“Speaking of love birds… Did you ladies have fun on your… walk?” Layla says teasing Maggie.
“It was much needed,” Lanie says.
“Good,” Layla says with a big smile as Lanie takes Bella back from her.
“Thanks girl,” Maggie says to Layla and walks Lanie and Bella back to the truck.
“Wanna play chicken?” Luke hollers at me.
“Me and Steph against you and Layla.”
I see Layla’s face—hesitant, cheeks pink, arms crossing over her chest like she’s shielding herself.
“Ohh, I don’t know,” Layla says shyly.
I know why she has that look. She thinks I can’t hold her. That she’s too heavy. I could bench her. I already toss her around really good in bed—this will be nothing. I take my shirt off—fabric peeling away damp—strip down into my boxers and hop in. The water’s cool, shocking against my heated skin, rippling out in circles. When I come up Layla is right there in my face—eyes wide, breath quick, water beading on her lashes.
“Are you sure about this? I’m a little heavier than the average lady–”
“Stop playing and get on,” I tell her—voice low, commanding, leaving no room for doubt.
She bites her lip and nods. I go under and her thighs slide right onto my shoulders, so soft, strong, warm against my neck. I stand. She’s light. Perfect. Her hands grip my hair—fingers tight, tugging just enough to make my dick jump again.
“Alright, are you ready?” Luke says.
“Ready,” Layla says.
“Ready to get your ass kicked,” Steph says to Layla.
“Ha! In your dreams,” Layla says.
“3… 2… 1… Go!” Luke shouts.
Layla’s hands are on Steph so fast—they’re both struggling, twisting, laughing. Steph almost gets Layla but then Layla is on her and Steph is down. I shout, rubbing it in my brother’s face. Layla falls back into the water. The girls are laughing. Layla is laughing—bright, free, the sound hitting me square in the chest.
A few minutes later, it gets quiet. Steph and Luke start wading in the pool, holding each other, kissing. Layla is sitting on the pool stairs staring up at the sky—stars sharp overhead.
So I come and sit right by her, water lapping at our legs, cool against my skin.
“You can see everything out here,” she says—voice soft, almost lost under the music.
“Don’t have stars like this in Seattle?” I smirk.
And she bumps into me—shoulder against mine—letting out a chuckle, skin warm where we touch.
“They’re cute together,” she says, looking at my brother and Steph.
“Yeah, they’re great,” I say.
She looks over at me.
“I miss you,” she says—soft, almost lost under the music, eyes vulnerable in the low light.
“I’m here,” I say—voice rough, heart slamming against my ribs.
I miss you? She misses me? I miss touching her, cuddling her. Being inside her. I should kiss her right now. But is that what she truly wants? I told her I wanted her. Told her to stay. What more do I say? What more do I do?
She smiles—looking up at the stars one last time, before saying “I’m going to go to bed.”
