Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
Daphne
“ L ast night was amazing,” Layton says, grinning over his cup of black coffee.
I grin up at him from the chair at the island. We’ve already finished breakfast, and I have to get back home to check on Handsome and update my sister on how my life has suddenly fallen into place.
“It was. I forgot to tell you something, though.”
Layton looks at me with a pinch of concern, and worry fills his eyes. Could he think I’m not invested in this future together? That’s crazy to think, but I’m happy to reassure him.
“I love you too. The earth-shattering orgasm left me breathless, but you should know that I’m well aware and happy that I’m yours forever.”
A wide smile breaks across his face. Those gorgeous white teeth sparkle inside the frame of his dark beard. The beard I marked as mine last night.
When I woke up in his arms this morning with his reassuring presence, I was filled with hope and giddy excitement. It’s a funny thing to feel both like my younger self and my current self at the same time. My world has finally come full circle, and I am finally happy. No longer empty, like I’m missing something…or someone. Because he’s right here with me. Forever.
“It makes me incredibly happy to hear you say that,” Layton says. The truth shining bright in his eyes.
I nod. “But I do need to get home. I need a shower, a change of clothes, and to feed my bird. Plus, my sister will give me the third degree after not coming home last night.”
“What did you tell her?” He asks, a bit of concern on the edge of his smile.
“I sent a quick text letting her know I was staying here because she had called a dozen times. Didn’t want her to worry.”
“Well, I hope she doesn’t give you too hard of a time, because I’d really like it if you stayed again tonight. If you want.”
It’s my turn to smile widely, and I nod. “Yeah, I’d like that.”
I can tell he likes my answer because he comes around the island and leans down to kiss me. A gesture I happily reciprocate. His soft, comforting kiss is a reassuring reminder of our future. His actions all tell me we’re going to make this work. My beating heart feels wild and free, and there is that constant need for him to flutter back.
I break the kiss before it deepens.
“See you tonight? Say six o’clock? I’ll make dinner,” he says, rubbing his nose against mine.
“Sounds delicious,” I say, then bite my lip as I reach for his pants. As I expect, his cock is already hard for me. The fact that we work each other up so easily excites me, and I’m already counting down the hours until I can have him again.
He groans and takes several steps back, out of my reach.
“You better get out of here, or I won’t let you leave again until tomorrow.”
His promise is dark and sexy, and I leave him with a smile and wave, not daring to step too close to him. I know it will be hard for me to go once he touches me again.
I head to my car and make my way home.
As expected, Holly meets me on the porch with a million questions.
“I can’t believe you stayed the night with Layton. How did that happen? Did you sleep with him? I’m assuming yes, but as your little sister, I need details.”
She stops herself short and slaps her hand over her mouth. This is the moment I would usually snap at her and get defensive. I’d say something rude to deflect from myself. The realization hits me hard, and I’m filled with regret. My sister is my best friend, and I haven’t been nearly as nice to her as she has to me. She’s always so patient, and I know she’s only asking because she cares. So, I do the last thing she expects and decide to tell her everything. I want to share how I’m feeling with her and hope this will be the beginning of the new, less defensive me. Someone that she’s more comfortable talking to because her love life has been rough, whereas mine has been nonexistent. Maybe this will help us grow closer.
“Come on, sis, I’ll tell you everything.”
My words surprise her, but she smiles widely and follows me inside. I head to my room, and she follows.
“Yes, I stayed with him. It was supposed to be a dinner with Elenore, but that woman is a master matchmaker. Can you believe she locked us in her wine cellar for hours last night?”
Holly sits on my bed, pulling my teal throw pillow to her lap while her jaw drops.
“No way? That sweet old lady?”
“Yeah, she might be sweet, but she’s also vicious. I think she called the fire department and created a fake emergency to get him here the first night I saw him again.”
“Oh my gosh, that was her?”
“It certainly wasn’t our detectors going off, and Layton said that dispatch reported a call from an older woman whose husband seemed to tell her not to do it in the background,” I tell her with a laugh and air quotes.
She laughs with me, and again, I feel like my younger self. The one that was a better sister.
“I’m sorry for not sharing more with you over the years. For snapping at you sometimes. I promise to do better.”
Holly looks at me with a genuine smile.
“I’ll always be here for you if you want to share anything,” I say as a promise.
She stands, and we hug. This was long overdue.
“I’m always here for you, too, and there is nothing to forgive. I love you.”
Emotion cloaks me, and we stand there for another moment.
“Okay, you smell like sex, so I’ll let you take a shower now.” She finally says, still squeezed in my arms as I laugh. Releasing her, I see the emotion in her eyes and feel like we’ve taken a huge step in the right direction. Holly leaves, and I shower and change. I also pack a bag for my overnight stay at Layton’s with a huge smile.
