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Halfway to the front, my eyes snag on a woman, one I saw only hours ago.
Layla.
She’s dressed in the same sweater and skin-tight jeans she was when I saw her earlier. I’m relieved to find that she’s with another woman. A redhead who looks familiar.
In a split second decision, I take a detour and have another impromptu meet-up.
My strides slow as I get closer to her, taking her in and damn, she’s beautiful. Looks like my mind really wasn’t playing tricks on me earlier.
“Twice in one day, Lays? It must be my lucky day,” I say, coming to a stop next to her.
Her eyes flutter up to mine. Her smile is startled at first, but she quickly relaxes when she realizes it’s me.
“Cole! You’re right, you are lucky.” Her gaze is warm.
“Our first run-in was at your place, and our second at mine. How interesting.” I grin down at her.
Her cheeks start to turn pink and she looks like she wants to roll her eyes. “You haven’t changed a bit.”
“A born charmer, my lady.” I dip my head in a dramatic nod.
I hear the other woman chuckle and I turn to introduce myself. “I’m Cole Reed. Owner of this fine establishment, as well as an old friend of the one and only Layla James.” My hand stretches out toward her.
“Hazel Allen. And I’ve heard next to nothing about you, but I’m hoping that changes.” She winks at me at the same time I hear an unladylike noise come from Layla.
“Me too,” I tell her then drop her hand, lest I give either of them the wrong idea.
“Hazel runs Sweet Wave, the café under HEA, Inc.,” Layla informs me.
“Ah, that’s where I’ve seen you. You made my coffee this morning.” I snap, glad that was cleared up as I really couldn’t place her face.
“That was me,” Hazel says. “Do you want to join us?” Her eyes drop to Layla, whose eyes flicker wide like she is having a silent argument with her. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Layla mouth “seriously?” and it takes everything in me not to grin and call her out for not wanting me to join.
But I get it. She probably wants to ease back into our friendship. With any luck, she’ll want more. So I help a girl out. “Thanks for the invite, but I’ve got another engagement. It was great meeting you, Hazel.” I smile wide and she nods in agreement.
I turn to Layla and tone down my flirt a little. “Layla. I meant what I said today. I want to catch up. You have my number. Use it.” Then I wink at her. “Ladies, enjoy your meal.” I start to back away and then I’m off.
As I pass one of our hostesses, I stop her. “Hey, can you make sure that table twelve gets the royal treatment? The best wine if they don’t already have one ordered, dessert, and all comped. Put it under my code.”
“You got it. I’ll let their server know now,” the young woman says as she walks in the direction of the kitchen.
I don’t look back at Layla because I can feel her eyes on my backside. But I do grin like a fucking fool knowing Layla is back in my life. And damn does it feel good.
Chapter 5
SOUNDS ITCHY
LAYLA
“Darling,do you have a moment to chat with me?” my grandma asks from the door of my office.
“Of course. I always have time for you,” I tell her.
Ruth floats into my office. She’s always been so graceful, it does seem like she’s always floating around in her designer pantsuits. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her wear a pair of jeans.
She comes and sits in one of the chairs facing my desk, placing her notepad and pen on the desk.
“I have a new client and I was informed the other day that you and he go way back,” she says.
