“Fine,” Layla says, then turns to Candace. “How’s my face?”
“Gorgeous.” I answer for her, then reach out my hand and pull her with me as I walk after the lady. I hold her hand, and to my surprise, she doesn’t yank it away. The woman stands in front of a huge white banner that has the foundation’s name on it.
“Now, if I can get both of you in the middle.” She motions to us. “There is a little X on the floor. Stand there.”
“Do we have to take the picture together?” Layla asks as I look down and make sure that I’m standing on the X.
“What’s the matter, gorgeous, scared that the picture is going to show that you really, really want me after all?” I smirk, which makes her glare. She puts one hand on her hip, and the way she cocks her hip, her bare leg comes out, and I finally get a look at those black strappy heels she’s wearing.
“I’m afraid the picture is going to be exhibit A at my trial when I kill you.” She tosses her hair over her shoulder and looks away. “You can get one with one of the backup bids.” She points at the women who bid but lost as they gather to watch us. I pull her to me and wrap my hand around her waist, and I swear she fits perfectly.
“That is perfect,” the woman says as she snaps two and three pictures. She takes the camera away and looks down at the pictures, and it gives Layla the opportunity to step away from my touch. I look up at her and see that her light brown eyes are bright and her cheeks are pink. “We need a couple more.”
“You know,” Layla says. “This is so much fun, but wouldn’t it look better if all the bidders get in on the picture?” I watch her trying to talk to the photographer. “Girls, why don’t you get into this picture?” She motions to the women who are standing around, looking at us. They put their drinks down, and I watch them make their way over.
“This is brilliant,” the photographer says. I’m about to say something when the photographer calls my name. “Look over here, Miller.” I look her way ignoring the women gathering around me as she moves the women around, and when I turn around, I see that Layla is walking away.
“Layla!” I call her name, and she turns around, wearing the world's biggest smile, and she honestly is gorgeous. Hands down more gorgeous than any other woman I have ever met.
“Sorry,” she says. “My ride is here.” It’s her turn now to wink at me. “Have fun with that.” She points at the women around me. “Take care, slugger.” She turns around, making her way through the crowd.
“Slugger,” I repeat the word and then look at the photographer. “You have one shot, so make it count.”
She nods her head, and after she snaps the picture, I clap my hands together and look at the women. “Ladies,” I say in my charming voice. “It has been amazing, but I have to go. There is a big game tomorrow, and I have to be in tip-top shape.” Some of them moan, and I swear a couple of them pout. I nod to the photographer and walk away, spotting Nico first. He is standing there talking to Manning, and the two of them are laughing at something.
“Mr. GQ.” Manning chuckles and slaps my shoulder. “Twenty-five fucking grand.”
I shake my head and look at Nico. “Listen, if she can’t afford it,” I start to say, looking around to make sure it’s just the three of us, and people aren’t eavesdropping. “I’ll pay for it.”
Nico shakes his head, laughing. “She already paid it,” he tells me, and now my mouth hangs down. “She also said she would double it if you let it go.”
I laugh now, putting my hands in my pockets. “I’m going to triple it if she actually goes out with me.” I look at Manning. “Time for me to get going.”
“Thank you,” Nico says, “and I look forward to collecting that seventy-five grand from you.”
I shake my head, laughing, and head out, not making eye contact with anyone. I get into the car and text Ralph.
Me: Did you take Layla home?
I start the car and make my way home, a text coming through as soon as I put the car in park.
Ralph: She said to tell you it’s none of your business.
I laugh.
Me: Tell her she owes me a date and to get ready. I’m going to collect it.
He answers right away.
Ralph: She said words I don’t want to repeat, but none of them were nice.
Me: Good. Tell her I like it when she’s feisty, and I’ll call her in the morning.