Chapter 26
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
LYLA
F ear grips me as I stare at my phone.
How did he get my number?
“What’s wrong?” I look up and see Jake come rushing over, his eyes filled with concern as he sets the plate of pancakes on the counter. “You look white as a ghost, and you’re shaking.”
I hand him the phone, unable to speak. His eyes harden when he sees the text.
“Is this from him?” He looks up with a storm in his eyes. His jaw is taut as he clenches it.
“It has to be,” I whisper. “No one else I know calls me that.”
“Fucking bastard. He’s playing mind games with you.” He runs a hand roughly over his face.
I grab a towel off the hook and wrap myself in it to stop the tremors running through my body.
“Come here,” he says softly, putting his strong arms around me. “Everything is going to be okay. I promise you, Lyla, he’s not going to touch you. We need to take this to the cops. He has a restraining order against him. Surely, this is breaching it in some way. ”
“Not today,” I say, shaking my head. “I won’t let him take this day from me. Please, Jake. Let’s just forget about it for today. He’s taken too much from me already. I won’t let him take this day, too,” I plead with him to understand and grip him harder.
“Shh, it’s okay, baby.” His hand rubs my back to try and soothe me. “We can wait until tomorrow if that’s what you want.” His voice is heavy with concern about me.
“It’s what I want.” I put on a brave smile for him and kiss his lips. The last thing I want to do is worry him again. “I’m just going to take a quick shower, and I’ll be ready soon so we can leave.”
He watches me warily as I bundle my hair up with a twistie before stepping into the shower. I stand under the hot steam until the chills finally subside. I feel him come up behind me a few moments later. His presence instantly soothes me as his arms come around me.
“You don’t have to be brave for me,” he says quietly. “I don’t want you to hide your emotions to protect me. It’s okay to be scared.”
I should have known he would figure out exactly what I was trying to do. I hate seeing him so worried and upset, especially knowing that I’m the cause of it.
“I am scared,” I admit. “I’m fucking terrified, actually, but I refuse to let him ruin this day for me. He’s done having any power over me. I’ll change my number tomorrow after we talk to Maria. There has to be a way to speed this process up. I want him out of my life for good.”
“And he will be. I’ll make sure of it.”
He takes the sponge and lathers me up with body wash. The smell of lavender hits my senses, and I breathe deeply, inhaling the calming scent. By the time he’s done, his magic hands have me in a better state of mind. I feel more relaxed, and the excitement for our afternoon plans weaves its way back in.
We finish washing up, and I quickly get ready while mouthfuls of pancakes keep appearing near my mouth. He makes sure I eat the whole plate before he disappears back into the kitchen.
I finish my makeup and eye my phone sitting there. I reread the text, but this time, I’m not scared…I’m angry. Chewing on my bottom lip, I go back and forth on what to do.
I type my response quickly and hit send before I can think about it.
Don’t contact me again unless it’s through my lawyer. Sign the papers and let me go.
I turn off my phone, not bothering to see if he responds. If the past nine months have taught me anything, it's that I would rather stand on my own two feet in a shitty apartment and love myself than live in a mansion and loathe what I’ve become and what I let be done to me.
It may have taken me a bit longer than I would have liked, but I have found my strength again, and I’ll be damned if I let one text bring me to that dark place he kept me in.
Feeling stronger for standing up to him, I walk back into the kitchen, eager to spend this day with Jake. The last of my worries fade as he looks up from cleaning the kitchen. His greys search mine for any sign that I’m still upset. I feel his love wash over me and let my eyes reveal my love for him. A beautiful smile appears across his handsome face, and my heart feels full to the brim.
“Ready to go?” He asks. “I should warn you I hate rollercoasters, but I’m willing to make an exception for you.”
“You hate rollercoasters?” I ask, surprised that he’s scared of anything .
“I’m depending on metal, wood, and bolts to keep me safe while I’m being flung around and turned upside down,” he frowns. “I prefer to be in control and have my feet on the ground, not dangling some three hundred feet in the air before dropping me like a rock to the bottom.”
“My big, strong man is afraid of something,” I grin, wrapping my arms around him.
“Not afraid,” he smirks. “More like a dislike.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll hold your hand.” I bite my cheek to stop my laugh.
