by Kaylee Ryan
“Oh, God.” She covers her face with her hands, and the action snaps me into motion. She moves to slide off the bed, but I’m able to sit up and pull her into my lap before she gets too far.
“Layla, what do you mean you might be bad at it?”
“Do you not understand the English language?”
“Baby, are you a virgin?” The words feel like grit. I can’t believe I just asked her that question. She’s fucking gorgeous, with a body that would bring any man to his knees. How is she a virgin?
“My life growing up was rough. I didn’t want to end up like my mother, and I knew I needed to get out of that house, out of that town. So it was better for me to abstain. Once I made it to Florida, I was barely keeping a roof over my head and food on the table. No way could I take care of a child too.”
“Yet, you fed the homeless men, who looked like a group of thugs that sat outside on the stoop of your building.”
She shrugs. “They needed it, and it was like they looked out for me. They scared me at first, but as time went on, they looked out for me. It was nice knowing there was someone around if I needed them.”
“That’s me. I want to be that someone.”
“What is your family going to say? I’ve never met them, and you what? Just want me to move in with you? Come on, Owen. Think about what you’re asking.”
“I have thought about it. I know what I want. You’ve met Royce and Sawyer, and the others will love you just as much as we do. In fact, you get to meet them today at Sunday dinner.”
“Love me?” she croaks.
“My sweet, Layla. My heart is yours. Piece by piece, you’ve stolen it from me, and I never want it back.”
“S-Sunday dinner?” she croaks.
I’m overwhelming her and didn’t want to do that, but that’s just how this conversation happened to turn out. “My parents have Sunday dinner at their place every week. Those who can make it do. Now we’re all living in town, it’s very rare that any of us miss.”
“I can’t meet your family today.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m me.” She slaps her hand against her chest. “They want better for you than me. I know they will.”
“You’re wrong. What they want is for me to be happy. They want me to find someone to live my life with and to give them grandchildren.” I chuckle. It’s as if I can hear my mother now asking when she’s going to get grandkids. Royce is the oldest at thirty-two, and now that he’s with Sawyer, the pressure is on. I have no doubts when she meets my Layla, she’s going to be asking me… us too.
“I don’t know.”
“Come with me today. Meet them. Let them prove to you that your background has no bearing on who you are to me. You can’t help the circumstances of which you were raised. That’s not who you are, that’s who your mother was. You’re not her, Layla.” I lean in and kiss the corner of her mouth. “Please, come with me?”
“And the apartment?”
“Think about it. In the meantime, I want you here with me in my home, in my bed. I want it to be our home and our bed.”
“This is a lot. I mean, I know you said you wanted to try, but living together? Owen, that’s a huge step.”
“I know it is, but it’s one I want to take with you.”
“I’ll go to dinner.” I start to thank her, but she holds her index finger to my lips. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you. Once they find out about my family….” Her voice trails off.
“They’re going to welcome you into ours. Trust me, Lay. Please.”
She nods. “That’s what I’m doing. That’s why I’m here. I do trust you, Owen.”
“That’s my girl,” I say, kissing her softly. “Now, let’s make some breakfast.” I pull her to the kitchen and point to the island for her to sit while I make us scrambled eggs and toast. Not exactly gourmet, but I make a mean scrambled egg.
“Oh, before I forget.” I reach into the drawer in the kitchen and retrieve the new cell phone I bought her. “This is for you.”
“You bought me a cell phone?” she asks in disbelief.
“I added you to my plan. It was nothing.”
“Owen—” She starts, and I pin her with a look that tells her I don’t want to hear it.
“I like taking care of you, Layla. I’ll feel better knowing you have a phone where you can reach me if you need to. I added the number of all of my brothers, my parents, and Sawyer as well. It’s yours. Use it to stay in touch with Ronnie and Linda.”
Tears well in her eyes. “Thank you, Owen. I’ll repay you.”
“You being here, that’s all I need.”
* * *
“Wow,” Layla breathes as we pull up to my parents’ place a few hours later. I try to see my childhood home through her eyes.
