Page 100 of Sassy Love
It will always end that way.
Always.
The clatter and clink of Ruby and Lawson washing up is almost drowned out by their laughter. The Montana night air is crisp, and I grab the blanket draped over the arm of the swinging porch chair and wrap it around my shoulders.
“Thought I’d find you out here,” Reed says, sitting on the chair beside me. He leans back and pushes off the porch with his feet, sending us swinging.
With a stifled squeal, I grip the chain beside my head.
He leans back on the swing, laying an arm along the back as he stares out into the vast wilderness around us. “Ready to go home?”
Home.
The concept feels odd since I’ve been out here.
“I think so.”
He turns to me and leans forward. “Thanks for spending the holiday with us, hey.”
Why is this family so goddamn friendly? What is with the niceties every other hour? They make my life feel empty and shallow. Making a big deal out of the simplest things. This is what Lawson grew up with? The constant interference and people being in his business... It’s no wonder he fled to the city.
Urgh.
Going straight to hell for those thoughts.
“If you ever need a break from the hustle, a cabin is yours, just flick a text through.”
“Smooth. This how you get all your business, cornering people on porch swings?”
Reed leans back, searching my face as he frowns.
I’m a bitch, I know. But honestly, this salt-of-the-earth shit is getting old.
“You’re family. Not business, darlin’.”
I scoff. “Okay.”
“You want to tell me what’s eating you?” he says softly, concern etched all over his features.
How the hell... ? I flick my hair around my neck and refuse to meet his gaze. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I snap my focus to the starry night sky over the inky blue mountain and whispering grass fields.
“It’s okay to let people in, Carlie. You’re not the first strong woman to be loved or taken care of. Just ask Rubes.”
He stands and messes up my hair with a hand before giving me a two-fingered salute. What the hell’s that about?
“Yeah, right,” I breathe as he disappears through the door back into the house.
I spend the rest of the night talking to Ruby, ignoring the Rawlins men as much as possible. We came here to spend the weekend sorting out this colossal work disaster, so I focus on that. Not the gorgeous man who brought me here. Or his eyes that see right through my fucking soul like they have the right to. Or the way a little part of the wall I built crumbles away with every interaction we have.
No, I’m not letting the distraction ruin my career, my life. Steal everything I’ve worked for over the last ten years.
No fucking way.
Chapter 25
LAWSON
