Here With Me Read online

  “Uh huh.” Her voice is sarcastic.

  “I can help you with this.” Sawyer’s deep voice behind me almost makes me drop the plate.

  “It’s okay, I’ve got it.”

  He stops me before I can continue. “I said I’ll help you.”

  My shoulders drop, and I let him take over loading the dishes into the dishwasher while I collect the rest from the table then start loading the leftovers into plastic bins. We’re quiet, listening to the other four discuss business plans and the tiramisu, which evidently isn’t as bad as my mother anticipated.

  “Where did you get this recipe?” Her voice is amazed.

  “Everyday Italian.” Noel shoves another big bite in her mouth.

  “Save some for me,” I call from the kitchen.

  They go on, and Sawyer takes the heavy cast-iron bowl from me, washing it in the sink. I lean back against the counter, watching his muscles flex beneath his black tee, which is tucked into faded jeans. My eyes drift down to that ass… and I exhale a little sigh. It’s kind of pointless to pretend I’m not still head over heels for him.

  The muscle in his scruffy jaw moves, and his eyes are focused on the task. I wish I knew what he was thinking. “Did you have a good day?”

  That makes me blink. Is he making conversation with me? I try to think of anything new at the nursing home. “It was pretty much the same as always… Oh, wait, I forgot you hate that.”

  Hazel eyes cut up to mine. “I think you misunderstood me.”

  “I’m sure I did. I don’t understand anything about you these days.” My arms are crossed, and his rejection at the pond rekindles my irritation. “You used to care.”

  He shuts off the water and puts the pot upside down on the drying rack before turning to me. “I still care.”

  The way he says it, the emotion in his eyes hits me right in the chest. My arms loosen and lower, and I want to step forward and put my arms around him when Taron enters the room.

  “I can barely move, I’m so full.” He pulls me in for a side hug. “We’d better get going if we’re getting up at six.”

  Sawyer still has my eyes captured in his, but he blinks away. “You’re right.” Stepping to the side, he waves. “Thanks for dinner. Good seeing everybody.”

  “You boys work hard. You need a good meal.” Ma walks with Noel to the kitchen.

  Deacon follows behind them. His blazer is on, and he squeezes my arm. “Let me know if you need to talk.”

  “I will.” I nod, and when I look up, I catch Sawyer’s eyes on us again from the porch.

  My stomach squeezes, but I won’t let him play me like a yo-yo. Deacon’s right. I need to make a business plan. I need to take care of myself.

  An hour later, I’m sitting at the small desk in my room thinking about everything. I’ve changed into shorts and a thin tank, and my hair is up in a messy bun.

  For whatever reason, I always think better when I write things down. I’m holding a pen, tapping it on an open notebook when a tapping starts on my window, and I nearly jump out of my skin.

  My eyes widen when I see Sawyer outside the glass. Running to my bedroom door, I lock it before crossing quickly and sliding open the window.

  “This is a switch,” I whisper, helping him over the sill. “What are you doing here?”

  His hair is messy over his eyes, and he seems agitated. He’s breathing fast, and I think I smell the faintest hint of whiskey on his breath, hot and syrupy.

  “I thought you had to get up early.”

  “I do.” He hesitates, sitting back on the edge of the sill. His eyes are down, and he looks at his palm. “Deacon seems like a good guy.”

  “He likes helping people with their finances.”

  Sawyer’s eyes flash at me. “He seems really familiar with you.”

  An edge is in his tone, and my chest tightens. I can’t decide if I’m pissed or I’m happy. “We spent a lot of time together in college.”

  “When I was gone.” His voice is low, like rolling thunder. “Is he in your business?”

  “Not yet. I haven’t decided what I want to do.” Yes, I’m taunting him.

  He stands quickly, angrily. “I don’t know what I’m doing here.”

  I race to get between him and the window. “Why did you come here?”

  His eyes are lowered, and his jaw tightens. “I don’t know.”

  “You do know. Tell me” My breath comes fast, my breasts rising and falling.

  His eyes flicker down, hunger in them. They rise to mine, and I won’t let him stop us this time. My arms go around his neck, and I kiss him hard, pushing his lips apart so I can touch his tongue with mine.

