His laughter slowed and he sighed as he looked over at me. “Adorable.”
“I know.”
“Ohhh, well now that you know. What is the game plan?” he asked.
“Umm, how about we head to Penny’s for a few more drinks?”
“Sounds like a plan, you want to stop by your house to change? Though, I might have a shirt in the back you can throw on.” Reaching behind the seat, he pulled out a folded t-shirt and handed it to me. Noticing the suspicious look on my face, he responded, “It’s clean, I swear. I let a friend borrow it and he just gave it back to me the other day. I forgot to bring it in the house.”
I held it up and said “No worries, this will do.”
I maneuvered the t-shirt so that I could slip it on as I removed my tank top without showing too much of my goods. It didn’t matter though, because the gentleman that he is was looking out the other window showing me respect. Wow, what a foreign concept. Austin would not have had that much restraint, but rather ripped my shirt off for me. Although, the thought of Preston ripping off my shirt right now is making my little lady wake up.
“Much better, thank you. But, what about you?” I ask, feeling guilty for taking his dry shirt.
“You’re welcome and I’ll be fine. I can grab a bar shirt at Penny’s.”
“Ok, good. Let’s roll, I’m thirsty.” I fasten my seat belt and we leave the park.
The ride to Penny’s was full of laughter. We were reflecting on the afternoon and carrying on a light banter. It was insane how easy he was to talk to. It was as if I had known him my whole life. After a few minutes, we pulled into the back parking lot of Penny’s and made our way inside.
Preston peeled the wet shirt from his back, and reached behind the bar for a dry one. Mother of Pearl. Is he for real? It should be illegal to look that sexy. As if the muscles in his back weren’t enough, you could wash a million sheets on those abs. He was lean, but every muscle was defined making me want to spend the night tracing them with my finger. I was finally able to see the rest of the tattoo that has peeked my interest. The dark lines of the tribal art extended from his back, over his shoulder to his chest, and continued partially down his arm. My tongue grazed my lips with thoughts of trailing each one of those lines slowly, one at a time.
“Sweet Niblets! Work out much?” I said, picking up my jaw from the floor.
Preston’s smile widened, but not in a cocky way, but a mere flattered expression.
“I hit the gym every now and again.” He said, pulling the t-shirt over his head.
“Yeah, I’d say,” sighing in disappointment to his now covered body.
We walked over to a high top near the back of the bar and took a seat. A girl I had not seen before came over and took our order. She seemed nice enough.
“Thanks Lilly.” Preston didn’t even seem fazed by her beauty. The girl was gorgeous; a nice body, boobs, and pretty face. Her hair was dark brown and swept back into a high ponytail. There was a small tattoo behind her ear and one that partially peeked out the top of her tank top on her back. I never thought I would get a tattoo myself, but lately had pondered the possibility of a small one somewhere hidden.
Lilly made her way back over with the beers and Preston and I both thanked her.
“She seems nice. I’ve never seen her before.” I said.
“Yeah, she is and really down to earth. Just started a few weeks ago.”
We continued an easy conversation and enjoyed a few more drinks. Caught up in Preston’s story, I did not even notice the familiar guy sitting at the bar. Though, he must have noticed me or heard me laughing because when I finally caught a glimpse, he had been turned around in his stool with a beer to his lips glaring at our table; mostly directed at Preston. My eyes grow large as I watch him stand up and head our way. Thankfully, Preston doesn’t notice my quick look of panic and continued our conversation. I tried to ignore the fact that I knew he was heading towards us and hoping he would pass by and go into the bathroom. Yeah, nice try.
Arriving at our table, Austin heavily sets down his beer and crosses his arms over his chest. I can’t control my eyes from darting to his arms that are threatening to rip through his shirt. Damn, he was ripped.
After a brief awkward silence, Preston says, “Hey Austin, what’s up? This is Sawyer.” He turns to me and nods to Austin. “Austin is one of the security guys here, you may have seen him working the door.”
