Sweetwater: The Kihn (The Sweet Series)

by Rivi Jacks

  I spend the rest of my Saturday afternoon pampering myself. I do a few stretches before showering. Afterward, I polish my fingernails and toenails and apply minimal makeup. I even dab on a little perfume, which I seldom wear.

  I search through my closet before deciding on a cute pair of jeans I bought on sale right after Christmas. I choose a soft, V-neck sweater with three-quarter length sleeves. I don’t wear this sweater often because it makes me too self-conscious. The fabric is thin and clingy with a different knit pattern around the neckline, drawing attention to my breasts. But it is a beautiful shade of green, and the sweater is one of my favorites.

  I pull on a pretty matching bra and panties set in a lighter shade of green than the sweater. No one else will see my pretty underwear, but the confidence beautiful lingerie gives me is incredible. I slide into my clothes and pull on a pair of boots.

  I’ve let my hair dry in curls and waves, so all I need is to run a quick brush through it, and I’m ready. I head to the kitchen as I hear Jake drive up. We’re having soup and sandwiches for supper. I’ll get everything ready while he showers.

  “Hey,” I say as he comes in the back door.

  “Hey, Sofe.” He gives me a look that lasts a little longer than warranted.

  “What?” I look down at myself to see if something is amiss.

  “When did you grow up into such a beautiful young woman?”

  “Jake!” I turn away, not wanting him to see my red face. “Go shower.” I try to keep the grumpiness from my voice.

  We’re driving to pick up Diane when I ask Jake about Nick. “Did you talk to him today?”

  Jake hesitates before answering. “A little earlier.”

  ““Will he be there tonight?” When he doesn’t answer, I look at him. “Jake?”

  “Sofe...”

  “What?” He’s acting weird.

  “I don’t think so,” he answers at last.

  I sigh. “He’s mad at me,” I say with certainty.

  Jake glances at me but doesn’t say anything else.

  We pull into Diane’s driveway. Emma Rae’s car is parked beside Diane’s, and both girls bounce out of the house.

  “Hey, what’s up?” I can tell something is.

  “Would you ride with me to Murphy’s?” Emma Rae asks.

  I get out. “Sure. I’ll see youn’s there.” Diane slides over beside Jake. When Emma Rae and I get into her car, I ask, “Why are we going to Murphy’s?”

  “Reenie called, and she’s having a problem with the deep fryer. I need a Coke, and Diane wants me to pick up some chips.”

  “Okay. Chips are a good idea. I think the guys need a popcorn machine at the shack.”

  “Mmmm, they do. That would be yummy. Did you talk to Nick yet?”

  “No. I asked Jake if he’d be coming tonight... He didn’t think so.”

  “What’s up with that?”

  I shrug. “I don’t know. He puzzles me sometimes.”

  “Sofie, are you in love with Nick?”

  I think about her question. I’ve been asking myself the same thing. “The other night...”

  “Yeah?” She glances at me.

  “He told me he was falling in love with me.”

  “He did? What did you say?” Emma Rae asks.

  “Nothing.” I look out the side window. “I care for Nick, and we have fun, but I don’t think I’ll ever fall in love with him.”

  “Why? I mean, you seem pretty compatible.”

  “We’re compatible, but…” I shrug.

  “No passion?” Emma Rae presses.

  “No, not really.” I want there to be, I tell myself. Don’t I? “Nick wants more, but I’ve told him I’m not ready.”

  “You never mentioned anything about that!” Emma Rae exclaims, glancing at me as she pulls into Murphy’s parking lot. She parks, shuts off the engine, faces me, and waits. That’s one of the best things about Emma Rae. She’s patient when you need her to be.

  “I keep thinking I’ll feel more, and it’ll happen. I mean, I enjoy kissing him, and he’s a good kisser, but...”

  “He just doesn’t crank your tractor,” she informs me. I bust out laughing. “What?” She starts laughing too. We sit and laugh uncontrollably for several minutes.

  I wipe my eyes. “No, he doesn’t... crank my tractor!” That sets us off again.

  Once we can control ourselves, we head inside. Since we work at Murphy’s, it’s impossible just to run in and grab what we need. By the time we get back to the car, we’ve been in Murphy’s for thirty minutes. Sawyer called the store to tell us to get a move on and pick up some dip for the chips.

