Page 36 of Falling for You
Sam and I are both quiet for a minute as we walk toward to exit of the school. I know we’re both thinking about what might have happened to Lily.
I knock Sam with my shoulder. “I love having you as my fierce protector, Sammy. Are you going for friend of the century or something?”
“Just standin’ up for my girl.”
“I can’t say it enough, but thanks. I thought I was going to throw up though when you pulled my scarf off. I never knew you could be so dramatic.’
She grabs my hand. “It’s not being dramatic. That’s what that maniac did to you. They need to see it.”
I hook my arm through hers as we walk through the double doors of the school leading outside. “Sammy, you are my best friend and my ride or die. I will be there tonight come hell or high water.”
“Ride or die?’ she giggles. “Does that mean I’m your bitch?”
I grin and giggle too. “ That’s right. My bitch. Which means I’ve got your back too just like you’ve had mine for the past week. I could not have made it through everything I have if it wasn’t for you so I will be there, Samantha.”
She shudders. “I would rather you call me your bitch than Samantha.”
My burst of laughter is cut short when I spot Sawyer’s truck. What’s he doing here? I haven’t seen him since the day he came over, even though we’ve talked a lot. He waves at me and I wave shyly back at him.
I can feel Sam’s stare and I turn towards her. “What?”
She smirks knowingly. “I think somebody other than me wants to make you their bitch.”
I roll my eyes. “Very funny,Samantha. He didn’t tell me he was coming. What should I do?” I know I sound anxious but this relationship stuff is so scary.
She bumps my shoulder with hers. “I can think of a few things to do to a guy like Sawyer.” She waggles her eyebrows and I grin. “But seriously, he seems sincerely interested in you. Enjoy it. Don’t question it too much. I know how your head works. You analyze and overthink everything. For once, open up and let someone in.”
Sawyer’s eyes are shining as he looks at me. He seems excited to see me, and I know the butterflies in my stomach are for this handsome guy. Maybe he is someone I can trust. How will I know unless I take a chance? But what if we share more kisses and even more and then he dumps me like a bad habit? Or what if… I shake my head. Sam is right. My brain thinks too much. I try to channel my inner vixen as I give Sawyer a slow wink.
Sam chuckles. “Go get him, man-eater.” She gives me a small push and I start to walk towards my guy.
I can’t help but turn around and ask her something though. “I have to ask. What secret of Lucas’ are you keeping?”
She gives me a small wink. “All I can tell you is that it involves a bad case of diarrhea for him on a sixth-grade field trip, and a well-timed distraction by me so that he didn’t embarrass himself thoroughly.”
I laugh loudly and grin all the way to see my guy.
Chapter Thirty-Six
I’ve never had to try for a girl’s attention before. But apparently there’s a ton of 80’s movies out there to use as resources, at least according to Dax.- Sawyer
Sawyer
I know I probably should have told her I was coming by. We’ve talked every day since I went to her house, but it’s not the same as seeing her face. There’s an ache in me to see her even though it’s only been a few days. At least now I know the girl I’ve been falling for a lot better. There’s a battle raging within me. I want to stay far away from Ronnie to protect her from my uncle’s nefarious plans, but I can’t seem to stay away. I decided this morning that I can better protect her by being near her. I will find a way to get out from under my uncle’s power. I will find a way for him to pay, and for this innocent girl to go on with her life. It will probably be a better life without me in it, but for now I will watch over her and enjoy the time I get to spend with her. I can’t deny she’s like a breath of fresh air to me, and that she makes me want to be something better, to do more than extract revenge. But in the end, I am my father’s son.
During our many, many hours of conversation on the phone, I’ve learned a lot about Ronnie. She’s been having a rough time with the kids here, but she always keeps her head held high. She has a fierce loyalty to her best friend and a quirky, sometimes dirty, sense of humor. That was especially fun to learn. She’s weirdly into sci-fi shows, including the old ones, and knows every character on Star Trek. She’s even been to conventions with her dad. As weird it is, I find that sweet and endearing. It helps that I’ve seen every episode of Star Trek that ever aired and that it’s one of my comfort shows. I’ve never told that to another living soul until Ronnie. I always thought it made me a huge dork, and maybe it does, but she seemed happy about it.
“Care for a ride home, pretty girl?” I hold my hand out to Ronnie as she draws closer.
Her expression is skeptical. “I’m not sure. My dad said I should never take a ride from a stranger. Are you offering candy? I might be able to bypass the stranger rule for some candy.” Her smooth voice is seductively teasing.
“I don’t have candy, but I can do better than that. How does a hot fudge sundae sound?”
She places her hand in mine. “Stranger, I think you just talked me into being kidnapped.”
I help her hop up into my truck, my hands lingering at her waist. Ronnie knows it too, because she turns around to look at me with a smug look on her face. “Thanks for the boost, kidnapper.”
“I only do it for my most beautiful captures.” I smack her lightly on the butt as she turns around to sit down. She squeals and my grin spreads. I feel like I’m sixteen again, but with a way hotter girl this time.