Saving Me (The Montgomery Brothers #2)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

LYLA

B alancing on one leg, I finish securing my black tennis shoes and step out of the bathroom stall. I didn’t have time to change clothes from my last job at the bakery and came straight here. Grimacing, I stare at my reflection in the mirror. Caramel eyes stare back at me…eyes that have seen too much and look every bit as tired as I feel. I was up all night making desserts for this wedding, and after my day shift, I’m all but dead on my feet.

Rummaging through my purse, I dab some concealer under my eyes, trying to cover the dark circles. I can’t afford to miss this shift, so sleep will have to wait. It’s not the first time I’ve had to work on no sleep, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

This catering job pays well, but it’s not enough, so, unfortunately, I’ve been balancing two jobs. Even though the guy who runs the bakery gives me the creeps most of the time when I feel his eyes on me, he pays me in cash and doesn’t pry into my personal life. I need the money more than I need my self-dignity at this point, so I’ll suffer through whatever he dishes my way if it means I keep getting a paycheck.

I’m pulling my long brunette hair into a ponytail when the bathroom door opens. A beautiful auburn-haired woman walks in with a little girl perched on her hip.

“It never fails. You ask them if they have to go to the bathroom before you leave, and they always say no until you sit down to enjoy something, like a wedding,” she laughs, heading to the stall.

The little girl grins at me over her mother’s shoulder. She’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen with her auburn curls and grey eyes. I can’t stop the smile that stretches across my face. Her eyes never leave mine, and for the briefest moment, I get a feeling…a sliver of hope that everything is going to be okay.

They disappear into the stall, and I finish getting ready. My hands work to adjust the black bow tie on my white button-down. I always feel like a penguin in this outfit, but I know it’s standard attire at these events.

“Bow.” I look over, and the little girl is watching me in the mirror as her mom washes her hands.

“That’s right, Ryland. She has a pretty bow just like you do.” Her mom smiles at me as she grabs the paper towels.

“Except yours is way prettier. I wish I got to wear pink bows.” I point to the little pink bow on her dress and in her hair.

“I’m a pwincess,” she grins at me with a mouthful of baby teeth.

“Yes, you are, and don’t let anyone ever tell you differently,” I say softly. I swallow the lump in my throat and start stuffing my clothes back in my bag to keep my hands busy. I feel her mother’s eyes on me and purposely avoid her eye contact.

“Are you part of the catering team for the wedding?”

“I am.” I zip up my bag and put it on my shoulder.

“Maybe I’ll see you later at the reception, then. I’m Eve, by the way.”

I finally meet her blue eyes that I’ve been avoiding. Her gaze unsettles me like she knows what I’m hiding. Recognition briefly flashes across her eyes before pity takes its place. There must be something more to Eve than meets the eye. Only someone who has been through pain and fear can easily see through someone who is trying to hide it.

“I’m Lyla. I better get going. I need to prepare my desserts, and I’m already running late.”

The little girl named Ryland gives me another toothy grin and holds out her chubby hand. I instinctively step closer, and she places it on my cheek. My eyes close for a split second, wishing I could hold on to what this child is making me feel. I step back, feeling embarrassed that I let myself get caught up in the moment. I’ve been dealt a shitty hand in life, and no amount of wishing is going to change it. All my wishes as a little girl did nothing but get my hopes up.

“She likes you,” Eve murmurs as she tilts her head and peers at me. “Kids have a way of knowing when someone has a good heart. They also have a way of making us believe that there is a lot more good in this world than bad.” Her words hit close to home…too close for my comfort.

“That may be true for some, but when the dark is all you’ve ever known, you eventually stop asking for some light,” I whisper before walking around them and pulling open the door. My heart beats fast against my chest as I put one foot in front of the other.

Why did I reveal that?

I told her more about me in that one sentence than I have told anybody in the last five years. I should have walked away sooner when I felt my heart start to control my mind. I can’t afford to make mistakes, and I sure as hell can’t afford to let my heart take the lead. My heart lied to me once before, and it’s easier to survive without it.

I take a deep breath to calm my nerves and push open the kitchen door. The smell hits me, and my stomach growls, reminding me I haven’t eaten since breakfast—another reason why I can’t afford to lose this job. Clara always makes sure I take home any extra leftovers. I think she’s taken it upon herself to see to it that I’m eating enough. She’s never asked me about my past, but her knowing eyes give her away. Something tells me she understands me more than I realize.

She walked into the little bakery where I work and, after tasting one of my desserts, hired me on the spot to do events for her. I’ve been working with her for six months now, and this wedding is the first time one of my desserts will be on the menu, so I need to make sure everything goes smoothly. She took a chance on me, and I don’t want to let her down.

“There you are!” Clara comes running over, her blond hair tied securely in a bun at the nape of her neck. She must be around sixty but has the energy of a twenty-year-old. I can barely keep up with her on event days. I tower over her five-foot-two frame with six more inches, and that’s when I’m wearing flats.

“Sorry, I’m late. Traffic from the bakery was awful, and I had to change in the bathroom when I got here.” I put my bag under the counter so it’s out of the way.

“How long do you plan to keep doing this? I know for a fact that you were in my kitchen all night making those desserts and then went straight to your other job. You can’t keep going like this.” She gives me a stern look like she’s scolding one of her grandchildren.

“I’m fine. I’ll get some sleep tonight. I don’t go in until seven tomorrow.”

“I don’t know why you put up with his creepy ass. Your sweets are the only thing worth eating in that damn bakery anyway,” she mutters.

