Page 54 of For the Record
The moment Barb left, Sawyer retrieved the card from her drawer, unable to stop the small smile as she read McCoy’s words.
Sawyer,
A little bird told me customers are loving the flowers in the dining room, so I figured, one more should even it all out. She also told me you’ve got these cards stashed inside your desk for safe keeping. I love that. I love how you’re a secret romantic. You’re a good and beautiful person, and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow morning. Enjoy the rest of your night.
XOXO
McCoy
“Of course, Bree told her.” Sawyer’s soft laughter rang out harmoniously throughout the office. A burst of affection swelled in her chest, and she reread the card, still smiling. Then she pulled out the first three, rereading them as well. McCoy wasn’t overly sappy or flakey with her writing, which Sawyer respected. She also valued the time and dedication it must have taken McCoy to leave a personalized card with the flowers in the first place. No one had bothered to before.
… You’re a good and beautiful person …
… For our first date, I’d love to take you to my favorite spot to eat.Frankie’s got the best nachos around.Scratch that. Forgot you need to eat healthier. How about grilled chicken and salad?
… How do you feel about cooking as part of a date sometime? I’d love to learn from you.
P.S. Last night I dreamt about our first kiss, but this time you had me on the ground in the shop. Like you’d ever get your blouse that dirty! …
… You’re a great mom. I love the way you look at Bree. Anyone in your life is lucky to be there. Remember that …
“McCoy, what are you doing to me?” Sawyer whispered, tracing the words with her fingertips and so caught up in her feelings, she didn't hear the door open. She flinched in her chair as Bree appeared beside the desk.
“I think she’s hoping you’ll fall in love with her,” her daughter said, watching as Sawyer hastily stuffed the cards back in their respective places.
“That’s ridiculous.” Sawyer locked up her desk, scoffing. Then she stood and started unbuttoning her chef’s coat. Bree was already changed and ready to leave for the night.
“Is it? Anyone can see how she looks at you,Maman.”
“She’s young. Too young for anything long-term with me,” Sawyer said as she pulled on her jacket. Even a month post-heart attack, fatigue bored down on her. She was grateful for all the caring people in her life, like Barb, who told her to go home. And now that Cindy and Bree were on payroll, there was no excuse not to sometimes. So she shouldered her bag and led the way out of her office.
“She’s twenty-eight next month and co-owner of Miller’s Mechanics & Restoration,” Bree argued behind Sawyer. “She and Sloane are a huge success on social media, so much thatthey have a YouTube sponsor. She helps take care of her nana. What more do you want? She looks at you like you’re the sun, the moon, the stars,anda buffet table of her favorite foods.”
“Bree,” Sawyer chided, choking back laughter.
“I’m just saying,” Bree chortled, wrapping an arm around Sawyer’s waist as they headed outside to the Rover. She leaned up and kissed Sawyer’s bad cheek as if making a point. “Age gap or not, you and Coy look amazing together. And she makes you smile. For that alone, I’d keep her if I were you.”
Sawyer made a noncommittal sound, choosing to sit on the passenger side for the trip home. She was tired, and driving was another thing she needed extra focus on. They rode in comfortable silence for two blocks, and then Sawyer took her phone out of her purse and texted McCoy.
Sawyer: Thank you, McCoy. I’ll see you in the morning.
Sawyer came downstairs, steam from her shower still clinging to her skin. The silk bathrobe she wore teased her nipples with every sway of her hips. Her breasts were heavy with a desperate, ferocious need. Begging to be touched, but not just anyone would do.
McCoy Miller.
Ugh. No. It could never be her. She couldn’t trust McCoy not to break her, and she’d already been broken and had to repair herself a thousand times over.
McCoy.
“Stop,” Sawyer scolded her helpless inner thoughts as she entered the kitchen. They had no voicehere, in the real world.
“Stop what?” McCoy asked, and Sawyer practically jumped out of her skin. McCoy was leaning against the sink, watching Sawyer with lazy intent in her eyes.
“Calisse, McCoy. Are you trying to scare me to death?”
McCoy pushed off the sink, closing the gap between them quickly. She reached for Sawyer, skimming a hand down her arm and, in the process, grazing her stiffened nipple. “Never. I want you too much for that.”
Sawyer sucked in a breath, glancing down at where her bathrobe had come apart. Just wide enough to tease the woman before her. She swallowed past the dryness in her throat. “How dare you show up after putting your moves on me.”