Austin face is still hard. “Yeah, I know Sawyer. Quite well as a matter of fact.” He picks up his beer and takes a long swig, as he looks me up and down. I instantly roll my eyes, disgusted at his behavior right now, and I can tell he has had one too many beers.
Preston looks over at me and catches my eye. “Oh yeah?” he asks.
It’s difficult to read his expression and know it’s probably better if I explain, unsure of what might come out of Austin’s mouth next.
“Austin and I grew up together. Our families are close friends.”
Without hesitation, Austin displays a crooked smile and replies. “Yep, spent a lot of time together growing up. Good times…down by the lake, back of my truck, your parent’s barn…” he ponders a moment as if in deep thought, then continues on “…my parent’s barn, the feed store…”
I jumped out of my seat, and glared up at him. “Enough, Austin Davis.”
“Oh honey, I was just getting started.”
“Seriously dude?” Preston asks starting to stand also.
“Grow up, jack ass.” With those words and a final eye roll, I turned toward the bar and made my way toward Lilly. I needed a beer and I needed it stat. Hell as a matter of fact, I could probably use something stronger.
“Hey Lilly, can I get another beer and a shot of SoCo and Lime?”
“Sure thing. Coming right up. Everything okay over there?” She asks, nodding her head toward our table.
“Yep, just the past showing its ugly face.” I glanced back over my shoulder where both men stood on opposite sides of our table in what appeared to be a heated discussion. It was difficult not to get a little turned on at the tension in both of their muscular bodies, but that was quickly masked over by my anger towards Austin. With a frustrated sigh, I turned back to the bar.
“Oh lord. Well, let me know if you need anything else.” Lilly placed the shot in front of me and before she could drag her hand all the way back, I had the glass raised up and down the hatch.
Slamming it back on the bar I whirled my finger in the air signaling for another. Without hesitation, she brought the bottle over and filled me up. Before slamming this one, I looked back behind me and noticed that Austin had thankfully disappeared from our table and Preston was sitting alone, just looking through his phone. I felt so guilty about leaving him there, but knew Austin well enough to realize the show was only for me. Removing myself from the situation, I figured he would most likely take a hike.
I turned back around, tipped the shot back and said, “Thanks Lilly, I really needed that.”
“Anytime girl. I hope your night gets better.” She grabbed the empty glass and gave a sympathetic smile.
“Me too.” I replied.
Just as I was turning to head back to our table, I saw Austin come out of the bathroom and walk right out the front door. Thank you sweet baby Jesus.
Arriving at table, I was stunned that I had nothing to say. I couldn’t manage to talk about what just happened and it seemed that Preston didn’t want to either. He just smiled politely and asked me if I was ready to go. And I was. I was mentally exhausted, and thoroughly confused.
Getting up from the table, Preston turned toward the front door and asked, “I could really use some fresh air, mind if I walk you home?”
“No, not at all. That sounds like a great idea.” I agreed. This walk could also help sober me up a bit.
We walked in silence the few minutes back to my apartment. I was starting to wonder if he was mad at me or felt uneasy about the confrontation. Why hasn’t he said anything
or asked me about Austin. Does he care? Did he even want to know about us? What had been said when I left the table? My thoughts were overwhelming and my loose lips wanted to know what he was thinking.
“Preston, I’m so...” He put his finger up to my lips.
“Shh…listen. The past is the past and that’s where it should stay. Am I right?” he replied.
“Yeah, absolutely. I just…”
“Really, Sawyer. It’s your past and your story. You can tell me all about it when you are ready.” Preston leans in to embrace me in a hug and his warm breath sends a shiver down to my toes. He inhales through his nose and then my knees buckle as his lips and tongue brush a kiss on my neck. My eyelids fluttered shut and he pulls back to look at me.
“I’m sorry, I just needed to know if you taste as good as you smell.” He said.
My lips part and a shy smile spreads across my face, but I can’t speak.