“It helps pay the bills, and that’s all that matters.” It’s not like I haven’t tried to find other work here, but not many people will hire someone who wants to be paid under the table. “It’s not that bad. I get to bake,” I give her a smile, hoping she will buy it even when I can’t bring myself to.

“Nice try,” she sighs and shakes her head. “At least stick around later, and I’ll load you up with some food. If I can’t help you all the way financially, at least I can get some meat on those skinny bones of yours.”

“You are helping me more than you know. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for giving me this chance.”

“Your desserts are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. I’m the one who should be thanking you.” I feel my cheeks get warm from the compliment, and a real smile this time itches to come out. “Now, if you don’t mind, could you run to the van outside and start bringing in those tasty treats? The wedding just started,” she says, looking at her watch, “so you should have plenty of time for your last-minute prep.”

I nod my head before she scurries away and overlooks everyone’s station, giving out orders when they are needed. Kitchens can be an intimidating place during a big event, and everything has to be timed just right.

Under Clara’s watchful eye, all the chaos and banging around somehow runs smoothly and efficiently. It’s mayhem and different energies blending together to create the perfect storm. Only after the last plate is cleared away do you know if you are left with a boat still intact.

I walk out of the kitchen and can’t help but stare at the beautiful hotel. I’ve never been to this venue, or Crystal Isle, for that matter. I live about thirty minutes north of here. The place is definitely high-end with its beautiful crystal chandeliers, but it still manages to give off a sophisticated beach house vibe with the rustic wood floors and plush white couches in the lobby area. Sitting right on the beach, it’s the perfect place to have a wedding .

I knew the minute I stepped off the bus eight months ago and saw the view of the Atlantic Ocean that I had found my next temporary home. I felt like I could breathe for the first time in over five years.

Heading to the back entrance where the catering vans are parked, I pause when I get a glimpse of the beautiful couple at the altar. I know I shouldn’t pry, but I can’t help myself as I peer through the open side door.

The room is gorgeous, with hanging lights strung across the wood beam ceiling. White daisies are strategically placed throughout the room with pretty pink bows. My eyes widen when I see the whole wall facing the beach glassed in with a breathtaking view of the ocean outside. The bride is beautiful, with her long blond hair woven with daisies. Her strapless white dress hugs her slender frame before flaring ever so slightly at the bottom, leaving a long, glimmering train.

It’s her blue eyes that I can’t look away from as she starts to speak. They are filled with so much love that it’s impossible not to feel it radiating off this couple.

“Maverick, I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. I may not have known what that funny feeling in my belly was at the time, but I knew I was going to marry you one day.” I watch his hand reach out and lovingly brush a tear away from her cheek. “You’ve always been my favorite person to dance with in the rain, and you’ll always be my favorite person to watch the stars in the night sky. It’s always been you I was meant to share my life with.”

I hear sniffles in the crowd and watch the bridesmaids in pink wipe their eyes. I blink back the tears and will myself to start walking, but I’m firmly rooted in place, my body betraying what my mind is screaming at me to do.

“I promise to love you forever, Mav. To pour love onto our family we create until I take my last breath, and even then, I’ll love you in the stars.”

He bends down and kisses her lips briefly. I see from her expression that he’s whispering words to her that only belong to them in this moment.

He lifts his head and turns his face slightly to the guests, and I’m taken aback by his striking green eyes. His hair is a beautiful mixture of dark blonde and golden streaks that women would pay thousands to have their hairdresser capture. His black tuxedo is filled out across his broad back, letting you know his tall frame is nicely built. He smiles at the two couples in the front row, who I’m assuming are his parents and maybe hers, before focusing on his bride again.

“Bell, I’ve tried so many times to write down my vows and put into words what you mean to me, but the bottom line is I can’t. There are no words in existence for what I feel for you. All these years, I thought I was protecting you, that my only job on this Earth was to make sure you were safe and happy. Deep down, though, I wasn’t just protecting you…I was protecting myself most of all. My heart belonged to you before I even knew it, but I also knew it wouldn’t survive if you didn’t choose to keep it. I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but I thank God every day that you chose to keep it,” he chuckles softly as she grins up at him like he’s her whole world.

“I’m going to spend the rest of my days making sure you feel my love in every second of every day. I’ll be by your side at every sunrise.”

“And every sunset,” she mouths the last part with him. I grip the wood frame tighter as the ache in my chest gets bigger.

“Until we meet in the stars,” he says softly, brushing his knuckles down her cheek.

“Until we meet in the stars,” she leans into his touch and briefly closes her eyes.

I blink as if I just woke up from a trance. My throat feels tight as I force myself to swallow past the knot that has formed. The officiant continues with the exchange of the rings, but I’m no longer watching as my eyes are suddenly drawn to the guests. Something stirs within me.

Something forbidden…something my body wants to seek out.

Goosebumps appear on my skin as I scan the people, desperately trying to find what has caused this turmoil in my body.

Then I see him.

Grey eyes lock with mine, and all the breath in my body leaves like a wave being sucked back into the ocean.

His dark hair is longer on top and untamed, but instead of looking messy, it only makes him more sexy, which should be impossible. He’s wearing a black suit but no tie, leaving the top button open. Black ink weaves around his exposed skin, allowing me to see just enough to know he must be covered in them.

I watch his tongue swipe across his full bottom lip, and the way he’s looking at me is everything I can never have. I stumble back like I’ve been hit and do what I do best.

I run.