When I come out, Holly is standing on the porch with the mail in her hand. The door is wide open, so I step out to see what she’s staring at. There’s a U-Haul parked and several men in jumpsuits unloading it into the house next door. A man I recognize is playing with a puppy on the lawn.
“No way,” I say in disbelief.
“You know him?” She asks, still unable to remove her eyes from our new neighbor.
“Yeah, that’s Jenson, Layton’s best friend. He was in the Beard Competition.”
“There were so many of those bearded beasts, couldn’t tell them apart,” Holly laughs.
“Be careful with that one. He’s quite the charmer,” I say with a laugh, snagging the mail from her hands.
Her cheeks pinken, and she shrugs her shoulder nonchalantly, turning to follow me inside.
Weeding through the bills, one letter sticks out to me. It’s a simple envelope, but the return label is anything but simple.
Rocks suddenly fall heavy in my belly as I set down the rest of the mail to open a letter I had wished would come for months. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join an elite Bridal team and the grand master herself, Vivian Lancaster. A woman I had idolized since I started school. If I got this opportunity, it would set up my career for life. Just working with her would put my name on every bride's radar. My dresses would be featured in magazines all over the world, but instead of being excited, I am terrified to even open the envelope.
“What’s that?” My sister asks, noticing my weirdness.
“A letter.,” I reply.
“Well, no, duh, smart-ass, but why are you frozen in our living room and not opening it?”
“Because it could change my life, and I just started loving it,” I whisper honestly. I am still not used to sharing so much, but I know I need to confide in her.
Holly takes my hand in understanding, giving me a moment to process.
“Maybe it’s a rejection, and it means nothing,” I say out loud, trying to gather courage.
“No matter what it says, you still have a choice in what direction your life takes,” she says, squeezing my hand in reassurance.
Taking a deep breath, I open the letter and slowly read each line.
Dear Daphne Darling,
We are excited to extend an invitation to you to join Vivian Lancaster and her team of designers at Starlight Bay this winter. Ms. Lancaster was personally impressed with your portfolio and looks forward to mentoring you. This honor is only given to one person for each project and will give you access to anything you need. This also gives you creative freedom while developing a Summer Bridal Showcase that will be featured in Enzo Rossi’s Envy Magazine. With this spot, you will also get invited to the private and elite fashion show in Porto Rico hosted by Vivian and Enzo next year. As you must know, this will put your work in front of the entire world.
Congratulations, Daphne. Please reach out to me as soon as possible to discuss travel arrangements. On behalf of Vivian Lancaster, we look forward to working with you.
Sarah Cross
Assistant to Vivian Lancaster
992-893-9839
7878 S Martini
Starlight Bay, MS 23145
“Holy shit. I was accepted.” I mutter, my head still spinning in disbelief.
Holly squeals in glee, so loud I flinch.
“Not only was I accepted, but I got the top spot in the program and everything that comes with it.”
“Holy Santa Balls, Daph!” She says, giggling at her own joke. Only my Christmas-obsessed sister would make Christmas jokes in September, but it makes me laugh too. It doesn’t take away my building anxiety, I.
“It’s in Starlight Bay, Massachusetts. I would have to leave for like a year or more. Who knows where this will lead. It’s literally the Super Bowl of my career, but how can I go now?”
“How can you not go, Daphne?”
“Layton is here. We just got back together. This is too soon.”
“Before you start spiraling, you should talk to him about it. You can’t give up your dream, babe. If he loves you, he’ll make it work.”
I nod, knowing she’s right but also knowing I don’t want to let him go, even for a year. The high I’ve been riding since last night sours, and my future suddenly isn’t as clear. My heart sinks, and there’s no trace of excitement.
Holly and I have lunch, and she takes the lead in the conversation. She tells me about the odd jobs she’s gotten around town. She’s a photographer and mostly takes jobs she doesn’t enjoy, like school photos and weddings, just to pay the bills. I hope she gets to do more creative projects that make her happy one day.
When we’re done, we clean up, and I finish the laundry. It’s about five when my phone chimes with a text from Layton.
Layton:
I’ve held myself back long enough from texting you. I need you, baby. Come over early…I promise to make it worth it.
A rush of heat blooms between my legs, and I clench them together, thinking about his dirty words. As much as I want to rush over there, I’m in no hurry to have the talk that has to come.
Holly’s right. I can’t just turn down this opportunity with Vivian Lancaster, but how do I let Layton go? Again. What if he feels like I’m abandoning him like he did after his grandpa’s death or worse, that I’m getting revenge for what he did to me?
My heart is in a vice-like grip when I pull up to his house. With a deep, unsteady breath, I make my way to the door, still unsure of what I’m going to say.