by T. L. Quinn
My dad nods. “Yes, Kelly will announce it on the mic. I’ll tell her now.” He pauses. “But before I do, you come grab your team’s stuff. I don’t want that bastard Sawyer to be looking like the good guy again.”
I pull my dad to the side a little so he is out of earshot from the people around. He must’ve had too many drinks tonight. He would never talk about an employee that way in front of people. “Dad!” I scold.
He grits his teeth. “I never should have made him your partner. Fuck what’s best for business. He can rot in hell for all I care.”
I squeeze my dad’s arm reassuringly. “Dad, it’s okay. He really hasn’t been that bad.”
My dad stares back at me, and his eyes are angry. He must be riled up after visiting my mom. The same thing always happens to me, which is why I don’t go see her that often. “Don’t worry.” I continue. “I’ll take care of it.”
My dad smiles at me. “You’re a stronger person than I am.”
I walk over to the table with the envelopes for the team member’s bonus checks. One of my dad’s assistants hands me my batch. Sawyer walks up to the table next to me. “All set? I can take half.” He reaches his hand out to grab half to hand out, but I swat it away.
I squeeze his arm and push him away from the table. He looks at me confused. “What’s happening?” He asks.
I give him a serious look. “You need to not be around right now.”
He smiles back. “Sounds good to me. Let’s get out of here.”
I ignore him. “My dad is not your biggest fan at the moment, and I don’t need you being all flirty.”
Sawyer seems to want to flirt more now that he knows he shouldn’t. He smirks at me. “Is it still considered flirting if I know where this night is going to end up?”
“Yes!” I shout back. “Now make yourself scarce until after I hand these out!”
He laughs and starts to turn. “Fine. Chelsea said she wanted a dance anyway.”
I reach out and yank his arm, stopping him from going further. I narrow my eyes and lower my voice. “You fucking touch another woman and you’re a dead man.”
His body shivers dramatically, and he looks up at the ceiling then back at me. “Ahh, fuck I’m hard.”
I narrow my eyes. “Behave.”
He smirks and leans closer. “How do you expect me to behave when you’re acting all possessive?”
“Because you’re an adult and you know how to show some restraint.” I respond.
His smile grows. “I haven’t seen you show a single ounce of restraint.”
Instead of fighting him, I decide to rile him up more. “Oh that was me showing restraint. I just wanted your cock soooo bad.”
Sawyer’s eyes blaze, and he grabs the stack of envelopes from my hands and takes half. “Screw daddy! We’re getting out of here as soon as fucking possible.”
He takes off in search of the team members that he has envelopes for, and I can’t help the stupid grin on my face as I watch him go. Too bad he doesn’t realize we’ll still have to wait for everyone else to hand theirs out before the main speeches happen. I didn’t want to break the news to him though when he looked so happy.
Once they are all passed out, we sit down at one of the tables with some of the guys on our team and have a snack while my dad gives some opening words, followed by some other notable awards. One of which is for our team for securing the McCormick account. My dad made sure to make it seem as if it was a whole team effort instead of just Sawyer who nailed it.
He ends the award speech with a surprise extra bonus this year since we had record sales this last quarter. Everyone bursts into cheers and applause, and then a bunch of waiters make their way through the crowd with champagne glasses to toast.
After which the guys insist we do celebratory shots, followed by more drinks. My whole body is buzzing, and Sawyer grabs my hand. “Dance with me.”
He drags me over to the dance floor, and my body hangs loosely against him. I don’t know if I am actually standing or if he is fully supporting me. “Can we get out of here yet?” He grumbles.
It has to be nearing one in the morning. That’s late enough that it won’t be suspicious if I leave. I smile up at him and ruffle my fingers in his hair. “Sure.”
He laughs, looking down at me. “You’re cute when you aren’t hating my guts.”
I smile back at him. “It’s the booze talking. I still hate your guts.”
He grins and pulls out his phone and orders a car. “Car will be here in fifteen.”
