“So it’s true?” Layla asks.
Another nod. “Unfortunately,” I tell her.
“Why am I just now hearing this one?” Sawyer asks our group.
“We have so many stories,” Grant tells her. “We have to save the really juicy ones to embarrass the others when the time is right. You know, like in front of your new girlfriend.” He gives me a pointed look. He’s baiting me to bite back that she’s not mine, but those words will never pass through my lips. Not when it comes to Layla.
“I was young, probably nine or so, but I still remember O’s white ass shining in the sun, with his shorts around his ankles,” Marshall recalls.
“I’ll give you credit, brother,” Grant chimes in. “You never let go of the rope.”
“Owen’s always been the best skier between all of us,” Royce says, throwing me a bone.
“I’ve never even been on a boat,” Layla tells them.
“What? We need to fix that. Stat,” Conrad tells her.
Her eyes find mine. “Maybe we can go sometime?”
“Baby, my parents have a lake. We can go whenever you want.”
“This weekend?” she asks with hope in her voice.
Again, I feel the stare of my brothers. The lake is sacred, and I know they’re waiting to hear my answer. “Yes. The water will be cold this time of year since it’s early May, but we can take the boat out on the water. You’ll need to wait a few more weeks before we can get you on some skis. You’re used to Florida weather.”
“You’re right. It took me some time coming from Indiana but it was a nice change of pace for sure. We can wait if that’s better.”
“Nah,” Royce chimes in. “We’ve all been itching to get the boat out on the water. You two want some company?” He looks over at me.
“Yeah, I think a day on the water is just what we need.”
“We should call Jase and Sam and see if they want to join us.”
“What about the baby?” Marshall asks.
“Are you kidding me? Between Jase’s mom and his sister, Logan, they will have no trouble finding a sitter.”
“It’s all set,” Grant says, slapping his hands against the counter. “Noon?” he asks.
“Done,” Marshall and Conrad say at the same time. “We got the drinks.”
“I’ll work on the food,” Sawyer tells the group.
“I can help. Just let me know what we need,” Layla offers.
It’s a simple statement, but it has my heart flipping over in my chest. She so easily fits into the fold of my family and me. I can imagine us years to come, our kids playing with their cousins just as my brothers and I used to out on the lake. It’s clear to me—every piece of the future I want for us.
“Get back to work,” Royce says. He steps around the desk and plants a kiss on Sawyer’s lips. “Love you,” he whispers, but we all hear him. Not that he cares. He would shout it from the rooftops if he had the chance.
He steps back, and I take his place, leaning in to kiss the corner of Layla’s mouth. It’s on the tip of my tongue to repeat Royce’s words to tell her that I love her.
Wait.
I’m in love with her.
It’s crazy to think that she just came into my life, but I know without a doubt that this feeling, the fluttering in my chest, the way she’s always on my mind, I know that it’s love. Crazy or not, it is what it is.
I want so badly to whisper those words to her. I’ve never been envious of my big brother, but here and now, I wish I had the freedom with my emotions as he does. I don’t want to scare Layla away. I know she needs time, and I’m determined to give it to her. She’ll get to where I am. I’ll make sure of it. “I’m glad you’re here,” I say instead.
Those baby blues sparkle when she looks up at me. “Get to work, Riggins,” she teases.
Unable to resist, I place another kiss on her lips and pull away. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Hey, I only got one.” Royce winks as he leans in and kisses Sawyer again. “There. That’s better.” He pulls away and turns, stalking toward his office. I do the same, even though the pull to stay near her is strong. So strong, in fact, that I get not a single thing accomplished the remainder of the day.
By the time five o’clock rolls around, my computer is shut down, and I’m standing next to her desk, waiting to take her home with me—our home. So much has changed in my life in such a short span of time, but they’re all for the better. Instead of going home alone to work, I’m going home to hold her. To kiss her soft lips. There is nothing in this world I’d rather do.