by Jenna Jacob
Sawyer yanked the garage door open and flipped on the light. “Yeah.”
With arched brows, Colton bit out his next question. “Did you two—”
“Have sex? Not that it’s any of your business, but no. Emmett…fucking blew that prospect away as well.”
He watched Colton’s jaw clench and tick. The air between them turned arctic. “Look, if there’s some reason I should back the fuck off…I’m all ears.”
Colton pursed his lips. “Not my place to tell you her secrets, man.”
“Fair enough, but you obviously have an issue with my interest in her. Who are you protecting…me or her? And why the fuck was she in jail?”
Colton’s mouth fell open. “She told you about that?”
“No. I overheard the two of you on the deck earlier tonight.”
“Ah.” Colton nodded.
“When I asked her about it, she didn’t answer. So now I’m asking you.”
“If she doesn’t want to tell you, then—”
“Dammit, Colton. What the hell did she do?”
“She didn’t do anything,” he spat. “The only thing she’s guilty of is getting mixed up with another douchebag who treated her like shit and tried to throw her under the bus. But he didn’t succeed. She’s free and clear… They never even brought up any charges against her.”
“Charges for what exactly?”
“When she’s ready, she’ll tell you.”
“Is this douche the reason she’s put that fucking man ban in place?”
“One of them.”
“One? How many—”
Colton raised his hand. “Unless you want me telling her your secrets, don’t keep pressing me for hers. Ask her yourself.”
“Go ahead. Tell her anything you want about me.” Sawyer shrugged. “The whole town knows all my shit, anyway.”
“But they don’t know hers, and I want to keep it that way.”
Sawyer pinned him with a glare. “I’m not part of the gossip guild, and you damn well know it.”
“True. Up to tonight your private life has been… How long have you been getting kinky with the twisted sisters?” A cunning smile spread across Colton’s mouth. “Maybe you really don’t want Brea finding everything out after all.”
“She’s not stupid. I’m sure she figured it out, just like you did.”
“No, she’s not, which makes me wonder why she was still willing to take you to her bedroom after all that. You must be one smooth-talkin’ son of a bitch. Most women would’ve kicked you in the nuts and put a curse on your dick…made it shrivel up and fall off.”
“Brea’s not like other women,” Sawyer whispered.
“No. She’s not. She wants to find the good in everyone and believe that she’ll eventually hook up with a man with equally good intentions. Problem is, the guys she finds wouldn’t know a good intention from a sack of shit.”
“So she took me upstairs—”
“Because she’s still searching for Mr. Right.” A grim expression settled over Colton’s face. “I love you like a brother, man…but we both know…you’re not him. I won’t sit by and watch her go down in flames again. If you’re just looking for another piece of ass, I’ll tell her what you’re up to. She’ll shut you down faster than the health department in a burger joint swarming with cockroaches. Got it?”
Bristling, Sawyer opened his mouth to tell his well-meaning friend to go fuck himself. But Nash’s words exploded in his head: I should have left well enough alone instead of listening to your piss poor advice. Then right on their heels were Nate’s angry words: You have no right to decide what I do or who I do it with, you interfering prick.
There wasn’t an ounce of comfort being on the receiving end of a meddling asswipe and his good intentions.
Swallowing back his rage, Sawyer held out the other end of the plywood to Colton. The man could bitch and lecture all he wanted. Sawyer had no intention of turning his back on Brea. “Let’s get that window boarded up. I don’t like the idea of someone watching her.”
“You never answered me,” Colton pressed.
“No. I didn’t.” Sawyer clenched his jaw and hoisted the sheet of wood against his shoulder.
“Fuck!” Colton mumbled under his breath and lifted the other end.
“Tell me one more thing. Where’s this douche-canoe who sent her to jail?”
“Hopefully, still behind bars. I’ll find out in the morning.”
“If he’s out, I’d appreciate a name and a description. I want her to stay safe.”
“In or out of bed?” Colton jabbed.
Sawyer clenched his hands into fists. “Look, I’m not purposely trying to piss in your Wheaties. I know she’s a little damaged. Christ, bro, do you think I’m blind? But I’m not backing off just because you want me to.”
