by Kaylee Ryan
We stop outside my apartment door, and I turn to face him. He leans in close, and I move until my back hits the door. “Taking care of you isn’t that bad.” His eyes glance at my lips and then back to my eyes. “There are worse things in life, Sawyer.”
“You like routine.”
He nods. “I do.” He leans in, and I lick my lips, certain he’s going to kiss me. “Sleep well, Sawyer. Lock up behind me,” he says softly in my ear before his lips press against my cheek. He steps away from me, and I already miss the heat of his body next to mine.
“Thank you for tonight.”
He nods.
Turning, I reach for the door handle and realize I don’t have my keys. “Shit.”
“What’s wrong?”
“My keys.”
“Fuck,” he mutters under his breath. “I should have thought about that. Well, it looks like we’re headed back to my place.”
“I can just call Hadley. She has a spare.”
“Sawyer, it’s late. I have a spare room you can crash in. When we wake up, I’ll take you to get your car.”
“I’m so sorry,” I say, burying my face in my hands. “I keep messing up, and I don’t know what’s wrong with me. This isn’t who I am. But when I get around you… it’s like I lose all common sense.”
“I already know you think I’m sexy.” He winks.
I gape at him. “You remember that?”
“Sawyer.” He pauses to make sure he has my attention. “I remember everything when it comes to you.” He reaches out and offers me his hand. “Let’s go.”
Tired of fighting this pull he has over me, I place my hand in his and allow him to lead me back to his car.
“Wow, not at all what I was expecting,” I say as he leads me into his house.
“What were you expecting?” he asks, tossing his keys on the kitchen island.
“I don’t know. More of a bachelor pad, I guess.”
“I’m thirty-two.”
“And that means what exactly?”
“Just because I’m not married doesn’t mean that I live like I did in college, in a party pad.”
“No, I didn’t mean that. I guess I just didn’t expect it to be this clean and… homey.”
“Do I look like a man who lives in filth?” he asks. There’s humor in his voice.
“I should just stop while I’m ahead. It’s the wine talking.” Likely excuse, but I’m going with it.
“Uh-huh,” he replies playfully. “Here.” He hands me a bottle of water. “Drink this and take these.” He holds out the other hand with two Tylenol. “I know how those headaches that could kill Clint Eastwood can be.” He winks.
“Playful Royce,” I say before tossing the tablets in my mouth and downing half of the bottle of water.
“Owen is the serious one.”
“I don’t know. I think you give him a run for his money.”
“You seem to think you know my brothers and me awful well.”
“I do.” I nod. “I’m a quick study.” I give him an overzealous grin, and he shakes his head in amusement.
“This I’ve gotta hear. Come on. Let’s go sit down.” He holds his hand out for me, and I take it without hesitation. It feels intimate to be here with him like this. I know that’s not what this is, but I like being here in his space—having his attention. Well, playful and sweet Royce can give me all the attention. Broody CEO Royce can stay at the office.
He lets go of my hand and points to one end of the couch while he settles on the other. “So, tell me about my brothers and me.”
“Easy. Marshall and Conrad are the lively ones of the bunch. Being the youngest, they’re still sowing their wild oats, so to speak. Grant, he’s a mix of the four of you. He’s still in that ‘I’m young and cool’ stage, while he’s getting older and wiser like you and Owen. He knows that there’s more to life than partying all the time, but when Conrad and Marshall call him for a ride, he knows where they are because he was there not long ago himself.”
“And Owen?”
“He’s a thinker that one. He’s not one to make a rash decision, and when he does make a decision, it’s absolute.”
He nods. “Four for four.”
“And you.” I pretend to be thinking when I already know what I’m going to say. “You have so many layers. You have the weight of the world on your shoulders, and that makes you broody. But when you let yourself relax, you become sweet and playful. Both of which I adore,” I say, the wine taking over my mouth, apparently.
“You’re not wrong about the weight, but it’s not the world, just Riggins Enterprises.”
