One Weekend in Seattle

1. Chapter One

Chapter One

T he car share dropped Gabby and Lindsay off next to a modest brick building. With her preoccupation over how quickly her life had changed, Gabby had no clue where they were in Seattle, but she trusted her best friend to know how she wanted to celebrate tonight. The line of glitzed up ladies and gentlemen extended around the corner. The place must be very popular.

“Come on.” Lindsay grabbed her hand, and they walked past the line of people to the front of the building.

Gabby Maxwell looked up at the small sign above the door. The Vault . “How did you find this place?”

Lindsay always found new places to go out for the night. Up until now, Gabby’s life had been stilted, and she’d lived vicariously through her best friend. Their weekly phone calls were full of Lindsay’s stories. Truth be told, Gabby had been a little jealous of Lindsay’s freedom.

“I know the bartender. Come on.” Lindsay led her to the entrance where a bouncer stood. “Hi, Lindsay Collins and guest.”

The bouncer looked at his phone. “Yes, Ms. Collins. I have you here. I need to see IDs for you and your guest, please.”

Gabby opened her purse and pulled out her driver’s license. Luckily, she’d placed it where it was easily accessible. The bouncer took it from her, looked at it, and back at her. He also held it up to the light and ran his fingers over it before handing it back to her. He did the same with Lindsay’s.

“Perfect. Please go in and give your name to the host; she will seat you.” He unclipped the velvet rope, and they walked through.

“I’m impressed.” They’d just passed probably a hundred people in line on a Friday night.

The host smiled when they walked up to the desk. Her name tag read Maggie . The dance music was going, and Gabby glanced up to where she could see the DJ on the second floor.

“Welcome to The Vault.”

“Hi. Lindsay Collins.”

“Welcome, Ms. Collins.” Maggie looked at a list. “If you’ll follow me.” She slipped from behind the counter and walked off.

Lindsay giggled, and they followed. Gabby looked around as they walked. The place was bigger than it appeared from the outside. There was a huge dance floor, a long bar, areas roped off, tables and chairs in another area, plus stand-up tables in another.

She looked up to where the DJ stood on the second floor and noticed plush chairs, sofas, and small tables, all separated by glass panels. Interesting. The hostess unhooked a velvet rope and walked up two stairs to the raised area and gestured to the right. It was a half booth with high back black leather seats.

Lindsay slid around the table as Gabby sat and shifted toward the middle. “There are menus and a drink list on the table. Your server will be with you shortly.”

“Holy crap.” Gabby couldn’t help her exclamation. This place was totally unexpected.

“I’ll have to thank Jesse.”

“Jesse?”

“My bartender friend.”

Gabby glanced toward the bar. There was one man behind it. He was a big enough guy that he could be a bouncer. He wore black pants and a white shirt with no sleeves. When he glanced up, he nodded and grinned. Gabby wasn’t sure what that meant. Also, he didn’t look like Lindsay’s type. “Is that him?”

Lindsay looked over at the bar. “No. He’s probably in the back. Let’s see what they have for food.” She grabbed the menu and laid it on the table between them. “I’m starving,” Lindsay said.

“Me too. You picked me up from the airport, went to your apartment, where you gave me just enough time to change, and now we’re here.” So the man who grinned at her from behind the bar wasn’t Jesse. That made Gabby feel a little better. Her friend had a habit of picking the wrong men. Gabby sighed. Who was she to talk?

“Well, don’t blame me. Your flight didn’t arrive until seven.”

“It was the first flight I could get at last minute.” Expensive as well. Not that she cared. The fight was over, and she wanted to celebrate her freedom with her best friend.

“Let’s get a bottle of Moet to celebrate,” Lindsay commented.

Gabby glanced at the menu. Her eyes widened. “It’s three hundred dollars a bottle.” She shouldn’t have been surprised at the price; they were in a high-end nightclub.

“No worrying about cost tonight. I’ll take care of it.”

“Lindsay…” she started to protest.

