by MJ Carnal
His smile told her everything she needed to know. But he said it anyway. “I am better than OK. I am happy, Lay. God that sounds totally sappy. Sorry.” His laugh was contagious. “Now that I have made a fool of myself, I might as well ask. Are you happy?”
She smiled. “I am very happy.”
Chapter 5
Ryan woke up with his arms and legs wrapped around Layla. She was so beautiful and he smiled that she was his. This was the third night in a row she had spent at his house. Mark had started asking questions about what she was doing at night and she had told him she was going out with a friend. Ryan knew he would need to come clean. He didn’t like that they were hiding their relationship. Relationship? He tried that word on for size. Sigh. Yes, relationship. She was stealing his heart despite his best efforts to prevent it.
“Lay, I have to get up for work. Stay as long as you want.” Ryan whispered in her ear and kissed her forehead.
He showered in no time and threw on his basketball shorts and Red Sox cap. She stirred when he sat on the edge of the bed to tie his tennis shoes. Her hands roamed up his back and tugged him down onto the mattress. “You have to leave so soon?” She rolled on top of him, straddling his legs. “It’s too early to leave this bed. I don’t think you have gotten the proper good morning yet.”
Ryan laughed as he rolled her onto her back, climbing on top of her and taking back the control. “You are going to be the death of me woman. But, I can’t think of a better way to go.”
He tugged his shorts off and buried himself in her. They smiled and moaned and lost themselves for a few more minutes. Today was the day he was going to tell his buddies. He was ready.
****
Work dragged on all morning. They had double booked his training slots and by the end of what turned into an eleven hour day, Ryan was exhausted. The business at the gym had almost doubled after the article about him ran. His personal training spots were full for the next two weeks. He had cleared an extra day to work with a few of his celebrity clients.
He thought about Layla all day. She meant so much in such a short time. He was done fighting it. He needed to let her know that she meant something to him. He wasn’t the marrying kind. And he didn’t plan on ever taking that road. But a committed relationship with her seemed to sit well with him. After years of shallow relationships and friends with benefits, he felt ready to commit to something. And he believed in them as a couple.
The sun was starting to set as he drove to Mark and Sophie’s new house. His mind was racing. He knew Mark would be protective of Layla. Their relationship had become rock solid in the short time since he had flown her out to California to surprise Sophie at Molly’s wedding. So much had changed since. Layla had helped Mark go through a tough time that was spurred on by a very jealous Caleb and a huge misunderstanding. In the end, Sophie and Mark had found their way back to each other and Layla had become a permanent fixture in Mark and Sophie’s new home. She would soon be his sister in law. Ryan wondered if Mark would be supportive or angry. Sighing, he knew it would be the latter. His playboy status would be the breaking point for Mark
He took a deep breath and knocked. A minute later the door flew open. “Hey man, come in. This is a surprise. Everything ok?” Mark led Ryan into the kitchen and handed him a beer.
Ryan looked out the back doors and saw Sophie and Layla swimming in the pool. He smiled. “Yes. Everything is fine. I just needed a minute to talk with you if you’ve got it.”
“I always have time. What’s up?” Mark took a seat on the barstool next to him.
Ryan looked Mark right in the eye. “I’ve met somebody.”
Mark’s beer can slipped from his hand. “What?” They both grabbed some paper towels from the counter.
“Really with the dramatics? Nice touch with the can slipping out of your hands. Why is this so shocking to everyone?”
Mark laughed. “Do I really need to answer that?”
“No. I guess not. Just don’t bust my balls when I tell you the rest.”
Mark sat back down. “Well, now you’ve got my attention.”
Ryan paced the kitchen floor. Why was he so nervous? One more glance out at the pool and he was ready. “It started out as just a one time thing. I helped her take some stuff up to her new place and we hooked up. It was off the charts. Man, it was.. I will spare you the details. Of course, I was sure it would end there. You know me, man. No repeat hookups. But she is so hot. And I started to actually think about her. Then we reconnected the night you guys took me out to celebrate the magazine article. We hooked up a few other times and now we have seen each other almost everyday. She has spent this whole week at my place.”
Mark’s jaw dropped. “You let a woman in your house? To spend the night?”
Ryan laughed so loud that Sophie and Layla turned around and looked at him. “Dude, I can’t help myself. I have started having all those pussy emotions that you and Rich always talk about. I have turned into a chick. I am so screwed.” He ran his hands through his hair.
“My little boy is growing up. Sophie, get in here.” Mark yelled as the back door slid open. “Ryan has lost his damn mind.”
“No!” Ryan tried to stop Mark but it was too late. “I wasn’t done. Shit. Come on in. You are going to hear it eventually.”
“What’s happening?” Layla followed Sophie into the house.
Mark stood up, cleared his throat and with a dramatic sweep of his arms, he said, “Ryan has met someone.”
“Shut up!” Sophie ran to him and gave him a hug. “When can we meet her?”
