Page 68 of Strictly Forbidden Intent

“You’re not wrong,” I agree, embarrassed that I’m breathing heavily. “Did I have that much energy as a kid?” I ask Pop.

“More. Before you discovered football it was tag. Or hide and go seek. And with both those you had to tap the person to get them out. It was way too much running, but I was also a lot younger back then.”

I chuckle even though I barely remember that. I can envision him as a skinny teen chasing me around.

We collapse onto the patio chairs with Jen and Sam to watch the kids. It hasn’t escaped my notice that Sawyer isn’t with them, though I’m determined not to mention it. I’m not sure they know how I feel about her, and now certainly isn’t the time to draw attention to it by bringing her up. Instead, I kick back and laugh at the antics the kids get into, which seems to be some sort of jump house battle with the superheroes.

I’m into my second beer when Sam announces it’s time for cake. “Wes, do me a favor and go get Sawyer and Emmy. They’re watching a movie downstairs. I know they’ll want a piece.”

I shoot a glance toward Pop, wondering if maybe someone else shouldn’t do this favor, but he and Jen are already making their way toward the bounce house to round up kids. With a deep breath I head inside and downstairs towards the theatre.

Music is blaring from inside, but I knock anyway so I don’t startle anyone. I push the door open and find Emmy and Sawyer holding hands, spinning in circles, and belting out a horribly off-key version of whatever song is playing in the movie, some animated thing.

Sawyer has a beautiful smile, though it’s rare I get to see it. That’s even more true now than it was when we were younger, trying so hard to fight our feelings. Instead of interrupting, I lean against the door and watch her, committing the moment to memory.

Emmy sees me first, dropping Sawyer’s hands and bounding into my arms. Sawyer stays rooted in place, her chest rising rhythmically as she tries to catch her breath.

“Uncle Wes.” Emmy hugs me tightly. “Want to watch with us?”

“I would, pumpkin, but it’s time for cake. Your mom thought you might want some.”

“Cake,” she shrieks, wriggling out of my arms and darting toward the stairs.

I know I should follow her, but I can’t seem to make myself pass up this chance with Sawyer.

“Hi,” I say tentatively.

“Why are you smiling?” She regards me skeptically as she turns off the movie.

“You’re smiling.”

“So?”

“I like it.”

“It’s just a smile.” She forces her lips to a flat line, more from embarrassment than anger if I’m reading her correctly.

“Not to me.”

She snorts.

“You don’t do it much. I was always so proud of myself when I could get you to. Sometimes it felt like I was the only person you smiled for, and I kind of loved that.”

“Don’t.” She closes her eyes. Her chest rises and falls heavily.

“You’re breathing like you just ran a race. I guess movie watching with kids is just as tiring as dart wars.” I heed her warning and back off.

“Emmy doesn’t watch movies, she re-enacts them.” Her tone is more factual than friendly, but at least it’s not laced with anger.

“Maybe I got the better deal after all.” I grin. “I’m much better at darts than acting.”

“You’re the best actor I know.” The venom is back. Jesus, will I ever say the right thing around this woman?

“Yeah. Fine.” I exhale. “It was all an act. I stayed single for nearly a decade just to make you think my feelings were real. Whatever.” I throw my hands up and turn to leave.

“You didn’t stay single.”

“I think I would know if I dated anyone.” I turn to face her.

---