  As we drive to the Shotgun Shack, we pick our previous conversation right up.

  “Don’t misunderstand me, Emma Rae, I like Nick and we have a lot of fun.”

  “I know what you’re saying,” she replies.

  “He’s asked me to go with him and not see anyone else.” Emma Rae looks at me with surprise. “But I don’t want to lead him on when I don’t think I’ll ever feel anything more.” I sigh. “I’ve decided to tell him how I feel. It’s only fair.”

  She’s frowning as we pull up and park by Jake’s truck. “One good thing…” she says as she opens the door to the Shotgun Shack. “If something happens and you do break up, at least you’re not in love with him.”

  It’s my turn to look surprised. I don’t think about what she’s said until much later.

  CHAPTER NINE

  I take off my coat and hang it on the back of an empty chair at the table where Sawyer and Logan sit. Sawyer greets me while Logan gives me a thorough once-over, making me self-conscious and causing my face to color. He grins.

  “I think Logan finds you looking extra fine tonight, Sofie,” Sawyer says. I give him a frown. “Isn’t that right, Logan?” I glare at Sawyer.

  “Sofie always looks extra fine,” Logan agrees.

  “You two, stop it,” I warn.

  “Now, Sofie, you can’t take offense at Logan complimenting you,” Sawyer teases.

  Sawyer has no doubt already had a couple of beers. “No, but I can take my leave.” Which I do. Sawyer and Logan call after me.

  Sam sits at the bar, so I join him. Several people are at the pool table. Andy Pearson is bent over the table, taking a shot. He’s not the one who catches my attention, though. Someone new stands by the cue rack, and I’m able to get my first good look.

  He appears to be in his late twenties and handsome. Unbelievably handsome. Now I know why he kept his face hidden last night. Any man who looks as he does probably has to beat women off with a stick.

  His hair, long enough to brush over the back of his shirt collar, is that true shiny black. His dark brows, finely arched, give his face a slightly sardonic expression. I’ve read in books of noses described as aristocratic, and I never knew what that meant, but I do now. His lips are sculptured, sensual even. He’s tall, at least six foot-two, lean, with wide shoulders. The man looks—well—fit. He certainly fills out his black jeans incredibly well, his arms and chest obviously muscular beneath his black T-shirt.

  He exudes a dangerous, exciting kind of vibe that’s hard to ignore. I picked that up the night before. What I want is to see his eyes. As if he hears my musings, he looks up from the pool table, glances across the room, and meets my gaze dead on. I inhale sharply.

  His eyes appear light from this distance, maybe light blue. With his dark brows and lashes, the effect is—startling. And the heat in his eyes—unnerving. He subjects me to a lingering appraisal, examining my face and then his eyes continue down, stopping at my throat. My pulse quickens and I swallow nervously as his gaze continues its path to my breasts. I feel as if his eyes give them a leisurely caress and my nipples tighten. I gasp at the sensation and his eyes snap back to mine, one of his arched brows lifts in silent question. A corner of his mouth twitches as if he’s amused.

  I flush at his bold inspection as he continues his unconcealed regard, making me feel as if he’s touching me.
A tightening starts low in my belly that makes me grit my teeth, and I begin to get angry. If he takes so much as one step in my direction to check my teeth, he’ll be walking funny and talking soprano for a week.

  His gaze comes back to mine, and he must see the anger in my eyes because he throws his head back and laughs. I hurry behind the bar. My hands are shaking so badly, I have to take several deep breaths before I can pour coffee without spilling it. I turn to get some cream from the fridge and gasp when I walk smack-dab into him. I discover, when I instinctively push against his stomach, he’s rock solid.

  “Whoa!” He grasps my upper arms, preventing me from pulling away.

  I stare into a pair of silver-green eyes. Amusement teases the corners of his mouth as heat moves over my body. “Let go of me.” My voice trembles.

  Completely disregarding my request, he leans toward me, inhaling deeply. He loosens his hold, and I step back. He regards me with an infuriating grin. “I’d heard you were a little girl with—ample charms.” My gaze flies to his and my lips part, in shocked disbelief. His mouth lifts in an amused smile. “It was hard to tell the other night in your oversized coat.”

