Chasing Butterflies (Bad Girls Book 1) Read online

  Chasing

  Butterflies

  A Standalone Novella

  Bad Girls: Book One

  By Jennifer Labelle

  Chasing Butterflies

  Copyright © 2018 by Jennifer Labelle.

  All rights reserved.

  First Print Edition: November 2018

  Limitless Publishing, LLC

  Kailua, HI 96734

  www.limitlesspublishing.com

  Formatting: Limitless Publishing

  ISBN-13: 978-1-64034-467-9

  ISBN-10:

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

  Dedication

  To all my supporters,

  You make this writing experience worthwhile and I hope you enjoy my little twist on this story as much as I have.

  And remember, always chase those butterflies to the happily ever after you deserve.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Epilogue

  Prologue

  Sawyer

  “Whatever the reason you dragged me here, consider it your Christmas gift.” Sawyer Maddox grimaced as she fingered the lacey undergarment in front of her. Love was in the air and although she was extremely happy for her sister, it made Sawyer sick to be around Carley. It brought back way too many memories from a time she wished she could forget.

  Sewer, sewer, sewer…

  Sawyer cringed from the memory and quickly moved on. They’d already been to lunch, a shit ton of clothing stores because her sister needed to find the perfect outfit for her date tonight, and now they were stuck in an overpriced underwear shop. She couldn’t wait to leave.

  Ah, the things you do for family.

  She sighed.

  “Don’t think I won’t take you up on that bi-atch.” Carley laughed and gave her a big hug.

  “Did I say Christmas? I also meant birthday, too.” She smirked.

  “Nice one, smart ass.” Her sister stuck out her tongue and laughed. “If you’re offering, then get out that credit card and follow me.” Carley grabbed a heaping pile of lace, satin, and see-through thingies and Sawyer groaned as her sister dragged her to the fitting rooms lounge. It felt like torture while her sister tried on clothes and she impatiently waited in a chair just outside, twiddling her thumbs. Unlike some people, she hated to shop.

  “So, seriously though, what’s the occasion for this sudden emergency girly crap—shopping spree we’ve got going on here?”

  “You’ve been hanging out with Toby way too much lately,” her sister mumbled. “Sometimes I feel conflicted on whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

  Toby James was Carley’s long-time beau, Sawyer’s mentor, and the best guy she’d ever met so far, and that was saying a lot. He’d make a great brother someday and she was genuinely happy her sister had found someone worthy for a change. It also didn’t hurt that he was a kick-ass tattoo artist and had taught Sawyer almost everything she knew about the art of skin canvassing.

  “Whatever.” Sawyer rolled her eyes.

  “He’s got something special planned later and I have a feeling he might propose.” She squealed in excitement. “I’m not absolutely sure or anything. It’s just a hunch. So keep your fingers crossed.”

  “Wow, Carl. That’s big, honey.” Sawyer sat up and smiled. Her sister’s excitement was contagious and it made the whole day bearable suddenly. Sawyer hated shopping. “I’ve got everything crossed for you, if it means you’ll be happy.”

  Carley opened the fitting room door holding up two scraps of sheer material. “Found it!” She held them up for inspection and closed the distance to embrace her again. “Thanks, Saw-saw. You’re like the daughter I never planned for but totally glad I got stuck with.” She sniffled and Sawyer laughed. It was a long-standing joke they shared when things became too mushy. Sadly, it was also the truth and Sawyer loved her for it more than words could express.

  Carley Maddox was five years her senior, thirty to her now twenty-five years old and had been raising Sawyer since she could ever remember. Carley was the one who held the family together when their parents were too drunk or high to move, let alone take her to school or make sure they had food on the table. She was her rock; the only family she had that meant anything and the only one she’d do anything for and then some.

  “Ditto punk.” Sawyer winked and her smile fell away when Carley’s expression turned serious.

  “Promise me you won’t always shut out love. I want you to have what I do someday. Toby brings out the best in me. To this day, even three years later, I swear I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach whenever I even think about him, let alone when I’m close to the man. And don’t roll your eyes at me.” She crossed her arms in admonishment and Sawyer fought her instinct to laugh by biting her bottom lip. “I know you’re young and having fun but mark my words, the one-night stands will get old and I don’t want to see you end up all alone. Do you hear me?”

  “Yes, Mom. I hear you.” Sawyer saluted. “I’m fine, Carl. Now stop depressing yourself with my shit and hold onto those butterflies you just talked about.” She grabbed the flimsy lingerie from her sister’s hand and headed straight for the register, knowing Carley would follow close behind.

  Thinking back on that day, she remembered how she couldn’t wait for it to be over, so she could escape again in her art and tattoo designs. Although genuinely happy for Carley’s happiness, Sawyer was also envious and it pissed her off.

  Love, pffft…

  Never again. It just wasn’t in the cards for Sawyer. Of that, she was pretty sure. If only she knew it would be the last good memory of being with her sister she’d ever have.

