by Layla Hagen
I wanted to share with her more than pillow talk, which went against everything I thought I knew about myself.
I got out of bed too.
"Okay," I said. "But you're not wearing that underwear." I pointed to the pile of panties and bra. "It will drive me crazy knowing you’re wearing it."
She cocked a brow. "Oh really? And why do you think I'm going to listen to you?"
I went closer to her, cupping her ass and pulling her straight against me. "How about I promise some more orgasms later?"
She narrowed her eyes, tapping her temple. "Bribing me with orgasms, I see. Okay, you win. I'm not going to wear that underwear." I let her go, and she winked. "I'm not going to wear underwear at all."
Fucking hell! She knew how to play me, and I liked that she kept me on my toes.
She put on a loose black dress while I looked for my clothes. After dressing quickly, I followed her to the kitchen. The cheesecake was already on a plate with two teaspoons. I finished pouring wine in the two glasses, and we went outside together.
She had one cozy lounger and a small coffee table on which I deposited the glasses. I immediately lay down, pointing to my lap.
“Since you only have one of these, I think a great solution is we both lie on it.”
“I like this arrangement, Mr. Gallagher.” She climbed on top of me, shimmying. I groaned, watching her carefully set the plate on the coffee table.
Straightening up, she froze.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
She stood up, looking down from the balcony. I followed her gaze to a guy standing in front of it.
“Going to ignore me now too?” he asked.
I glanced back at her, taking in her body language. Her fists were clenched, her eyes narrowed and furious. I instantly felt protective of her, wanting to remove whatever was bothering her. Case in point: the idiot in front of the building.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I told you I need to talk to you.”
She blew out a breath, clenching her fists even tighter. Turning to me, she whispered, “I’m going downstairs to deal with him.”
“I’m coming with you.”
Her eyes widened. She opened her mouth, then closed it again, nodding. “Okay. Thanks.”
I put a hand at the small of her back as we went inside, heading to the front door.
“Who is he?” I asked.
“My shitty ex. He messaged me earlier this afternoon, but I blocked him, and now I can’t believe he’s fucking here.”
I clasped her arm, turning her slightly toward me before cupping her face with both hands. “I can go downstairs and deal with him alone.”
“You’d do that?”
“He’s bothering you. I want to make him stop.”
She bit her lower lip, shaking her head. “No, I’m coming down too. He said he wants to talk to me, so I don’t think he’ll give up.”
“Mel—”
“Let’s go,” she said, opening the front door.
I followed her downstairs, and once we were outside, I took stock of the idiot, who jerked his head back.
“Who’s this?” he inquired.
“None of your business,” Mel answered.
“Not like I care. My business is with you.”
“Watch your tone,” I said.
He tilted his head, sizing me up as if weighing if he could take me on. He couldn’t, but I’d like to see him try.
He looked at Mel lazily. “I’m going to need all the presents I gave you back.”
“What?”
“The necklace and the dress, and that fucking bag. The business is bleeding money again, and I need every cent.”
What the hell?
She stared at him. “Gladly. But I don’t want to see your face ever again.”
Turning on her heels, she headed back upstairs. He made to follow her, but I stepped in front of him.
“You’re not going anywhere,” I said.
“Screw you.” He attempted to push me away, but I grabbed both his arms, overpowering him instantly. He jumped back, his eyes wide.
“You ever show up near her, and we’re going to have a problem,” I said calmly, even though all I wanted to do was punch him. I clenched my fists in my pockets.
“Here is all the stuff,” Mel shouted. It took me a few seconds to realize she was on the balcony. She dropped a bag over the railing. It hit the concrete with a thump.
The jackass swore as he picked it up.
“You’re a—” he was saying, but I interrupted him.
“Shut up or you’ll regret it,” I said.
He narrowed his eyes, looking from me up to the balcony.
“Whatever,” he mumbled before turning around and walking away quickly.
I watched him until he disappeared around the corner before hurrying to Mel, taking the stairs two at a time. The door was ajar. I went inside and closed it, heading to the balcony. Mel was sitting on the lounger, red in the face. I was so angry I could barely breathe, but I needed to calm down. This wasn’t what she needed.
“Mel, are you okay?” I asked, sitting next to her.
She fiddled with her thumbs, shaking her head. “I don’t know. Every time I think he can’t upset me anymore, he proves me wrong.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
She shrugged. “Not much to say. I had a small nest egg. After graduating high school, I started working full-time as a waitress while I completed my degree. When I quit my job as a receptionist, I took up waitressing again while also working as a fitness instructor. Anyway, most of the money went to making Dad’s house wheelchair friendly and getting him the treatment he needed, but the rest... Elliot asked me to invest it in his business.”
“Fuck.” I had a hunch I knew where this was going.
“Yeah... so, when he screwed up and was about to lose the business, he wanted even more money, but I didn’t have any more, and he started saying shit like I’m spending too much on Dad.”
“Damn. I should have punched him. Does this happen often?”
“No, I haven’t seen him at all since we broke up, and that was more than a year ago. He did text me a couple weeks ago, but I ignored it then. Douchebag.”
