Page 30 of Camera Stays On

“If it weren’t complicated, would you see him again?”

I faced the TV, unable to look her in the eyes as I asked. I was too much of a coward to watch her break my heart. She belonged to Sawyer. We all knew that. There was no, “if it weren’t complicated.” It didn’t matter, because it always would be.

“I think so.” Suddenly, the warmth of her hand finding mine under the blanket filled me. Slowly, I turned to look at her. What was going on?

“Asher—”

Disregarding everything I’d been thinking about for the last two months, I leaned in to kiss her. She gasped, and just as our lips were about to press together, there was a loud creak from the kitchen, followed by the wiggling of the back door.

It hit me then.

The lights were off in Sawyer’s room not because he’d been asleep, but because he hadn’t been home.

Chapter 13

Andi

“I SHOULD GET to bed,” Ash muttered as Sawyer came in from the kitchen, flicking the bright light on.

“What are you guys up to?”

“We were just watching TV. I’m tired.” Asher stood, the dogs leaped from the couch to join him. They followed him as he went upstairs to his room, nodding to both Sawyer and me.

Sawyer stood in the doorway for a long moment. I felt the heat of his gaze. Guilt threatened to show itself on my cheeks, but I refused to give him anything. If he found out there was any sort of thread between Ash and me, past friendship, I feared he’d lash out. Memories of Ray’s closed-casket funeral flashed in front of my eyes, and I shook them away.

“Is this where you’re sleeping, Purdy?” he asked.

I faked a yawn and pulled the blanket tighter. “I think so. I’m pretty comfy here.” We both knew I was avoiding discussing what had happened earlier in the bedroom.

“Right, well, if you need anything, come get me,” he said, flicking the light back off. His shoulders slumped slightly as he went up the stairs. I waited until I heard his door open and close before settling in and forcing my eyes shut. Despite Sawyer’s explosion into the house, my mind went back to Ash. Oh, how I wished we hadn’t been interrupted.

“LEAVE HER ALONE, will ya?” Ash’s low murmur caused my eyelids to flutter. However, they didn’t have the opportunity to fully open before a large, warm, wet tongue slid across my face. Letting out a screech, I bolted up and wiped my cheek in shock and disgust.

“Ugh!”

“Sorry. Toby! Quit it! Come get breakfast.” The Rottweiler, hearing the mention of food, turned away quickly and followed his owner into the kitchen. I stretched and stood. That was not how I’d wanted to wake up, but there was no way I was going back to sleep. Padding into the kitchen, I sat down at the table and watched as Asher fed the dogs, then went over to the counter.

“You want some coffee?” he asked, reaching for the pot.

“Do you have creamer?” I asked.

“Just got pumpkin spice flavor.” He grinned.

“Pumpkin spice?”

“’Tis the season.”

“Season for what?” Sawyer’s voice boomed into the room before he did. I fought back an eye roll and inhaled deeply.

“Nothing. We were just joking about coffee, Sawyer.”

He went to the fridge, where he grabbed a Monster energy drink. “I like my caffeine cold.”

“You look like you’re gearing up to do some work,” Ash commented, eyeing Sawyer’s faded jeans, worn leather boots, and yellow plaid button-up shirt. Sawyer gave him a tight smile and nodded.

“Yeah, me and one of the crew members are heading into the woods around the haunt to do some rigging. Sorry, Purdy. I was hoping to take you out for some fun today, but duty calls.”

“It’s no problem! Have fun!” I perked up, far too much for his liking. He scowled and stomped out of the room, the front door shutting loudly behind him. I ignored his mini temper tantrum and turned to Ash. “What are you doing today?”