“Why not?”
“Because…Brea is different… She’s special.”
“You wouldn’t know special if she was on her knees sucking your cock.”
“Climb down from your cross, motherfucker. You and I are cut from the same cloth, or did you forget? You stood right next to me when I kicked the triplets out of the hot tub and sent them home. So shove your sanctimonious, disapproving father bullshit up your ass.”
Colton shrugged. “Maybe you sent them home so you could sink your teeth into some fresh meat.”
A blinding red rage engulfed him. “You cocksucking motherfucker! How would you like it if I referred to Jade as fresh meat?”
Colton’s nostrils flared.
“Exactly! You have no goddamn clue what I feel for Brea, so back the fuck off.”
“Do you hear yourself? You’ve known her…what? Two whole days?”
“It wouldn’t matter if I’d known her two minutes. It changes nothing.”
The adamant tone of his voice and words shocked Sawyer more than the look of disbelief crawling over Colton’s face.
“What the… Are you trying to say you’re in love with her?”
CHAPTER EIGHT
“I…I don’t…know,” Sawyer mumbled. “All I know is that Brea is different and unique.”
“That’s right.” Colton moved in until they stood toe-to-toe. “She doesn’t need another man fucking her over. What she needs is someone to love her. If you’re not willing to do that, then keep playing hide the salami with Sylvia, Gretchen, and Annette. Or beat the priest, alone in your room. Just leave Brea alone. Got it?”
“I got it. You tell me again and I’ll break your goddamn face,” Sawyer barked.
His defiant Grayson gene came roaring to the surface. Things were about to run ugly. Colton’s ultimatum ignited a living, breathing hot rage within. Sawyer knew exactly why Nash had made a mess of things with Megan—why Nate had unleashed his hurtful words, as well.
It was time for Sawyer to break open the bottle of honesty and stow away his pride. He’d likely ruin the friendship between him and Colton.
No. He wasn’t in love with Brea, but Sawyer’s feelings ran deeper than heavy like. She fascinated and aroused him. Colton’s desire to protect her wasn’t out of line. If the roles were reversed, Sawyer would do anything to protect her from one more dick-weed who might break her heart. He’d suffer a million root canals without Novocain before he’d bring an ounce of pain into her life. Sawyer wanted to heal her, and maybe along the way…if he was lucky, he’d heal himself, too.
“You’ll need a goddamn army!” Colton challenged.
“Look, man. I don’t want to hurt her any more than I want to fight you. Let’s get that window boarded up. We both have to work in the morning.”
And you’re taking Brea with you.
Sawyer still saw the excitement dancing in her eyes when he’d invited her to the ranch. Colton was right; Sawyer needed to slow this out-of-control wagon down. But he couldn’t very well un-invite her…he didn’t want to. The more time he spent with Brea, the stronger his attraction grew, and he liked it.
The two men carried the plywood to the front
of Barbara’s house. Sawyer could hear the women inside laughing, and he caught himself grinning. But the thought of someone stalking her, possibly wanting to hurt her or take away her bubbly spirit, sent him into cave-man mode.
Easy, Hercules! Remember what Colton said? She needs someone to love her.
Which he didn’t.
Yes, he cared for her more than he should…more than he wanted, but the idea of falling in love again squeezed Sawyer’s heart like a fist.
After securing the plywood, he and Colton cleaned up the glass.
“Would you hardworking men like a cold beer? There’s a couple left in the fridge.”
Sawyer turned to find Brea standing at the edge of the living room. Her panic was gone, but he could see tendrils of uneasiness still lingered. He wanted to wrap her in his arms, take away her anxiety, and lose himself in her sweet kisses. The ghost of her luscious curves pressed against him haunted his flesh. So did the salty essence of her skin on his tongue and her taut nipples on the tips of his fingers. But most of all, the scent of her heady, intoxicating pussy still branded in his brain made him want to mark her with his seed in every primitive and animalistic way.
She’s still searching for Mr. Right…but we both know…you’re not him.