Preston places his strong hand to the back of my neck. He quickly closes the space between us crushing his strong body up against me and his mouth finds mine, open, ready for this kiss. There’s a sweet taste of beer exchanged between our tongues and my head is swooning.
I noticed I was on my toes as he slowly pulled away and held me up as I must have been swaying slightly. Drunk off his kiss and a bit of SoCo, as well. He lets me catch my balance and stares right into my eyes, melting me into a puddle.
Preston turns towards the stairs and says, “Goodnight Sawyer.”
I put up my hand to give a slight wave and reply, “Good night Preston.”
CHAPTER NINE
I have spent the majority of my morning watching trashy reality shows, unable to wipe this cheesy grin off my face. If it hadn’t been for the state of shock Preston put me in, I probably would have dragged him straight into the apartment last night. The guy had me on my toes for crying out loud. The electricity that shot through my body was indescribable. It has been so long since I have experienced a kiss like that. As a matter of fact, it had been awhile since I have had that much fun with a guy who wasn’t Austin.
Speaking of Austin, what a jerk. I cannot get over his behavior last night in front of Preston. What was he thinking? I would never have embarrassed him like that, no matter the situation. Especially considering he was the one who broke my heart and chose to walk away. He has no right interfering in my life.
My phone beeps from the coffee table alerting me I have a new text. I am quite irritated when I see the message is from Austin, rather than Preston. He has some nerve.
Austin: Hey can we talk? Please.
Now he wants to talk? That's funny because when I wanted to talk he was nowhere to be found. There goes my good mood. Well, hell, I guess now is as good a time as any to meet up and talk. I text Austin back and we agree to meet at the deli around the corner from the apartment.
I want answers and I have plenty I need to say to Austin. If I want any kind of relationship with Preston, if that is even where this is headed, I need to let things go from my past. The biggest thing being Austin.
Purse in hand, I walk out of my room and see Cheyenne leaning into the refrigerator.
“Hey Chey. Just getting home?” I ask my friend, knowing damn well she didn’t sleep in her own bed last night.
Blatantly ignoring my question she replies, "Hey friend, I was just making a sammie. Want me to make you one too?"
“Oh, so it’s like that? Anyway, no thanks on the lunch. I am actually headed out for a little bit.” Edging closer to the door, I hope she doesn’t push the subject.
"Another outing with the infamous Preston? Dang girl, looks like you have that boy hooked." Cheyenne winks at me before taking a massive bite of her sandwich.
"No. I am actually going to meet Austin to talk. Gotta go, bye!" I say this as I am reaching the door ready to bolt.
"Wait, Sawyer." How I managed to understand her words through a full mouth is beyond me. However, I still drop my hand and turn around to face Cheyenne as she swallows hard and continues, "Look I am not going to lecture you or tell you not to go. I understand that this is something you need to do, but don't forget the pain that dill hole put you through."
"Do you think I could honestly, ever, forget that? We are not meeting to talk about getting back together, Chey. Austin has a girlfriend, remember? He also now knows about Preston. We stopped by Penny's last night after the game and Austin saw us together and came over acting like an ass."
"I'm sorry. I just worry about you because I know you have such a big heart. Especially when it comes to that stupid boy." Cheyenne walks around the kitchen island and meets me by the door. "I love you. Just be careful." With that, she reaches out and hugs me.
"I will be, I promise. I am different now than I was before moving here." I hug Cheyenne tightly before pulling away.
"I know. I am always here when you want to talk about it. Or when you finally decide to let me kick his ass." Cheyenne smiles and walks back to the kitchen to finish her lunch.
Before walking into the deli, I pause outside and see Austin. He seems on edge, constantly checking his phone and rubbing his hand over his face and the back of his neck. Austin always fidgets when he is nervous or anxious. It’s good to know I am not the only one feeling that way.
Taking a deep breath, I open the door and make my way to his table. He looks up from his phone, as I approach and quickly stands to pull out my chair. Austin is dressed in cargo shorts and my favorite light blue worn shirt that brings out his eyes. Will there ever be a day that seeing him won't affect me?
