Page 29 of Sawyer
“But I can’t pay you back.”I suddenly feel short of breath.There’s at least a thousand dollars’ worth of tires on my car.Sure, I agree I needed it, but I was saving to have them done, and I should have the money together before next winter.
His eyebrows pinch.“I don’t want you to pay me back.”
“But you can’t do that,” I say, shaking my head, not knowing what to do.
“I can.I did.”There’s that arrogance of his.Sneaking right into his tone and the nonchalant shrug.
“I’m not a charity case,” I grit out, and I see the flash of understanding wash across his face, my own face flushed with shame.God, I wish this parking lot would open up and pull me under.
He takes a step toward me, and I watch him, willing myself not to cry, but my eyes sting anyway.No one has ever done anything like this for me before.Sure, I had help from the local church when things were really bad.Tanner and a few others around town sometimes delivered groceries and things, knowing me and the kids were roughing it, and he always gave more pocket money to Kevin whenever he milked their goats or cows.But this is too much.
“Breathe, Annabelle.Just breathe.”He lifts his hand slowly and cups my jaw, his calming voice unexpected but having the desired effect as I slow my breathing.
“You know, I thought about sending you some flowers, maybe a box of chocolates to say thank you for dinner.There are these nice chocolates from the city… I thought about flying them in for you.”His thumb brushes against my jaw, and I swallow against the movement.It’s so soft I almost cry.Flying in chocolates, who does that?“But then, I thought about how you are surrounded by big, beautiful roses and lavender at home, so flowers and chocolates may not hit the mark with you.”
I bite my lip, unsure where he’s going with this.“You don’t have to buy me anything.”
“I’m trying to sweep you off your feet a little here, Annabelle…” he murmurs with a little smirk as his other hand reaches for mine.My heart rate escalates at his admission, and I take in a shaky breath, feeling unsure yet somewhat happy that the connection I feel between us isn’t one-sided.
“It was just roast chicken.”I know he probably eats at the fanciest restaurants and has had the most amazing meals.
“It wasn’t the chicken, although that was delicious.It was you.So when I heard that you had a flat tire, I wanted to do something to say thank you for having me in your home and welcoming me to your dinner table.”
I can barely breathe.“Sawyer, I… It’s too much…” I start to shake my head.Declining help is my usual response whenever it’s offered.
“Tires are on and there are no takebacks.”His hand holds mine tight, entwining our fingers, and I let him, knowing I probably shouldn’t.I’m a single mom, living on the outskirts of Whispers, but it has been a long time since a man touched me, and I really, really like it.
I take a moment to look him over.He’s wearing his signature black suit and a crisp white shirt, but his expression is different.Not as hard-set as it was when I first met him a few weeks ago.His eyes sparkle with kindness, like the shield he wore has completely dissolved.
“Thank you.For the tires…” I know the words are not enough, but I’m unsure what else to say.My heart races as his thumb strums patterns onto my palm.His continual soothing touch completely puts me at ease.
“You are very welcome.”He smiles as he lowers his hand from my jaw.
“So you’re in town for the week?”I thought he would already be back in the city after being here for the weekend.
“Flying out tonight, and I’ll be back on Wednesday.”
“The work never stops, I guess.”He works just as hard as I do, just in a luxurious office, not on a dusty farm with ghosts.
“Why didn’t you call me?”
I think back to this morning and how I almost did.I swallow past the lump in my throat before I answer.
“I'm no damsel, Sawyer.”Regardless of what he thinks of me, I can take care of myself.“Maybe you don’t come across strong women in the city, but out here, we’re bred a little differently.I don’t need a man to hold my hand or keep me safe at night.”
“I’m not trying to insult you.I know you work hard and are capable.I just want you to know there are people who will help you if you are willing to accept that help.”
I huff a laugh at the ridiculousness of this conversation.“People?”Having people help me is mortifying.I’m still mentally trying to figure out how I can save enough money to pay him back for these tires.
“Me.”
The sincerity in his tone, the way he’s looking at me, emotions start to build all over again.
“You don’t even really know me.”I breathe out the words.I don’t trust easily.My gut is telling me that this guy is someone I can trust, yet my head is forcing that option away.The internal struggle going on inside of me is terrifying and exhausting.I try to think about what he’s saying, what he means.I haven’t had to navigate men or dating.It’s hard to know if he's flirting or being serious.
“I know enough to want to know more.”I squeeze my eyes shut, and he squeezes my hand again.I can’t break down in front of him.I pull in a breath, open my eyes, and smile.
“Then you will know that I will pay you back every penny these tires cost,” I tell him adamantly, and he grins like I humor him.