  It’s like a spark to kindling. Strong hands grip my waist, his fingers cutting into my skin, and I feel him fighting. I feel it when he breaks. His mouth moves, and a low groan rumbles from his chest. It sends heat racing to my core.

  Our mouths break apart, and I gasp as his lips move roughly along my jawline to my ear. “I don’t like him touching you.”

  His hands slide lower, and I gather his shirt in my hands, pulling it higher, uncovering his luscious, lined stomach, his chest covered in sparse hair.

  He only hesitates a moment before letting me lift his shirt over his head. My eyes hold his, and I lift mine over my head, baring my breasts.

  “Then you touch me.”

  8

  Sawyer

  Mindy smells like lavender and lilacs and fresh air. I bury my face against her soft neck and inhale deeply.

  My hands slide from her shoulders down her smooth skin. With my palm flat against the curve of her back, I hold her flush against my chest, skin against skin. She exhales a sigh as her breasts press against me.

  She kisses the side of my neck, full lips touching my skin, white teeth nibbling, pulling…

  Every touch, every moan registers straight to my aching cock. I’ve wanted her so long. I wanted her in the pond yesterday. I wanted her in my bed two nights ago…

  Sliding my hands under her ass, I lift her off her feet. Her legs wrap around my waist, and she threads her fingers in my hair.

  “Kiss me again.” Her voice is thick, and her body moves against mine like a wave.

  She doesn’t have to ask twice.

  The three fingers of whiskey I drank when I got back to the house pretty much killed my better judgment. It was supposed to make me forget, sleep, but lying in my bed, all I could feel was desire hot in my veins, this yearning in my stomach driving me out of the house, into the night to find her.

  Deacon’s hand on her arm infuriated me. The way she looked at him, smiling and teasing… The way he looked down at her, like he could see how special she was, like nothing could stop him if he decided to have her.

  Except me.

  I’m stopping him.

  Mindy is mine.

  Her lips are warm and inviting, and she tastes like cool water and minty toothpaste. I lie her back on the bed, and her dark hair spills around her shoulders. I want to kiss her everywhere.

  She rises up on her elbows when I kneel, reaching for the waist of her short shorts and pulling them down her hips.

  “Do you want this?” My voice is deep, hungry.

  “Yes.” Her answer is a gasp.

  “Good, because I won’t stop this time.” She falls back onto the bed with a groan, and I slide my palms over the insides of her thighs. “I want to hear you say my name.”

  “Sawyer…” Her hips rise, and I lean down to trace my tongue up the seam of her pussy, focusing on the place that makes her jump. “Oh, God, Sawyer…” Her back arches, and I make another tight circle over her clit.

  She moans louder, and I rise, kissing her navel on the way to putting my palm over her mouth. “If you’re too loud, your mother will wake up.” I kiss her temple, exhaling against her soft hair. “Then I won’t make you come.”

  She twists her lips out of my hand and dives into my mouth. Our teeth clink as she kisses me, curling her tongue with mine and groaning
hungrily. I’m right there with her, pulling her lips, claiming her mouth.

  “I’ve missed you so much.” She speaks against my cheek, and her green eyes hold mine. “Don’t leave me again.”

  “Lie back and let me finish.”

  She collapses on the bed, and I lean to the side, running my palm down her flat stomach, watching the way it quivers under my touch. She’s so responsive. I want to be inside her now, feeling every pull and spasm, feeling her climax all around me.

  She’s right, it’s been way too long.

  I dip my head, tracing my tongue over her clit, sliding it up gently and around, watching her body rise. I do it again and again, as her hips move in time, savoring the fresh-ocean taste of her. She’s gorgeous and delicious and so ready.

  I continue kissing her, sucking her, until she’s shaking and whimpering. Her knees rise and she holds her fist over her mouth, trembling with orgasm. It’s fucking hot watching her come, muffling her cries. I want to hold her down and fuck her hard.

  Standing, I shove my jeans to my ankles and pull them off my feet. My boxer briefs are next, and when I straighten, my erection springs free, pointing right at her. Right at what it wants.