“Just a house, babe,” I say, trying to ease her fears. Speaking of fears, my hands are sweating, and by the way my heart seems to be beating at a rapid pace in my chest, I’m a little bit nervous myself. I have no reason to be. This is my family, and I know they will love Layla. There isn’t anything not to love about her. However, this is a first for me. I’ve never walked through the front door with a girl on my arm. Not one that I wanted to declare is mine.
This is not only a first for her but a first for me. That’s when it hits me. It’s not nerves that are making my hands sweat or my heart race. It’s excitement. The pieces are all starting to fall together. It’s Layla, and the idea of us, here together. Not just here but our future. The one that I want for us more than I want to take my next breath.
Glancing over at her, I flash her a grin—something the me before her wouldn’t have done so easily. Now, with Layla by my side, I feel lighter, maybe even a little more laidback, like my younger brothers. Hell, even Royce now that he has Sawyer in his life. “Ready?”
“If I say no, will you take me home?”
“Depends. Where are you referring to as home?” I smirk, knowing I have her.
“Your home.”
Reaching over the console, I slide my hand behind her neck. “Our home. And this is my family. I want to share them with you. Will you let me do that, Lay?”
She sucks in a deep breath. “How am I supposed to say no to that?”
“You’re not.” Leaning over, I kiss the tip of her nose and pull away, climbing out of my truck. I start around the front to her door, and to my surprise, she meets me halfway. I thought I might have to pull her out against her will, but my girl once again proves how strong she is. She’s scared and nervous, but she’s with me. Right where she will always be.
“Come on.” My hand finds hers, and our fingers lock as I lead her up the steps and to the front door. I don’t bother knocking as that’s not how this family works, and step inside.
“Owen,” Layla hisses under her breath. “You can’t just walk in like you own the place.”
“Of course, he can,” a deep male voice greets us. “His momma and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You must be Layla,” my dad says.
“Y-Yes, sir.”
“None of that. Bring it in, darlin’.” Dad holds his arms open wide and steps into her personal space, wrapping his arms around her in a hug. “It’s nice to meet you. I was starting to think the two of you weren’t coming.”
“We’re early,” I remind him.
“Yep, but you, my son, are usually the first one here.”
“Who beat me?” I ask, realizing I didn’t bother to look at the vehicles when we pulled up, my mind too occupied on bringing Layla here for the first time.
“Marshall.”
“That’s my baby brother,” I explain to Layla. I’ve been down the family tree a few times, but there are five of us, and we’re a lot to take on all at once.
“I heard that!” Marshall calls from what sounds like the kitchen.
“He hates that.” Dad laughs.
“Hates what?” Layla asks.
“When I call him baby brother.” My grin is wide and genuine when I think about h
ow my words have annoyed Marshall. “Come on. I’ll introduce you.” With her hand still wrapped in mine, I follow my father down the hall to the kitchen.
Chapter 14
Layla
My stomach is in knots as I walk next to Owen, following his dad into the kitchen. He must feel the tremble in my hand that he’s holding. He gives it a reassuring squeeze, but it does nothing to calm my nerves.
“You’re late, brother,” a handsome guy who I assume is Marshall says as soon as we enter the kitchen.
“You’re never early, what gives?” Owen asks.
“Oh, you know, wanted to be here when my girl got here.”
“Your girl?”
“Yep.” Marshall stands from the stool he’s sitting on and comes to stand next to me. “Thanks for picking her up for me,” he says, slinging his arm over my shoulder.
“Marsh,” Owen says, his voice low and kind of menacing. The look on Marshall’s face tells me he’s not a bit afraid of his big brother and that he got the reaction he was hoping for.
“Come on, babe, let me introduce you to my mother,” Marshall says with a chuckle.
“Back off, baby brother,” Owen says with humor lacing his voice. His hand slides around my waist, and he pulls me into his side and away from Marshall.