A slow song comes on, and he pulls me closer as I rest my head against his chest. I close my eyes for a moment and imagine what it would be like to actually be with this man. I must be quiet for too long because Sawyer speaks up. “What are you thinking about?”
I lean back a little so I can look up at his face. “Why are you doing this with me?”
He looks at me more seriously. He pauses before he responds. “Will my answer change anything?”
I think about what he said. Would it? If he said something dickish would I still go home with him? And worse, if he said something deeper or more meaningful would I want to know that? I shake my head. “No.” I respond. I don’t want to ruin tonight. “Let’s go.”
We walk off the dance floor, and I tell Sawyer I’m going to go tell my dad I’m leaving. He tells me to meet him out front. I walk over to my dad, and tell him I’m taking off. He looks at me funny. “What’s up with you and Sawyer tonight?” He asks.
“Hm?” I ask, trying to not seem suspicious.
He doesn’t let it slide. “I’ve been told you guys have been getting cozy on the dance floor.”
Shit. I guess people weren’t as drunk as I thought. I try to shrug it off. “Just trying to keep the peace within the team.”
My dad gives me a concerned look. “Just be careful with him, Blake. You can’t trust guys like that.”
I give him a half smile. “I wouldn’t ever put myself in that position.”
My dad’s frown deepens because I know he’s upset about my position on the matter in general and not related to Sawyer. “You got a ride home?” He asks.
I nod. “Yes. I have a car coming. I’ll see you on Monday.”
I head out to the front. I see Sawyer standing alone, leaning against the building, waiting for the car. I take a moment to look at him while he’s unaware. While he stands lost in thought, he doesn’t have his guard up. He isn’t trying to be charming or to make a sale. He isn’t putting on a front for others to see.
I told my dad I didn’t trust him, and it is for these reasons that it’s good advice. He’s able to pretend so well, and he can convince almost anyone to do anything. The problem is I do trust him. I always thought trust was something you could logically control, but it’s not. I know I shouldn’t put my trust in him, but it happens naturally. I couldn’t stop it if I wanted to.
He’s let me in past his facade more than once, and I don’t know if that’s just a part of his game. Show me a little of himself in order to gain his trust, but somehow I don’t think so. I don’t think that’s a part of himself he’s willing to give up for a game. I don’t think he even meant to give it to me, but now that he has, it’s like fuel that keeps fanning this flame between us, only getting stronger as we are together more.
Or maybe I’m just drunk. Who knows
I walk up to him and smile. “Hi stranger.”
He goes to reach for me, but I step back. He gives me a funny look, and I try to shrug it off. “Maybe we can be a little more discreet. Apparently people are already talking.”
He smiles back. “Oh did I forget to mention I have a 24 hour fan club? The whole office will know our business by Monday.”
I narrow my eyes back at him. “Oh well, in that case, I guess our business here is done.” I turn on my heel to walk away, but he wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me back against his chest.
“Don’t even think about it.” He growls in my ear.
The ca
r pulls up just then, so I pull away from him and check my surroundings before getting into the car with him. Dancing with him is one thing, but if people found out I went home with him? Yeah, no thank you.
The car pulls away from the hotel, and before we are even around the block, Sawyer reaches over and cups my jaw and slams his mouth to mine. I kiss him back until I remember we are in the back of someone’s car. I pull back slightly so our foreheads are still leaning up against each other’s. “What was that?” I ask.
His mouth twitches up on one side. “I couldn't stop thinking about your mouth. You drive me insane.”
This time when he presses his mouth back to mine, I don’t stop him. That is until he started getting handsy too. “Sawyer!” I whisper-shout.
I move right up to his ear. “You’ve waited this long. I think you can survive ten more minutes.”
He looks at me like I’m crazy, but then he leans back in his seat again, only this time he pulls me up next to him. I curl up into him, and he wraps his arm around my shoulder. It’s been a long day, and it is hitting me all at once. I feel my eyes fluttering shut as the hum of the car relaxes me.