“No.” Lindsay held up her hand. “It’s a small price to pay now that you’re finally divorced from that loser. Besides I’ve been saving for this day.”

Gabby couldn’t argue. It had taken so long to get the divorce because her ex wouldn’t respond to anything. “I have money to help pay.” It wasn’t like she’d spent anything in the last two years except essentials and a divorce lawyer. Not that divorce lawyers were cheap, but Gabby had a job that paid really well.

“No, I’ve got it. How about the beef sliders, fries, and charcuterie board.”

Gabby’s stomach rumbled. “All sounds good.”

“Evening, ladies.” A muscled young man in black pants and a white sleeveless shirt commented. “I’m Brad. What can I start for you tonight?”

“Hi, Brad.” Lindsay had a wide grin on her face. Gabby shook her head. Her friend flirted with everyone. Not that Brad wasn’t good looking. He just wasn’t Gabby’s type.

Lindsay gave their order and asked for water. Brad nodded and left. More people began filling the place. “I still don’t get how we got this amazing booth.”

“Jesse arranged it. This is one of the VIP booths. When you called and told me the divorce was final, I called Jesse. We were lucky. There was a cancellation, and Jesse put us down. This place is constantly at capacity.”

Gabby swallowed. “The line outside?”

“General admission, they open at ten for them. The VIPs have some private time.”

“Interesting.” It was. Gabby had never been to a place like this. “I’ll have to thank Jesse.”

“No big deal. He told me it’s one of the perks of his job.”

Gabby nodded, but wondered if that was true. Not that she attended a lot of nightclubs. Her job as an executive chef didn’t allow a lot of down-time. Fourteen-hour working days didn’t give her too much leisure time.

“Gabby, don’t worry about anything this weekend. I want you to relax and enjoy. You’ve done nothing for the last three years but focus on your job. This is your weekend to let go and rejuvenate.”

“You’re right.” She’d been separated for almost two years and trying to get a divorce for a year. In all that time, she’d done nothing but concentrate on her job. It was time for a change. But tonight wasn’t the time to talk about it. Tonight was about celebrating her freedom.

Brad returned at that moment. He opened the champagne and poured it into two crystal flutes. “I’ll be back with your food soon.”

Lindsay picked up her glass. “To freedom.”

“To freedom.” They clinked the stemware and took a sip. Light bubbles teased her taste buds. White peach and apple notes unfurled, and the sweet citrus flavors lingered. “This is delicious.”

“I knew you’d like it.”

Gabby nodded as she began to relax. This was what she needed: a night out with her best friend. Tonight was for fun.

***

Sawyer York looked down at the crowd. “Looks good tonight,” Eric, his friend and business partner, said.

“It always does on the weekend.” It was ten o’clock, and the club was bustling as the general admission patrons entered. He enjoyed watching the people talking and looking around in awe. The excitement he’d felt when he first opened the club had somehow become tarnished. He’d opened The Vault five years ago after he sold off the technology company he’d created.

The sale made him an instant billionaire. And all the vultures came out of the woodwork. Sawyer shook his head. He was becoming so cynical at thirty-five. Maybe it was time for a new venture.

“Before I forget, Jesse asked if he could take one of the VIP booths tonight, and I said yes. We didn’t have a reservation for it.”

“We didn’t?” That was odd; the VIP booths were usually snapped up.

“The party canceled, and I didn’t see any harm since Jesse said it was for his friend and her friend to celebrate some big event in their lives.”

“Which one?” Sawyer was curious.

“Number one.”

Sawyer’s gaze moved to the booth. From where he stood on the second floor, he could see the two women in the VIP section. One of the women was laughing, her head thrown back, her black hair with red highlights cascading past her bare shoulders. One of the lights flashed on her face. There was a carefree light in her features. He forgot how to breathe as she picked up her champagne flute and clinked her glass to the other woman’s and drank.

