“That’s very sweet.” I cup her face in my hands and kiss her. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t know the protocol of things like this so I took a chance. Plus, I really wanted to see you in your station wear. I figured food was a good enough excuse.”
I grin, proud she is using terminology I taught her. “You never need an excuse to drop by here.” I kiss her again, but it’s quickly interrupted by hoots and hollers.
“I think we are being watched,” she whispers, when I drop my forehead to hers.
“You’d be correct. I’m sorry in advance for anything they say. They like to fuck with me. Especially Grad—”
“So you must be the beauty that’s helping Isaac here be less of a miserable asshole during the day.” Grady appears by our side immediately, nudging me out of the way and extending his hand to her. “I’m Grady Malone.”
“Sawyer Westbrook.” She shakes his hand with a smile. “And I hope if he’s in a good mood it’s because of me.”
“Ignore him. We all do,” I tell her.
“That’s no way to talk about me to my face.”
“Malone.” She looks down, thinking about something before snapping her fingers in realization. “I met your parents a couple of months ago, on our first date. Lovely people.”
“A couple of months ago?” Grady turns his eyes to me. “This man has been keeping you from us for two months?”
“And I wonder why....” I add in, wrapping my arm around her body, pulling her into my side. “I don’t want you assholes scaring her off. I kinda like her,” I say, then place a kiss on the top of her head.
“We are taking things slow...ish,” she giggles. “One step at a time. He obviously saved our meeting because he knows your personality would just win me over and I needed time to prepare.”
Her teasing sarcasm is apparent and I love every moment.
“That’s what I’m trying to say,” Grady adds. “Really though, it was nice meeting you, Sawyer. I’ll leave you to deal with this guy.”
“It was nice meeting you too, Grady.”
He slaps me on the shoulder then heads back into the kitchen area, leaving us alone in the front of the station.
“I’m really glad you came,” I tell her honestly.
“I’m really glad I came too.”
The past two months with her have been exactly what we both needed. We’ve had time together, time apart, more sex than either of us can handle, all while still wanting more. She’s genuinely fun to be around. This has been... easy.
“Are you ready for tomorrow night?”
“I’m so nervous, Isaac.” She shifts from foot to foot, like she can’t stand still.
“Why? It’s just Grams. You’ve already met her before.”
“Yeah, in a grocery store months ago. Now I’m meeting her officially. It’s scary.” Her eyes go wide with expression.
“She’ll love you.”
“I hope so.” She hands me the to-go boxes. “I thought you’d like to try this. Pastitsio. It’s a Greek dish. It’s incredible.”
“You don’t have to go yet.”
“No, I should. I don’t want to be the girlfriend who hangs out around your job.” She pushes up on her toes to kiss me.
“I like that word, girlfriend, and no one would care if I showed you around for a little bit.”
I can feel her smile against my lips before she kisses me again. “What time will you pick me up tomorrow or I can just meet you somewhere?”
“I’ll come to you then we’ll go get Grams together.”
“Okay.”
I wrap her up in my arms and squeeze her tightly. “Text me later?”
“Of course.” She steps backward a few paces. “Stay safe out there, okay?”
“Always am.”
She gives me a one finger wave then turns on her heel to leave.
Sawyer
Who knew going to see a woman that you’ve already met could be so nerve-wracking? I know how much she means to him. He tells me all the time how special she is.
I want to make a good impression. I don’t want her to dislike me because that would absolutely break my heart.
When I finally settle on an outfit, opting for a long maxi dress with a denim jacket over top, I give myself a look in the mirror and actually feel pretty content with my choice. It’s still me, but simple. Perfect.
As I’m making sure I have everything in my purse I might need, my phone vibrates across my dresser, indicating an incoming call.
“Hello?” I say when I answer.
“I’m pulling onto your street. Are you ready?” Isaac’s smooth voice is even better over the phone. He has a total phone sex voice.
“I am. I’m just making sure I don’t forget anything.”
I give myself a few spritzes of perfume then head out into the front room with my phone still to my ear.
“Do you think I can convince you to come home with me afterward?”
“I mean, if you’re going to twist my arm, I guess I can do that,” I tease.
“Good, because I’ve missed you and I want more of you since I have two days off.”
“I’m all yours.”
“I do enjoy hearing you say that. I’m here. Do you want me to come in? Do you need help?”
“I just have my purse. No need. I’ll be right out.”
I toss my phone into my bag; grab the charger from the wall behind my sofa then head out the door.
When I climb into the passenger side of his truck, he greets me with a kiss.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. I’m nervous so I wanted to make sure I at least looked nice, just in case she isn’t a fan of my personality.”
“You’re nervous for no reason. I promise you.” He turns his head to check behind him before reversing out of my driveway.
God, since when did men’s jawlines get so attractive?
His arm is outstretched around the seat and his hand is casually resting
