Piece by Piece (Riggins Brothers 2)

Ignoring her question, I dig into the dresser, pulling out a T-shirt for her to wear. “You can change into this.”

“Owen?”

“I need you with me tonight, Layla. I wish I could explain to you why, but I can’t. I don’t have the words. All I have is this need to comfort and protect you. I promise you that you’re safe with me. I need you here with me.”

I watch as her big blue eyes well with tears. My gut twists when I see them, knowing I’m the reason this time. I open my mouth to try and console her, but she beats me to it.

“Okay.”

One word softly whispered by the beauty who has enthralled me is all it takes for my shoulders to relax. “Thank you, baby.” I take a step forward and lean over until my lips are pressing to her forehead. “I’ll be right here,” I assure her, stepping back so she can get around me to the bathroom to change.

I let my eyes trail her, following until she disappears behind the bathroom door. The audible click of the door closing and the lock engaging spurs me into action. Going to the nightstand beside the bed, I pick up the phone to call room service. I’ve already eaten, but I’m sure she hasn’t. I order a few random items that I hope she’ll like and wait patiently for her to join me.Chapter 8LaylaMy legs tremble beneath me as I stare at Owen’s shirt that I placed on the counter. Reaching out, my hands grip the ledge, offering me the balance my legs are incapable of. He needs me here.

That’s what he said. I don’t think anyone has ever told me they needed me. My head swims with what it means.

Owen is unlike any man I’ve ever met. He’s this sexy, serious businessman, and he needs me. Me. Layla Massey. The girl who grew up moving from one shithole to the next. The same girl who hid in her bedroom with her furniture against the door to ward off the advances of the company her mother kept. That girl. He wants that girl. He knows how I grew up. Sure, I skimmed the details, but I gave him enough to understand. He’s a smart man.

He wants me to stay here with him, and even though I’ve only known him a short amount of time, I want to be where he is. I know it’s dangerous, and it’s crazy, but my gut tells me that Owen is one of the good ones. He’s a man of his word, and I know I can trust him. He’s done so much for me, a complete stranger, already.

Sucking in a deep breath, I slowly exhale before I begin to strip out of my clothes. I smell like the restaurant, and the shower taunts me. It’s bigger than my entire bathroom at my apartment, and the appeal is just too strong.

The hot spray feels incredible against my tired muscles. And the water pressure… I don’t think I’ve ever taken a shower with the pressure this strong. Using the hotel provided bottles from the sink, I take care of business. It’s the best shower I’ve ever had in my entire life, and I have Owen to thank for it. I’ll just add it to the list of things I have to repay him for. My hope is that one day I’ll be in the position to do so.

I don’t know how long I’ve been in here, but the bathroom is filled with steam, and my hands are pruned. Reluctantly, I turn off the water and climb out. I didn’t think this through, as the only clean clothes I have is his T-shirt. I hate the thought of putting on my other clothes, but I don’t have much choice.

“Layla,” Owen’s deep voice greets me through the door.

“Sorry!” I yell back. “I’ll be out soon.”

“I got you something. I’m going to leave the bag next to the door. I’m going to step out of view while you retrieve it.”

“What is it?” I call back.

His deep chuckle, although muffled, filters through the door, and it has me immediately relaxing. “You’re going to have to look for yourself. I’m walking away now.”

I count to ten slowly, then again just to be safe. With the towel gripped tight and holding it around my body, I unlock the door and peek out to see a shopping bag on the floor. I open the door a little wider and grab it quickly, slamming the door. I don’t know why because I’ve imagined being naked in front of Owen more times than I can count since I met him, but having that be reality and not fantasy is not something I’m sure I’m ready for. I can only imagine the women he’s been with. He’s sexy and has his shit together. That’s intimidating when you’re talking about taking your clothes off.