For a second, Sawyer glanced at the other woman, but his gaze immediately went back to the dark-haired woman companion. His cock tightened. Whoa. When was the last time he’d had a reaction to a woman like that? Years.

“The blonde is Jesse’s friend,” Eric said.

Sawyer spared him a glance, and his friend laughed.

“It’s written all over your face. You’re interested.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m going to do anything.”

“Why not? Come on, Sawyer, you’ve been living like a monk.”

“You know why.”

“Gina was a first-class gold digger and bitch.”

Sawyer couldn’t argue with that. “And I let myself be blinded by her.” He wasn’t proud that she’d somehow strung him along perfectly. He’d always thought he was smarter than that.

“Gina was good, but in the end, she showed her true colors.”

“True.” Sawyer’s gaze returned to the woman in the booth. What was it about her that held his attention? Brad, one of the servers, went up to the table with several plates and arranged them on the table.

The woman Sawyer was intrigued by gestured to the food and chatted with Brad. It seemed like she was asking about the food. Sawyer wished he could hear the conversation. Brad walked away, and she picked up one of the sliders and took a bite. Her eyes closed as she chewed.

Sawyer couldn’t help himself; he was entranced by this woman. He kept his gaze on her face as she swallowed, and pleasure lit up her expression. His gut tightened. He was restless tonight. Something was missing from his life. When had he become so disenchanted?

When he opened the nightclub, he’d decided to offer food along with drinks. Some thought he was crazy to offer more than snacks, but he found people enjoyed having food with their drinks. Not that they had an extensive menu, mainly finger food and salads. They made the real money on the alcohol.

Sawyer glanced out at the crowd again. Maybe he’d take a walk on the main floor.

He glanced over at the DJ. He’d decided to keep the DJ on the second floor. It kept people from coming up to the DJ with requests, but it was also where he and Eric shared a big office in the opposite corner.

The rest of the second floor was turned into seating for any of his or Eric’s special guests who didn’t want to be on the main floor. They could enjoy the view and talk in private or go downstairs and dance if they wanted. Investors who knew Sawyer and Eric often wanted a place they could take clients to that was more causal than a formal restaurant. Sawyer didn’t mind. They paid him well for it.

“I’m going to go walk around downstairs,” he said.

“Enjoy.” Eric grinned at him, and Sawyer ignored him. It wasn’t unusual for one of them to walk the floor and check in on things.

***

Gabby took another drink of her champagne, sated and relaxed. The sliders were perfect, the fries crisp, and charcuterie board was great, a mixture of cheeses, fruit, crackers, and jam. It was everything a person could want in a nightclub. Simple, but with flavors that pleased the senses. At least for her.

The dance floor was semi-crowded, but the place was hopping. “How did you meet Jesse and find out about this place?”

“I met Jesse a few weeks ago on one of the singles outing groups I went with. We started chatting, and he told me where he worked. When the weekend rolled around, I stood in line and came into the club.”

“That line was enormous.”

“Jesse told me it’s always like that. People want to be seen at The Vault.”

“Why is that?” Gabby was curious.

“Probably something to do with the billionaire owners.” Lindsay waved her hand toward the DJ area. “Not that I cared about that. Jesse is so much fun.”

“Ah.” Gabby wiggled her eyebrows at her friend.

“Stop.” Lindsay slapped Gabby on the arm and laughed.

“Evening, ladies.”

The silky-smooth whisky voice drew Gabby’s gaze. Her breath caught in her throat. Holy crap! Seattle knew how to find sexy men. He was well over six feet in her estimation. His dark hair was cut short. And those intense blue eyes... It was like looking into ocean waves.

“Hello,” Lindsay said.

“Good evening,” he said before he held his hand out. “Would you like to dance?”

“Me?” Gabby’s mouth dropped open. Men always went for her blonde bombshell friend. Not that it bothered her. She was always happy Lindsay had the attention.

“Yes. Shall we?”

Lindsay elbowed her in the side, leaned over and whispered, “Go have fun.”

