“This isn’t a game, Owen. This is my life,” she says, her voice raised.
“I know it’s not a game.” I pull my hand back, running my fingers through my hair. “I will give you as much space as you need. However, I do have one request.”
“What’s that?” she asks hesitantly.
“We date. You give me a chance to show you who I am while I learn more about you. Exclusively,” I add.
“You want to date me?”
“Yes.”
“You want to give me a job?”
“Yes.”
“Who are you?”
“Owen Riggins.” I smirk.
“You know what I mean.” She rolls those big blue eyes of hers.
“I’m a man who never gives up when there is something he wants. My brothers and I took over my father’s company and have watched it grow into more than we ever could have imagined. We wanted it, and we made it happen. I want you, Layla.”
“I have a job and an apartment. I can’t just pick up and move to Tennessee.”
“You have a job making minimum wage and a shitty apartment. You’ve picked up and moved before. Why not now? Why not with me? This time you’re not going to be alone. You have my family and me there to support you.”
“Your family?” she asks, shocked. “They don’t even know me. You don’t know me.”
“They know that you’re important to me, and that’s enough. And I do know you, Layla. I know that you’re a fighter. That you fought to give yourself a better life, and you’re still fighting and struggling. I know that this job alone will change things for you, not to mention a nice clean apartment in a good neighborhood. I know that you and my future sister-in-law will get along great, as she’s feisty just like you.”
“I’m not feisty. I’m cautious.”
“That—” I point at her, not able to hide my grin. “—that’s the feistiness coming out in you. I’m going to lay it out for you, baby. If I had my way, we’d be packing up your things and moving you into my place where I could hold you every night, just like I did last night. I know it sounds utterly insane, but that’s how I feel. I’m a man of my word. I think I’ve proven that to you. You can trust me. You can trust my family. Please, come home with me.”
“You realize this is crazy, right?” she asks. “I mean, we just met, and you want me to uproot my life for you?”
“Not just for me, Layla. For you.” I go on to tell her how much she’ll be making as an assistant for Riggins Enterprises and her eyes bulge. “That’s not just a special salary for you, that’s what the position pays.”
“I don’t know how to be an assistant, Owen.”
“You’re smart, and Sawyer is amazing. She’ll help you.” I love Sawyer like a sister, and I’ve never been more grateful than I am at this moment that she loves my broody-ass older brother. Well, I guess he’s not so broody anymore. Not since Sawyer came into his life. Knowing that she has another woman there other than my mom to support her is a huge selling point.
“I— What if she doesn’t like me? What if they don’t like me?” Her voice is soft as her insecurities shine through.
Standing from my seat at the table, I offer her my hand. She takes it and follows me to the bed. I sit and pull her into my lap. “They’re going to love you. You make me happy, Layla. I want to be with you, and that’s all they are going to need to know to like you on the spot.” I don’t know what I can say to convince her, then an idea hits. Reaching for my phone on the nightstand, I keep my arm tight around her waist and start a video call with Royce.
“Hey, O, what’s up?” he asks.
“I have someone I want you to meet. Is Sawyer around?” I ask him. I feel Layla stiffen in my arms, but my hold is tight. No way am I letting her run.
“Babe!” Royce calls out. “Owen’s on the phone.” I hear footsteps and then see Sawyer’s face appear on the screen next to Royce.
“Hey, you. How’s Florida?” she asks, her smile genuine.
“Good. I’m heading home in a couple of days. They’re still giving me the run around with the reports. Jase says he’s working on it. At this point, they can send them to me. I’ve seen what I need to see,” I tell them.
“Hi.” Sawyer waves, ignoring me. “I’m Sawyer, Owen’s assistant,” she greets Layla.
“You’re Owen’s sister-in-law,” Royce corrects her.
“We’re not married yet, Riggins.”
“Details,” he mutters.
“Hi.” Layla waves. Her reply is soft.
“Guys, this is Layla. She’s the one I was telling you about.”
Royce nods, a slow smile tilting his lips. “So, you’re the one that finally got my brother to come out of his shell?” he asks.