“The guy on the plane, he’s with me right now, and I’ve missed him.” Might as well go ahead and toss it all out there.
“I’m the same man.”
I shake my head and point at him. “Layers. So many layers.”
“You were… refreshing.” He gives me a grin. “You didn’t know me for my money, or the business, I don’t get that often. In fact, it’s been way too long since that’s happened.”
“That’s why you were nice to me?”
“No. Not at first. I felt bad for you. I wasn’t sure what to do, but I knew I couldn’t have you freaking out next to me.”
“Thank you for that. You helped me so much.” He nods. “And tonight. It looks like I need to add savior to the list.”
“Just yours,” he says softly.
“Royce.” His name from my lips is just as soft. His eyes bore into mine, and I wish I knew what he was thinking. Does he want to kiss me? Is he annoyed that he had to save me again? Annoyed that his employee is in his home, in his personal space?
“Your eyes… they’re mesmerizing.” He leans in to get a closer look. I find myself leaning in as well. “Beautiful,” he murmurs. Reaching out, his hand sweeps my bangs away from my eyes.
Any buzz I had is gone, replaced by the thickness of attraction layering between us. “Th-Thank you.” I manage to force the words. My mouth is dry, and my panties are wet. He moves to frame my cheek in the palm of his hand. I lean into his warmth, wishing I could feel it, feel him everywhere.
“I should get you some clothes,” he says, his voice raspy and thick.
Does he feel this? He has to, right? “Yeah.” I nod. “Clothes.” Should I take mine off here? “That would be nice. Thank you,” I say instead.
“Follow me.” He stands from his place on the couch and holds his hand out for me.
Not only does the warmth of his hand envelope mine, but his thumb… he’s driving me crazy as he traces it over mine. Is he trying to drive me wild for him?
“This is my room,” he explains huskily. Without letting go of my hand, he leads me to his dresser, where he pulls out a pair of sweats and a T-shirt.
Glancing down at our hands, his are covered in ink, and mine clear of design, there is such a contrast between the two, but I don’t hate it. In fact, I’d be okay if he never let go. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. Has to be the wine. No more drinking for me for a while.
“Sawyer.” My eyes snap to his. “You okay?”
I nod. “Thank you for the clothes.” I reach the hand that’s not locked with his out toward him.
“You tired?” he asks.
“Not anymore.”
“Watch a movie with me?”
I nod. “Where can I change?”
“Here.” He’s quick to say. “You can change here. I’ll show you to the room you’re going to be sleeping in later.”
“Thank you.”
He gives my hand a soft squeeze. “I’ll be in the living room.” He’s reluctant to let go, and so am I. He finally releases my hand and disappears into the hallway, leaving me alone in his bedroom.
I glance at the huge bed with longing. I’m sure it’s comfortable. The thing is massive, with its dark gray and black comforter. It looks enticing. What would it feel like to fall asleep with those inked arms wrapped around me and to wake up the same way? Realizing I’m just standing i
n the middle of his room fantasizing about his bed, and the two of us in it, I strip out of my jeans and blouse and slip into his sweats and T-shirt. I want to take my bra off, but I decide it’s best to keep it on for now. Just a few more hours, and I can set the girls free.
Folding my discarded clothes, I place them neatly in the chair in the corner of the room. When I open the bedroom door, I’m startled to find Royce standing there, back against the wall, strong tattooed arms crossed over his chest.
Without a word, he uncrosses his arms and holds his hand out for me. Together, hand in hand, we make our way back to the living room. He sits on the couch and pulls me down next to him. Neither one of us says a word as he hits Play on the remote. Clint Eastwood fills the screen and I smile. With his hand still linked with mine, we watch the movie in silence. The warmth of his body pressed next to mine is arousing and soothing at the same time. Soothing wins out as I rest my head on his shoulder. Royce wrapping his arm around me is the last thing I remember.