Gabby swallowed and placed her hand in his. Heat flared as he helped her to her feet. With her hand in his, he kept her tucked close to him as they navigated to a spot on the dance floor. He turned her into his arms with care as the music turned slow.

His arms snaked around her waist, and she placed her hands on his wide shoulders. He kept his hold soft, yet she felt safe and cared for. A wave of heat filled her body. She’d never felt this drawn to someone before. She followed his lead, and when the song changed, she remembered where she was.

“I’m Gabby, by the way.”

He smiled, stealing the breath from her lungs. “Hi, Gabby. I’m Sawyer.”

Lord, she loved the timbre of his voice when he said her name. The music was now lively, and they danced with the others on the floor. It was a little hard to talk, but at least she got his name. Sawyer. Nice. It fit him. The next song was slower, and he took her into his arms and began to sway.

Her skin tingled as he held her. This was unusual. She’d dated a few times during her separation, and no one had made her feel like Sawyer did at this moment.

“I hope it’s okay I stole you away from your friend,” he said.

“You did ask.”

“I did. My mother raised me to be a gentleman.”

Her mind swirled with her instant attraction to this man, so much so, she realized she was biting her lip. She had no clue how to respond.

They danced from one song to the next, sometimes making small talk and other times not.

“I need to sit down,” Gabby said after the eighth song. She wasn’t used to being in heels, even if they were only one inch.

“Of course.” He led her from the floor back to her table, but it was empty. Gabby glanced at the bar and saw Lindsay wave at her.

“Since my friend is talking with her boyfriend, would you like to join me?” It seemed the right thing to do. Besides, she’d like to know more about this man.

He looked at the bar and then back at her. “I’d like that.”

Gabby slid into the booth, and Sawyer followed. His thigh touched hers, and a shiver of awareness flowed through her body.

“What can I get for you, sir?” Brad asked when he approached their table.

“Walker Blue Label, neat. And can you refresh the charcuterie board, please.”

“Of course, sir.” Brad picked up the board. “Ma’am?”

“I’m fine.” There was still a half bottle of champagne and water on the table.

Brad nodded and left.

“You didn’t need to do that,” she told Sawyer.

“I get the munchies when I drink.” He flashed her a grin. “Tell me, Gabby, what brought you to The Vault tonight?”

“My friend. I flew in today, and she brought me here to celebrate.”

“Celebrating a birthday? New job?”

“Neither.” Gabby usually wasn’t this honest with someone she just met, but Sawyer struck her as a straightforward man. “My divorce was finalized on Wednesday.”

His eyes widened.

“I’m not on the rebound,” she added quickly. Gabby didn’t want him to think she was out looking for a new man. “To make a long story short, we’ve been separated for three years. I’ve been trying to divorce him for a year, and the court finally stepped in and granted my divorce when he wouldn’t respond to anything.”

“Sounds like a great guy.” The sarcasm in his voice was evident.

“We drifted apart.” Gabby was somewhat sad her marriage ended the way it had, but when she looked back on it, her ex was the one who encouraged her to become an executive chef then complained about the hours.

“What about you? What brought you to the club tonight?”

He hesitated before answering. “I’m one of the managers here.”

Why did he pause? Was he worried she would look down on him for being a manager? “Shouldn’t you be working?” Gabby ducked her head and covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry, that was rude.”

He laughed. A deep, rich laugh that sent quivers over her skin. “It’s fine. I’m not the only one on duty tonight. The other manager can handle things.”

Brad arrived with his drink and the fresh charcuterie board. He set them on the table before leaving.

“Do you mingle with the patrons a lot?” Gabby picked up a piece of cheese and popped it in her mouth, enjoying the sharp cheddar flavor.

“Not usually.” He took a sip of his drink. “I normally watch to make sure there are no issues and handle any problems at the bar or in the kitchen.”

“I bet you’re overworked and underpaid.”

He didn’t answer. “What type of work do you do?”

