I feel this ache bloom inside me — deep and sudden.
I want a family one day. A big one. Loud. Messy. I’ve never really gotten to experience that kind of love, but I know, I know, I’d be a good mother. The thought settles in me like a truth I’ve always carried.
“Well?” Cole asks, stepping up beside me. “What did you think?”
“It was magical,” I tell him honestly, tears shining in my eyes. “One of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in real life. Truly.”
“I love it here,” I murmur under my breath, not even realizing I’ve said it out loud until it’s already there between us.
Cole glances at me, boots scuffing the dirt as he kicks at the ground. He smiles, small, quiet, like he’s holding something back.
“Why don’t you head on up to the house,” he says gently, “finish your writing, and then come over later for dinner. I don’t know what Nancy’s cooking tonight, but it’ll be good.”
I nudge him with my elbow, playful. “Alright. I’ll see you in a little bit.”
I start walking toward the guest house, and instinctively I turn around because I feel eyes on me.
There he is. Watching me like he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it. I shake my head at him, smiling, and he lifts his hand in that subtle little gesture that tells me to turn around and keep walking. So I do. But I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
My life has changed so much since the first day I got here.
When I finally get inside, it’s time to write. I sit down, laptop open, fingers hovering over the keys but all I can think about is the wild sex we just had at the creek. The way he picked me up like I weighed nothing, carried me straight out of the water like it was the most natural thing in the world. The way his hands were everywhere—firm, rough, sure of exactly what he wanted from me. And his voice. My God.
When he told me to get on my knees, my brain immediately went there. I really thought he was going to make me blow him—and honestly, I would have. No hesitation. That long, thick—Woah.
Okay. Breathe, Layla.
But he didn’t. He wanted me on all fours. And the second I realized that, something feral woke up inside me. The way he took control, the way he touched me like my body belongedexactly where it was… I’m getting turned on again just thinking about it.
I squeeze my thighs together and shake my head. Calm down. You’re here to write.
I channel all that energy into the page, pouring it straight into a spicy scene for my readers. If nothing else, today was perfect inspiration. Honestly? It was a stress relief in the strangest, most perfect way. Like a spa day—but ranch-style. Watching a horse give birth and getting fucked doggystyle by the creek. Wild. Completely unhinged. And somehow… relaxing.
The words finally start flowing. Two solid hours later, I finish the chapter, and the satisfaction hits hard. That deep, full feeling of yes, this is it. But tomorrow? Tomorrow I need to focus. I’m only halfway through this book, and deadlines don’t care that I’m currently sleeping with a hot cowboy.
Cole has been distracting as hell. And I’m not complaining. Not even a little.
I glance at the clock and curse softly. Dinner’s in thirty minutes, and I absolutely cannot show up smelling like a farm animal. I practically sprint for the shower, scrubbing off sweat, creek water, and the lingering reminder of him. As the steam fills the bathroom, my mind drifts again because of course it does.
I haven’t seen Maggie in a couple of days, and I really miss her. She’s somehow become my Tennessee bestie, and I need some girl time. I also need updates—especially on Lanie. There’s definitely tea there, and I want all of it.
When I step out of the shower, wrapped in a towel, I catch my reflection and smile. I think tonight calls for a dress. Cole’sonly seen me in one once, when I threw it on in a panic to answer the door for his dad. This time is different. Tonight, I want to dress to impress. I want him to really see me. To see exactly how good I can look.
Chapter 15
Pretty as a picture
Cole
I know I’m breaking my own rules as I stare at myself in the mirror. I’ve built those rules for a reason, to keep people out, to keep things clean and uncomplicated. And she’s already wrecking them. Layla is leaving. I’ve known that since the beginning. I’ve told myself it doesn’t matter, that whatever this is will burn out on its own. But the thought of her walking away sits heavy in my chest, sharper than it should. I know how this ends. I know I’m setting myself up to get hurt again.And the part I hate most is that it’s not the fear that’s stopping me, it’s the fact that I still want her anyway.
My chest tightens as the thought of it reminds me of Abby leaving. She didn’t even say goodbye. I can already see it coming. But maybe not. Maybe I can be that guy this time, the guy who says fuck it, no feelings involved. Just fuck her. Enjoy her whileshe’s here. Let her leave when her time is up. She’s already told me that’s what she wants anyway.
I drag a T-shirt over my head, button my jeans, slide on my boots. The routine steadies me a little. Keeps my hands busy so I don’t think too much about the way she felt wrapped around me earlier today. About the way her body fit against mine like it was always meant to.
Just as I’m walking down the stairs, passing the front door, it opens. And there she is. Layla. It’s as if the whole house goes quiet for me and it’s just her and I standing there. She’s soft where I’m rough.
She’s in a blue-and-white dress that hugs her curves just right. Her tits are sitting perfect in it—soft, full, impossible not to notice. Her chestnut-brown hair is chopped and swinging around her shoulders as she steps inside like she owns the place. Did she wear that just for me?
