Page 64 of How You See Me
“There are three more sisters in the middle. She decided to join the party late in my parents’ marriage.”
Mirroring his posture, I drop to my elbow and rest my hand lightly on his, hoping he won’t retreat. We’re less than a foot apart, and there’s no ignoring the rigid strain in his muscles. I’d give and do anything to bring his peace back.
“That explains so much."
“What does?”
“You’re so gentle with me, even with your big-brother protector energy and when I’m annoying you.”
“You don’t annoy me.”
“Careful, Staff Sergeant. I might take that as a challenge.”
His eyes twitch, surely imagining all the levels of annoying I could unleash. “Please don’t.”
“I knew it. Idodrive you batty.”
“Oh, you drive me something, but it isn’t crazy.” His gaze cuts to the group setting up beside us, like he regrets saying it.
“I don’t believe you. I annoy everyone.”
“No. You’re like Jordan telling his dad jokes.”
“Bad?” I give him my best tough biker chick impression, but it probably comes across more like an angry mouse.
He shakes his head. "Endearing."
The compliment shoots a Cupid’s arrow through my favorite sundress and straight into my heart. The one place I tried to keep Hayes Montgomery from entering.
“I’m sorry.” His hand slinks away as he sits up, bringing me back to the moment. “I shouldn’t have said that. I promised Jordan I would respect and protect you. Not—”
Following, I poke his shoulder with my finger, heart racing. “Don’t you ever apologize for showing your heart, Hayes. It’s your best quality.
His gaze finds mine over his shoulder, shock flaring in those dark, mysterious eyes, before fizzling out. He glances over the park. “I need a drink. Want anything?”
“I’ll get it,” I stand before he can. “You relax and enjoy the view.”
Chapter 14
Hayes
Enjoy the view,” she said. What if that view is the one I’m supposed to avoid?
Josie jogs off to catch the souvenir-slash-beverage cart, her flowy dress bouncing to reveal more of the thighs I can’t stop thinking about with every carefree stride. Her cowgirl boots are sexy enough withoutthatview, and yeah, driving me crazy. But not in the way she thinks. Whoever told her she’s too much or annoying needs a good, hard punch to the face.
It’s not just her beauty. That’s too easy. It’s what she does to me with those eyes when she laughs or sees through my defenses. It’s like she knows all my secrets and my authentic self—the person I am with my family.
She rotates my way and catches me looking. But her reaction isn’t to retreat into herself or pretend she didn’t notice me. She fucking smiles.
Resisting her will be the end of me.
For a reminder about why I’m torturing myself, I text a selfie of me with the stage in the background to Ava and Mom.
Me:Attend concert [check emoji]
Me:Melody James and Sawyer Billings. Heard of them?
Mom:Hi, honey. Ava’s sleeping.