“I’m an executive chef.”

“I’m not sure our food lives up to your standards.”

The dryness of his words made her laugh. “Trust me, it’s good. I may provide fancy food where I work, but I prefer down-to-earth things, and your sliders especially were very good.”

“That’s nice to know.”

“Have you lived in Seattle long?” she asked. She wanted to know more about Sawyer. There was this invisible string between them, and it tightened each time he spoke. Maybe Lindsay was right; she needed to let herself go for once.

***

Sawyer sat back against the leather cushions of the booth. Gabby had no idea who he was. While that surprised him, it also delighted him. It was so rare for him to have anonymity. He was glad for it. She was a refreshing breeze, and it also reinforced his decision to get to know her better.

“I’ve lived in Seattle most of my life. You said you flew in today, where from?”

“San Francisco Bay Area.” She took a drink of water. “I don’t live in San Francisco—too expensive—but outside the city.”

He nodded. Seattle wasn’t cheap by any means. “Your friend lives here?”

“Yes. In West Seattle.”

“And when do you go back to the Bay Area?” How much time could he spend with her this weekend? Oh yeah, he was thinking of spending time with her. From their short discussion so far, he saw she was more genuine than most of the people he knew, let alone the women. And damned if he didn’t want her back in his arms. He hadn’t wanted to leave the dance floor.

“Monday.” She sighed.

“You don’t want to go back?” Was it because of her ex? Or something else?

“Yes and no.” She shook her head. “You probably don’t want to hear this.”

“I do.” He was fascinated by her.

“I’m burned out at my job is all. I’ll figure it out.” She waved her hand. “What do you do when you’re not working at the club? If I remember right, it’s only open Thursday through Sunday.”

“You’re right; it’s only open four days, but there are still things to do during the week. Ordering food, beverages, making sure we have personnel. Paying vendors and other bills. It’s never-ending.”

“I get that. Being at the restaurant at six in the morning to take in food deliveries, and staying until after the dinner rush. It gets old.”

Sawyer groaned. “Those are long days.” They continued to chat about their shared food issues, laughed and talked about deliveries and all the things that went wrong. He realized they had a lot in common.

“Is this your first trip to Seattle?”

“In a way. I visited Lindsay when she first moved up here, but it was more to help her find a place and figure out what she needed. Sometimes that girl is helpless with the day-to-day stuff.”

Excitement filled him as an idea formed in his mind. “You’ve never played tourist?”

“No.”

“If you’re free, would you allow me to escort you around Seattle tomorrow? Show you what it has to offer?” Maybe she’d consider moving here. Wait a second. What was he thinking? They just met. But something deep inside said he should get to know her better, and he wanted that more than he’d wanted anything in quite a while.

Gabby tilted her head, and all he could think about was lowering his lips and tasting her sweet skin. “I’d like that, but I need to check with Lindsay.”

“Check with me for what?” Lindsay said, causing Gabby to jump.

Lindsay stood with her arms braced on the silver railing. She was smiling. “Hi, I’m Lindsay.” She extended her hand out to him, her expression curious.

“Sawyer.” He shook her hand. “I was asking Gabby to let me take her around Seattle tomorrow.” Lindsay’s hazel eyes lit up, as she and Sawyer turned expectant gazes to Gabby.

Gabby shrugged. “I didn’t know what you had planned.”

“Nothing.” Lindsay turned to Sawyer with a smile after a mischievous glance at Gabby. “I’m going to say she’d be delighted to see Seattle with you.”

“Lindsay.” Lindsay laughed at the outrage in Gabby’s voice.

“I’ll be at the bar.” Lindsay sashayed away, waving her fingers in the air.

Sawyer breathed a sigh of relief. Lindsay didn’t seem to recognize him.

“I don’t think I was ever that carefree,” Gabby commented.

“That’s a shame,” he whispered. “Tomorrow?” He didn’t want to press her, but he really wanted to spend time with her.