  I grasp it in my palm, sliding my hand up and down as her thighs rub together. Her eyes sparkle as they follow my hand.

  “What do you want, baby girl?”

  “You.” Her thighs fall open and she curls up, reaching for me.

  “That’s right.” It’s a growl, a little rough and a lot possessive.

  Climbing onto the bed, I place one hand on her shoulder, spreading her thighs with mine as I slide my tip up and down her wetness. I’m ready to claim her, press her into the mattress when she sits up and pushes my chest so I fall back against the headboard.

  “What?” I laugh, as she straddles me, her dark hair cascading around us in silky waves.

  “You’re mine.” She grasps my cock, positioning it between her legs as she drops down, seating me fully inside her.

  “Fuck…” It feels so good, my eyes squeeze shut.

  “That’s right.” She leans forward, giggling darkly as she nips the side of my jaw with her teeth.

  Her hips rock back and forth, pulling and massaging my erection. She’s so damn tight, it’s almost impossible to think. My pelvis rises to meet her, as instinct takes over.

  Making love to Mindy is sexy, daring, hot. Only this time, it feels more like a wrestling match. It takes all my strength to roll us so I’m on top again. She’s on her back, and I’m dominating, letting her know she belongs to me.

  Leaning down, I bite the side of her jaw gently. “My turn.”

  “Oh, God, yes.” Her head falls back and her back arches as I thrust harder. “You’re going to make me come again.”

  Moonlight touches her neck down to her breasts. The tips of her nipples point up at me, and I pull one into my mouth. Maybe I do want her on top. I give her another deep thrust, and she moans. My arms are around her waist, and I pull her up again.

  “Ride me. I want to see your sexy body move.”

  Her eyes narrow, and she smiles, sitting up straighter and rocking her hips. She cups her breasts in her hands, tweaking her hard nipples with her fingers.

  “You like what you see?” It’s a sultry whisper.

  Fuck me. “Yes.”

  “You like watching me ride your cock?”

  “Mindy…” I grip her ass, moving her harder, faster, until her hands fly to the headboard and she joins me.

  She moans softly. “Don’t stop…”

  Blinding pleasure snakes up my thighs, centering in my pelvis, and I let out a loud groan as I come hard, as she drops her head back and bucks on my lap.

  I’m pulsing deep, and she’s pulling for more. Sitting up, my arms go around her waist, holding her as her body shakes. Closing my eyes, we ride it out, finishing with a soft moan, a gentle kiss.

  Her lips trace a line along my forehead, kissing her way to my ear. “You still got it, old man.”

  This girl. I can’t help a laugh, “Were you worried?”

  “Not a bit.” Leaning back, she catches my eye. “I was only worried you’d never come back to me.”

  She’s serious, and my chest tightens. Her green eyes are round, expectant, and my brow furrows. I want to tell her I’ll always come to her. How could I not? She’s my anchor.

  Instead, I lift her small body, turning her so her back is to my chest. With her spooned in front of me, I slide my hand along the side of her cheek, down her upper arm. Leaning on my elbow, I gaze at her closed eyes, the curve of her lips. Her fingers thread with mine, and she pulls my arm around her waist.

  “Sleep here with me,” she whispers.

  “We still shouldn’t let your mom find out this way.” As if I have any intention of leaving her tonight.

  “You’ll be gone before she wakes up.” Mindy’s voice is softer, and I think she’s falling asleep in my arms.

  I kiss the top of her cheek, the side of her jaw, her neck. Then I slide down behind her, closing my eyes. I expect to lie awake trying to figure out how to tell her all the things I need to tell her. How to turn what I’ve started here into something real.

  Instead, I crash hard.

  I’m sleeping better than I have in weeks, hell, maybe years when the light buzzes in my face. Only, I realize it’s my regular alarm, and I’m at Mindy’s house. Shit.

  I don’t have time for anything besides slipping out of the bed and scooping up my clothes. I jerk my jeans over my hips and pull the tee over my head. The last thing I see as I dash out the window is Mindy curled up like always. Her hand is under her chin and her face is so peaceful.