  Of all the gall! “Y-You—” I sputter.

  “Lucas,” Taylor calls as he approaches. “Sofie, how are you? You look lovely tonight.”

  I tear my gaze away from the rude man. I hope he understands I’m dismissing him. “I’m good, Taylor, thanks.” I finger the charm around my neck and smile shyly at him, hoping he won’t notice my blush. I see Lucas raise an eyebrow toward Taylor.

  Taylor clears his throat. “Well... ah, Lucas, mission accomplished.” He steps back behind the bar. “Let’s have a drink.”

  “You’ll have to excuse me. Max just walked in, and I need to speak with him.” He gives a quick nod to Taylor. Lucas catches my hand in a viselike grip before I can stop him, pulling it to his face as he bends toward me. He doesn’t kiss the back as I fear, but turns my hand over and brings his nose to my wrist. I jerk my hand back, and he laughs under his breath as he straightens. “Sofia, it’s been a pleasure.” He quickly leans in close. “I like your lush mouth.”

  Then he’s gone.

  My mouth drops open, and I make an exasperated sound as I turn to Taylor. He’s smiling as he pours tequila into two shot glasses. Sawyer joins us.

  “Did you invite him?” I ask, not even trying to hide my disdain. I glare across the room at Lucas. He stands with his profile to us and the corner of his mouth lifts before he glances at me. I turn and down my shot. I suddenly know what I want to do.

  “I’m going over to Nick’s,” I state, tired of us being at odds. I set my glass down on the counter.

  Taylor’s gaze flashes to mine. “Sofie...”

  “What?”

  He gives me a long look. Finally, he answers me in a low, steady voice, “I wouldn’t do that.”

  It’s my turn to give him a long look. “Why?”

  “Yeah, why?” Sawyer asks.

  Taylor keeps eye contact a few moments longer and then exhales loudly, looking away and shaking his head.

  “Sawyer, will you go with me?”

  “You bet. Let’s go.” He motions for me to precede him.

  I think of something and turn back to Taylor. He’s flipped his phone open, and he’s tapping the keypad. “Taylor?” He glances up as I lean over the bar. I want to make sure he understands me. “If you call or warn him in any other way, I will never speak to you again.” I give him a good steady stare. He hesitates before snapping his phone closed.

  Sawyer insists on driving. He assures me the only thing he’s had to drink is one beer. As Sawyer and I get into his Jeep, he studies me a moment before starting the engine. “Are you sure you want to do this?” He raises his eyebrows. “You realize he may be with someone.”

  I look straight ahead after I buckle my seat belt. “I know.”

  “Do you want to put yourself through that kind of hurt? I mean, it’ll hurt more than if you wait and confront him tomorrow.”

  I think about it for about three seconds. “I need to be certain.”

  “It might be pretty devastating,” Sawyer warns.

  I turn to him. “What would you do?”

  He fires up the Jeep.

  “Emma Rae and I were talking earlier, on the way here, about...” I stop. “She knows! That’s why she asked me all those questions about my feelings for Nick!” More realizations come as Sawyer places the Jeep in gear. I reach over and touch his arm. “Wait!” He gives me a questioning look. “Wait, I’ll be right back.”

  In about five minutes, I return with a different set of keys. “We’re taking Jake’s truck. That way... Nick will be more likely to open the door.”

  “You’re thinking Jake knows,” he states.

  “Oh, he knows.” I can’t let myself think about that now, though.

  As the pickup clears the last rise in the road, Nick’s house comes into view. Sawyer hits the brakes as we identify the car in the driveway.

  My voice holds disbelief. “Bobbi?”

  “What the...”

  So many things make sense now. All the Friday nights he hasn’t been with me, he’s been with Bobbi. She’s always saying she has a hot date on Fridays, but she’s secretive about with whom. The way he consoled her the night of the shower, her additional animosity toward me. Everything falls into place.

  I ring the doorbell. “You call his name,” I tell Sawyer. He sounds a lot like Jake.

  We hear the lock turning before Nick opens the door. “Jake, what’s...” Nick sees me standing at his door. He’s shirtless, shoeless, and his jeans are undone. “Sofie!”

