hide down here.”Sawyer pulls up to a booth, and I grin at how thoughtful he is.
“You know me too well.”With a happy sigh, I slide into the booth opposite him.
“Well, by the looks you were getting walking in, I’d say most of the town now wonders how they can run me out of Whispers, just so they could have you themselves.”He looks around, and I blush.I see people looking at me, whispering, slowly realizing who I am, and I hate the attention.
“I haven’t been here in years.”
“I know.You’ve been busy, raising the boys, being such an amazing mom and always putting them first.But don’t worry about them tonight; they’re having fun.”He shows me an image on his phone.It’s a photo of my boys and Sutton building a fort in his living room out of cushions and blankets.
“Your brother is amazing for watching them.”
“He’s a big kid himself sometimes.”
“Hey, guys.”Connor and Daisy approach our booth, both looking happy to see us.They’re panting, with light sheens of sweat, obviously coming from the dance floor.
“You dance?”Sawyer looks at him like he’s grown another head.
“He does…” Daisy says, smiling.
Sawyer shakes his head with a teasing grin.“Never would’ve thought it.”
“We’re over by the pool table.Come over when you finish dinner, so I can beat your ass.”Connor laughs, and we do the same.This is nice.Sawyer has friends, and they’re all lovely people, all of whom I know but don’t know well.