“Mom, Owen keeps calling me baby brother,” Marshall says in a whiny voice, barely able to contain his laughter.
“Oh, hush, you two. Marshall, leave your brother alone, and Layla too. You’re going to scare her off before I get a hug.”
“He started it,” Owen singsongs, and I can’t hide the giggle that escapes.
I rush to cover my mouth with my hand, my eyes wide as I glance around the room. “I’m sorry,” I mumble, finally looking up at Owen.
He’s grinning, his white teeth shining brightly through his beard, and his eyes are twinkling. I open my mouth to apologize again; it was rude to laugh, but come on, that shit was funny. He beats me to it when he leans down and kisses the corner of my mouth.
“He can razz me all damn day if that’s the reaction I get out of you. Love to see you happy, Lay,” he whispers, just for me.
“Back up,” his mom says, smacking at his chest lightly. “Layla.” She smiles, and the dimple in her cheek peeks out. “I’m Lena, the mother to this brood. Welcome.” She opens her arms for a hug, and I feel Owen release his hold on me. I step into his mother’s embrace and have to swallow hard to fight off the emotions. My own mother never hugged me like this. Not one moment of my past do I ever remember getting this kind of affection from her. “We’re glad you’re here,” Lena says, pulling away.
“Thank you for having me. I hope I’m not imposing,” I say, remembering the manners that I learned on my own. Just something else dear old mom didn’t offer me.
“Of course not,” Lena assures me. “There is more than enough room at the table, and I always make way too much food. Something I got used to raising five teenage boys.”
“Mom made sure to have a table big enough for all of us to have a guest,” Marshall explains. “We just thought Owen would be the last of us to make that happen.” He smirks.
“Fuck off,” Owen grumbles good-naturedly while Lena smacks his arm.
“Language in my kitchen, Owen Riggins.”
“Sorry, Momma,” he says sweetly, bending to press his lips to her cheek.
“See, Momma’s boy. You would think he’s the baby brother,” Marshall jokes.
“You feeling insecure again, Marsh?” another male voice asks, joining us.
“Nope. Just stating facts. Owen has always been Mom’s favorite.”
“I don’t have favorites,” Lena assures her sons.
“Owen was the son who rarely caused any trouble. If he did, it was at his brother’s influence, older and younger,” his dad, Stanley, adds.
“Dad!” The newcomer clutches his chest as if he’s been wounded. “Mom, tell her that’s not true.”
“You boys.” Lena just shakes her head and grins.
“Can I help with anything?”
“You sure can. You can sit with me,” the newcomer says. He reaches for me, but Owen is faster, wrapping his arms around me from behind and holding me close to his chest.
“Find your own woman,” Owen tells him.
“Oh, so it’s like that, is it?” the newcomer asks.
“It’s like that,” Owen confirms.
“Hey, beautiful, I’m Conrad, the sexy brother.”
Marshall laughs, spitting water across the room. “You wish you were as sexy as me.”
“Sorry, boys, that title’s all mine,” another newcomer says. He turns to me, where I’m still wrapped in Owen’s arms. “Message received, brother.” He nods at Owen, then turns his gaze back to me. “Grant, it’s nice to meet you.” He holds out his hand for me to shake. I offer him my hand, and he pulls it to his lips, kissing my knuckles.
“Fuck, can you all not hit on my girlfriend?” Owen says, exasperated.
“Just showing her she has other Riggins options.” Conrad grins cheekily.
“She doesn’t need any other options,” Owen tells them.
“Give the girl some room.” I hear a familiar voice and turn my head to see Sawyer standing in the doorway next to Royce. “Come on, I’ll save you.” She holds her hand out for me, and I take it, letting her pull me from Owen’s embrace. Everyone watching us knows that him letting me go never would have happened if he wasn’t willing. The realization causes a warm, soothing sensation to settle in my chest.
“Thanks,” I tell Sawyer.
“They’re a bunch of softies. You just need to know how to handle them,” she tells me.
“Sis,” Owen says, his tone nothing but playful.
