by MJ Carter
“Are you sure you want to drive this?” He dangled the key in front of her and pulled it back when she grabbed for it.
He fastened her chin strap and grabbed the bag with the ring. When she was seated, he eased in behind her and put his hands on hers on the handle bars. “Layla, I am going to let you drive, but first, I am going to hold on for dear life.”
Layla elbowed him and started the bike. “Oh pretty boy, if you weren’t taken…” Her sentence died as they launched into traffic.
****
Caleb arrived at the office late the next morning and slammed his office door. He had tried to call Mark the night before and left a voice mail that had yet to be returned. He ran his hand through his hair and put his head on his desk. His brain was at war with his heart and his heart was winning. He still loved Sophie and more than anything, he wanted to be with her. But at what cost? His head told him that there must be a logical explanation for what he had seen. But as she entered his office with a timid smile, his heart leaped and overpowered his thoughts.
“Caleb? You ok?” She was so beautiful. Her soft yellow dress showed off her tan and her blond hair was pulled into a loose pony tail, showing off her long neck.
He shivered. “I will be. I need to ask you something.”
“Ok.” She sat down in the chair opposite him and smiled.
“Did you talk to Mark last night?” Caleb shifted papers on his desk, not making eye contact.
“No. He has a really busy week at work. He told me we wouldn’t talk too much this week. Why?”
Caleb flinched. “Soph.” His voice was quiet.
She sat up straighter. “Why Caleb? What’s happening?”
Clearing his throat, he leaned across the desk and took her hand. “I saw him yesterday. He was with some woman. Ryan says it’s probably nothing. And it probably is. But it didn’t look like nothing to me. And I tried to call him last night to ask him about it but he never returned my call.”
Sophie’s face was blank. Her eyes remained locked on his. “What did it look like Caleb?”
He hung his head. He should have ignored his heart. He felt like the worst friend in the world. “I don’t know. They seemed pretty friendly. God, I shouldn’t have said anything. I feel like shit. I’m sorry Soph. It’s probably nothing. I’m going to call him again.”
Caleb hit the speaker button on his phone and called Mark’s office. “Mr. Moretti’s office. This is Mary. May I help you?”
“Hey Mary, Caleb Allen. Is Mark in?” Sweat broke out across his forehead.
“I’m sorry Mr. Allen. Mr. Moretti is off this week. Can I give him a message for you?”
Caleb froze as Sophie’s face fell. He had broken her heart. He was an asshole. “No thank you Mary. I will try his cell phone.” He hung up and took Sophie’s hand again. “Shit, Soph. I’m sorry. I’m still jealous and I am sure my mind is making things up. Maybe you should try his cell?”
A tear rolled down her face and she whispered. “I can’t. What if he’s cheating on me? Oh God.”
“Then he would be a fool. Want me to try his cell?”
As Sophie nodded her head, Caleb hit the speaker button again and dialed the number he knew so well. Was he setting their relationship up to fail so he would win Sophie? He wasn’t sure. He prayed he wasn’t but as the phone began to ring, dread settled into his bones. He was hurting her and assuming the worst about his best friend.
“Moretti,” Mark was out of breath when he answered, shushing someone or something in the background.
“Yo, Marko, it’s Caleb. What’s up man?” Caleb winked at Sophie. Maybe this wasn’t bad news.
“Not much C. What’s up with you?” His hand covered his phone and his words were to muffled to make up.
“Hey, I was just wondering what you were up to today.”
“I’m working. Listen, I’ve got to run. Work is crazy. Can we catch up later this week?” Mark laughed and asked the driver if she knew how to drive a stick and to stop messing up his car. “I really have to call you back.”
The phone went dead and Caleb’s eyes froze on Sophie. The blood drained out of her face. Her hands shook and more tears formed in her eyes. He stood and wrapped her into a hug. “I’m sorry Sophie. Go home. Take the day. Call him. Maybe he is with a client. Maybe this is nothing. Please call him. I feel terrible.”
Sophie hugged him hard. “Did it look like a client Caleb?”
“No Sophie. It really didn’t. I’m so sorry.”
****
“Have you ever driven a stick? You are killing my car.” Mark laughed at Layla as they tried to make their way up the long driveway of a house his realtor had told him would be perfect. “Listen, I really have to call you back.” Mark ended the call and frowned at Layla. She just laughed as she stalled the car again. “You were better on the bike.”
“Get over it pretty boy. You could buy a bunch of these. Why do you have this car anyway? An Audi? I would have expected to be picked up in a limo or something. Don’t get me wrong, this car is awesome and I would drive it in a second but.. Sorry, I am babbling again. I know you aren’t used to constant talking.”
Mark smiled and thought of Sophie. “Soph is pretty quiet.” He sighed.
“Oh gag. You’ve got it bad. When did you know you loved her? When do I get to see her? When are you asking her?”
