Page 15 of Branded

I glance over my shoulder to see Isaac walking, pushing a grocery cart while an elderly woman rides in a motorized chair beside him.

“Why yes I do. I’m not getting any younger. I have to shoot my shot every chance I get.”

“Shoot your shot?” He laughs. “Where did you hear that?”

It’s so difficult not to eavesdrop, because it’s not every day you see a hulk of a man helping a very small old lady grocery shop.

He’s casual today, in a simple tee and blue jeans. His hair is mussed up in thatI just rolled out of bed waythat works so well for some men. He looks so good it hurts.

I make my bread selection then push my cart forward, trying to sneak away without him seeing me, but my name on his lips stops me.

“Sawyer?”

I turn slowly then try to act surprised to see him, like I had not been staring at him only moments before.

“Isaac?”

“I’m starting to think you’re the one doing the stalking here.” He tilts his head just a bit and gives me that sideways grin.

“I was about to say the same thing to you.”

I’m suddenly very aware of the cool air from the A/C on my heated skin.

Maybe the maxi dress was a bad idea.

“Doing some grocery shopping?” He shoves his hands into his pockets.

“That is what supermarkets are for.” I smile so he knows I’m teasing.

“Fair enough.”

“What are you doing here?” I ask him.

He motions over his shoulder to the older woman in the motorized chair, who is chatting away with one of the store clerks a few feet back.

“I bring my grandmother grocery shopping once a week. That’s her over there. She doesn’t meet a stranger, so she is chatting away.”

“That’s really sweet of you.”

“It’s the least I can do. She’s a handful sometimes, but she’s the best.”

As if she can sense she is being discussed, his grandmother comes toward us and stops just beside her grandson.

“That Paul is always such a sweetheart.” She reaches out and pats Isaac on the arm.

She is so small with crisp, snow-white hair and glasses. She is wearing an all baby blue tracksuit and black tennis shoes. She’s completely adorable.

“You just like flirting with him.”

“I do. I do.” Her eyes move to me. “Hello, there. It seems my grandson has forgotten his manners.” She reaches out to shake my hand. “I’m Jean.”

“He’s a man. He can be forgiven.” I smile and place my hand in hers to shake. “I’m Sawyer.”

“You didn’t even give me chance, Grams.” He chuckles. “And I take offense to that man comment.”

“Sawyer. What a unique and lovely name.”

“Thank you,” I tell her. “I’m named after my grandmother. It was her maiden name.”

---