Ryan started pacing again. He looked at Layla and she blushed. She actually blushed. There may have been a few times he thought she had blushed before but this was different. She was nervous. He hadn’t seen this side of his confident and sexy bed buddy. She walked to him and wrapped her towel more tightly around her. He looked down at her and she smiled. The room got quiet.
“No.” Mark stood up from the bar stool. “No no no no no. No way.”
Sophie looked at Mark, then back to Layla and Ryan. “What am I missing?”
“Marco, don’t kill me. You know I didn’t plan this shit. It just happened and now I don’t want it to stop.” Ryan kept his eyes glued to Layla.
“Oh for the love of God. We are adults. We aren’t getting married. We just don’t want to hide it anymore.” Layla’s eyes shot daggers at Mark. She threw her arms around Ryan and he leaned down to kiss her. The kiss was deep and loaded with passion. It went on for what seemed like hours as Mark and Sophie stared.
“Holy shit.” Sophie watched as Layla led Ryan up the stairs.
****
After rummaging through Mark’s dresser for something to wear to sleep, Ryan climbed into Layla’s bed to watch television. Her room smelled like her, warm vanilla and sunshine. He chuckled remembering Mark’s reaction. He was determined to prove he was worthy of her.
He put his arm around Layla and she buried her face into his chest. They sat in silence. He had never met someone he could just be quiet with. It was refreshing. When they talked, they connected. But when they sat quietly, Ryan could feel his stress and worry disappear. He was at peace with her. She was home to him. She was his body’s other half.
“I need to tell you something. I know we agreed this would just be fun. But, Lay, I really like you.” Ryan held his breath.
Her eyes went wide with surprise. She smiled at him. “I really like you too.”
He let out the breath he had been holding. “It seems early to feel this way. I haven’t done the relationship thing before. But I would like to see where this goes.”
She kissed him. The kiss was slow and tender. He felt like his heart could explode. “I would love to see where this goes. I’m not looking for forever. I know you aren’t either. But I think about you a lot during the day. That hasn’t happened to me before.”
Ryan laughed. “I think about you too.” He pulled her into his lap. A few strands of hair fell from her ponytail a
nd he swept them behind her ear. “You know that photo shoot I did for the magazine? Well, the gym wants me to do a shoot to be one of the faces of the franchise. I have to be in Boston on Tuesday.”
Layla squealed. “Ryan, that’s fantastic. You deserve it! You work hard and God knows you are the hottest man I have ever seen. This is so great.”
Ryan just grinned. “Come with me. Come see my old stomping ground. And honestly, I have gotten used to sleeping next to you every night. I’m not sure if this old sap can actually still sleep alone.”
“I wish I could. I have a third interview Tuesday. I really want this job. And I am almost positive they are going to offer it to me. This interview is with the president of the company. I can’t miss it.” She sighed.
“Fine. But you have to promise me that I can take you out to Boston someday for a Sox game. Maybe you can meet Jacoby.”
“That would be a dream come true. You know I am marring him, right?”
Ryan tickled her and she screamed. “Lay, I will fight him to the death for you.”
Chapter 6
Boston Logan Airport was crazy. The storms across the country had cancelled flights and re-routed passengers to other destinations. Despite a two hour wait on the tarmac, Ryan’s flight had arrived safely in Boston. Ryan had texted his childhood friend about getting tickets for the following night’s Red Sox game and had confirmed his reservation at the Marriott. His itinerary for the two days of photo shoots would keep him busy but he would make time to watch his team play. He would even pull some strings to get Ellsburry’s autograph for Layla.
He grabbed his carry on and headed for the baggage claim. He would rent a car and head to the hotel to turn in for the night. He jogged down the steps and noticed someone holding a sign that said “Ryan West”. He chuckled thinking they had arranged a driver. He couldn’t see the person’s face hiding behind the sign.
“I’m Ryan West.” Ryan cleared his throat. She dropped the sign and gave him a big smile. “Ari. Holy Shit! What are you doing here?”
Aria giggled as he picked her up and swung her around. “Mr. West. If you don’t get more and more handsome every time I see you.”
“My God. This is such a surprise. Why are you in Boston?”
“Well, when we talked yesterday, I decided to head up here and surprise you. I cashed in my frequent flier miles and here I am. I couldn’t let you come all the way to the East Coast and not see you.” She gave him a big kiss. Tears threatened to fall. “You are a site for sore eyes, Ryan. I have missed you so much.”
“Where are you staying?” Ryan picked up his luggage and grabbed her hand.
“I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I just wanted to get here before you did.”
“You can stay with me. Come on.”
Ryan rented a midsize car and threw their luggage into the trunk. He watched her as she buckled her seatbelt. She looked amazing. Her red hair was longer than he remembered. She had the remnants of a sunburn she had gotten on the trip she had taken to Bermuda. Her cheeks were sprinkled with freckles and he remembered the last time they had seen each other. He had sat in her bed and tried to count them, joking with her that he couldn’t count that high. She was breathtaking and he loved her more than he could ever express.
