Page 14 of Unraveled

“You’re impatient, aren’t you?”

She didn’t bother to deny it. “Very.”

“But what if the prize is worth it in the end?” My mouth covered her left nipple, sucking, biting, and licking to soothe it. I didn’t miss the way her breath caught or her body arched into it.

“You’re planning to torture me, aren’t you?”

I grinned, lavishing equal attention on her other breast. “Yes. And you’re going to enjoy every second.”

Chapter Four

Kellan

The hints of sunlight coming in through the sheer curtains were what woke me, but instead of the feel of Layla’s warm body pressed to mine, there was an empty spot with cool sheets.

What the hell? Where was she?

I sat up, peering into the bathroom on the off chance she’d gone for a shower. No luck. No Layla. I shouldn’t have been so unbelievably disappointed. After all, we’d both gone into last night without any expectations. Yet the thought of how good we’d been together had me anxious to see her again.

Not that it would be hard to track down her number. After all, I was off to her brother’s house this morning to help him build his deck.

I grinned, getting out of bed and heading for the shower. If there was one thing I enjoyed, it was a challenge.

After taking a quick shower, packing up my things, and checking out of the hotel, I made the six-mile drive to Russ’s house. He’d bought the Cape Cod-style home a few months ago with plans to make renovations. A week ago, he asked me about some quotes he’d gotten on building the deck. All had been reasonable, but not compared to me helping him with free labor. So, I’d offered. Now that I’d moved back, it was good to be able to do a favor for a friend.

I parked my big Ford truck in his driveway, backing it in so I could unload my tools. After hopping out, I was unlocking the hard cover to the bed when I heard Russ.

“Hey, man,” he said, coming out the front door. “Thanks for coming by. I’m sure this isn’t what you wanted to be doing on your day off.”

“It’s not a problem.” I felt an immediate relief that he wasn’t acting awkward about most likely knowing I’d gone back to the hotel with his sister last night. For my part, I hoped that during the hours it would take to build his deck I could find out more about Layla and perhaps get her number.

“I got all of the materials you listed although you’ll have to look it over. I’m a wiz when it comes to high school geometry, but put me in a home improvement store, and I seriously go dumb.”

I laughed, always having felt the exact opposite about school work. I’d much rather pick out building materials than do math. After walking to the rear of his house with my saw and toolbox, I took inventory of the materials he’d bought from the list I’d given him. I was pleased he’d gotten almost everything right. With the exception of the nails.

“I need the longer nails.” Pulling an example out of my toolbox, I handed it over. “But it’s okay. I can run to the hardware store.”

He was already shaking his head. “Nope. I’ll go. You saw the boards or do some other manly activity.”

I chuckled, picking up my tool belt and putting it around my waist. “It’s really the belt that does it.”

That’s when the back door slid open and out walked Layla.

I’d forgotten how beautiful she was. Dressed in soft gray sweat shorts with a university T-shirt of the same color, she wore her hair piled up in a messy bun and no makeup. She was surprised to see me if her wide eyes were any indication.

Although I hadn’t a clue she’d be staying with her brother, I was certainly pleased to see her here.

Russ was the first to speak. “Morning, sis. I’m off to the hardware store. Need anything while I’m out?”

She turned as if having forgotten her brother was standing next to me. “Uh, no. Thanks. I just came out to say I made pancakes.”

“Great. I’ll only be few minutes and will eat when I get back.”

We both watched him walk toward the front and get in his car. I decided to speak first. “Good morning. I’m guessing by the expression on your face you didn’t expect to see me again this soon. For the record, I didn’t know you were staying with your brother.”

She blushed. Which was adorable. I liked seeing this not-quite-confident side of her.

“I was staying with my parents but didn’t think sneaking in at six o’clock this morning in last night’s clothes would go unnoticed by my mother. I guess I didn’t put it together that you were the one helping my brother with the deck. I should have, considering what you do for a living. Um, are you hungry? I made pancakes.”