"Hey. Thanks for agreeing to come." Austin says as I sit and he pushes in my chair.
"It's something that we should have done a long time ago." I say.
"You’re right.” I say nothing in response, so he continues, “I got here a little early and ordered for us. Hope you don’t mind. I got you the chicken salad croissant and a sweet tea." My two favorite things and I am sure he ordered himself a Reuben and sweet tea. Austin takes my silence as me being displeased. "Sorry, I just assumed that's what you would want. Let me get the server and you can order something else."
"No, no. It's ok. That’s exactly what I was going to order." I smile weakly and, as if on cue, our drinks and food are brought over by the server.
We are both silent as we begin eating our food, wondering who is going to start this conversation. I have so much to say that I do not even know where to begin. Should I start with the sudden break up, the girlfriend, or what has happened since I have moved here?
"So, what's the deal with you and Wright?" I can't help but hear the distaste in his voice when he says Preston's last name. This is not where I expected the conversation to start.
"So what's the deal with you and Ali?" If this is how he wants to play it, I’m in.
"Touché." Apparently he isn't too comfortable talking about his little girlfriend. "I was just curious. He is not someone I would have thought you would be interested in."
"Yes, because Alison is just your type. Well, she is my polar opposite so maybe she is good for you." Two questions in and I am already beyond pissed off. What was I thinking coming here?
"Baby...” Austin reaches his hand across the table for mine but I yank it away.
"Don't." I warn. "What do you want from me Austin? What is this really about?"
Austin runs his hand over the back of his head before resting his arm on the table. "I really wanted to apologize about last night, I know I was out of line."
"Damn right you were. What has gotten into you?"
"I am just trying to look out for you. I still lo..," he quickly corrects himself, "care about you and I don't want you hurt."
I can't help but laugh at his statement. "Will you just listen to yourself? You are looking out for me? Still care? Don't want me hurt?" Knowing my voice is elevated; I stop and take a deep breath. "You know what Austin, you can want in one hand and shit in another and let me know which one fills up faster."
"Sawyer, come on." He pleads.
>
"Come on what, Austin? You don't want me hurt, well it's too late. You should have thought about that before you chose to walk away from me. Do you think that didn't hurt?"
"I'm sorry.” Screw that, I am not looking for an apology.
"I called and called and called. Over and over for weeks, Austin. Weeks! And what did I get? Nothing." I could care less how loud my voice is now. Leaning on the table I keep direct eye contact so he can see the hurt that still resides. "Never would I have expected that from you. But you know what was the icing on the cake, babe? Hearing you had a new girlfriend. That damn near shredded me Austin." I break eye contact to avoid the welling tears. Not what I need right now.
"Sawyer, I never meant to..,"
"What, hurt me?" I interrupt. "Because you didn't. You destroyed me." I push away from the table and grab my bag. "I picked up the pieces and put myself back together and now I am moving on. What I do and whom I do it with is no longer a concern of yours. Good bye Austin." Without giving him a chance to respond, I turn and walk right out of the deli. Definitely not the way I pictured this talk. As good as it feels to get it off my chest the wounds are now reopened.
Walking with one foot in front of the other, still so enraged, I made record time on my walk back to the apartment. Thankfully, he didn’t try to come after me. At that point, I might have called Cheyenne to cash in on her ass kicking. The thought of this makes me smile and I realized I couldn’t let Austin ruin any more of my days.
Nearing the apartment, I pulled out my phone to text Preston, but decided to just call instead. I need him to make me smile. The phone doesn’t ring more than once and I can hear the smile on his face when he answers.
“Good Morning Beautiful.” The smile is contagious and mine is ear to ear.
“You know, the dew has dried on the grass so technically it’s not morning anymore.”
“This is true young grasshopper. How is your afternoon going?” There is laughter in his voice.
Picking up the Pieces Page 7