I must have actually dozed off a little because Sawyer has to shake me when the car pulls up to his house. I thank the driver and step out of the car. “You better give him an extra tip.” I say as I struggle to walk up to the house.
Sawyer wraps his arms around me from behind as he unlocks the front door. We shuffle inside, and he kisses down my neck as we walk over toward the bedroom. He turns me around and kisses my mouth when we reach the bed. I fall back down on it, and he climbs on top of me.
He reaches behind me and pulls the zipper down on my dress. I let the straps fall to the side as he kisses his way back down my neck and over my chest. I reach forward and unbutton his dress shirt, and he throws it to the side.
I gently run my fingers down his chest and giggle. “You’re really pretty.”
He pulls my dress down further and kisses on my stomach. “You’re really pretty too.”
I relax back into the bed as his lips continue to travel over me. “Were your parents really pretty too? Or did the mix of the two just miraculously create this masterpiece?”
He grunts a laugh. “I don’t know. I don’t remember them.”
His voice changed when he talked about his parents, so I decide to drop the subject for now. I close my eyes again and focus on the feeling of Sawyer’s lips and hands on my body. My whole body completely relaxes.
“Blake.” I hear. My eyes pop open, and I’m staring back at Sawyer. It takes me a second to understand what’s happening.
He lets out a disbelieving laugh. “Did you just fall asleep on me?”
I squirm and groan. “Don’t stop. It feels nice.”
He laughs again. “I know you are trying to knock my ego down a few notches, but sleeping mid-fuck? Really?”
He lifts my body slightly and throws a t-shirt over my head. When did he leave the bed to grab this? I really must’ve fallen fully asleep. I fall back down and blink a couple times at his smirking face.
“Sorry.” I say, not sounding sorry at all.
He rolls his eyes and lays down next to me, pulling the covers over us both. He pulls me back against his chest and kisses on my shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you make it up to me.”
I mumble almost incoherently. “Oh? Back to morning fucks again? We’ll see if you don’t bail.”
He bites down on my earlobe. “We’re in my bed silly. Where am I going to go?”
I mumble a sound, and then I let the darkness take over. I drift off to sleep perfectly at peace.
Chapter 14
I don’t know where I am when I wake up. What’s that noise? My doorbell doesn’t sound like that. I stretch my arms over my head as I slowly peek my eyes open. I take a look around the room, and then it finally hits me. Sawyer. I’m in Sawyer’s bed.
I whip my head to the side, but the bed is empty. What the actual fuck? Did he seriously bail?
I place my feet on the floor and stretch one more time. That’s when I smell the food. Is he cooking? I stand up and start walking toward the door, but that’s when I hear voices talking.
“What are you doing here?” Sawyer asks someone. He doesn’t sound happy whoever it is.
“Is that the way you want to greet your only brother?” Chip says.
I smile. I like Chip. I go to open the door, but then I pause. Do I want anyone to know I’m here? It’s not like Chip knows anyone I know, but still. I decide to just listen in for a few more minutes.
Sawyer’s voice doesn’t sound any friendlier. “Why are you in town?”
Chip’s voice gets closer, so he must’ve walked into the house further. “Do I need a reason to visit? Are you cooking?”
“Yes, and a little warning would be helpful.” Sawyer responds.
“What? Like you had plans? And look, you made enough for two, so don’t mind if I do.” Chip says.
“That’s not for you.” Sawyer sounds even more annoyed.
There’s a pause between the two men. “What?” I hear Sawyer ask.
“Oh my God! Is someone here?” Chip practically yells.
“No.” Sawyer lies.
Chip doesn’t buy it. “And you’re fucking making her breakfast? Jesus! Who the fuck is this woman? Have you ever even brought a woman here before?”
I try to suppress a giggle, but before I can even react, the bedroom door is being ripped open. Sawyer yells behind Chip. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
It’s too late though because here I am standing face to face with Chip in nothing but Sawyer’s t-shirt. He opens his eyes wide like he didn’t really believe someone would be in here. “Blake?” He asks.
