Forever Devoted

by Kathleen Brooks

  Layne gave the little dog a hug and then set him on the ground. The little dog danced on his hind legs for Mr. Davies and sniffed the air. He zeroed in on Walker as he seemed to float over to him.

  “Watch out, he doesn’t like strangers,” Mr. Davies said. But FP didn’t seem to mind Walker as he held out his hand. The little dog sniffed him, then pulled his black-lined lips back and smiled.

  “Seems to like me just fine. He’s even smiling at me,” Walker said, leaning down to pick up the little dog.

  “He doesn’t smile for anyone but me,” Mr. Davies whined as his eyes bore into Walker. “I could have sworn I’ve seen you before.”

  Walker just shrugged as he petted FP.

  “Well, it’s time to start your therapy,” Layne said to him as she kept an eye on FP before turning to her father. “Thanks for bringing FP. See you tomorrow.” Layne jumped up and ushered her father from the office.

  For the next two hours, Layne apparently took her family issues out on his leg. By the afternoon, his leg was throbbing as he iced it in the kitchen. He was also feeling rather dumpy with only two sets of clothes. However, the thought of asking Layne for money to get some new clothes grated on him. Especially when Aaron came strutting into the kitchen wearing his expensive clothes and looking like the type of man Layne should be with. Rich, smart, socially active, and someone who would never experience danger in his life. Someone she’d be safe with.

  “The waiting room is out front,” Aaron said condescendingly as he poured his coffee.

  “Layne told me to come here and ice my leg, so I’m following doctor’s orders.” Walker repositioned his ice pack. “Mr. Davies sure is nice, isn’t he?” Walker asked, knowing from Aaron’s literal run from the room he was scared of the man. While Walker was too, he had the training necessary not to show it.

  “Nice? He’s a nightmare. But it doesn’t matter. He’ll come around once Layne and I are together.”

  “Excuse me, but my dad is not a nightmare.”

  Walker saw Layne standing with her hands on her hips staring Aaron down with the same look her father had given him over the video call. Damn, she was something else, and he wanted her more than he’d wanted any woman before. This woman would be his equal, his partner. She’d understand his life as a SEAL. Hell, with the look she was giving Aaron, she could probably train SEALs on withstanding interrogation. Aaron was about to grovel.

  Layne held up a hand and cut him off. “Talking about nightmares, your mother is out front to see you. She has Caro with her.”

  Aaron groaned. “They’re in some charity together and Mom is determined to set me up with her.”

  “Well, as your mother just informed me, Caro is from the right family, went to the right boarding school and Ivy League college. Although I can’t for the life of me figure out what she does.”

  Aaron stopped in front of Layne, and Walker leaned closer to hear. “I’m sorry for saying that about your father. Caro means nothing to me. You know I’ve wanted to see what happens if we go out, and I still want that. I’m just waiting on you to give me an answer.”

  Layne’s hazel eyes quickly moved from Aaron’s face to looking over his shoulder at Walker. Walker held his breath and gave her a small smile. He wanted to scream “No! Give me a chance,” but this needed to be Layne’s decision. Right now she wasn’t going to give him any kind of chance since he stupidly reminded her he was her patient.

  “I’m sorry, Aaron, but I don’t want to mix business and pleasure. You have your clients, and I have mine. And we work well together. I don’t want to jeopardize that.”

  Walker released a breath he’d been holding. He still had a chance. Well, as soon as he got his leg healed enough for her to discharge him.

  Aaron lifted Layne’s hand and placed a kiss on her wrist. Walker fought the urge to pummel him as Aaron slowly let her hand drop. “I respect your decision, but I hope you’ll change your mind,” he said softly, trying to make sure Walker couldn’t hear.

  Walker watched Aaron walk out the room, then looked at Layne standing there. Her jaw was tight, her hazel eyes had darkened in anger, and she clenched her fist. “Let’s get back to work,” she said briskly.

  “Layne, are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?”

  “I don’t know how to say no more clearly. Every month he asks me out, and I always say no. I’ve told him he’s not my type. He comes from an old Lexington family under the impression they mean something. He likes going to fancy events and being photographed in the local news. I don’t. Look at me. I wear scrubs, not designer clothes. I work most nights until seven or eight and spend my weekends with wounded veterans or with my family—a family he’s scared of.”

