Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“How do you ever leave this place?” Hadley asks. “I’d want to build a cabin right over there”—she points to the right at an open field—“and just stare at this view every day.”
“Right?” Sawyer agrees. “It’s breathtaking.”
I’m seeing my childhood playground all over again through her eyes, just as I did the first time Sawyer was here. Growing up, we took it for granted, but I love that my brothers and I still come here. This is home to us, the place where the five of us feel most comfortable, where we feel free and alive. Knowing that it does the same for Sawyer makes me care for her even more than I already do.
Chapter 21
Sawyer
“You got a little something…” Hadley points to the corner of her chin, a mischievous grin tilting her lips.
“Stop.” I laugh.
“Seriously, Sawyer, you can’t seem to pull your eyes away from him.”
“Them.” I turn to look at her. She and I are sitting on the man-made beach in Adirondack chairs, while the guys try their hand at fishing. We’ve just finished eating dinner of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. “All six of them,” I say, including Derek. “This is every woman’s dream, eye candy for days,” I say, laughing.
“True, but I know your eyes, like mine, are only interested in one particular flavor.”
“Fine, he’s hot as hell. Those abs and his ink on full display, do you blame me?”
“Nope,” she says, popping the p. “You know I love Derek, and he’s the only one for me, but the Riggins brothers, they’re definitely easy on the eyes.”
“The six of them all shirtless in board shorts should be illegal,” I add. We both burst into laughter.
“Yo, what did we miss?” Grant calls over.
“Oh, nothing,” I call back.
Royce looks over at me. One look is all it takes for my body to heat. I watch him as he reels in his line, and says something to Derek before dropping his pole to the grass and heads my way, Derek on his heels. When Royce reaches me, he holds out his hand, and I don’t hesitate to take it. He places a chaste kiss to my lips, takes my seat, and pulls me down on his lap.
“You give up on fishing?” Hadley asks Derek as he does pretty much the same thing that Royce just did with me.
“I’d rather be here with you.”
“Me too,” Royce whispers in my ear.
“Royce, thank you so much for having us. Today was exactly what we needed to relax. Wedding planning is stressful.”
“I told you that you should have eloped.” I point at her.
“We’ll leave the elopement up to you.”
I shrug. “I’m not against it. I don’t really want the frills, not anymore.” Royce’s arms tighten around me, telling me that he understands my change of heart. What he doesn’t know is that I used to want the fairy-tale wedding, but I just don’t know how I’ll feel about that with my parents not being here. I blink back hot tears. I miss them so damn much.
“Where’s the gazebo you told me about?” Hadley asks.
“Follow that path.” Royce points to the cleared path. “It comes out on the other side of the lake, and the gazebo is there.”
“Is it safe?” Hadley asks.
“See.” I turn to look at Royce. “It’s a valid concern.” He chuckles, and I can feel the vibration of his chest against my back.
“It’s safe,” he assures them.
“Mind if we take a walk?” Derek asks.
“Not at all, man, go right ahead. Just stay on the path, and it will lead you right to it.”
Turning to the side, I lean my head on his shoulder. “Are you mad?” I ask once Hadley and Derek are out of earshot.
“Mad about what?”
“I told her about the gazebo. I mean, I didn’t tell her all about the gazebo. Just that you took me there and how romantic it was. It’s enchanting.”
“No, I’m not mad at you. She’s your best friend, and nothing happened that night that I’m ashamed of.” The gentle touch of his fingers tracing up and down my spine cause chills to break out across my skin. “You cold, babe?”
“No. It’s just you and the effect you have on me.” I lift my head to look at him. “Thank you for today. I know you didn’t want to come, but having Had and Derek here has been great. I’m glad you all finally got to meet.”
“Me too. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to come. I just selfishly wanted all of your time.”
My heart thunders in my chest. He has this way of being direct with his words, but their meaning hits me right in the heart. I’ve met so many layers of this man, and although different, they make him the amazing, kind-hearted person that he is. I don’t know how I was the lucky one to be seated next to him that day, and furthermore, getting a job at Riggins Enterprises, but I’ve smiled more since that day on the plane than I have in too many years.