Page 33 of Sweet Temptation (Men of Honor 2)
Sawyer moves behind me again and places a kiss on the side of my head, lettin’ me know it’s all right. Wrapping his strong arms around mine once again, he locks up both our stances and places his finger over the trigger with my own. Then suddenly the gun is going off.
The first time, I flinch, but Sawyer has a tight hold so it doesn’t affect our aim. The more we shoot, the more comfortable I begin to feel. After five additional shots, Sawyer reloads then hands me back the gun. I take it with a little more confidence, and he stands behind me again but doesn’t help.
I aim at the target, doing exactly what Sawyer told me to, and lock my stance. Staring at the piece of paper in front of me I start to feel nervous again, but then an image of Miguel pops into my head and replaces the paper. I picture those dark malicious eyes that stole my mother’s last breath and I just go for it. The first shot I stumble back a bit, but quickly regain my footing and lock my stance up tighter. I continue my shots consecutively and hit the paper every time until my clip is empty.
I stand there for a stunned second and stare at my target, feelin’ a confidence I haven’t felt since Mama. A huge smile breaks over my face and I turn around to see a matching one on Sawyer’s, “Oh my god, Sawyer, did you see that? I shot that shit up.”
He bursts out laughing and I launch myself at him in excitement. “This is so darn excitin’. I can’t believe how badass I just was. Anybody who thinks about messin’ with me better think twice now.”
Okay maybe that’s a little overboard but still this is a big deal to me.
Sawyer chuckles again, “Yeah, baby, you did real good. I’m proud of you, Grace.”
My throat clogs with emotion from his praise. I squeeze him tighter and bury my face into his neck. “Thank you, Sawyer, for teachin’ me this. You’ll never know what it means to me. I haven’t felt safe in a long time.”
He keeps me close. “I promise you, Grace, you’re safe now. I’ll always protect you, no matter what.”
And for the first time in three years, I really do feel safe. Probably even safer than when it was just Mama and I, because I believed Sawyer with every fiber of my being. I believe he will never let anyone hurt me again.
Later that evening, after supper, I’m in the back of the diner talking with Mac about my schedule. I narrow my eyes suspiciously at him, “Sawyer put you up to this, didn’t he?”
Maybe that’s why he was actin’ weird at supper; we had such a great day together, and then, while we were eating, he seemed upset about somethin’.
I can tell by Mac’s expression I’m right. “Now don’t go getting’ all mad, you stubborn girl. Sawyer may have brought it up with me, but I had already thought about it, and it’s my decision.”
I shake my head, “I can’t, Mac. I appreciate what you’re tryin’ to do, but I can’t accept paychecks when I’m not workin’, it ain’t right. Why don’t we just cut down my shifts a little?”
“You’re still working, darlin’, you’re just doing it from home.”
I roll my eyes, “My pies ain’t worth what you’re trying to pay me.”
“The hell they aren’t.” He mumbles, “Listen, you’re going to accept this, Grace. I need you to worry about yourself right now. I can’t have anything happen to you, it would break my heart.”
My throat becomes tight at his sweet words. Mac walks over and wraps me in one of his famous bear hugs. “You have people who love and care about you, darlin’, let us help you.”
“I love you too, Mac,” I choke out, “what are you gonna do for help?”
“Don’t worry about us. Shelly is doing better now, and Ruby said she would come help out. I also have another interview tomorrow.”
“Hopefully they catch him soon.”
“I hope the son of a bitch comes in here. I’ll fry the mother fucker’s ass right there on that grill,” he seethes, pointin’ his flipper at the big sizzlin’ grill.
I chuckle at the image and hug him tighter. “Thanks, Mac, for everythin’. One of the best things that ever happened to me was meetin’ you.”
“Me too, girl. You’re like the daughter I never had.” Ok now that makes me blubber. I wish Mac could have been my father, although if he were, he would have never left Mama or me.
He steps back a minute later. “Now go on and get out of here. Don’t keep Sawyer waiting too long. I’ll see you tomorrow when you bring in your pies.”
I give him a quick kiss on the cheek, then walk out with a smile on my face that dies quickly when I see Sawyer leaning against the counter, with Jenny glued to his arm.
Rage, jealousy and a sick feeling hits my stomach. I try to breathe through it, not wantin’ to let her get to me. Sawyer doesn’t see me, since his back is to me, but I can tell he’s upset at whatever he and Jenny are talkin’ about.
She looks over at me smugly, and that’s when Sawyer turns around to see me.
“You ready to go?” he asks, walking away without a second glance at her. That should make me feel better, but it doesn’t. Damn I hate feelin’ this way, and I hate that I can’t get her stupid moans out of my head.
“Yup!” I try to sound disinterested but I’m pretty sure I snapped. I walk out the door before Sawyer and wait at his truck. He walks out a few seconds later. I climb in before he can come help me and slam the door.
Damn! Stop bein’ so petty, Grace!
I try, I really do, but it just ain’t happenin’ because those stupid moans are fillin’ my head.
I feel Sawyer watch me as he pulls away, and I’m thankful it’s dark out so he can’t see how upset I am.