Sawyer waves him off. “Especially that one. It’s the quiet ones you have to worry about,” she teases.
“Why don’t you boys go find something to do so us girls can get to know each other better?”
“Ah, Mom, you always make us miss the good stuff,” Marshall whines.
“What’s the matter, baby brother? Feeling left out?” Owen taunts.
Marshall ignores his brother and turns his gaze on me. “See what I mean? I’m the fun brother, not this killjoy. It’s not too late to change your mind.”
“Come on.” Stanley laughs, placing his hand on Marshall’s shoulder. “I’m not going to stop him when he comes after you. You better stop while you’re ahead.”
“Conrad? You got my back, right?”
Conrad’s loud, boisterous laugh fills the room. “You do see how he looks at her, right? There is no saving you, and I’m not getting in the middle of that.” He points between Owen and me.
“Out. Go on, get. Ladies only in my kitchen.”
I chance a look at Owen, and he’s smiling wide. In two long strides, he’s standing next to me. His lips press to my cheek. “I’ll be in the other room if you need me.” He says the words just low enough for me to hear, giving my hip a gentle squeeze, and following his dad and brothers out of the room.
“Wow,” Sawyer breathes.
“Finally!” Lena throws her hands in the air. “Another one bites the dust.” Her smile is wide and genuine.
“I’m confused,” I say the words, but I’m not nearly as confused as I want them to think that I am. I just need a minute to process what just happened. His family, they accepted me, accepted us without question. When they know where I came from, that’s going to change, and I don’t know that my heart will survive not being a part of this amazing group of people.
“What’s wrong?” Lena asks.
I can feel the hot tears prick my eyes. “My mother is a drug addict and a drunk. I grew up hungry and poor and locking myself in my room at night, fearful of the men she would have over.” I blurt the words before I can think better of it—nothing like just ripping off the Band-Aid and letting the word vomit fall from my mouth. I cover my face with my hands as my embarrassment takes root.
“My sweet girl.” I hear Lena sa
y the words as her arms wrap tightly around me. It’s not long after that I feel the second set of arms, and I know without opening my eyes that they belong to Sawyer. “I’m sorry for what you’ve been through,” Lena whispers. For a few brief seconds, I allow myself to imagine that these two amazing women were permanent parts of my life.
“I’m sorry,” I say, pulling away from them. “You’re all being so nice to me, and I didn’t want to dump the sordid details of my life on your lap, but it’s better to get this over with now.”
“Get what over with?” Lena tilts her head to the side, confusion marring her features.
“I’m not good enough for him. I want to be. More than anything, I want to be, but the fact remains that I’m not. I couldn’t stand losing all of you after getting attached, and I’m already attached to him. I just— I thought it was best to get it out there.”
“Layla, sweetheart.” Lena takes slow steps until she’s standing in front of me again. “You are not your mother, and you are not your past. You decide your future.” She gives me a soft smile. “All that I’ve ever wanted was for each of my boys to find a good woman to love. A woman who will love and respect them, enjoy life with them. That’s all that matters. You do that for my Owen. He’s vibrant, and it’s all because of you.”
“She’s right,” Sawyer adds before I can think to disagree with them. “Owen has always been quiet and just kind of stands on the sidelines. Earlier, he was ribbing his brothers and smiling. Not that he didn’t do those things before, but he was more content to sit back and watch the shenanigans, not take part in them. You’ve brought him to life.” Sawyer smiles softly. “Now, I know a thing or two about loving a Riggins man, not as much as this one.” She points at Lena. “But we’ve got your back.”
“He’s going to mess up, that’s what they do. He’s going to drive you crazy at times, but I can promise you he will love you through it all. Every moment that love will burn bright.”
“We’ve not known each other long,” I remind them.
Lena shrugs. “Love doesn’t know time, Layla. I know what I see, and trust me, I know my boys. Just take it day by day and embrace it. Embrace him. You love him right and that’s all I can ask of you. You love him, and you will always have a place in our home.”