I kissed her forehead, rubbing her back. “I told him we’re going to have a problem if he shows up here again.”
She pulled back, looking up at me. “You did? Wow. I’m sorry this relaxing evening turned into a shit show.”
I cupped her face, touching her lower lip. “Hey, the evening isn’t over yet. Where were we?”
“You tricked me into straddling you.”
“That’s right.”
I immediately lay back down, and she climbed on me like before. She was smiling again, and her body language was more relaxed. I wanted to do everything in my power to make her forget about that moron. I couldn’t believe he had the guts to show up here. She was feeling raw—that much was evident—and I wanted to make it better, or at least take her mind off it. Placing my hands on her waist, I shifted her lower, aligning our hips. She laughed, bracing her hands on my chest.
“This is even better than sitting out here listening to steamy audiobooks,” she said.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It was.”
“By the way, I still can’t believe you were listening to that.”
She grinned, wiggling her eyebrows. “Am I outrageous enough for you, Mr. Gallagher?”
I kissed the side of her neck, enjoying the sound of her gasp mixed with laughter. “Hell yes. Now, let’s see if I can turn this evening around.”
“We have cheesecake and wine, so I’d say things are looking up.”
“Cheesecake and wine. So I’m not even a factor?”
She shimmied on top of me. “You still have to prove yourself.”
“It’ll be my pleasure.”
Chapter Thirteen
Mel
Dad was over the moon when I brought
him the medicine the next day. I stopped by his place after my last session at the gym.
“Who is this Dylan again?” Dad asked.
I smiled, always feeling a bit awkward when I spoke to Dad about someone I was dating. Not that Dylan and I were dating. I wasn’t exactly sure what to call what we were, but I didn’t want to keep anything from Dad.
Growing up without my mom, one would think I got used to these awkward conversations. After all, Daddy was the one who gave me the talk about the birds and the bees in middle school, explained about getting my period, and everything else. But I still felt like a teenager on occasions like this one.
“We’re spending some time together, but it’s early days, so don’t read too much into it.”
Dad held up the meds. “He went to the trouble of getting these, so he’s not a douchebag like Elliot.”
I grimaced. “No, not one bit.”
Dad had had a front row seat to the pain Elliot caused me.
“He’s got my approval.”
I smiled to myself as I took a yogurt from his fridge to prepare smoothies for both of us. I had Dylan on my mind, and it took me to a happy place. Last night had been unexpected in so many ways, from the alpha tone when he insisted this wasn’t a one-night thing to the balls-to-the-wall threat to Elliot.
I couldn’t believe Elliot. As if I wanted to keep the stupid presents anyway. They’d all been just for show. Later on, when he asked for a second “loan,” and I refused, he threw in my face that he’d spent a lot of money on me.
I saw red remembering his smug face. The nerve of him! I’d been on edge after he left, but Dylan had somehow made me forget all about it. He was a man of many talents for sure. I was still swooning a little.
I ate dinner with Dad, and on the train ride back home, I checked my phone and discovered a photo from Dylan. It was of Isabelle, cuddling the puppy.
Dylan: Couldn’t keep her away any longer. They’re moving into the house faster, in two days. She left with him. The place seems weirdly empty.
Mel: Want to adopt a pup for yourself? I stand by what I said. You’re more relaxed around one.
Dylan: I’m relaxed around you too. I want you.
My stomach somersaulted. I brought a hand to it, smiling from ear to ear.
Mel: We have a session on Wednesday.
Dylan: That’s in three days. I want you sooner.
Oh, wow. How could one little message turn me into a ball of anticipation and desire?
Mel: I’m now on my way back from Dad’s. I’m honestly exhausted today. Tomorrow evening?
Would he get annoyed by my frequent trips to Dad’s like Elliot? I knew it wasn’t fair to compare them, but I couldn’t help wondering. Even though what we had was casual, I instinctively knew Dylan didn’t do anything in half measures. Everything about him was all-consuming.
Dylan: Some clients from Chicago are in town, and we’re taking them to dinner.
Mel: Then Wednesday it is. By the way, Dad says thanks for the medicine.
Dylan: He’s welcome. I enjoyed our time yesterday.
Mel: I did too.
Dylan: Can’t wait until the next time. You’re hijacking my thoughts, Mel. Ian is exasperated.
Mel: Then go back to work. I don’t want to get on his bad side.
Dylan: Have a great evening, Mel.
We kept exchanging messages over the next couple days, sending each other little snippets throughout the day. On Wednesday, I was on pins and needles because I was about to see him.
I met with Isabelle and Josie at the gym after lunch. Josie decided she wanted to train there after all, so she came for an introductory session. To my surprise, the Gallagher siblings arrived together—all four of them, including my hot and handsome Dylan. My session with him was later this afternoon, so I hadn’t expected to see him here this early.
Ian, Isabelle, and Josie were in the break room corner next to the orange juice container. I positioned myself, so I had a great view of the cardio equipment to keep an eye on Dylan. A girl had to indulge from time to time.
Damn, is he gorgeous or what?
