Page 34 of Sawyer

Truthfully, when I said I’d owe Sawyer a favor, I didn’t imagine... this.

My mind had wandered to other possibilities—none of which involved helping him with his job. But I didn’t mind.

It was a chance to get to know him better. All I really knew about him was that he worked at his friend Griffin’s bar and at his family’s bookstore.

Maybe tonight would give me an opportunity to learn more.

Lisa smirked. "Wait, so you being there is the favor? Someone’s head is getting a little big."

I rolled my eyes, tossing the cleaning cloth onto the counter. "No, he says he needs my help for something specific."

She raised her hand dramatically. "Raise your hand if you think this is just a cover-up for a date."

Chris, who’d been quietly grooming a poodle in the corner, raised his hand without missing a beat.

Then, as if Chris wanted to make a point, he lifted the poodle’s paw and waved it in the air.

I ignored them both, walking over to the mirror on the wall. I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to tame it.

I could feel Lisa’s eyes on me. Was this really a date? It didn’t feel like one.

Sawyer had mentioned we’d be hitting a few bars tonight to try some new items on their menus. He said he wanted to get inspired and bring back some ideas for the bar he worked at.

He made it sound very work-related—like he needed my second opinion on the food.

Nothing romantic about that, right? Just friends helping each other out.

I frowned at my reflection. So why was I disappointed if it really wasn’t a date?

Just then, the bell above the door chimed, and in walked Sawyer. I glanced up, catching the easy smile on his face as he stepped inside.

He looked good. Really good. His dark jeans fit him perfectly, and his button-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, showed off his strong forearms. Casual but effortless.

A small flutter stirred in my stomach, and I quickly turned back to the mirror, pretending to be very focused on my hair.

"Hey," Sawyer said, his voice warm and deep as he approached the counter. "You ready to go?"

Before I could answer, Lisa chimed in. "So, what exactly are your intentions with Casey?" she asked, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.

Sawyer chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Just picking him up for some work-related research. Nothing to worry about."

Lisa squinted at him. "Hmm, research. Is that what they’re calling it these days?"

"Alright, that’s enough," I muttered, stepping forward and gently nudging Sawyer toward the door. “Let’s go.”

"We’ll close up for you," Chris said, grinning. "You two have fun...researching."

I shot him a look, my face probably a lot redder than I’d like to admit, and quickly ushered Sawyer out of the shop.

First stop was Griffin’s bar. It had that kind of homey vibe that made you want to stay for hours, catching up with friends over drinks and greasy food.

I could definitely see myself bringing Lisa and Chris here sometime—maybe as a group thing or like a double date.

Wait. Date? No. Sawyer and I were just friends, obviously. So, it’d just be friends hanging out.

Sawyer waved over a server and ordered a couple of appetizers.

I raised an eyebrow, leaning back in the booth. “Why are we here? Aren’t we supposed to be trying out menus at other bars?”