Colton’s words resonated in Sawyer’s head. He swallowed a growl of frustration and flashed her a quick smile. “No thanks, I’m good.”
She quickly banked the ripple of rejection that fluttered across her face. He wouldn’t have even noticed had Colton not shared a few of Brea’s secrets.
“None here. We’re done,” Colton announced. “I’ll come over in the morning and start patching up the drywall…order a new pane of glass. We’ll get everything back to normal.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you two doing all this.” Brea nodded toward the plywood. “I wouldn’t have slept a wink if that were left gaping open.”
“No problem. I like working with my hands.” Even as the words slid past Sawyer’s lips, he wanted to call them back. Especially when a beet-red blush crawled up Brea’s chest and settled on her cheeks.
“I think the ladies in the hot tub were hoping for more skills than just your hands,” Jade drawled with a sassy, smartassed smirk.
Brea forced a smile that resembled pain.
Sawyer groaned. “For the last time, they just…showed up.”
“Gives new meaning to meals on wheels, doesn’t it?” Brea’s zinger hit his heart like a bull’s-eye.
Clenching his jaw, he didn’t want her jealous or loathing him. He wanted her trust.
“All right…all right. You’ve busted the man’s balls enough for one night, ladies,” Colton intervened, holding up his hands. “Are you ready to head back to the ranch, my little troublemaker?”
Jade gaped at him in feigned innocence before a devious smile crawled across her lips. “If you suggest me putting on that bikini again, I’ll show you trouble.”
“Just remember, my tigress. I have rope and I’m not afraid to use it.” Colton winked.
“All right. All you perverts…out!” Brea ordered with a chuckle.
Sawyer hung back after Colton and Jade headed to their truck. He dropped his lips close to her ear. “All the perverts?”
He didn’t miss the shiver that rippled through her.
Brea inhaled and paused as if weighing his question. “Yes. Every last one of them.”
Deep down, Sawyer knew it was for the best, but he couldn’t keep from wanting her. The woman was like a drug.
“I guess,” she began timidly, “since Colton’s coming by tomorrow, I’ll need to take a rain check on helping out at the ranch.”
Her palpable disappointment made Sawyer frown, but he lifted his shoulder with a careless shrug. “It’s okay. Come with me the day after.”
“We’ll see.”
She was shutting down…closing doors in his face. He didn’t like it. “If you see or hear anything suspicious, call me. Day or night. Barbara left you my number, right?”
“Yes.” Brea nodded. “If Emmett decides to take out another window, I’ll call.”
He sent her a scolding glare.
“You’ll call if you get scared. In fact, give me your number in case I need to get ahold of you.” Sawyer pulled out his cell, storing her number as Brea rattled it off. “I’m serious. If you hear so much as a mouse fart, call me.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip and nodded.
God, how he ached to latch on to that that plump flesh, pull it beneath his own teeth and feast until she whimpered. Instead, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.
“Good night, Brea.
“Night.”
Sawyer felt her gaze burn into his back all the way across the yard. He put one foot in front of the other, but every cell in his body protested. The last thing he wanted was to go crawl inside his cold, empty bed. He’d much rather crawl inside her sinful body and stay up all night giving her dozens of screaming O’s. But Colton had made it clear, Brea needed more…needed the thing Sawyer couldn’t give her…love.
Trudging up the stairs to his room, Sawyer cursed the pricks who’d broken her heart. Steering clear of his bed, he stripped off his clothes and stepped into a pair of shorts, then moved a chair toward the window. Yes, he’d be as useless as tits on a boar at work tomorrow, but he’d survive. A little sleep deprivation wouldn’t kill him as long as he knew his girl remained safe all night.
Your girl?
“I’m so fucked!” he drawled woefully.
Refusing to dissect the Freudian slip, he opened his window and took a seat on the chair. While he didn’t have a clear angle of the backyard, Sawyer would be able to see if Bigfoot or the peeping prick stepped foot at the front of the house. Easing back, he began implementing his own style of covert stalking.
