Read Sawyer (Torey Hope: The Later Years #2) for Free Online Page A

ice-filled glasses. Lost in thought, he gazed out the window.
    He recalled the day Katie had first mentioned Hayden to him.
    “Oh my goodness, Sawyer, I’ve found you a total hunk of a man.”
    “Really, Katie-girl? A total hunk, huh? And just where did you discover this total hunk?” Sawyer had smiled good-naturedly at his favorite girl.
    “Well, I had gone to the bank on some business for The Center+. My friend from high school, Heather, works there. Anyway, she and I were chatting when this drop dead gorgeous man walked from one of the offices to get paper for his printer. She and I and every female in the place watched him as he walked back to his office, we probably had drool puddles that needed wiped up. Heather caught my eye, and we both started laughing. I whispered, ‘Damn, I’m happily taken, but you should go after that one; he’s HOT.’ Heather sadly shook her head and whispered back, ‘I totally would except he’s 100% gay; I don’t stand a chance with him.’ So, I may have made it my mission to go to the bank as often as possible for the next couple weeks until I had met with this man and developed a friendship. During the small talk we made, I conveniently found out that he’s not married, not seeing anyone, AND he’d like to meet YOU.”
    “So this drop dead gorgeous man is living right here in Torey Hope, has no one in his life, and he just happens to want to meet me? What’s the catch?” Sawyer had found it hard to believe.
    “No catch, seriously. He is our age, moved here to take the branch manager job, hasn’t met many people other than the employees at the bank, and knows the ‘gay scene’ in Torey Hope is pretty small; he is really a nice guy, even if you two don’t hit it off romantically, wouldn’t it be nice to have another friend?”
    Sawyer had agreed to meet Hayden the next night. He wasn’t willing to go so far as to call it a date, but he was happy to be meeting someone none the less.
    He walked hesitantly towards the park bench. Katie had said Hayden was going to meet him at the park, but he wasn’t sure if this man was who he was looking for. Sawyer took a moment to study the man as he walked in from the side. He had a strong profile, light brown hair that was long enough to need to be pushed out of his eyes, but it wasn’t messy, in fact it was styled very neatly. The man wore a pair of khakis and a pale blue polo shirt. Sawyer immediately felt the contrast between his own jeans and button down; he’d dressed nicely, but this man definitely had more of a ‘business’ air about him.
    When the man’s eyes scanned the park and landed on him, Sawyer knew he’d lost his opportunity to check him out. Their eyes locked and the other man stood; walking towards each other, Sawyer felt an immediate kinship. It was as if, at the moment their eyes met, he knew he’d found a friend who would understand his struggles, even if nothing romantic ever blossomed between them.
    “Sawyer?” The man’s smile brightened his handsome face, and his pale blue eyes sparkled.
    “Hayden, right? Good to meet you, man. Katie’s told me a lot about you; thanks for agreeing to meet up with me.” Sawyer stuck his hand out and quickly appreciated Hayden’s firm grip. If he noticed the lack of heat or sparks as their flesh touched it was only fleetingly.
    “Katie is a great girl. If I played for that team, I’d be pursuing her for sure.” Hayden’s flirty wink brought a smile to Sawyer’s face.
    “Yeah, well, I’m pretty sure my twin brother, Decker, would take issue with that.” Sawyer let go of Hayden’s hand and glanced around the park. “Would you like to sit or walk?”
    “Damn, there’s two men walking around Torey Hope with your looks? What are the odds?” Changing subjects abruptly, Hayden motioned toward the walking path, “Let’s walk for a bit, it’s a beautiful day; plus sitting to talk would seem too much like a job interview.”
    “So, Katie tells me you’re