Page 93 of Sassy Love
“Lawson, it’s so good to see you, my boy. You make sure she’s taken care of.” Louisa cups her son’s cheek before following her husband, who is making the rounds chatting to guests.
“Yes ma’am,” Lawson replies a little too late, his gaze stuck on his parents.
I move to his side and lace my fingers with his. “I think I’m in love.”
He drops his head, his mouth brushing over my ear. “That was quick.”
I turn my head to the side so my lips brush his jaw. “With your family, Cowboy.”
He nudges my shoulder with his.
I fight the urge to climb this man like a tree right here and now.
A glass clinks against a well-timed fork, and Lawson ushers me to the head table where his family now sits. Reed stands, a glass in his hand and Ruby by his side, her hand in his as he waits for quiet.
“Thank y’all for coming out tonight. This Thanksgiving gig has kind of become a tradition, and it is our honor to have you all at our table. Here’s to the people we love. Family.” He looks around our table. “Friends.” He casts his gaze over the tables and finally says, “And those of you who have chosen to spend your holiday with us. Happy holidays, happy Thanksgiving. Let’s eat!”
Ruby pushes up on her tiptoes and dots a kiss to his cheek. They sit as a silver cart rolls out from the door near the bar where I assume the kitchen is. It reaches the table, and Reed carves the first slice of turkey as waitstaff file from the samedoor, dropping plates in front of each guest. The chatter quiets as everyone eats.
Dessert arrives twenty minutes after the main meal is done, as if on some silent cue. I can’t believe I am living a Ruby Robbins event. It’s perfection. Between the decorations, the food, the ambiance, and the mood, it’s utterly ethereal.
After dessert, the mood swings and upbeat country songs vibrate through the barn. Lawson’s family are the first people on the dance floor. I scoff a laugh as Harry sweeps the floor with them all. The old man has the moves. He takes Louisa for a turn, and then Ruby.
When he appears at the table, his hand extended to me, I shake my head.
“Come on, darlin’. It’s not a party unless you’re dancin’.”
“Go on, Princess. We can dance later.” Lawson whispers in my ear.
I narrow my eyes at him as I stand and place my hand in his father’s. The smile that spreads on Lawson’s face is worth any amount of songs. Even country ones.
Twirled without warning, I huff a laugh, righting my footwork before Harry slides his arm around my waist. I’m swung around the dance floor as happiness radiates from me with every quick, exuberant breath.
It’s heady and foreign.
Something I can’t control . . .
I love it and hate it all at once.
Chapter 23
LAWSON
Carlie swings around on Reed’s arm, the soft twang of country music floating around us. And I sit, rooted to my seat and whiskey tumbler in hand, as tension builds in my chest. Growing with every song she dances without me.
Reed leans in to say something. The music drowns out his words as I watch his lips move before cracking into a grin. Carlie tosses her head back with a laugh that would smash through the stars, seeing them fizzle and plummet to the ground.
The telltale heat of jealousy winds its way through my veins.
I throw back the last mouthful, and it burns.
Like it goddamn should.
Jealous of my little brother. Loser territory, if it ever existed, and I’m the fucking king.
The song dies out, and something slower starts up. From across the table, I see Ruby wink at her husband as she sips her merlot.
I have no idea what’s gotten into me when I stand and stalk to the other side of the table by Ruby’s side.