She noticed him smiling at her. “What? Did you miss me that much?”
“Hell yes!” He laughed and they made their way to the hotel. She had given him the greatest gift anyone could ever give. She had saved his life. In one afternoon, she had become family. Her bone marrow had been the difference between having a future or saying goodbye.
After checking in and getting settled, he handed her the room service menu. “I am going to take a quick shower. Order us whatever. No carbs for me. Gotta watch my girlie figure you know.”
Aria threw the menu at him as he stepped into the bathroom.
****
Layla was on cloud nine. She had been offered the translator position with the non profit organization she had been drooling over. The money was even better than she imagined. She would work four days a week, leaving her three days to soak in the California sun and help Sophie with that beautiful baby that would be arriving in a few months.
There was only one person she wanted to celebrate with. Knowing he was in Boston, a phone call would have to do for tonight. She would take him to dinner as soon as he got home. Grabbing her purse, she pulled out her phone and dialed his number. Butterflies did their crazy dance in her stomach as she thought of him.
It rang once, then twice. On the third ring, she answered. “Hello?”
Layla pulled the phone away from her head and looked at the display. The picture of him she had programmed in stared back at her. “Um. I’m sorry. I must have somehow dialed the wrong number.” She cleared her throat.
“No. You probably didn’t. Who are you looking for?” Her voice was so sweet, Layla wanted to gag.
“I’m looking for Ryan West.”
“I’m sorry. He is in the shower. Can I give him a message for you?”
“No. No message. Thank you.” She hung up the phone and tears rushed down her cheeks. “Oh my God.” She whispered to herself.
“What is it?” Caleb walked in from the pool where he had been editing a book. “Layla, are you ok?”
She wiped the tears from her cheeks and ran for the stairs. Caleb was right on her heels. “Slow down. What’s wrong Layla?”
She was hysterical by the time she hit the third floor. “Caleb, leave me alone.”
“I can’t do that. What is happening?” He grabbed her arms, spinning her around to face him.
She collapsed into him. “I think he’s cheating on me.” Her sobs made Caleb’s heart break.
“Sit down. Talk to me. Why do you think that?” Caleb led her to the bed and sat down next to her.
“I called him. A woman answered his phone. He must be at the hotel by now so that means someone is with him. What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I freaking out? I shouldn’t be this upset. I didn’t expect us to be exclusive. I know I didn’t. But this sucks, Caleb.”
“Lay, slow down. There is probably a very logical explanation for all of this.” He stroked her hair and she started to calm. “Listen, you saw first hand what happened when I jumped to conclusions. Don’t assume anything, sweetie.”
“I knew this was too good to be true. I know his reputation.” She threw her phone against the wall and it shattered.
“Take a deep breath and start from the beginning.”
Layla told Caleb everything. She told him how they had first met at the wedding and that even then, he made her crazy. She told him about the times they snuck around and about finally admitting to Mark and Sophie that they were a couple. She even told him that her feelings were so strong that she couldn’t even begin to understand them. She was heartbroken after calling him. She had feared they would eventually fall apart. But she had no idea it would be so soon.
Caleb picked up the pieces of her phone and set them on the dresser. He listened without interrupting. He knew Ryan’s reputation but he also knew that Ryan was completely taken by her. He had never seen his friend like this before. They had been friends since sixth grade and he could count on one hand how many girlfriends Ryan had claimed. Caleb watched him watch her. He knew that she meant the world to him. The goofy smile he got on his face was the only evidence he needed.
Once Layla had calmed down and splashed cold water on her face, Caleb led her downstairs for a drink and more talking on the back deck. He held her hand. When they arrived in the kitchen, Mark shoved his barstool back and stood up.
“Hell no.” Mark yelled. Sophie came running out of the laundry room when she heard him scream. “Hell no, Allen. Get your hands off her. I will beat you within an inch of your life if you don’t stop touching her right now. And Layla, shit. I am disappointed in you.”
“Dude, calm the fuck down.” Caleb stepped toward him.
Mark saw red. His anger spiraled out of control. �
��Don’t you dare tell me to calm down. This is not where you stick your damn nose in and ruin another relationship. Ryan cares for you, Layla. What the hell are you thinking?”
Layla put her hands on her hips. “Shut up Moretti. You are being completely irrational. It you had a bad day, I’m sorry. But you don’t have a clue what the hell is going on. Stop yelling. I will explain. You’re upsetting Sophie. Don’t upset your pregnant fiancé for shit sakes.”
“Get Out!” Mark shoved Caleb in the chest.
Sophie jumped between them. She rubbed her hands over her swollen belly. “Honey, calm down. What is going on? Stop yelling. Caleb came over here to help me finish editing my book. What is the problem?”
“Bullshit. He just came from Layla’s room. I will not sit back and watch you ruin Ryan’s relationship like you did mine. You almost cost me Sophie. Get the hell out of my house.” Mark threw the front door open and waited. “Get out.”