Chapter 10
Royce
It’s just after 3:00 a.m. I should be sound asleep by now, but I can’t seem to pull myself away from her. I should be a gentleman and carry her to the guest room so she can get a good night’s rest. Instead, I’m holding her on my couch. The movie ended long ago. The TV is now off, and only the glow from the moon shining in through the patio door lights the room. Not that it matters. I have her memorized. The moment we stepped off that plane, I had already committed Sawyer to memory. The beautiful woman with a fear of heights who managed to pull me under her spell in a matter of hours.
With each passing day, my concentration wanes, and my attraction to her grows. Two weeks feels like two years. I don’t know why I can’t shake my obsession with her. And she works for me, yet here I am holding her like she’s mine. Here in the darkness of my living room, there are no eyes to judge me, to tell me that I’m close to falling off the ledge. No, here in the darkness, with her scent surrounding me, her soft skin under my palm, I don’t care about any of that.
I know I should, but I don’t.
She sees me. Not just the boss or the CEO, but me the man. To hear her tell me that she knows the layers I hide beneath the skin, hit me in my chest. She’s not wrong. I know I’ve been short with her since I walked in and saw her sitting at Sam’s old desk, but I have to be. She’s my employee, and I can’t take advantage of that. Not only that, but part of me was mad. Mad that the first woman in a hell of a long time who garnered my interest was now off-limits. That’s enough to push any man to be broody, as she called it.
She moves, and I shift with her. I’m sure she’s going to wake up, but the sounds of her quiet breaths tell me she’s still sound asleep. We’re now lying on the couch, her back to my chest, and my arms around her. It’s been too long since I held a woman all night long. I didn’t think I missed it. Until now. Then again, maybe it’s just Sawyer with her green eyes and soft skin. She’s the difference. Placing a kiss to the back of her head, I close my eyes and let the soft sounds of her breathing lull me to sleep.
It feels as though I’ve barely closed my eyes when the sun shining brightly through the door forces me to open them. It takes me a minute to realize where I am and who I’m with. Glancing down, Sawyer has her face buried in my chest and the blanket from the back of the couch covering her face. Her arms are wrapped around me and mine around her. I wait for the panic to take over. But it never comes. Instead, a slow smile pulls at my lips. I’ve barely slept, yet I’m wide awake and ready to tackle the day.
Gradually, I pull the cover from over her eyes so I can see her. I want to soak up this moment, one I’m sure to never have again. My hand goes to her hair. As I let the silky locks fall through my fingers, I should be worried this will wake her up, but that’s not a hardship. Then I’ll get to see those bright green eyes. As if thinking about them causes her to wake, her eyes flutter open.
“Hi,” she says shyly, a light blush coating her cheeks.
“Morning.” My voice is gruff from sleep.
She blinks a few times before her eyes widen, and she tries to scramble off the couch. “Don’t go,” I say, my voice gravelly.
She instantly stops moving. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you or drink that much.” She pauses. “I should call Hadley to come and get me.”
“No.” It’s sterner than I intended it to be. “I mean, I can take you. Let’s go grab some breakfast, and then I’ll take you to Jase’s to get your car.”
“You don’t have to do that.” This time when she tries to sit up, I let her. She stands and pulls at the hem of my T-shirt that’s already hitting her just above her knees. “I’m so sorry, Royce,” she whispers.
“Hey.” I stand and wrap my arms around her in a hug. She feels good next to me like this is where she belongs. “There is nothing for you to apologize for. We fell asleep.”
“I—” she starts, but I place my finger to her lips to stop her.
“We fell asleep, Sawyer. That’s it. Now, there are spare toothbrushes under the sink. Go change, and I’ll take you to breakfast, and we can get your car.”
“Bossy Royce is back,” she says, pulling out of my hold and making her way down the hall.
I watch her go, wearing a smile larger than I can ever remember. She brightens the day, and to have her here in my space, prancing around my house in my clothes…. Yeah, a real bright fucking day indeed.
“This place is awesome. Do you come here a lot?” Sawyer asks just as Rosie steps up to the table.
