Layer by Layer (Riggings Brothers 1)

“Umm, I don’t know. I think you should ask your brother.” She listens, and then she smiles. The room is brighter just by her being in it. “Sure, here he is.” She hands the phone back to me as Rosie delivers our breakfast.

“Listen, our food was just delivered, so I’m going to get off here and eat,” I tell Marshall.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but if it’s what I think it is, I say go for it.”

I glance over at Sawyer. “Yeah,” I agree.

“Damn.” He chuckles. “This is not how I expected this call to go. All right, so are you and your girl in for the lake?”

My girl. I really like the sound of that. “I don’t know. Let us eat, and I’ll see if Sawyer is up to it. What time are we meeting?”

“Two.”

“I’ll let you know.”

“You better.” He hangs up, muttering her name, and I grin. It’s not often I can shock my brothers. I have no doubt that the others will know before I take my first bite of eggs. At least I got to shock one of them.

“Everything okay?” she asks.

I realize I’m staring off into space. “Yeah, Marshall’s being pushy about the lake. We don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

She swallows hard and takes a sip of orange juice. “Do you want me to go?”

“Yes.” I don’t even think about it because I’m certain of my answer. Teasing from my brothers and best friend be damned. I want her there. With me.

“We’re breaking the rules.” She offers me a huge grin.

“There are no rules, Sawyer.”

“No, but it’s deeply frowned upon.” She changes her voice to sound masculine and fails miserably.

“All right, smartass. Are you in?”

“You sure about this?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. I need to get my car and shower, but I’ve got nothing else planned.”

“Good, right?” I ask as she takes another huge bite of her pancakes.

“So good.” She holds her hand over her mouth. “I’m going to have to come here more often.”

Hopefully with me. Instead of speaking the words aloud, I dig into my food as well. I’m going to need my energy for a day that’s sure to hold a lot of teasing from my brothers, and me trying to keep my dick from giving my true feelings for Sawyer away.Chapter 11SawyerRoyce dropped me off at my car over two hours ago. He insisted that he pick me up for whatever it is we’re doing today. Going out on a lake, on a boat, I think is what we’re doing. Honestly, when I was talking to Marshall, I was only half listening. I was waiting for broody Royce to make an appearance, but he never showed. I’m not exactly sure what’s going on, but a day on the lake sounded fun. I already know that Marshall and Conrad are fun to be around, and if the boss man himself is telling me I should go, well, that sure beats sitting at home alone in a new city all weekend.

I don’t know why he was so insistent that he pick me up, but I conceded. As soon as I got home, I rushed to the shower and shaved everything. I slathered on about a pound of lotion and picked out my cutest bikini. It’s not too revealing but still makes me feel sexy. I throw on some cutoff jean shorts and a tank top, before deciding that I better pack a bag, just in case. I toss in a towel, some suntan lotion, another pair of shorts and a tank top, and a bra and panties. I don’t know that I’ll need dry clothes, but it’s better to be prepared. I add a brush, a couple of hair ties, and call it good. I want to be ready for whatever I’m getting myself into today.

Pacing my small living room, I mentally go over what I’ve packed. If we’re just lounging, maybe I should bring my Kindle? I race back to the bedroom, grab my Kindle from the nightstand, pull the charger from the wall, and spy my cell charger, and decide to grab it as well. I don’t know that I’ll be able to charge them on the boat or at the lake, but as I said, I don’t know what I’m getting into so better to be prepared.

I startle at the knock at the door. I will my heart to slow its rapid pace as I take careful steps toward the door, giving it time to slow its tempo. Not only that, but I don’t want to look too eager. Hand on the knob, I turn and pull open the door, and my breath hitches in my lungs. CEO Royce is broody and sexy. Friend Royce, in his worn jeans and T-shirt, is every woman’s fantasy. Going-to-the-lake Royce, he’s… mouthwatering. He’s in a pair of cargo shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt. Not just any sleeveless shirt. No, this one is homemade. An old threadbare T-shirt that he’s cut the sleeves off; it not only showcases his arms and the gorgeous ink but his abs. His abs have abs.