I trained my focus on Josie. “So with Isabelle, we go into one of the smaller rooms and have a Pilates session for seventy-five minutes. We do warm-ups, and then we alternate cardio-type workouts with anaerobic exercises. But everyone is different. You can do your cardio before on a treadmill or a cross-trainer or anything you like from the cardio room. That's what Dylan does, and then I join him at the weight stations.”
"Wait, you're training Dylan?" Isabelle asked.
Oh shit, he hadn't told his sisters. I blushed, looking from one sister to the other and then at Ian, who smiled knowingly.
"What's going on?" Isabelle asked. Ian's smile widened, which Isabelle noticed. She pointed at him. "You look like you're keeping secrets, brother."
Josie tilted her head. "No, he looks like he can't wait to spill them."
I had a feeling this was going to escalate. I knew from Isabelle that they were all very close, but being an only child, I wasn't sure how to navigate sibling dynamics. I looked at Dylan again, hoping he'd glance this way so I could gesture him to join us. As if he sensed that I was watching him, he cocked his head my way. I couldn't wave. But he knew how sibling dynamics worked because he immediately stopped the treadmill and came to us.
"Why are you all grouped here?" he asked. "Ian, I thought you were going to run next to me?"
Isabelle gave her brother a sweet smile. "He has some insider info he can't wait to share."
"But now that you’re here, they can hear it directly from the source," Ian said.
Isabelle trained her gaze on Dylan.
"So, we found out Mel's training you one-on-one."
"Yes, she is,” Dylan replied. “Anything against that? You kept saying she's an excellent trainer."
I was looking at all of them, unsure what to say or how to act. This was so much fun.
Isabelle glared at her brother, and I remembered what he said about her warning him not to hit on me. I still had no idea what to say to smooth things over.
I also wasn't sure if Dylan wanted his siblings to know about us. We never discussed it.
To my astonishment, he put an arm around my shoulders.
"Mel and I are seeing each other. And that's none of your business."
Ian, Josie, and Isabelle all started talking at the same time.
Ian laughed and then said, "Oh wait, he's serious."
"I think he's pretty serious," Josie confirmed.
"You left out a critical detail," Ian said, fighting to tone down a grin. Looking straight at me, he said, "He almost bit my head off when I commented that you're hot. Just thought you should know."
I giggled before covering my mouth. Isabelle and Josie were laughing too. Dylan glared at Ian.
"You had to spill that, didn't you?"
Ian nodded, looking oddly proud. "I've been sitting on this piece of information for a while. I couldn't wait for an occasion to spill it. It's too good not to be shared. And you know me, brother. I don't like to keep the good things to myself."
I cleared my throat. "Okay. Well, I do think we should start the session. Otherwise, we're not going to have enough time. Josie, Isabelle is going to show you the room where we're training, and I'll be with you in a few minutes."
Isabelle looked at me with a glint of mischief in her eyes.
After their sisters left, Dylan looked at Ian pointedly.
“This is your cue to leave us alone," he said simply.
"Oh, right, right. I don’t want to be a third wheel. However, I do want to test a theory. Will you bite my head off again if I mention how hot Mel is?”
I grinned, loving Ian’s merciless teasing.
“I don’t think we should push him too much,” I replied.
Dylan stared at his brother. Ian winked before heading to the treadmill.
Dylan took my hand, bringing me into a more private nook of the break room.
"Your siblings are hilarious.”
“And very nosy. I'm sorry.”
“It was funny. How come you’re here so early? Our session is later.”
“About that. The private sessions won’t work out today. My assistant scheduled a meeting at the last minute.”
I pouted.
He cupped my cheek, pressing his thumb on my lower lip. “But since they were an excuse to spend time with you, it doesn’t matter. I don’t need an excuse anymore.”
My pulse sped up as his eyes smoldered. “Tonight, I have another dinner with clients, but I want us to go out soon.”
“Friday works,” I said.
He groaned, slipping the tip of his thumb in my mouth, tilting in slightly. “Fine. Friday it is.”
"So you almost bit off Ian's head, huh?"
If possible, his gaze grew even more intense. I was warm all over just because he was looking at me with that strangely possessive glint.
"Yes I did. I don't know what you're doing to me, but even now, when a guy looks at you, I feel possessive. Even if it’s my brother and he wants to get a rise out of me."
He touched my neck with his hand, pulling me closer. I glanced sideways quickly, but the nook was private enough that no one could see us unless they walked right to this corner. Dylan touched his lips to mine, gently at first, but then it transformed into one of those hot kisses that made me want to jump him. He was a little sweaty from the treadmill, and it somehow made him even sexier. The salty taste on his lips turned me on so much that I didn’t want him to stop.
I gasped when I was out of breath and pulled a few inches away.
"No, no, no. You can't kiss me like this. It makes me want to jump you, and we’re at the gym."
"So what’s the problem?" he asked.
"Because I can’t jump you, and then that's what I'm going to think about for the rest of the day."
He touched my lips with a finger, looking me straight in the eyes.
"Good. That's exactly what I want you to think about for the rest of the day."
“You’re a bad man.”
I took another step back before turning around and heading to the private room I’d booked for Josie and Isabelle. The two of them were chatting but stopped abruptly when I walked in, looking at me curiously.