  Layne was pacing around the room now, her hands flying in all directions, “And he always harps on my dad. Look, I know my dad isn’t the typical dad. He taught me how to kill someone with my pinky. However, he’s my dad, and I love him. You weren’t scared of him, were you?”

  Layne stopped pacing and stopped in front of him. She looked at him practically begging him to like her father. “I’ll always be honest with you, Layne. Your dad scares the shit out of me. But it’s mostly out of respect.”

  Layne’s whole body seemed to relax. “Thank you for saying that. How is your leg feeling?”

  “Tired and sore, but I’ll do whatever it takes to get it back in shape. Pain is just weakness leaving the body. I’m very comfortable with being uncomfortable. I learned that during SEAL training.”

  Layne gave him a smile, a real one that made her eyes soften, and Walker decided he’d go through whatever ordeal she wanted to put him through just to see her smile like that again.

  11

  Layne handed Walker his crutches and helped him into the house. He had had four sessions that day and would be very sore as his muscles got used to being active again. “Right into a hot bath for you.”

  “Bath? You know I don’t really fit into a tub, right?”

  Layne smiled at the image and then flushed as she thought about them both in the tub together. “I know, but you can sit in it and get your legs covered with the water. That’s all that is needed. There’s an old sore muscle remedy my Uncle Cy gave me that will make you heal faster.”

  “If you say so. Also, would you mind if I washed my clothes?”

  “Oh, I didn’t think about that. I can run out and get you some,” Layne offered.

  “No, please don’t spend money on it. I already feel bad enough I’m having to live with you and can’t even pay for dinner, much less for your services.”

  Layne looked at how tall Walker was and ran through all her cousins. Jackson was the same height, but Walker had way more muscles that Jackson. Walker was built like Dylan . . . who wasn’t in town. “I have an idea. Will you get the bath ready while I call my cousin Piper?”

  “Sure. Can I do anything though?”

  Layne shook her head. “I have it covered. I’ll bring in the stuff for the bath in just a minute.” She watched him hobble off with his crutches as she pulled out her cell phone.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Piper asked.

  “Where are you?” Layne asked instead of answering.

  “My parents’ house having dinner. Why?”

  “I need a favor, and it needs to be a cousin special,” Layne said, dropping her voice in case Piper’s parents, Tammy and Pierce, were listening in.

  “Of course. You know I won’t say anything. What do you need?” Layne could hear Piper walking away from her family.

  “I need some of Dylan’s clothes.”

  Piper didn’t say anything for a second. “Okay, that wasn’t what I was expecting.”

  “Please, no questions. I need some workout clothes, shorts, shirts, and jeans. And a pair of dress slacks and dress shirt, just in case.”

  “In case of what? Ugh. Sorry, a cousin special—no questions. Got it. It won’t take me long. Mom is really tired with the baby right now, so she’s already on the couch while Dad and Jace
clean up. They made the mistake of mentioning Mom’s age again.”

  Layne snickered. “You’d think they’d learn by now not to mention that.” Tammy was in her early fifties and had accidently gotten pregnant. Uncle Pierce was sticking his foot in his mouth every couple of minutes. But to be fair, it was usually out of concern for his wife.

  “Yeah, well, they haven’t. Dad took Mom’s dessert away, fearing gestational diabetes. Mom almost stabbed him with a fork. But I’ll grab the clothes and be over in a minute.”

  “Thanks, Piper.”

  “Hey, what are cousins for?” Piper asked rhetorically before hanging up.

  * * *

  Layne headed into her bathroom and spent some time pulling out the right oils and salts to help his sore muscles. “Hey, Walker,” she called out as she pushed the partially closed bathroom door open with her foot. Layne froze at the sight that greeted her—Walker’s nude body. His back was to her as he reached for a towel. He spun in surprise and Layne’s mouth fell open. She wasn’t completely inexperienced, but with her father’s overbearing way, she could count the men she’d been with on one hand and none of them looked like Walker.

