Sawyer (Alluring Indulgence #7)(96)
Author: Nicole Edwards

Regardless, it was no hardship for Kennedy because she enjoyed watching him, admiring the way he sat in the chair, one ankle propped on the opposite knee, looking as cool and as sexy as ever.

“We still on for next Saturday?” Sawyer asked, his hands clasped behind his head as he propped them against the wall behind him.

Olivia had taken off early for the afternoon to handle personal business, something about throwing her no-good, worthless boyfriend out. Considering they’d only been together for two months and were already living together, Kennedy didn’t bother to quiz her on the reasons. Seemed a little obvious as far as Kennedy was concerned.

“Yep. We’re still on,” she told Sawyer. They were having their third annual pet walk in downtown Coyote Ridge in a week, and Kennedy was pretty sure Sawyer was the only one who was counting down the days besides her. Well, except maybe Adrianne.

For the last two years, Kennedy and Adrianne had worked tirelessly to create a fun, family-oriented event where proud pet owners could bring their four-legged friends out to connect with other residents. Their goal was to raise funds for the shelter. The difference between those events and this one was impressive. Especially considering the fact they had purposely pawned off the preparations on Sawyer, back when Kennedy was piling him high with things just to keep him busy. It had been a test of how far he would go to volunteer.

Contrary to what she had originally thought, he had far exceeded her expectations, proving he was more than just a handsome face. Sawyer hadn’t been involved in any of the events until this year. And, surprisingly, he had optimistically taken on most of the work to put it together, having started back in October of last year, insisting this would be the best one yet. Kennedy had to believe he might be right.

“We don’t have any appointments scheduled so I can be there all day unless there’s an emergency. Why?”

“Just wanted to make sure. I’ve got a couple of surprises I’ve put in place.”

Jessie hung up the phone a second before she said, “What surprises? I love surprises.”

“I’m not tellin’. You’re just gonna have to show up.”

“Oh, I’ll be there,” Jessie told him. “In case you don’t remember, someone convinced me and Braydon to volunteer.”

Sawyer’s pleased expression told Kennedy who had done the sweet-talking there. Not that she was surprised. The guy was a born salesman. She’d seen him sweet-talk a number of people, including Adrianne, the woman who managed the shelter. He’d somehow even convinced her to dress up for the event, which Adrianne wasn’t all that pleased about after she’d willingly given in to his request.

“It’ll be fun.”

“Weather’s gonna be nice at least,” Kennedy said. “High sixties on Saturday.”

“That’s crazy for this time of year,” Jessie tacked on. “It’s a good thing I don’t like cold weather because livin’ in Texas is ridiculous when it comes to seasons.”

Kennedy had to agree with Jessie there. Last year in January, they’d dealt with ice and freezing temperatures; this year, winter was proving to be mild. Not that she minded. As it was, the days and nights had blurred for the last few weeks and she hadn’t paid much attention to anything other than her budding relationship with Sawyer. Certainly not the weather.

“So . . .” Kennedy said, turning to face Jessie. “When are you gonna hit me with the bad news?”

“What?” Jessie asked, glancing over at Sawyer and then back to her. “What bad news?”

“I know Kylie is goin’ back to work full-time in the next week or two. That means I’m gonna lose the best receptionist I’ve ever had.”

Jessie frowned, her eyes lowering to the desk in front of her.

“What’s wrong?” Kennedy asked.

“Nothin’,” she said, “it’s just that . . .”

Sawyer got up from his chair, making his way over to the counter to stand beside Kennedy.

“Will y’all quit lookin’ at me like that?” Jessie insisted. “I . . . Damn. I don’t even know how to say it.”

“Spit it out,” Sawyer told her.

Jessie’s cornflower-blue eyes met Kennedy’s. “If you’re not ready to can me, I’d like to stay here. I think I can cover the few things my sister needs, but honestly . . .” Jessie dropped her gaze again. “I like this better.”

Sawyer chuckled. “You tell your sister that yet?”

“No,” Jessie stated firmly. “But I was plannin’ to.”