“Mornin’, Royce. ’Bout time you brought a pretty lady in with you.” She turns her attention to Sawyer. “Rosie, nice to meet you. What can I get you to drink?”
“Um, orange juice and a glass of water, please.”
“Comin’ right up.” Rosie moves to the table a few over from us and asks for their drink order.
“I guess that answers my question.” Sawyer chuckles. “I take it this is your stomping ground?”
“Maybe.” I shrug. “This place is a gem. Off the beaten path, so most tourists never discover it. I come here often enough. Mostly on the weekends for breakfast.” Often enough is about every weekend. Rosie works the morning shift, so she and I have become quite well acquainted.
“All alone?”
Is she fishing? Or maybe just confirming what Rosie let slip? “I’ve never brought anyone here,” I say as my phone rings. Reaching into my pocket, I see Marshall’s name on the screen. I never send my brothers to voice mail, and although I’m tempted to do so now, I swipe my finger across the screen to answer. “Hello?” I ask, holding a finger up to Sawyer as I mouth “Marshall,” letting her know why I took the call.
“What are you doing right now?” he asks.
“Uh, just getting breakfast, why?”
“I was thinking about taking the boat out today. You in?”
I glance across the booth at my dining partner. “Nah, got things to do today.”
“What? What things? You work too much, Royce.” My baby brother begins to lecture me.
“Not work.”
He pauses. “What’s her name?”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to lie to him, but that feels wrong. Sawyer should never be the dirty little secret. “Sawyer,” I admit.
“Damn it, Royce. You said you weren’t working.”
“I’m not. I’m having breakfast.”
“Breakfast before the office does not qualify as not working.”
“I’m not going to the office.”
“Are you feeling all right?” he asks.
I can’t stop the laughter from escaping. “Never better.” That’s another truth that my dear brother will think is a lie. He’s not used to seeing me or hearing me this happy. Not since before the incident with Jennifer, my ex-wife.
“Where are you?” he asks again. From the sound of his voice, he’s worried he might need to come and get me. I think my baby brother thinks I’ve lost my mind.
“I’m at Mabel�
��s diner.”
“Who are you with? Stay where you are, I’m on my way.”
“Marshall.”
“Royce, I mean it. Stay put.”
I’m laughing so hard, I can hardly speak. “M-Marshall,” I try again.
“What the hell is going on with you?” he asks, perplexed.
More laughter, and I can’t seem to stop. I’m sucking in air as my laughter consumes me. “I-I’m f-fine.”
Sawyer, who is smiling, scoots her glass of water across the table, and I take a long drink, trying to calm down. “I’m fine,” I say now that I’m more composed. “You don’t need to come and get me,” I say, wiping the tears from my eyes.
“So, you’re at the diner, and you’re fine?” he asks slowly, for verification.
“Yes.”
“Are you alone?”
“No.” I wink at Sawyer. “Sawyer is with me.”
“Are you working?”
“No, we’re not working. We haven’t been working, and we have no plans to work today.” Although I normally work on Saturdays, I’d much rather try to think of ways to get her to spend the day with me.
“Let me talk to her.” By the tone of his voice, he’s not the least bit convinced that Sawyer is here with me.
I shrug and hand the phone to her. “Marshall wants to talk to you.”
“Me?” she asks. I nod, and she takes the phone from my outstretched hand. “Hello.” She’s quiet while she listens. “Yes. I’m at Mabel’s with Royce having breakfast.” She’s quiet again. “No. W-We’re not working.” Her voice is soft, almost fearful.
I know what’s coming. I know that my brothers and Jase are never going to let me live this down, but the past two weeks, I’ve been driving myself insane. I want her, but I can’t have her. She’s all I think about, but I can’t have her. Despite what I said, there are no rules against me pursuing her. However, it would be awkward, and I would need to find a new assistant if it doesn’t work out. Sitting here with her, watching as she talks to my brother, convincing him I haven’t lost my mind, I don’t care anymore.
