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When the friendly dog bounds over to Layla, she holds out her hand so the dog can sniff it. I stand at her side in case I need to intervene, but it’s pretty clear the dog wouldn’t hurt a fly.
“Sorry about that,” the young woman says as she calls her dog back.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind,” Layla says as she tugs the cap down lower over her face.
After the family passes us, Layla says, “Thanks for suggesting this.” There’s a contented smile on her face. “It’s beautiful here. I always thought I’d like to have a house on the shore. I’d love to be able to walk out my back door and down to the beach to enjoy my own little bit of paradise. I can’t even walk outside my own house without the neighbors staring at me.”
She can certainly afford a house on the lake. “Why don’t you?”
Layla could easily buy a property on the lake—hell, she could buy a hundred of them. She’s loaded, and yet she doesn’t act like it. I don’t think the money is all that real to her.
She shrugs. “I guess I never felt ready for something like that. I can’t live at home with my parents forever. Eventually I’ll want to move out and live on my own. It seems like such a big step. Maybe someday. It’s definitely on my bucket list.”
We come across a small wooden pier that stretches out a few yards over the water. She walks toward it and steps out onto an old, rickety dock that bobs on the waves. I follow her.
She strolls to the far end of the platform and looks out over the water. “I wish we could swim.”
“We should come back soon and bring our swimsuits.”
She shakes her head. “I can’t wear a bathing suit in public.”
“Why not?”
She rubs her arms through her long sleeves. “I have scars.”
That’s all she says—it’s all she needs to say. Scars from cutting herself.
“Then you need a house with a private pool,” I say. “Preferably one right on the lake. Then you could kill two birds with one stone.”
Standing at the end of the dock, we watch sailboats, pontoons, and small yachts as they cruise up and down the shoreline.
“Ian has a boat,” she says wistfully. “A small yacht. We should ask him to take us out on the lake sometime.”
A fish jumps out of the water, causing quite a splash, startling Layla, who jumps back in surprise. The sudden movement causes the dock to rock violently, and she loses her balance and careens into me. I grab hold of her and pull her into my arms to steady her.
She latches onto me, and as she peers up at me, her dark eyes widen in surprise. My breath catches, and I find myself unable to look away.
“I’m so sorry,” she gasps as she finally pulls away. Clearly flustered, she hurries past me and back onto solid ground.
I follow her back to shore, my heart pounding as I watch her retreating form. I’d say we’re both a bit shaken. The look of naked desire in her eyes floored me. I think it took her by surprise, too.
It’s noon when we come across a quaint little café in a small shopping district. We go inside, happy to see it’s not very crowded, and are seated at a small table for two.
The same young girl who seats us hands us worn, laminated menus. “I’ll be right back to take your orders.” Her gaze is locked on Layla for a long moment.
“Thanks,” I tell the girl.
Layla picks up her menu and uses it to shield her face from our curious server. The girl stares at Layla a moment longer before she walks away.
Layla glances back at the retreating girl. “Do you think she recognized me?”
“Maybe.” Actually, I’m thinking probably, but I don’t tell Layla that. She’s already self-conscious. “Maybe she just thinks you’re really pretty.” I reach over and squeeze her hand. “You don’t need to hide your face, and don’t worry about the bruises. They’re not that noticeable. You look beautiful.” And man, is that an understatement.
Layla attempts to hide a smile behind her menu. “Thank you.”
Chapter 14
Layla Alexander