  It’s how I always want her to be.

  “One of these mornings I’m going to hold you down until you confess.” Taron stands with his back to my Silverado, arms crossed.

  “I’d like to see you try.” I managed to make it to the house in time to change clothes, but I didn’t beat Taron to the truck.

  I’m sure he saw me sneaking in as well.

  Damn whiskey. I had a few drinks last night and wound up walking all the way to Ms. Jenny’s house in the dark. My blood had been up since I held Mindy’s nearly naked body against mine in the pond, since I touched her then forced myself to stop touching her.

  Taron levels his gaze on me. “Three days ago, you flew out of here like a bat out of hell when I suggested Mindy might be in trouble. Then after scowling at her and Deacon all through supper, you barely made it home this morning in time to change clothes.”

  “Ms. Gautreaux has a sewing circle that meets every Tuesday.” I pull the keys out of my pocket. “It’s a bunch of old ladies who like to sit around and gossip. I bet they’d welcome you.”

  “I’m not gossiping.”

  “We ready?” Leon trots up with his hands in his pockets. He’s got a red plaid shirt pulled over a white tee, and he’s wearing jeans and a ball cap.

  I step back and check him out. “What are you doing out here?”

  “What does it look like?”

  “Listen,” I walk over and put a hand on his shoulder. “These old guys… well, it’s not something you do for three weeks then drop for aeronautics or whatever.”

  “Atmospheric phenomena.” Leon has the nerve to look annoyed.

  “What’s that?” Taron hands my little brother his travel mug of coffee.

  “Storm chasers.”

  “Is that so?” Taron looks over at me. “Sounds like something you’d like. Storm chasing. Or is it skirt chasing?”

  I don’t have time for this. “Here.” I toss the keys to my friend. “You two go, and I’ll get started here.”

  Taron’s about to complain when Leon steps forward, cutting him off. “Okay!” He takes the keys. “I got this. I’ll let you know what they say.”

  “I’m sure I can guess.” I turn on my heel and start for the house.

  Taron’s still muttering as he climbs in the cab. I pause on the steps, watching Leon take off do
wn the dirt road way too fast, sending clouds of dust all over everything.

  Shaking my head, I pull the screen door open, holding it so it doesn’t slam. It doesn’t matter. The whole house is awake. Dove hops down from the chair she was standing in, leaning forward on the table coloring.

  Noel looks up from where she’s sitting, sipping coffee. “You didn’t go with them?”

  “Didn’t see the need.”

  My little niece holds up her arms to me, and I lift her onto my hip like I’ve done every morning since she started walking. I carry her to the table and she picks up her crayon again.

  We’ve only had her six years, but I can’t remember this house without her. “Y’all are up early on a Saturday.”

  “This one woke with her daddy, which means I woke with her daddy. Now she’s pouting.”

  I lean to the side and see her bottom lip poking out. “What’s the matter with you?” I give her a nudge.

  “Leon said I’m too little to go to the peach meeting.”

  “Trust me.” I slide a golden curl off her shoulder. “You don’t want to go. It’s just a bunch of old men being boring.”

  She sits back and crosses her arms. “Then why did Leon want to go so bad?”

  “Heck if I know.” Noel shoots me a look, and I shrug. “It’s the truth.”

  Dove scoots around to face me. “Why do you always go?”

  “Just in case they say anything important.”

  “I want to go.”

  “Tell you what. If you still want to go, I’ll take you with me next time.”

  That satisfies her. She gives me a hug and then hops off my lap, to go watch her cartoons. Akela follows her, and I watch her drag her stuffed brown mouse, confident in me. I think about the choice my daddy made so long ago. Having Dove makes it even harder to find peace with what he did.

  Maybe I never will.

  Noel stands and goes to the coffee pot, refreshing her cup and pouring me one. “You should encourage Leon more. He wants to take a leadership role around here.”

  “That’s what everybody keeps telling me.” I return my thoughts to now. “He hasn’t said a word to me about it.”

  “Well…” She sits down, putting a mug in front of me. “You can be a real grump sometimes.”