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“Exton and Willa arrived for dinner. She had to pee and was pounding on the door. Kyle is fine, and you’re safe.” He extends a hand to me, and I accept, but he doesn’t let go when I’m upright. He wraps me in his arms and kisses me. “I’ll always protect you. You don’t have to hide.”
“You pulled out a gun.”
His face registers confusion. “Did I scare you?”
“Itscared me.”
“Well, I’ll try not to need it anymore.” I hear what he doesn’t say, that we won’t.
“Get dressed. Let’s go figure out dinner.” He turns me, patting me on the butt, and nudges me across the room.
“Promises. Promises,” I tease, looking over my shoulder and putting a little sway in my hips.
“Baby, if you want me to spank you, you don’t have to ask twice. I’ll tan your ass and then eat it. Don’t dare me.”
I feel a clench deep in my core and heat floods between my legs. A visible shiver runs through me, and the chuckle that comes from behind me says he knows. “Later, Pix. Sit through dinner knowing what I’ll do to you when my family leaves.”
Holy cow.
Brighton was right… What a difference a year makes.
I stand over the stove and sauté artichokes and garlic in olive oil while Layton cuts up ingredients for the salad. He turns and drops some green onion into my pan as I stir. By the time I drop the spaghetti into the veggies on the stove, the house smells amazing.
I plate up the pasta, grinding a bit of black pepper on top as Layton sprinkles parsley with flair.
“It’s like watching two chefs who’ve been cooking together for years prepare for a Michelin event.” Willa’s eyes wander back and forth as we prepare dinner.
“Hardly,” I toss back.
“We’re meeting with a nutritionist in the next couple of weeks because I don’t know how to eat this”—he points at the pasta—“without time in the gym. Luckily, summer makes it easier.”
Layton sets a large bowl of salad greens onto the island, dressing it with homemade vinaigrette, and picking out an English cucumber to pop into his mouth.
“Well, it looks delicious.” Willa pats her stomach. “I hope this one lets me eat.”
“Why?”
“There’s just no more room. It’s like he wants to evict my internal organs. And they say I’ll keep gaining in these last few weeks.”
I tap her hand. “You can hold it over his head for life, you know.” I smile. “And you’re welcome to walk with me or stretch in the pool. You didn’t ask—and I hope I’m not overstepping—but if you want some pre-delivery exercises, I’d be happy to get some to you.”
Exton’s face is curious but cautious. Willa, on the other hand, falls on the offer like a starving woman on bread.
“I’ll take anything and everything you throw my way. He’s huge.” She points to her stomach. “And I’m nervous.”
Exton rubs small circles on her back. “Dragon slayer, you’ll crush this like you do everything in life. And make it look easy, I’m sure.”
“Ha.”
“Layton,” Exton starts. “I have a random favor to ask. Have you already closed on your Florida penthouse?”
I look between the two of them, certain that surprise lines my face. I didn’t know anything about that.
“Officially? No. It was set for tomorrow, but I’m waiting on my attorney on a last-minute concern. Why?”
“I have a new case regarding illegal drug running that starts in Florida. I’m hoping I can stay at your place… just for a night or two while I investigate. You know, keep it low-key and stay off the radar.” He shrugs.
He never looks at me. In fact, he’s so casual that it’s eerie. No one would ever know we spoke earlier.
