“Go ahead and say it.” Sawyer handed me a plate with a burger already on it.

“Say what?” I took the plate and dressed my burger, noting that Morgan had found a seat in a camping chair next to Garrett.

“That I was right. You’re interested in her.” He smirked.

I glared.

“Hey, I’m all for it. I’ll even wingman you. What can I do? Talk you up? Brag about your list of achievements and qualities? Come on, let me have your back for once.”

“God, please don’t. She’s obviously going through a tough time, and I’m just trying to be a good neighbor.” Right? Right.

“Oh shit, she’s a wounded bird? That’s like your fucking catnip.”

“I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

He snorted. “Seriously? Is there not a three-legged guinea pig, a blind turtle, and a one-finned fish living in your house right now?”

“Those belong to Finley. She likes to rescue helpless pets.” I shrugged.

“Right, and who exactly let her bring them home?” He stared at me, his eyebrows nearly hitting his hairline.

I blinked, then cursed.

“This is going to be fun to watch,” he said before cramming his face with his own burger and walking off toward Morgan and Garrett.

“There’s nothing to watch!” I called after him.

He gave me a thumbs-up and kept walking.

“Really, Jax?”

I paused mid-ketchup and found Brie staring up at me with crossed arms and concerned eyes.

“What?”

“You really think it’s a good idea to start something with your neighbor? To bring a stranger around Finley? Let alone one who lives next door?”

“Start what? First, I’m not starting anything, Brie. And second, if I was starting something, it wouldn’t be any of your business.” I tried like hell to soften my tone, but given the way she tensed, I hadn’t been successful.

“It’s sure as hell my business who spends time around my niece.”

Something foul curdled in my stomach.

“My daughter. Don’t start with me, Brie.”

“Sorry. I just think Claire—”

“Claire lost any rights she had regarding who I spend time with the day she walked out on us.”

She sucked in a deep breath and blinked a few times, finally forcing a smile. “Just don’t turn your neighbor into a stage-five clinger, especially since I have to work with her.”

“You work with her?” My gaze flickered toward Morgan.

“Yep. She came into the school two days ago to pick up some paperwork. She’s the new fifth-grade teacher—my counterpart next year. So if you can’t keep your dick in your pants for Finley’s sake, please consider me.” She shot me a look that could have had about a dozen meanings—none of them good—and walked off toward a group of mutual friends. I made a mental note to ask Vivian what had set her off today.