“Lindsay has given her seal of approval, so yes, I’d love to see Seattle with you.”

“Wonderful.” He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles. “We’re going to have a marvelous time.”

“You sound very sure of that.”

Sawyer laughed. “I am.” Gabby not knowing who he was made him more relaxed and would allow him to show her Seattle without any expectations.

The music slowed, and he took Gabby’s hand. “Let’s dance.”

She slid out of the booth with him, and on the dance floor, he pulled her into his arms, grinning like a fool. The DJ always played some slow songs during the night, and Sawyer planned to take advantage of each one. Gabby flowed into his arms as they moved around the floor.

Each touch of her body against his made his dick pulse. His body was reacting in ways he didn’t expect. “Is there any place in particular you’d like to go tomorrow?”

“Pike Place Market, if you’re not sick of taking people there.” Her voice was soft.

He gazed down at her. “You got it.” He liked Pike Place. “There are so many unique vendors and food.”

She smiled. “I’m always up for good food.”

“Part of the executive chef job?”

“In a way.”

There was a wishful tone in her voice. “Care to tell me?”

Gabby lowered her gaze. “It’s not important.”

“Ah, but I think it is.” He swung her around, creating a little separation from other couples on the floor.

“Really, it’s no big deal.”

Sawyer frowned. It didn’t sound right to him. He opened his mouth to dig deeper, but backed off. They really didn’t know each other that well…yet. For now, he’d be content with holding her in his arms and dancing.

***

Gabby took a deep breath as she slid back into the booth. What was it about Sawyer that made her want to bare her soul? She hadn’t dated much during her separation. Was that the cause? She’d only had, what, two glasses of champagne, and she’d also eaten and made sure to drink water. She wasn’t drunk, so her reaction to him didn’t make sense.

Dancing those slow dances, being chest to chest and hip to hip with Sawyer, made her wonder if she’d gone too long without sex. It was an odd thought, but damned if she didn’t want to explore with Sawyer. But she was only here for the weekend. Unless she moved up here like Lindsay wanted.

She slammed on the mental brakes. No. It was too early to think about that with Sawyer. On the drive to the club, Lindsay had encouraged her to keep an open mind and relax a bit. Gabby was trying. After years of working her ass off, relaxation was hard for her.

Her phone pinged. “Excuse me.” She pulled it out of her purse. A text message from her boss asking about the Saturday delivery. With a sigh, she texted him back and glanced at the time. It was almost midnight.

“Everything okay?”

“Yes. Just a quick work question. For tomorrow, where and when should I meet you?”

“I’ll pick you up.”

“There’s no need to drive to West Seattle just to drive back this direction.”

Sawyer stared at her. “Remember earlier, when I mentioned my mother raised me to be a gentleman? I can pick you up. A little extra drive is not going to kill me.”

Just that quick, Gabby’s insides melted. When was the last time anyone offered to pick her up? Certainly not her ex, who never cared how she got home from work on late nights. “Okay.” She wasn’t going to argue with him, and she disliked city driving anyhow. It was nice not to worry about getting around.

“Good. Tell me Lindsay’s address please. I’m assuming you’re staying with her.”

“I am, but I need to check with her first.”

“I understand. Can I get your phone number?”

“That I can do.” She waited until he pulled his own phone out before rattling off her number. A second later, her phone pinged.

“That was me, so you’ll have my number.”

Gabby looked up as Lindsay wobbled over. “How are you two doing?” While Lindsay’s words were clear, Gabby had a feeling her friend had had a little too much to drink.

“Good.” It was time to get Lindsay home. “What time tomorrow do you want to pick me up?”

“Is eight-thirty too early?”

“I can do that.”

“Oh good, I’m glad you two are spending time together,” Lindsay commented with a big grin.

“Yes. And I think it’s time to go home.”

Lindsay pouted but didn’t protest.

“I’ll walk you out to your car,” Sawyer said as they walked toward the entrance.

“We came by ride share,” Gabby said.