  “’Fraid so,” I say as I push past him into his house. He opens the door wide, allowing Sawyer to come in. “I finally put it together, but...” I make an exasperated sound. “I had no idea it was Bobbi. Pathetic, huh? Well, maybe you don’t think so. No doubt you appreciate I’m slow on the take.”

  “Sofie...” He closes his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

  “You mean sorry I found out? Thinking back, you’ve been dating us both this whole time.”

  “I date you. We’re together most nights; you’re the one I want.”

  “What? You don’t date Bobbi? Friday night belongs to her, right?”

  “Yes! Doesn’t that tell you something?” He steps closer. I step back. He stops, holding out his hand.

  “The thing is, you could have just been upfront about dating both of us. But instead, you’ve been playing games. Telling me you don’t want me seeing anyone else, leading me to believe I mean something to you. Do you say the same things to Bobbi?”

  “No! I. Love. You.” I face him and have a clear shot of the hallway. Bobbi stands a few feet away, listening. I do something for which I will never forgive myself. I’m deliberately cruel to Bobbi. It doesn’t matter that I want her to realize what a snake he is. I do it on purpose, and it’s just plain mean. “What does Bobbi mean to you? Where does she fit into all this?”

  He sighs. “I’m sleeping with her.”

  “Well, obviously.” I glance at his state of undress. I twist the knife deeper. “So, if I’d slept with you as you’ve been pressuring me to...”

  “What?” Sawyer asks, giving Nick an ugly look.

  “There’d be no need for Bobbi,” Nick callously admits.

  “You son of a bitch!” Sawyer exclaims. I close my eyes, sick to my stomach at being cruel on purpose.

  Nick continues his brutal confession. “She means nothing to me.”

  Bobbi’s sob, and the sound of her running down the hallway, is lost on Nick because at that moment, Sawyer knocks him flat on his ass. I hang my head in shame, wrapping my arms around my stomach. When I look at Nick, I have tears in my eyes, but they’re not for him.

  “Don’t you ever come near me again,” I warn.

  “Sofie, please...” He holds his hand out toward me. “I told Bobbi if you found out, it would be over with her.”

  I stare at him in disbelief. “
You’re a bastard.”

  I turn and walk out the door.

  We pull into my driveway, and Sawyer shuts off the engine. “Were you aware she was standing there?” he asks.

  I look at him before bursting into tears. He pats my shoulder as I sob. When the crying jag eases, I declare, “I’m such a bitch!”

  “You’re not a bitch, Sofie.”

  “That’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever done.” My voice shakes with emotion.

  “You just wanted her to realize what a bastard he is.”

  “He is, isn’t he?”

  “Yes, he is. Bobbi may not think it now, but you’ve done her a good turn.” He squeezes my shoulder.

  “She’s going to hate me even more now.” I sniffle. “But I wanted her to know... that he’s been playing us both.”

  “He’s an ass.”

  “Sawyer... I think I wanted to hurt her, too,” I whisper.

  He squeezes my shoulder again. “Understandable. She’s been mean as hell to you for years.”

  I try, unsuccessfully, to hold back a sob. “And my pride.”

  He chuckles. “Well, your pride needs a little salvaging.”

  “Knocking him flat like you did helped a lot.”

  Sawyer laughs before sobering. “Sofie, when Jake finds out Nick was pressuring you—”

  “Jake knows about Bobbi.”

  “Yeah, maybe, but you need to talk to him.”

  “I know.” We sit a little longer before I tell him I’m going in and he needs to take Jake’s truck back. I warn him not to say one word about what’s happened, and I’ll talk to him in the morning.

  “I’m not leaving you alone!” He sounds astonished I’d even suggest it.

  “Sawyer, I’m not suicidal. I told Emma Rae not three hours ago that I would never love Nick, and I meant it.” I smile at him and scoot over to open the door. “Now go.”

  Inside the house, I lean against the closed door, listening to Sawyer drive away. I wrap my arms around my waist. All the old feelings of not being wanted, not being good enough, rush over me. I wipe my eyes with my fingertips. Nick Sinclair will not cause me to shed one more tear. I dumped his ass!