Night sounds of crickets, bullfrogs, and an occasional owl surrounded him as humanity fell silent. Four hours later, he glanced at the clock and scrubbed a hand over his face. Several blocks away, he heard the faint sound of a dog barking and straightened in his chair. He craned his neck as he slowly scanned Barbara’s yard and front porch. The only things moving were the leaves on the trees. All appeared quiet, but the uneasiness inside him still stirred.
Sunlight warmed his face and jolted him awake. Blinking, Sawyer backed away from the blinding rays, cursing himself for falling asleep. He rolled his shoulders to work out the kink in his neck. Thankfully, he’d not dreamed about Brea, because his jeans weren’t stuck to his crotch in a gooey mess.
“Get inside, you wild beast, and I’ll fill your bowl with kibble.”
Though he couldn’t see her, the sound of Brea’s voice made him smile. Ozzie scampered across the yard toward the deck, and Sawyer blew out a sigh of relief. The woman next door was alive and well. Making his way to the bathroom, he showered and readied for work. By six twenty-five, he was pulling out of the garage.
Next door on the wide white porch, Brea stood, hands on her hips and brows arched.
“Everything okay?” Sawyer called to her.
She nodded and smirked. “You forgot about breakfast, didn’t you?”
Fuck!
He had and felt like an idiot.
“No,” he lied and turned off the motor and climbed out of the truck.
She rolled her eyes, saying without words what Sawyer already knew.
He was… busted!
Inwardly dragging out the backhoe, he was prepared to do whatever it took to dig himself out. Still, if he wanted to gain her trust, he needed to be honest.
“Actually, yes. I did,” he confessed sheepishly. “I figured since you weren’t able to come to work with me, the offer might not still be on the table.”
“It is on the table…all of it.” Brea giggled. “Inside, mister. I’ve been slaving over a hot stove all morning. You stand me up, and Ozzie will have to eat it all. He’ll probably end up barfing everywhere, too.”
“Why? Are you that bad of a cook?” he teased.
She gas
ped, then sent him a mock scowl. “Bite me.”
Brea turned on her heel and stormed inside the house. Of course, he followed, unable to wipe the grin from his face. Quickly stepping up behind her, he leaned in close to her ear.
“You keep talking dirty to me, and we’ll both bypass breakfast, ’cause I’ll be devouring you instead.”
Brea’s stride faltered slightly before she corrected her gait. Her cheeks were pink when she nodded toward the table laden with pancakes, bacon, eggs, fluffy, big biscuits, three different jars of jelly, and two steaming cups of coffee sitting beside two empty plates. If he hadn’t known better, he would have sworn she’d taken cooking lessons from his mom. There was enough food to feed an army.
Sawyer let out a low whistle. “Damn, Brea. You’ve outdone yourself.”
“Thank you.” She preened as she sat down across from him. “Dig in before it gets cold.”
After loading his plate, he dove in and discovered she was as good, if not a bit better, at cooking than his mom. The old adage, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, was true. He was in love with her cooking, for sure.
Toot would have some stiff competition if Brea decided to stay and open a restaurant. But the greedy little boy inside him didn’t want to share her culinary talents with the rest of the town…or any of her other talents, for that matter.
When he drew the coffee to his lips, the heat of the mug warmed them…warmed them the same way her mouth had last night.
Don’t go there, fucker. You’ll be late for work and…
A knock at the front door pulled Sawyer from his burgeoning carnal thoughts.
Brea hopped up from her chair as Ozzie let out a bark.
“Hang on.” Sawyer stood. “Let me answer it.”
“Brea, sweetheart. It’s me,” Colton called from the porch.
“Stand down, soldier,” Brea giggled. “It’s not Bigfoot.”
“You can never be too safe.”
“In Haven? Please.”
If she was worried about a stalker, she didn’t show it. Good. He didn’t want her worrying… That was his job. But all the worry slid from his brain as he watched the seductive sway of her hips as she walked toward the door. His palms itched to touch her there, and every other warm, captivating place on her body and in her soul. But Daddy Colton had arrived and would be watching Sawyer’s every move under a parental microscope. He’d be lucky to steal a kiss before leaving. Yeah, he didn’t much like being a dog on a leash and restricted from behaving badly.