  Walker seemed to know she was appreciating the view of the muscled pecs, the little arrow of hair leading down the middle of a six pack down to his… Phew, it was getting hot in there. Layne waved a hand in front of her face. Her eyes couldn’t seem to travel any farther from the clear evidence that Walker was getting very happy to see her. It just kept growing . . . “I didn’t know they could be that size.”

  Walker chuckled, and that caused Layne to tear her gaze away from his Mr. Happy and back up to his eyes. “Did I say that out loud?”

  “You sure did, sweetheart.”

  Layne felt her cheeks heat, but that was the last of her body to heat. Everything else was already panting for the man proudly standing naked in front of her.

  “I, uh—”

  “Want to join me?” Walker asked, taking a step closer to her. He stopped when he was close enough for her to feel his body heat drawing her in.

  The doorbell rang, causing Layne to jump back. “That must be Piper. I’ll be right back. Um, stay here.”

  Layne practically ran to the door and flung it open. Piper’s eyes went wide as she looked at her cousin. “What’s up with you? Your face is flushed, and you’re breathing hard. Oh my God! You have a man in there.”

  “I do not,” Layne countered, grabbing the duffle bag from Piper.

  “Is he naked? Is that why you needed my brother’s clothes? And you said Dylan, and not Jace, so the guy must be more muscular. Can I meet him? Do I know him?”

  “Piper! No questions. I’m neither confirming nor denying anything. But thank you for these.” Layne slammed the door on Piper, who immediately moved to the window. Layne saw her face pressed to the glass. “Cousin special, remember?” Layne shouted as she pulled the curtain closed.

  “Oh come on!” Piper yelled back, but after a minute Layne heard Piper’s car start up. With a sigh, Layne headed back to the bathroom and knocked on the door.

  “Come in,” Walker said from inside. Layne walked in and found him already in the bathtub and swallowed hard. What she could do with the bottles in her hands . . . “I didn’t want the water getting cold, and since you’ve already seen me naked . . .” Walker shrugged. Layne just stared. “Are you going to put those in the bath?”

  “What?” Layne asked and then shook her head. She was a professional. She’d seen naked men before. She needed to stop thinking about getting naked and climbing into the tub with him. “Oh, yes. Here, I’ll just add these, and you’ll feel ready to go tomorrow.”

  Layne moved to his feet, sat on the edge of the tub, and added the mixtures before turning on the hot water for one more minute to help the salt dissolve. She put her hand in the hot water and moved it around to spread the oils and salt, but before she could remove her hand, Walker’s fingers closed around her wrist.

  Without saying anything, he kept his gaze locked with hers as the water sloshed around him while he moved forward. He didn’t let go of her wrist when he got near her either. Layne felt her breath catch as he placed her hand on his chest and leaned toward her. “Kiss me.”

  “I—”

  “You want to. Kiss me,” Walker coaxed as her fingers began to explore his chest all on their own. “Now.”

  Layne’s hand moved to his sculpted shoulder as she bent forward. Everything in her body was crying to kiss him again. She wasn’t sure if she was breathing anymore when her lips met his. Walker’s wet hands captured her breasts through her shirt as he let her lead the kiss. Layne tried to go slow and to savor it, but when his hands began magically pulling every ounce of desire from her, the kiss deepened. Layne felt the switch go off—the switch holding her back. Pressing her breasts into Walker’s hands, she moaned as one hand dropped from his shoulder to trail over his pecs. She felt the ridges of his abs contract as her fingers skimmed over his muscles headed for . . .

  Walker pulled away, slightly breathless.

  “What?” Layne asked, realizing she was almost in the tub.

  “The doorbell.”

  “What?” Layne asked, so overcome with desire the words didn’t make sense to her.

  “The doorbell,” he said again as she heard the chime. Layne muttered some curses she’d picked up from Dylan as Walker chuckled. “That makes me feel like I’m back with the SEAL team.”

  Taking a deep breath, Layne stood and hurried from the bathroom, closing the door behind her as the doorbell rang again. “I’m coming!”