“Uhh...hi Chip.” I wave awkwardly.
Sawyer grabs Chip and pulls him out of the room. “Get out of here!” He yells at him. “I’ll deal with you in a minute.” Then he slams the door shut and turns and looks at me.
“Sorry about that.” He says to me.
I smile at him. “You left me alone in bed again.” I joke.
He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “I’ll get rid of him.”
I step back and smile at him. “No! I like Chip. He can stay.”
Sawyer groans. “That’s exactly why I want to get rid of him. I don’t need him here trying to steal you away.”
I laugh. “Has that happened to you before?”
He narrows his eyes. “Of course not, but you’re a strange person. Who knows what might happen.”
I laugh harder. “Asshole. You might be right. Chip has your charm but without the insults.”
Sawyer reaches forward and grabs my hip. “You little brat. You have the nerve while wearing my shirt.” He pulls me closer. “In my room. Under my roof.” His lips move up my neck to my ear. “Say his name again.” He threatens.
I let out a small laugh. “Oh you mean Chi-.”
Sawyer cuts me off with his mouth on mine. His hands squeeze my ass hard, and I laugh and push him back. “Alright! Alright! I’m sorry! It won’t happen again!”
He smirks back at me, and I smile. “Did you really make me breakfast?” I ask.
He shrugs. “I was hungry. You were here.”
I roll my eyes, and he laughs. “Get dressed. If you insist on him staying, Chip doesn’t get to look at you like this.”
I laugh. “Pretty sure he already got an eyeful.”
Sawyer’s face turns stern. “He’ll pay for that.”
He turns around and leaves and shuts the door behind him, but that doesn’t stop me from hearing everything they are saying. Sawyer yells. “You fuckwad! What the fuck is your problem?”
Chip laughs. “Sorry, I didn’t believe it. I still don’t believe it.”
Sawyer is still just as mad. “What if she were naked?”
Chips laughs. “Then it would have been my lucky day.”
“You fucking bastard!” Sawyer yells. “You look at her again
and you’ll lose your eyes!”
I turn and look around, and then I realize what the fuck am I doing? I don’t have any clothes here. I’m not putting my dress back on. I walk over to a dresser and search through the drawers. I find some basketball shorts and throw them on. This will have to do.
I walk out of the room and into the kitchen. Sawyer still looks pissed, but Chip has a huge grin on his face. He nods at me. “Sorry for the intrusion.”
I laugh and go and give him a hug. “It’s good to see you again.”
He squeezes me tight and then smiles mischievously when he steps back. “Ooo no bra.”
Sawyer stalks toward him, and I have to place my hands against his chest to stop him from full on attacking Chip. I laugh. “Relax!” I say.
Sawyer stares angrily back at Chip who is just grinning ear to ear like he is enjoying every second of this. Chip lets out a breath. “I still can’t believe Sawyer has a girlfriend.”
I open my eyes wide. “Oh! Oh no! No, that’s not what I am!”
Chip cringes his face. He looks behind me to Sawyer and his eyes soften. “Does he know that?” He nods toward Sawyer.
I whip back around and look at Sawyer. His face is just its normal neutral self, so I let out a breath of relief. I turn back toward Chip. “Yes, of course.”
He raises an eyebrow at me. “Then what are you doing here in his house? He doesn’t bring girls here, and don’t lie and say something dumb like it was platonic. Not in those clothes it wasn’t.”
I laugh. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. There was no sex here last night.”
Chip narrows his eyes. “Which means there was sex here not last night or sex somewhere else not here.”
I smirk and turn back around and start helping Sawyer scoop the food onto plates. Chip shouts behind me. “Fucking both! I knew it! Ya’ll are dating!”
Sawyer glares at him. “You’re more annoying than a real brother.”
Chip laughs. “I’m more real of a brother than anyone who’s related.”
“You’re harder to get rid of too.” Sawyer responds.
