Chapter 1 #2
As everyone had always told her, Skye was the smart, serious twin. The one you could count on. Levelheaded, capable. She was a sister and a best friend, a confidante and, at select times, a co-conspirator. In short, Skye was the absolute best.
Laylee was just described as “beautiful and fun-loving.” Which basically equated to “fun-loving” because, after all, they were identical twins.
Sure, there were some subtle differences in their looks.
Skye wore her hair styled differently—or more aptly, it wasn’t styled.
Skye just let it hang while Laylee couldn’t imagine going out without first smoothing her long hair so that it perfectly framed her face.
Skye was much more conservative in her clothing choices, too.
Her sister was subtle and classy, while Laylee was colorful and bold.
And apparently, far too needy.
Ugh.
She really needed to get over herself.
Going to a window, she looked out at the backyard.
After the recent storms, it was messy. She needed to clean up some branches.
It was such a hot, humid day, though, she didn’t feel like working.
The mess would still be there a few days from now, when the forecast claimed they’d have milder weather.
She didn’t know how Knox could bear working on a roof, but then, he amazed her daily. He was lean from physical labor, but also remarkably strong. His dark hair was a little too long, but she loved it. Almost as much as she loved his dark eyes.
He was one of the funniest guys she’d ever met and had such a remarkable group of friends. They were the kind of people you met and immediately liked. He and Ford were really tight, but they were also super close with Marcus and Bray.
They were all different. Ford was a polished pharmaceutical rep who also happened to have a big heart. Bray, as an MMA fighter, was all muscles and protectiveness. Marcus was a cop who seemed determined to save the world. All great guys, all handsome, and their wives were equally likable.
But from the start, there’d been something special about Knox.
Well, aside from the fact that he was the only single one of the group.
She trusted Knox the most. From the moment she’d met him, she’d felt …
something. As she’d never felt it before, she couldn’t quite name it.
Around him she was comfortable; she didn’t stress over the need to look her best or worry when she didn’t understand something.
He brought contentment, and she often borrowed some of his confidence.
Sighing, Laylee wondered why he hadn’t made a move. Most men would have by now. She knew Knox was attracted to her, or at least, he gave every indication he was. So far though, he’d stuck to being “hands off.”
Now of course, after her call, she doubted he’d ever take that big step. After all, what man wanted to take on such responsibility? She wasn’t even sure she wanted to take it on.
Trying to outrun her thoughts, she opened the back door and turned to call the dogs. Since they were right behind her, she didn’t get out a single word. They nearly tripped her on their way out.
Smiling, she followed them onto the porch. Tank, the little rascal, was already barking at a squirrel that heckled him from high up in a tree. Maybelline stood there watching, her gentle gaze going from the squirrel to Tank and back again.
Groaning, Laylee dropped down to sit on the porch yoga style. “Oh, Maybelline, I think I’ve scared him off for good. I should have just taken the damn test. But no, I had to go and confide in Knox.”
Maybelline, the big lug, heard the sadness in Laylee’s voice and came to sit beside her, nearly knocking her over. Tank, unwilling to be left out, raced across the yard and scrambled onto her lap.
The dogs were amazing. “You guys.” She hugged them both. “You realize we’re now sitting outside in this miserable heat instead of enjoying the air-conditioning inside.” They didn’t seem to care. She’d probably gotten a dozen bug bites already.
It was another twenty minutes before she worked up the energy to move. She got the dogs in gear by asking, “Who wants a treat?” Now that she was layered in sweat, she’d need a shower before Knox arrived, and it wouldn’t kill her to repair her hair and makeup.
Unfortunately, the door seemed to be … stuck? Or had it locked?
Giving her curious looks, the dogs waited.
Laylee tried to slide the door open again, but it didn’t budge.
“Hang on, guys. Let me check the front door.” When she headed for the gate, the animals tried to follow her.
“No, wait here. I’ll just be a minute.” Maybelline was no problem.
She sat down, already panting in the heat.
Tank tried his best to get around her the second she opened the gate. “No you don’t!”
She slipped out and then had to listen to his furious yapping as she jogged to the front. Of course, as she expected, that door was locked. Now what? She reached for the phone in her back pocket, but … no. She shouldn’t call Knox. What if he fell off the roof again?
What if he was already hurt?
Looking up at the sun, feeling the humidity like a wet blanket, she returned to the backyard and gave the dogs the bad news.
They’d just have to wait, but at least she had a hose. Maybe now was a good time to rinse off the dogs and just play a little.