  Things hadn’t turned out as Toby and Carley had planned that night. He’d proposed, all right, but instead of the blissful night it should have been, it turned out to be a clusterfuck of chaos, despair, and heartbreaking anguish for all.

  Carley died that night in an accidental fire caused by several candles that had been lit for ambiance. Toby was wracked with guilt for surviving when she hadn’t and Sawyer needed to run. So, run she did, to the one place she never thought she’d set roots in again…home.

  Goodbye Minnesota. Hello again, Hill Country, Texas.

  Chapter One

  Sawyer

  It was her first day back, and already, Sawyer wondered if she’d made a big mistake. After losing Carley, she felt like she’d been suffocating. Toby was a wreck and she couldn’t stand to watch him fall apart when she was doing the same inside. Not only had he lost Carley, but he had also lost his tattoo shop that horrible night, and now the only family that had ever mattered to her was gone too.

  It was time for a brand-new start.

  Deciding to go back to Kerrville had been an instinct. Sawyer needed to travel home eventually to sell the old homestead anyway, and as a bonus, she’d also get to show everyone she’d made it despite the odds. It’s just too damn bad she was stuck with all the bitter-sweet memories.

  Here goes nothing.

  Her childhood house was boarded up and abandone
d since her parents’ passing the year before. The small, overgrown lot of land needed a good trim and the structure needed a lot of fixing up before she’d be able to get rid of it. It was mostly cosmetic, though. Sawyer let herself inside and coughed as she dropped her bags by the door. Thank God she had remembered to stop by the store to pick up supplies on her way over. Dust particles danced in the air and she was already exhausted just thinking about how much time it would take to make the place presentable. She stepped further inside, wiped her finger across the railing on the stairs, and wanted to gag when about an inch of dirt encrusted itself onto it. There were cobwebs in almost every corner and raggedy sheets draped over the little furniture that remained inside.

  Sawyer sighed, it had been a long trip home and there was so much to do. There was no way she'd be able to sleep in this hell hole the way it was, so she took on the task of cleaning up. She blared music from her phone and sang along to the lyrics on her playlist. It wasn’t so bad. The kitchen was the first place on her list to disinfect and after about an hour or two in that room, it was decent enough for her to move on to something else. She figured her bedroom would be next, so she headed upstairs. Memories good and bad flooded through her as she walked past Carley’s old room and Sawyer broke down. The paint was chipping off the purple painted walls, the wood floors creaked as she stepped inside, and there was an old stinky mattress on the floor just where she remembered it.

  They didn’t have much growing up, but they at least had each other. Tears streamed down her face and she wiped her nose with her hand before taking a deep breath. “And now I’m alone.” She whispered her thoughts out loud and made the decision that it was break time. She needed to escape her own pity party and there was a stiff drink out there with her name on it, so she got the hell out of Dodge to claim it.

  It didn’t take her very long to reach her destination.

  A country song played on the jukebox while she sat at the old-fashioned wood bar in the front of Tipsy’s. It was packed, which is why she’d chosen the place to begin with—to hide inside the crowd. With a beer in one hand and her phone in the other, she’d been preoccupied with looking up commercial properties in the area to set up her shop. It would preferably have an apartment she could occupy, as well, so that when she fixed her folks’ old place up, she could sell it.

  The place was rocking with an even mixture of hot cowboys and bikers. It was a unique crowd, but she totally fit in, which was rare. Sawyer sighed as she spotted the cutest couple near the mechanical bull on the other end of the bar. They sort of reminded Sawyer of how Toby and Carley had been together.

  “Another drink?” A beautiful redheaded woman asked from behind the bar.

  Sawyer startled and nearly choked mid-swig. She coughed and wiped her mouth. “Uh, sure…” she said and put her phone away. She could use another one.

  “The name’s Tonya.” The bartender smiled as she gave her another beer. “You new around here?”

  “Yes and no.” Sawyer intentionally kept her answer vague. “Grew up close by. Left as soon as I could. Now I’m back.” The truth was, even when she lived here way back when, she’d purposely avoided most people. She was still, to this day, a bit of a misfit but that was all part of her charm.

  “Sounds like there’s a story there,” Tonya said. Sawyer laughed humorlessly.

  “You have no idea. I’m Saw…”

  “This must be my lucky night.” Sawyer had goosebumps the minute she was interrupted. The deep baritone coming from the stranger next to her was sexy as hell and he had a body to match. Whew! His face was partially hidden underneath the baseball cap he sported. Man, he was built nicely: tall, thick, and muscular. His dark t-shirt fit snugly, accentuating his pecs, flat stomach, and tanned arms. She could bet he also had a tight little ass in those Wranglers too. It was hard to tell now, seeing as he was sitting on it but…

  “And why is that Jagger Hale? Hm.” Tonya asked.

  Sawyer straightened and her face flushed. Oh, hell no. Of all people, why him?

