Heartbreaker(38)

“That Edith’s a character, huh?” Sawyer continues, smiling affectionately at the thought. “I stopped by yesterday, and she gave me the third degree, quizzing me all about my intentions towards you.”

I groan, embarrassed. “I’m sorry, she likes to play matchmaker.”

“That’s okay.” Sawyer grins. “They’re only a little dishonorable, I promise.” He winks, and my heart plummets. Any other month, and I would be on cloud nine right now. A hot, single animal lover who wants to flirt with me? I should be melting. But with Finn in the next room – scruffy, dangerous, intoxicating Finn – I’m afraid to admit it, but no other man stands a chance.

“Listen,” I start, awkward. “There’s something you should know—”

I’m about to tell him that I’m too tied up in ancient history to think about dating him right now, when the cause of all my confusion emerges from the living room. Finn stops, taking us in.

“I don’t think we’ve been introduced,” he says, stepping forward with his hand outstretched. “Finn McKay.”

“Sawyer Green.” Sawyer shakes his hand, good natured. “Great to meet you. Are you a friend of Eva’s?” he asks.

“An old friend,” Finn says, giving me a look.

“Sawyer’s the new vet in town,” I speak up. “He’s been helping out at the rescue.”

“That’s great.” Finn’s voice is friendly, but there’s a weird vibe here all the same. Sawyer and he are assessing each other, casual on the surface, but I can tell something’s going on underneath. “Eva’s been volunteering there for years.”

“She said so,” Sawyer replies pleasantly. “She has a real gift with the animals. They all love her.”

“Everyone does.”

There’s a pause. I look back and forth between them. “You want to get a drink?” I ask Sawyer. “There’s a full bar, right through here.”

“Sounds good.” He smiles at me. “Good meeting you, Finn.”

“You too.” Finn nods. “Let me know if you need anything.”

I guide Sawyer through to the party and get him set up with a beer, my mind racing how I’m going to explain this one. But he beats me to it. “I’m guessing he’s who you wanted to talk to me about,” he says casually, and I nearly splutter on my drink.

“How did you know?”

Sawyer chuckles. “I’m not blind. Old boyfriend?”

I nod, feeling bad. “He just came back to town,” I try to explain. “And I wasn’t going to get involved, but—”

“Hey, it’s okay. I understand.” Sawyer gives me a rueful look. “Bad timing, the story of my life.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, feeling a twist of regret. “If I’d met you any other time—”

“I get it,” Sawyer cuts me off, smiling. “We’re good. But I still want to get that drink sometime. You can give me the inside scoop on this town. Friends?” he asks.

I nod, relieved. “Friends.”

Sawyer looks over my shoulder, and smiles. “If it makes you feel any better, your guy looks as if he’s about to challenge me to a duel.”

I turn. Finn is watching us, looking tense. Sawyer leans in a little closer, and murmurs in my ear. “A little jealousy can be good for a guy.”

“I’m not trying—”

“I know,” Sawyer reassures me. “But I’m happy to help.” He places a hand on my arm, still leaning in close. “I give him ten seconds…”

But it barely takes five before Finn cuts through the crowd and joins us again. “Finding everything okay?” he asks, a new note of steel in his voice.

“Sure. Eva’s being real helpful,” Sawyer drawls. He squeezes my shoulder.

Finn’s jaw clenches. “Is that so?”

“I’m lucky I met her,” Sawyer continues. “She’s really one of a kind.”

I flush, caught in Finn’s possessive stare, but I can’t help feeling a satisfied thrill. I hate playing games, but after acting so relaxed around me, he’s finally looking like he gives a damn.

“What about you, Eva?” Finn asks. “Are you having fun?”

His voice is dangerously silky. I smile.

“Yes, I am. Thanks again for hosting,” I add sweetly. “I’ve been wanting to introduce Sawyer, and this is the perfect chance for him to meet everyone. He can’t wait to settle in, since he’s going to be sticking around.”

“You’re just passing through, right?” Sawyer asks him.

Finn scowls. “I haven’t decided yet.”

“He’s just here for the month,” I tell Sawyer. “Then he’s back on the road again, back to his real life.”

“I never saw the appeal of big city life,” Sawyer muses. “As far as I’m concerned, you’ve got everything you need right here.” He holds my gaze, flirty, and I can almost feel Finn seething beside me.

“Eva?” Finn’s voice comes. “Can I talk to you a minute?”

“I’m kind of busy right now,” I tell him, not looking around.

“Eva. Now.”