Page 91 of Sassy Love
“Close your eyes.” I lean down to the bag Ruby dropped off earlier that I hid under the stairs.
“No?”
“Lawson whatever-your-middle-name-is Rawlins. Don’t you deny me a thing.”
A breath chugs from his chest and his eyes fall closed.
I pull out the black hat and slide it on his head. And...
Oh. My. God.
Holy shit.
There is no way in hell I’m getting my ovaries back in their cage now. “Open your eyes, Cowboy.”
The small smile that blooms over his face is priceless. It steals what’s left of my resolve when it comes to this man. I thought he was hot in a tie and a rolled-up work shirt with those ropey forearms and that gorgeous hair. Now?—
A finger slides under my jaw, lifting it shut.
“I—”
He leans in, cupping my face with his palm. “Thank you.”
Really, the hat was for me.
“What for?” I breathe.
“Reminding me who I am.”
My mouth is agape again. This weekend has been one incredible surprise after another, and we’ve barely started. We have two more nights here. Two more days of this place that feels like another world.
“We should head in there before the girls come out and drag us in.” Lawson adjusts the hat on his head.
“We should.”
He crooks an arm, and this time I take it. Like it’s my god-given place on earth.
We cross the gravel drive, somewhat precariously thanks to my heels, and arrive at the doorway. Inside is simply magical. Long cream sails are draped across the ceiling with more fairy lights. Long tables adorned with white tablecloths, cream plates, and silver cutlery with candles and flowers dotted through the center of each. Acoustic country music weaves its way through the big open space where people mingle, chat, laugh.
I’m jostled when Reed rushes over, sliding an arm around my middle and sweeping me out of Lawson’s space as three women descend on him with more glee than I ever thought possible. “Watch out, or you’ll end up collateral damage,” Reed says with a chuckle.
“Laws!” the three women scream in delight at once, arms reaching as they close in.
Ruby I know.
Grace I recognize.
And the third must be Addy.
He’s smothered in hugs and kisses on the cheek as he tries his best to hug all three tight. I only just make out the choked words that leave his lips. “I missed you guys so damn much.”
If ever there was testament to the shape of a man’s heart, this would be it. Three women who absolutely adore him.
The black hat topples to the ground, and Reed releases me so I can pick it up.
“Nice touch,” he says, winking. His own hat on his head gets a subtle tip as he adds, “Make sure you save me a dance, Miss Carlie.”
Miss Carlie.
