The Vincent Brothers (The Vincent Boys #2)(15)

“I know. I didn’t even realize he drank. I thought that was Beau’s MO.”

“He normally doesn’t. Tonight was a side of Sawyer I’d never seen before. He was very... Beau-like. Or at least the way Beau used to be.”

Her words made everything click. The puzzle that Sawyer had created tonight all fell into place. He had acted like Beau back when Beau wanted Ashton and didn’t have her. A small ache in my chest started and unfortunately, it was all too familiar. It was the same ache I felt when I’d seen the tender, completely devoted look Sawyer would bestow on Ashton every time he glanced her way. Which had been often.

“Makes sense,” I muttered, more to myself than to Ashton.

Instead of asking me what I meant, she only nodded and stared helplessly at the pale blue wall across from her. At least she got it and I wouldn’t have to spell it out for her. Sawyer was coping with not having Ashton by drinking and acting out. It had been six months for crying out loud. How long did he need?

“He texted me tonight.”

“Who?” I assumed she was talking about Sawyer but with Ashton you never could be sure which Vincent boy she was talking about.

“Sawyer. He asked about you. Wanted me to tell you he was sorry.”

My stupid heart sped up and I tried to keep my face composed. I reminded myself he’d probably been more worried about Ashton’s feelings than mine.

“Oh,” was the only response I could muster.

“I don’t know what his motives are Lana. I mean you are gorgeous and he is a guy. I can see that he could be interested in you--”

“But you’re also worried he’s using me to get to you,” I finished her thought for her.

Ashton pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and grimaced. Yep, it sounded bad when said out loud. But it was the truth.

“The Sawyer I know, the Sawyer I loved isn’t calculating and cruel. But the Sawyer I knew also would have never gotten drunk at a party and made out with a girl in public. Heck, I’m pretty sure you did more with Sawyer on that couch than I did with Sawyer during the three years we dated.” Ashton let out a hard short laugh, “I basically had to beg him to do more than a few chaste kisses. He was so controlled. Tonight, when I came downstairs and saw the two of you and well—his hands...” she trailed off.

I knew exactly where his hands had been and remembering made my face heat up.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is, be careful. I don’t know what he’s up to and I don’t want to believe he is trying to get to me through you. I just don’t think he would do that. Honestly, if you and Sawyer became an item I’d be happy for both of you. He’s a wonderful guy. He just wasn’t ‘my guy’... ya know?”

I didn’t know what to say to her. I was surprised she was so okay with Sawyer moving on. Sure, Beau was a hottie but if Sawyer had been mine I’d be devastated to see him move on.

“He wants your cell phone number. I didn’t give it to him. I wasn’t sure what you wanted me to do.”

“Give it to him,” I replied quickly.

Ashton laughed and nodded before standing up. “Well, okay then. Glad to know where you stand,” the teasing in her voice was a relief. She really was okay with this.

“This summer... my coming here... it wasn’t just about wanting to spend time with you before we go off to college.”

Ashton grinned and raised her eyebrows. “I can’t believe you’re telling me a Vincent boy brought you to Grove, Alabama and not me.”

Shrugging, I returned her smile, “They’re hard to resist.”

“Don’t I know it.”

I stood at the window and watched as Ashton jumped in Beau’s arms and proceeded to kiss his face all over as if she hadn’t just seen him last night. It was kind of gross. He was shirtless and covered in sweat. He reached up and turned his dirty University of Alabama baseball hat around backwards before grabbing Ashton’s face and taking over her wandering lips. Shaking my head, I turned away from the major public display of affection those two were sharing with the entire street. She’d been all-clean when she left and now she had Beau Vincent sweat all over her outfit. Not to mention the grass probably stuck to his body. She’d better hope her daddy doesn’t decide to come home for an early lunch. That would not go over well.

The short clip of Tell Him by Colbie Caillat alerted me that I had a text message. Running over to the dresser where I’d left my phone, I grabbed it up and my heart fluttered even before I read it.

Sawyer: It’s Sawyer. I’m sorry about last night. Let me make it up to you. I’m taking out the boat today. Come with me, please.

I didn’t even give myself time to think it through. I quickly typed.

Me: Okay. When?

Playing hard to get might be the best way to handle this if Sawyer actually liked me. But I wasn’t sure. If I was just a weapon to use against Ashton then I needed to change that. I needed to make him see me.

Sawyer: Can you be ready in an hour?

Me: Yes

Sawyer: Wear a Swimsuit. Preferably that bikini you had on last night.

I had to take a deep calming breath and I reread his request several times before typing—

Me: K

Chapter Seven

Sawyer

Lana opened the front door the moment I pulled into Ash’s driveway. I needed to fix the mess I’d made last night so instead of enjoying the view of her long creamy legs, showcased in those tiny little red shorts, I jumped out of the truck and walked around the front of the cab so I could open the door and help her get in.