Page 119 of Mail Order Sunset (Hawthorne Billionaire 4)

“Old men my foot,” I laughed. “But he’s right. It’ll make it more fun, I think.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I didn’t think about it that way.” Sarah smiled in agreement. “Where’s Sawyer? He said he would be right in.”

As if on cue, Sawyer came through the double doors of the dining room. He was alone, and I knew without him saying that Rebecca was no longer part of the group.

“Sorry you had to wait so long. Let’s get this out of the way. Rebecca has decided she doesn’t want to be here, so she is leaving this morning.” Sawyer took a seat at the table. “If anyone else wants to go, they are welcome to, with no hard feelings.”

The room fell into complete awkward silence. “I have a volleyball game to win, so I need some nourishment.” I looked to Sawyer.

He only smiled back and nodded. “Agreed. Let’s eat.”

The rest of breakfast went smoothly. Nadia and Robert were heavy into talking about flying and planes. It occurred to me that Nadia could be a good pick for Sawyer, at least on paper. They had the same sports and flying interests. I sat sipping on my orange juice, trying to decide which girl I should be promoting to Sawyer. It was the least I could do after everything Victoria was doing for me and my father.

“Good morning. I had a business call. Did I miss anything?” Victoria sent a sly smile my way, then to Sawyer.

Asher was right, she does know everything. She just shows up at the right time. Every time.

I don’t know about you guys but I’m stuffed, and we just started. If Marcus keeps feeding us like this, we will be whales within a week.” I held my stomach. “We might need a few minutes before volleyball.”

“Sounds like someone is making excuses before we even start playing,” Sawyer joked. “Should we pick teams?”

“Why don’t you and the girls play against the four of us?” Robert suggested. “We’re just four old men against you young things. It seems fair.”

“Robert, what is all thiswe’re old menstuff today?” I argued. “And just for the fake humility, you’re on!”

“I don’t know, Jade, they look pretty strong. Maybe we should rethink this,” Tina said. “Maybe we should mix up the teams.”

“Let’s take a vote.” Sawyer stood. “All in favor of playing us against them, sayaye.”

Something took me over and I stood, “Aye mateys, I be thinkin’ we can beat these scoundrels.”

“How could you argue with that?” Charlie and the guys all laughed. “Let’s go stretch.”

After a stretch session we started playing, just tossing the ball back and forth until the games picked up. The guys could have taken us out at any time, but they played it right on the edge of winning every game. We were only into the third short game when Tina dismissed herself to the shade.

“Are you sick, Tina?” Sawyer called out to her.

“No, I’m just hot. You can play on without me.” Then she laid herself back in a lounger.

We played another two games and took a break. Josh brought out water and sliced oranges. Tina fanned herself for Sawyer’s attention, claiming she was exhausted and wasn’t used to the temperatures here on the island. Sarah and I exchanged glances. Even Nadia rolled her eyes.

Please, tell me Sawyer isn’t buying into this.

“Sawyer, maybe you can help me indoors and sit with me in the air for a little while?” Tina asked. “You girls don’t mind sharing him, do you?”

“Mr. Hawthorne, the jet skis are gassed and ready to go,” Josh said before we could answer Tina. “The crew is out there waiting to get everyone started.”

“I’ve been looking forward to this.” Nadia was up first. “Do we get our own jet ski?”

“There are enough for each of you,” Josh answered. “Miss Tina, I will help you to your room for a rest while they spend more time in the sun.”

I had to cover my mouth to hide the smile that broke out. Josh saw right through her as well.

“If it’s in the water, I probably won’t be too hot. Maybe I should ride on the back of someone’s jet ski in case I get over-heated.” Tina fanned herself faster. “I wouldn’t want to faint out on the water.”

We all looked at each other. Sawyer paced in the sand for a few seconds and the guys made pretend they needed to go look over the jet skis.

“Tina, you can ride with me.” Asher put his hand out to help her up. “Sawyer will be busy entertaining the rest of his guests, so it wouldn’t be fair to them.”

---