Page 10 of Knotting Autumn

Grumbling, I tipped myself over to lay on my back. Sawyer pulled his bottom arm free and propped himself up with it, his top arm still resting on my stomach. His large hand opened, fingers flexing before relaxing over my skin.

Swallowing, I drew in a measured breath and forced myself to answer.

“The other day, a couple of guys came into the store. And for whatever reason, that’s what set off my panic attack, or whatever freak out that was.”

“Why? Did they touch you?” His voice darkened, and I frowned at him, my brows pinching as I canted my head.

His jaw flexed, his throat working. There was an intensity there I didn’t recognize.

My exhale whooshed out audibly. “No, of course not. Well, the big one touched my hand. But that was nothing.”

The electricity that flowed between us was definitely not nothing, but I couldn’t even begin to describe that to Sawyer. And I didn’t want to. It felt private. Plus, what would he think?

He studied my face. “What happened today?”

“Nothing!”

He claimed we were soulmates.

In the past, I would have thought Sawyer would laugh at that, but he was deadly serious beside me. Honestly, I was scared of his reaction, so I kept it to myself.

“Look, nothing happened. He was being a little creepy, but I told him to get lost. Don’t worry about it. I’m a big girl.”

Sawyer’s lip curled, showing straight white teeth. His canine teeth were pointier-looking than average, and I’d always thought it was sexy. Now, he looked like a predator, one that would protect me from any threat.

Sighing, I reached out and tugged on his shirt, pulling him closer.

“Can things just go back to normal?”

Hesitating, Sawyer’s emerald gaze roamed my face. He reached up and brushed my hair back, the pad of his fingers skimming my temple and cheek.

“Of course.”

“Thank you,” I said, scooting closer so we could resume snuggling. I needed his strong, steady presence more than ever after the last few days. At least I wasn’t mind-numbingly horny anymore. It was more of a medium level of horny, and I could definitely ignore it.

“I want to walk you to work from now on. At least for a while,” he said quietly.

Without waiting for my answer, he threaded his fingers into my hair, digging into the back of my skull. Groaning, I turned my head to give him better access, letting him massage my neck. His wrist rubbed against the skin below my ear.

“Here, roll over,” he said.

Sighing, I settled on my belly. Sawyer straddled my hips and began massaging my back, pressing his thumbs into the muscles along my spine, and dragging firm hands down my upper arms.

Colors danced behind my eyes at the pleasure. This man knew how to touch me.

Sawyer eased my shirt up and pressed his fingers into my lower back, squeezing my waist and dragging inward. A moan escaped me, and he chuckled.

“Better?” he asked, climbing off of me.

I nodded, and he grinned. “Good, now I’ll go make us some dinner.”

“You’re the best,” I mumbled, too relaxed to move.

It was the smell of ramen that finally lured me out of my room. My muscles still felt like jelly, but Sawyer made the best noodles, so I dragged myself to the sofa. He’d queued up one of my comfort shows, and had my bowl ready to eat.

“I fucking love you,” I muttered, accepting the dish.

Sawyer’s grin was radiant, displaying those beautiful teeth.