  “I’m in the company of two gorgeous women. Why else?” Jagger responded. “I’ll have whatever’s on tap when you have a chance, Sugar.”

  “Coming right up.”

  As Tonya left to get him his drink, he turned his seat in her direction. “I’m still amazed by that woman.” He said, tilting his head towards the pretty bartender, completely oblivious to her uncomfortable posture.

  “Why is that?” Sawyer asked before chugging half of her drink.

  Please don’t recognize me, please don’t recognize me.

  “She’s near deaf but doesn’t let it stop her. It’s remarkable.” He said shaking his head. He looked away and back to Sawyer again. “Hey, you all right?” He went to touch her arm and withdrew quickly as she cringed away.

  “Couldn’t be better,” she lied. Jagger chuckled. It was as if he hoped to lighten the mood. He flicked his hat up so she could see his eyes and he gave her the once-over with his gaze.

  “Hm,” he grunted as he rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Do I know you from somewhere? You look familiar and it’s not like me to forget a beautiful face.”

  “I get that all of the time. I guess I just have one of those faces.” She lied again and shrugged while trying her best to play it cool.

  “If you say so, darlin’.” He smiled and turned towards the bar again as Tonya set the frosted mug of golden brew in front of him. Sawyer watched him take a sip and sigh from the corner of her eyes.

  “Besides, if you can’t figure it out, I’m not going to willingly give up the information.” She grumbled. It must have been liquid courage that made her speak up like that. “I think I should just go. Later, stranger.”

  She was halfway to the exit when he called out, “Hey, wait up,” and reached for her arm to catch up. “I’ll walk you out.”

  “It’s not necessary. Besides, you just got your drink.” She pointed towards the bar and dropped her hand.

  “You’re better company,” he replied. “Humor me, will you?”

  “Fine, but you’re not going any further than the parking lot.”

  “It gives me an extra minute to figure you out.” Jagger shrugged. Sawyer cursed under her breath as he led the way. Not only was his ass better than she remembered, but she could also still feel the pull between them even after the many years apart.

  Jagger Hale was trouble with a capital T, at least, where she was concerned.

  The music from inside was a distant hum now. It was dark out with a million pretty stars up above. She could feel Jagger’s curiosity about her deep down inside and she was at a loss for how to proceed. They had history. Although short, it still lingered in her mind. It was a quiet two seconds before Jagger broke the silence with, “Nice ink you’ve got there.” He gestured towards the half sleeve she had on her right arm and she couldn’t help but smile.

  “Thanks. I love my art on the body and off it.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she opened them again. It had been a long day. “Do you have any?”

  “Tattoos?” He lifted his eyebrow and smirked. “One, but I’d have to take off some clothing for anyone to see it.”

  Damn it! He’s flirting.

  “Jagger,” Sawyer said as if she was exasperated with him already, but secretly she was wondering where the tattoo was located on that delicious body of his. Not that she’d ever admit that out loud, or anything.

  “That’s my name. Speaking of, I never did get yours,” he said just as they reached her car.

  “Uh, huh. Now if I gave you that, the mystery would be over.” Her keys jangled as she grabbed them from her pocket, but Jagger leaned against the driver side door before she could open it. “And, right now, I’m still unsure if you’d like what I had to say. Best to play it safe, I think.” She took a step forward, hoping he’d take the hint and move out of her way, but the stubborn stud wasn’t budging.

  “I don’t know any man who doesn’t like a challenge, sweetheart, and I will
figure you out. So, consider me intrigued.” He smiled and stood straighter. “Now, how much have you had to drink?”

  “What?” She asked totally taken off-guard by the question. “I am not drunk.” Hell, it had taken her over an hour to finish her first beer and she hadn’t even finished her second one.

  “Let me be the judge of that.” He held his hand out and wiggled his fingers. “I have a feeling we’ve met before. I just can’t seem to place it yet and if that’s the case, you know I’m a decent guy. So, I think maybe you should pass me your keys and I’ll make it my duty to get you home safely.”

  “Absolutely not!” She said, gripping them tighter.

  “You need references, darlin’? If so, feel free to march back inside and get as many as you need. I know almost everyone inside, including the owner,” he said.

  Sawyer was in complete shock. So much so that her mouth was literally hanging open.

  Of all the nerve…wow.

  She fidgeted and narrowed her eyes at him. “There’s no need. I appreciate your concern but I’m perfectly capable of taking myself home.”

  He chuckled in response and crossed his arms. The smooth tan skin and bulging muscles of his forearms distracted her and she muttered another curse under her breath. Sawyer looked back up at his face and he winked.

  Busted!

  “Humor me,” he repeated. “Are you always this pigheaded? Or is all of it reserved just for me tonight?” He held out his hand again. “Come on. Just consider this some good old southern hospitality. You get home safely and I feel better about it.”

  “Fine. It’s not like I’ve been given any other choice.” She handed him her keys and stomped her feet as she made her way to the passenger side. “Stubborn? Huh!” She huffed. “Takes one to know one.”