Page 36 of Resisting Temptation (Men of Honor 3)
“I do. It’s one of my favorites, and you’re right, it does look like that.”
A minute later, Ruth Jean’s eyes light up when Grace walks over with two giant pieces of chocolate cream pie. “Here ya go, ladies. It’s on the house.”
“Oh no. That’s okay, Grace. I will pay for it.”
She waves me away, “Nonsense. Consider it a welcome gift. I hope you like it. This is one of my favorite recipes from my mama, it’s called Grace’s First Kiss Pie.” Ruth Jean giggles at the name, which makes Grace and me do the same. An older man pokes his head out from the kitchen and shouts for Grace. She excuses herself then tells the waitress to bring us some drinks.
Ruth Jean and I devour our pie and moan over every bite. I must agree with all the hype, this is seriously the best pie I have ever had, and my mom is no slouch in the kitchen.
As we are eating, Ruth Jean opens up and shares a little bit more about herself. She tells me her and Christopher moved here from Columbia just over a year ago. She doesn’t say what brought them here, but I assume she either doesn’t want to tell me or she doesn’t know. I’d be lying if I said didn’t want to delve deeper into her and Christopher’s life. I’m even more concerned after hearing about their father, but I would never pry it out of her. I will have to wait and hope that Christopher will open up to me one day soon.
As I listen to her start to tell me a list of all her favorite foods, I notice two people walk into the bakery out of the corner of my eye. I know who it is before I even look over, because my heart starts to beat faster and the room suddenly feels smaller.
Glancing over, I watch Sawyer laugh at something Cade shoves him for. My gaze instantly focuses only on Cade and I take everything in about him. From his loose, black athletic pants to his fitted red t-shirt that stretches across his lean, muscular form in all the right places, showcasing only some of the tattoos that I know he bares. His messy, dark hair peeks out from under the black beanie I’ve seen him wear the last few times I’ve run into him, and I have to admit, it suits him.
He looks just as strong and beautiful as always, and for the second time in two years, feelings begin to warm inside of me. Ones I never thought I would ever feel again and that only he is capable of making me feel: awareness and desire.
Both men falter in surprise when they spot me. Sawyer’s easy smile returns quickly but Cade’s expression is hard to read, as usual. I swallow nervously and hope he meant what he said the other day and that he’s okay with me being here. They start over to our table and I watch them both eye Ruth Jean curiously.
“How’s it going, Country? Good to see you again,” Sawyer greets me easily. It’s the first time I have seen him since the gym, and the use of the nickname he gave me that one night so long ago has me relaxing a little.
“Hi, Sawyer. It’s good to see you too.”
I glance at Cade to see him scowling at Sawyer. “Hi,” my acknowledgement comes out a little quieter than I intended it to.
His expression softens when he looks down at me. “Hey, Red.”
Goosebumps break out across my skin at the sound of his deep, smooth voice, and I pray to God he doesn’t notice my reaction. But considering I’m in a tank top, I’m sure everyone does.
“And who’s this pretty girl?” Sawyer asks, breaking the sudden tension while looking down at Ruth Jean.
I instantly feel guilty that I was so caught up in my emotions that I forgot to introduce her. I have to bite back a smile at the expression on her face. Her head is craned all the way back, her big, blue eyes are as wide as saucers and her mouth hangs open while she gapes at both men.
“This lovely girl is my friend, Ruth Jean. Ruth Jean, this is my…” I pause knowing friends isn’t the right word, “um, Sawyer and Cade.” Oh God! I close my eyes briefly when I realize how that sounded. Thankfully, no one calls notice to it.
Sawyer gives her a charming smile then extends his hand. “Ruth Jean? That’s… different.”
Snapping out of her trance, Ruth Jean pushes her glasses up on her nose then takes his hand. “I know, it’s a tewwible name. I didn’t choose it.”
Sawyer’s eyes flash with surprise and amusement, but he recovers quickly. “Ah, don’t worry about it,” he replies, chucking her under the chin with his fist. “Your pretty face makes up for it.”
Her cheeks turn pink as she beams up at him from the compliment. “Tanks.” Moving her gaze over to Cade next, her smile vanishes as she takes in the tattoos on his arm, before craning her head all the way back to look at his face. Her mouth falls open and her eyes go wide again.
He doesn’t offer her a smile, which I didn’t expect him to, but he gives her a small nod. “Hey, kid.”
She gulps loud enough for everyone to hear. “Hi.” I watch Cade shift uncomfortably as Ruth Jean continues to stare.
Sawyer takes pity on him and calls her attention back to him. “So what do you think of my woman’s pies? Pretty darn good, aren’t they?”
“Gwace is yowr woman?”
He grins proudly and stands a little taller. “She sure is. I’m pretty lucky, aren’t I?”
She tilts her head inquisitively. “So is dis pie named after you? Was you her fwirst tiss?”
Sawyer’s easy grin disappears and a scowl forms on his face. I glance at Cade, to see him watching with amusement while he waits for him to answer. “I’m the only one who matters, kid,” he replies before scanning the room. “Where is my Cupcake anyway?”
