Page 10 of Sawyer

Her forehead shimmers with sweat. My sides hurt from laughing.

I feel my brothers watching us. I keep waiting for them to come over and say something stupid. I’m glad Wyatt isn’t here, because he’d definitely pull some shit. He made some excuse about not liking “city life” in Austin, but I know he’s too lovesick over his newly returned best friend Sally to leave Hartsville.

So yeah, Cash, Duke, and Ryder shockingly leave Ava and me alone. More than once I catch Cash smiling at us. Duke too, but he’s smiling all the time now. Makes me think he’s crushing on someone new.

Not gonna lie, feels good knowing my brothers are happy for me. I feel like I’ve caused a lot of unnecessary heartache in our family over the past few years. Ella’s mom and I decided we were better off as friends, which meant I was a single dad from day one.

I don’t regret having Ella. How could I? She’s the light of my life, and quite possibly the cutest fucking kid to ever exist. But if I could do it over again? I’d wait until I was settled down with the right person before having a baby. That way, my brothers wouldn’t have to fill in for the wife I don’t have. I’d also be able to give Ella siblings. I was one of five kids, and I loved every minute of it. Sucks knowing there’s a good chance Ella won’t have that same sense of belonging—of being known—that I did growing up.

My chest twists. I hope Ella went down okay tonight—Wyatt is staying at my house with her. She’s been an absolute bear at bedtime. The pediatrician said it’s a common enough occurrence in three-year-olds. But Lord, am I ready for her to stay in her own damn bed for more than twenty minutes at a time.

“Thirsty?”

I blink and see Ava looking up at me.

“Yeah. Another beer?” I ask.

“Sure.”

Twining her fingers through mine, she turns and bends her elbow, draping my arm over her shoulders. I keep her tucked into my side as we head for the bar. The music fades, and my heart begins to pound.

I don’t wanna mess this up. So far, I’ve managed to be decently charming. Charming enough to keep Ava around, at least. But one wrong line—one stupid joke—and she could roll her eyes and walk away.

I do not want Ava to walk away. In fact, I’d very much like her to stay. Possibly in the ridiculous suite I was upgraded to at the swanky hotel nearby.

A hand grips my heart and squeezes.

Ah.So that’s what I’m nervous about. How the hell do I ask her to come home with me? She joked that she was worried I was a serial killer. It’s been so long since I propositioned someone. Is it totally out of line to ask her if she wants to get out of here? I’m pretty sure she’s into me, but there’s a big difference between dancing with someone and going home with them.

I don’t know how this works anymore. All I do know is that I’m going to be real disappointed if the night is about to end.

I see Duke hanging out at the end of the bar. I steer Ava toward the other end of the counter, but I’m too late. Duke’s eyebrows pop up when he sees us.

Smiling, he saunters over. “Wellhey, y’all.”

Ava glances up at me. Her brows are pulled together in question.

“Ava, this is my younger brother Duke,” I explain.

Duke holds out his hand. “I’m the handsome one.”

“The cockiest for sure.” I roll my eyes.

Ava just smiles as she shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you, Duke. I see the resemblance.”

“Ava, the pleasure’s all mine. Your shirt looks much better. Did my brother get the stain?—”

“Don’t look at her shirt.” I curl my free hand into a fist, Mom’s admonishment passing through my head.Don’t punch your brother. You know how he bites.

“Jesus, since when do you growl?” Duke has a shit-eating grin on his face. “I thought that was Cash’s signature move.”

I stare him down. He stares back. Why can’t he take the hint? He needs to get gone, now.

Ava watches us, still smiling. “Tell me something, Duke.”

He tilts his head, lending her his ear. “Yes, ma’am?”

“Can you vouch for your brother?” Her eyes glint with mischief as they meet mine. “I’m a little worried he’s a serial killer.”

---