Page 122 of The Rest is History

“My father used to say this place is too small for him. Sometimes, I wonder when you’ll start missing the big city.”

I laugh. “If I miss the city, I’ll save up and go and see the city. And I’ll drag your ass with me.”

He looks at me like the option never occurred to him. “Yeah. I guess we could do that.”

I laugh harder. “You’re so cute when you think I’m going to leave you. I love—”

The universe and all its stars and comets and cosmic dust pause, and I have nowhere to hide.

Sawyer’s eyes bore into me. My heart leaps into my throat and I can no longer breathe. He holds my gaze, refusing to release me from this moment I’ve created between us. Nothing moves and nothing exists.

“I mean—”

His lips tick upward. An ever-so-slight smile. “Oh, baby. I’ve got you now,” he murmurs. His gaze drops to my lips, and then quickly back up to fuse back with mine.

His eyes have darkened like they do when we’re having sex, hooded and so fucking sexy. I open my mouth to say something – I don’t know what – but Sawyer hops off the tailgate. Pushing his palm against my chest, he grumbles, “I think I need a new job. I can’t work with you. You’re too cute.” And then he walks away.

“W-what?” I sputter. What’s happening? I didn’t confess my love for this man to his face half a second ago. Did I? I only half said it. Maybe I was going to say I love his sense of humor.

Fuck. My face feels like the sun exploded on it.

Sawyer stops and turns. “What’s wrong, baby? You look like a ripe tomato.”

He walks back to me. “Nothing has ever turned me on as much as what came out of your mouth just now. Even if it was half said, I know what you meant to say, and if I have to tell you what I think about that I’ll have to also fuck you in this truck right this fucking minute.”

I suck in a breath. Fuck.

Then, when he turns away again, I grab his wrist because I – I just don’t want to let him go.

His gaze warms, and he answers a question I can’t ask. “Fuck, Reece. Me too. All this time, baby. Maybe even right from the start.”

Chapter 59

Asher

The bed situation needs some work. Sawyer isn’t allowed in the middle because he’s too big, and the bedding moves with him when he moves. I end up in the middle sometimes, but Reece gets the middle spot most nights. It’s just easier that way.

Now, he’s wrapped up in Sawyer’s arms, his face buried inside his chest.

I reach behind me to the nightstand for my phone, sleep evading me these last few nights. 2:30 a.m. It’s not likely I’ll go back to sleep.

Reece stirs. I pull him into my arms as he turns to me, mumbling something I can’t make out. “Shh, it’s still early. Go back to sleep,” I whisper. He settles down, laying his head on my chest.

Sawyer moves in his sleep, molding his body around Reece’s back and slipping his arms around his waist. Reece snuggles closer to me, and I turn fully to him, touching my fingers to his hair, pushing some strands away from his eyes. He’s worth it. He’s worth all this shit with the school district.

Everyone has their opinion and will exercise their right to judge us whether we like it or not. Still, when I go into town for some supplies later in the morning, after Sawyer and Reece have left for work, I can’t help but feel the judgment. Maybe the stares from folks around town aren’t for me, but I feel them, nonetheless.

Inside the General Store, I avoid Deliah because she’ll just act like she was doing me a favor the whole time, trying to keep me on the straight path or whatever. I grab some vegetables, butter and chicken wings, and manage to escape without anyone asking any questions.

Next, I stop at Dotty’s for a few apple pies.

“You know how this town is, Asher,” Dotty says. “Split down the middle when it comes to these things. And if you ask me, they’re just using you as an example for the election campaign. You know how it is.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“I’m glad you stood your ground, though. I don’t see what the problem is if it’s not hurtin’ anyone. I’m sure it’s all gonna work out just fine. You’ll be back in time for the championships, and we’ll all celebrate at Al’s Diner like always. You stay positive, alright, honey?”

“Thanks, Dotty. I think I really needed to hear that.”

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