  Layne threw open the door to find her cousin Reagan standing there. Reagan was the twin daughter of Uncle Cy and Aunt Gemma. The same ones who had gotten her to fall in love with the Maltese dog breed. Speaking of which, Fluffy Puppy shot past Layne and began dancing in front of Reagan.

  Reagan scooped up the little dog and ran inside. “Quick, close the door. I’ve been here for the past two hours, okay?”

  “What’s going on?” Layne asked as she moved into the living room while Reagan turned on the TV, sat on the couch, and put her feet on the coffee table.

  Reagan heard another car approaching and took a deep breath. “We’ve eaten pizza and have been hanging out watching TV for two hours, got it?”

  “What is this about? Are you in trouble?” Layne asked worriedly.

  “No more than you’ll be if your dad discovers you have a man in the bathroom and you almost had bathtub sex.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!” Layne hissed at her cousin.

  “Two hours,” Reagan said quietly as they heard a car door close.

  “How did you know?” Layne whispered.

  “There’s two wet handprints on your boobs, your face is flushed, your hair is damp, and you keep looking at the bathroom door. My dad was a spy, remember? Which means if I figured it out, so will he. So stop looking at the damn door and introduce me to him after my dad leaves.”

  “Your dad’s here?” Layne cursed as there was a knock on the door.

  “Two hours, promise me. Cousin special.”

  “Fine,” Layne swore as she stood to open the door. “Uncle Cy!” Layne smiled as she greeted Reagan’s father. His head was still shaved short, and he looked ready to fight an army, just like her father, Uncle Marshall, and Uncle Cade had done in their younger days. They all worked out with Ahmed almost daily now. “What a surprise. What’s up?”

  Cy walked into the room and FP growled at him as Reagan smiled. “That damn rat hates me.”

  “He hates almost everyone; don’t take it personally.” Layne smiled.

  Uncle Cy looked at her then. “Why is your shirt wet?”

  “I splashed some of FP’s water on myself when I was refilling his bowl,” Layne said with a shake of her head. “Can I get you something?”

  “No, I just wanted to check on my daughter. Her GPS . . . I mean, I was worried when she wasn’t home for dinner.”

  Reagan crossed her arms and set her face.
“Yeah, I disabled the GPS tracker you put on my phone.” Reagan set down Fluffy Puppy who, to Layne’s horror, ran straight to the closed bathroom door and began to scratch at it. “I’m so going to tell Mom.”

  “It’s a dangerous world, and I want to make sure you’re safe,” Cy said, mimicking her hands-on-hips stance. “Look what happened to your sister.”

  A fellow politician trying to develop Keeneston with illegal dealings had attacked Riley. Riley had been kidnapped and was close to being killed when her now husband, Matt Walz, the new sheriff of Keeneston, with the help of Aniyah, Riley’s secretary, helped to foil the plot. Uncle Cy had been even more overbearing since that happened. It didn’t matter that Riley and Matt were blissfully happy and everyone was safe and sound.

  “Well, I’m fine. Layne and I are having a girls’ night since she’s been away for a couple days,” Reagan assured her.

  “I see that now,” Cy looked over to FP clawing at the door. “What is he going on about?”

  “Nothing!” Layne and Reagan cried out as Layne raced to scoop up the dog.

  “Is someone in there?”

  Layne laughed. “Don’t be silly.”

  “Okay, Dad. Now that you know where I’ve been . . . hey, how did you know I was here?” Reagan narrowed her eyes at her father.

  “Every spy has his secrets,” Cy said with a smug smile.

  “Ugh! Can’t you just be a normal father? For crying out loud, I’m almost thirty.”

  With hands on hips again, Cy looked at his daughter. “And you’re still my baby.”

  That took the wind out of Reagan, just as it did when Layne’s father said it to her. “I know, Dad, but you’re smothering me. Let me have a life, please.”

  “No more lying to me because we both know you haven’t been here more than five minutes. Your engine is still warm.”

  “Dad! This is what I’m talking about.”

  “I trust you, baby. I just don’t trust anyone else.”

  Reagan rolled her eyes. “I’ll see you at home, Dad.” Reagan lived on their farm, and she knew her dad would wait up until she drove past the main house to get to her house at the back of the property.