“Let me call one for you.” He pulled his cell out and stepped away.

“I like him,” Lindsay said.

“Me too.” She glanced at her friend. “How much did you have to drink after the champagne?”

“Oh just a few shots at the bar with Jesse. Sooooo, Sawyer is picking you up tomorrow.”

“Yes. Is it okay to give him your address?”

“Always so concerned about safety,” Lindsay said. “Yes, it’s fine.”

“Car will be here in a few minutes,” Sawyer said, walking up to them.

Lindsay swayed, and Gabby gripped her arm. “I think she’s had too much to drink.”

Sawyer smiled. “It’s okay.” He took her other arm, and they moved outside.

The lines were gone, but the bouncer was still at the door. The cool Seattle evening brushed over Gabby’s arms. Maybe she should have brought a cover-up.

“Here.”

Warmth enveloped her as Sawyer draped a jacket over her shoulders. Her heart melted. Such a gentlemanly thing to do.

“Seattle can get a little chilly at night. Remember that for tomorrow.”

“Thank you. I’ve texted you Lindsay’s address.”

“Perfect.” He smiled, and Gabby’s knees wobbled.

Thankfully, a car pulled up right in front of the building at that moment. “I didn’t think anyone was allowed to drive down this road?”

“Before midnight, no, but after, it’s all good.” Sawyer opened the back door.

“Wait a second, this isn’t a ride share,” Gabby said.

“It’s a service I work with all the time.” Sawyer helped Lindsay into the vehicle and turned to her. “I promise they’re very reputable.”

“But…” He placed his fingers on her lips.

“Please don’t worry so much. I promise you and Lindsay will be fine. I wouldn’t risk any woman’s life.”

Gabby sighed. “I’ll try.” She shrugged off the jacket and handed it to him. “Thanks for the jacket loan.”

“You’re welcome. And Gabby?”

She turned her head.

“Until tomorrow.” He brushed a soft kiss over her cheek before helping her into the car and shut the door.

The front passenger window rolled down, and Sawyer gave the driver Lindsay’s address and stepped back. The car moved, and Gabby turned to watch out the back window until the vehicle turned, and Sawyer disappeared.

“Are you ladies comfortable?” the driver asked.

How could they not be? The smooth black leather seats molded to their bodies, and there was enough room for eight people. “We’re good, thank you,” Gabby replied.

He nodded.

“So tell me about Sawyer.” Lindsay’s words were slightly slurred, but the look on her face was intensely curious.

“What is there to tell?”

“You’re going to spend the day with him?”

“Yes. He’s going to show me Seattle.”

“Did he say where he’s taking you?”

“We talked about Pike Place Market.” Gabby frowned. “Oh damn, I didn’t bring a lot of clothing.”

“Easy fix. If you need something, we’re close enough to the same size you’ll be able to borrow something of mine.”

“Maybe.” Gabby pulled out her phone and sent Sawyer a text about what she should wear. He texted her back less than a minute later.

Casual. Where we will be having dinner doesn’t have a dress code, so don’t be worried. Don’t forget a jacket.

She chuckled as her thumbs tapped the screen. “Yes, sir.”

“What’s so funny?” Lindsay asked.

“Sawyer reminded me to bring a jacket tomorrow.”

Lindsay nodded. “You like him.”

“He’s different.” He was, and Gabby liked that. He wasn’t at all pretentious like the people who came into the restaurant where she worked. It was a plus that he was so sexy. She shook her head, not sure if she was ready to jump back in the water yet. No sense getting ahead of herself. They’d just met.

Lindsay grinned. “I’ve seen him somewhere before.”

“Where?”

“I don’t know. It’ll come to me.” Lindsay laid her head against the seat and closed her eyes.

Gabby watched the lights of the city, thinking about tomorrow. She was looking forward to seeing Seattle with Sawyer, and she made a promise to herself that she would enjoy herself. No worries about her life, work, or anything else. This time was for her.