“Slow down Dr. Phil.” Mark laughed and waved at his realtor, Beth. “You can see her Friday at the rehearsal. And I am thinking of asking her at the wedding. May get Molly and Rich involved in the proposal. I thought maybe even during the reception since Molls has asked me to sing. We will talk about it tomorrow night when they come to dinner. Come on kid. Let’s see if this is the house.”
Mark looked over the gray stone exterior of the house situated at the top of Beachwood Canyon. He sighed at the three car garage. “This one is how much?”
The realtor shifted her papers. “2.2 million but we can offer less. It was built in 1991. 5,500 square feet of living space and the lot is about 15,700 square feet. Give it a chance Mark. This has a rooftop pool and a sauna. And you would be tucked away from city noise here. You can see the Hollywood sign from the roof.”
“Million?” Layla cleared her throat.
Mark patted her back. “Come on. You check the closets for me kid.”
She smacked him and ran ahead into the house. She gasped. “Mark, get in here. You have to see this kitchen. It’s huge. And white.”
Mark walked through the four bedroom, five bathroom house. The closet space was the size of an additional room and knowing he would be spoiling Sophie, he knew that would be a plus. The pool and Jacuzzi were separated by a wall in the pool and he liked the flow of the water back and forth. The view was breathtaking, the ocean on one side and the Hollywood sign on the other. It would be perfect for entertaining but something felt off. “The bedrooms are pretty small Beth. I am willing to pay more if we can get some more space. I want to have kids and I want to be able to see the pool without having them sneak up onto the roof. I’m sorry. It’s just not it.”
Layla frowned. “You saw the master bath didn’t you? The huge tub? The huge mirror?”
“Ok, on to the next. You want to see the short sale again? The six bedroom?”
“Yes. I think Layla needs to see that one.”
They followed Beth to the house on Deep Dell. He had narrowed his favorites to three and he wanted Layla to see them. It was a short drive to the Mediterranean house that he thought could be home. “I really want your opinion on this. It’s bigger than the last. It was built in 2005 so it doesn’t need as much work. In fact, I could move right into this one.”
Layla wandered through each of the six bedrooms. All of them had an in suite bathroom. The four car garage made more sense to her since she had already seen two cars and a bike and that wasn’t including whatever Sophie was driving these days. The first floor was almost all stone. Was it marble? The large winding staircase made her gasp. She sat down on
the floor of the theater room and shook her head. Everything was open and the view was gorgeous. The pool came off the living room and was surrounded by a large deck that overlooked LA. Tucked away on the third floor was one bedroom, with a private balcony and bathroom. She smiled.
She joined Mark in the kitchen, where he was sitting on the counter looking over some mortgage forms. “How much is this? And can he afford it?”
Beth smiled at her. “Yes he can. It’s a short sale. It’s been on the market for 100 days. They are asking 2.4 million. Payments will be approximately $9,000 a month depending on how much he wants to put down.”
“Hey pretty boy,” Layla laughed as he bit his lip looking at his paperwork. “I think we can stop looking. She will love this.”
Mark looked up and smiled. “Yeah?”
“On one condition. That little room on the third floor?”
“Yes?” Mark jumped off the counter and put his arm around her to lead her out.
“Well, if I wanted to move here, could I stay in that room?”
“I would love it if you stayed in that room.” He hugged her close and looked at Beth. “Ok. Let’s make an offer.”
Chapter 14
Layla stood at the coffee pot willing the drips to come faster. The trip had provided little relaxation with Mark’s obsessive jam packed schedule. Tonight, they would have company for dinner. But today, she planned on making Mark take her shopping and then spending half the day basking in the late afternoon sun. A light rasp on the door drew her from her caffeine meditation. She checked the clock. 6:30 AM.
Shuffling to the door in her pajama pants and fitted tank top, she looked out the peephole and smiled. Adonis number two was at the door.
“Can I help you?” Layla smiled as she met his eyes.
Caleb ran his eyes down the beautiful woman at the door. He didn’t even try to hide his appreciation of her scant clothing. He pushed past her into the living room and crossed his arms. “Where is Moretti?”
“Well, come in.” Layla huffed and mimicked his stance. “Do you realize how early it is?”
“Well, it’s too early for Mark to have company, that’s for sure. Did you spend the night? Where the hell is he?”
Layla took a step forward and ran her finger down his tie and moaned. “Aren’t you a regular Prince Charming? Before you start demanding answers, I have a question of my own. Who the hell are you?” She licked her lips.
Caleb almost swallowed his tongue. She was beautiful with her sleepy eyes and her bare face. Her dark hair was tied into a loose knot on the top of her head. He stuttered. “I’m Caleb. I am looking for Mark. Do you or do you not know where he is?”
With a big sigh, Layla walked toward the hallway and yelled. “Pretty Boy. Get up. You have company. Some really charming and not at all intrusive guy named Caleb.” She waited at the end of hall. “Wow. Even without much sleep, you are pretty. Want some coffee?”
Caleb heard Mark mumble before he walked into the living room. His hair was unruly and he wore nothing but a pair of jeans with the top button undone. Caleb fisted his hands and tried to calm his breathing. He couldn’t believe his own eyes.
“What’s up C? Everything ok?” Mark’s face fell and he stopped in his tracks.
Clearing his throat, Caleb took a step forward. “I came to ask you a question but it’s been answered so I am done here.” Turning to leave, Mark grabbed his arm and Caleb tensed.
“Caleb. Why are you here? Did something happen?” Mark’s voice grew louder and drew Layla from the kitchen. Caleb turned slowly, meeting Mark’s eyes. Anger and aggression flared. Was that hated? Mark’s thoughts stopped abruptly.
Well.
Shit.
The punch was square in the jaw and right on target. Mark’s eyes filled with stars as he stumbled backward and onto his ass. His world went dark, then just as fast, blurred back into focus. He rubbed his jaw and stared at Caleb.
“What the hell?” Layla ran into the living room to kneel by Mark. She shot Caleb the death stare. “You need to get the hell out of here.”
“With pleasure.” Caleb slammed the door shut and walked into the waiting elevator.
Mark stood and headed to the kitchen for some ice. He was silent. After grabbing his ice pack, he spit a mouth full of blood into the sink and rinsed his mouth. The bruise was already starting and his head throbbed. He glanced at Layla who stood shocked in the doorway.
“What the hell was that?” Her arms were crossed over her chest and her eyebrows drawn in a straight line. “I’m so sorry I let him in here. Who is he?”
“That, Layla, is my best friend.” Mark spit another mouthful of blood into the kitchen sink.
“Well, holy crap. If that’s your best friend, I guess I need to wear of a suit of armor tonight to meet your sister.”
“Welcome to LA.” Mark walked back into his bedroom and shut the door.
****
Where was she? Mark had been texting Sophie all day with no response. His three voicemails had gone unanswered and now he was starting to worry. The incident this morning weighed heavily on his mind but he refused to contact him. He was finished with Caleb’s emotional warfare. Whatever was going on, Caleb was on his own to figure it out.
Today had been a wasted day. His head pounded. He had tried to take Layla shopping on Rodeo drive but after just three stores, he was forced to give up. He had bought her a silver charm bracelet and a purple gown to wear to the wedding. Buttering up the sister was priority number one. But today, it took the backburner to the war raging in his skull.
The bruise on his face spread the entire right side of his jaw. What a beautiful souvenir from his best friend. The wedding was in three days and the pictures would be a reminder forever. He sighed as he grabbed his towel and headed up to meet Layla at the rooftop pool. Molly and Rich would be here shortly for a last minute cookout before their lives spun out of control.
Layla was swimming laps, her bikini leaving very little to the imagination. Mark smiled at the knowledge that he could look at a beautiful woman and feel nothing. His heart swelled with pride at the thought of Sophie being his wife. “Looking good LB.”
She splashed him as he started the grill and he laughed. “Do you know your initials are MMMMM? Very appropriate.” Mark belly laughed as Layla blushed.
“Markie!” A sweet little squeal drew both their heads in the direction of the stairs. She stopped cold when she saw Layla in the pool. “Who’s this?”
Layla climbed out of the pool and smiled. Rich’s eyes followed her every move and there was no hiding the appreciation on his face. “Hi Molly. I’m Layla. Barringer. Sophie’s sister.”
Molly’s jaw dropped and Mark laughed. “It’s OK Molls. You can say hi. She won’t bite.”
“Oh my gosh. It is so nice to meet you!” Molly pulled Layla in for a hug. “Does Sophie know you are here?”
“Down boy.” Mark slapped his hand onto Rich’s back. “Stick that tongue back in your mouth. That’s my future sister in law you’re ogling.”
Molly just shook her head. “I’m sorry you have to be surrounded by cavemen but welcome to my hell.”
“I am here to surprise my sister. But it has been nice to hang with Mr. Eye Candy for a couple days. It is really nice to meet you girl I have heard so much about you from Sophie and I was hoping I would get to meet you. I didn’t expect all the house hunting and secret shopping. But I am glad I am here.”
“Me too. Now come on and tell me about the ring.” Molly took Layla’s hand and led her to the lounge chairs. “And the house. I can’t believe my brother bought a house in LA.”
Mark continued to cook the steaks. The salad and vegetables were done and he sang along to the radio while he waited. Steve’s career was finally taking off as the new DJ of the hottest radio station in LA. He was so proud of all his friends. Well, everyone but Caleb. He shook his head and concentrated on the music.
Rich broke into his thoughts. “So, you are seriously oblivious
to perfection. How is this possible? Self proclaimed eternal bachelor Mark Moretti being tamed by a shy, timid blonde? I wouldn’t have believed it in a million years.” Mark turned to face him and Rich gasped. “What the hell happened to your face?”
“I had a small run in…”
“With a douchebag’s fist.” Layla finished his sentence and Mark cringed. “What? He was a douche. Acting like he owned the place, pushing by me in the doorway. Demanding I get you. Ridiculous.”