“You are enjoying my discomfort way too much,” he mumbles.
“I’m sure they have kiddie coasters. I rode them once when I was five…” I shriek when he hauls me over his shoulder.
“Come on, smart ass.” He grabs his keys and wallet off the counter and walks us to the door. “That sassy mouth of yours needs to be put to better use later.”
“Looking forward to it,” I giggle against his back.
“I’ve turned you into a very naughty little girl,” he chuckles, setting me down and opening the door for me.
“Only for you,” I breathe, my cheeks getting warm.
His hand runs along the redness before giving me a piercing stare. “You got that fucking right. And if I survive today without plummeting to my death, I’ll show you later just how much my naughty girl is mine.”
“Plummeting to your death? A bit dramatic, don’t you think?” I step up into the truck and look at him in amusement.
“Metal, wood, and bolts…” he says, closing the door to my laughter.
We pull into a waterfront restaurant a few hours later with smiles still plastered on our faces. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.
“Ready for another surprise?” He turns off the engine and unfastens his seatbelt.
“You’ve already done so much. Breakfast, amusement park, a new watch…” I finger the new Apple Watch on my wrist.
He surprised me on the way to the park. He wanted me to be able to run without my phone and still be safe. I’ve already shared my location with him just in case something were to happen. Knowing he can always find me, does make me feel safer.
“I like doing things for you. You’re going to have to get used to me spoiling you because I don’t plan on stopping,” he grins before getting out of the truck and opening my door.
“You are very stubborn,” I mutter, putting my hand in his.
“So I’ve been told.” His eyes sparkle with laughter as he leads us across the parking lot.
A local band plays on the outside deck as we approach the restaurant. Families and couples sit at tables overlooking the beach and ocean in the distance. I’ve seen this place a few times as I drove by on my way into town and have always wanted to go here one day.
It has a casual beach vibe and the coolest decor I’ve ever seen. Different types of swings hang from the ceiling throughout the bar and restaurant. Some are wooden swings in place of chairs on the end of tables, and others are wicker egg chairs set up in the corners for relaxing with a drink. I notice the walls are covered in sea animals made from shells, and the hanging chandeliers resemble jellyfish made of glass.
“This place is amazing,” I whisper to him as we weave through the crowd toward the back of the restaurant.
“I’ve been wanting to bring you here. I thought you might like it,” he smiles over his shoulder .
He leads us to where the beach is, and I see about ten wooden cabanas, each with their own private couches and table. They have hanging white curtains at all four corners for pulling across for privacy or tying back if you want a view of the ocean.
We stop when we get to the one on the end. The curtains are down, and he pulls them back as we step inside.
“Happy Birthday!”
I stop in shock when I see Ryder, Eve, and Miles. His older brother Travis is also there with his wife Sophia. I met them both briefly at the wedding while running around delivering desserts. She was a stunning maid of honor with her dark hair and vivid green eyes.
I turn and see Jake grinning at me. “You can’t have a birthday without a party,” he shrugs. “When I told my brothers it was your birthday today, the girls insisted we throw you a party.”
Eve runs over and throws herself in my arms. “Happy Birthday, Lyla!”
“It’s so good to see you again, Lyla. Happy Birthday!” Sophia hugs me before I’m pulled into Travis and Ryder’s arms as they wish me a happy birthday.
“Happy Birthday, beautiful,” Miles grins at me. “Did you miss me?” He swoops me up in a bear hug, causing me to laugh.
“Aren’t you supposed to be down south for a show?”
“I had the boys drop me off on the way back from South Carolina. I’ll meet them down there later for the show tomorrow. I couldn’t miss your birthday party.”
“I can’t believe you did that for me. That any of you did this?” I wave my hand at the birthday balloons and decorations.
“You’re Jake’s girl, which means you’re part of the family now,” Travis smiles at me.
“I’m on strict orders to tell you that Savi really wanted to be here but couldn’t get out of school. She’s also very jealous that I got to hang out with you before she got to,” Miles grins.
“I’m just…” I look around at his family and blink back the tears. “Thank you all for being here.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it,” Eve smiles at me. “Now, let's get you a drink and get this party started!”
She grabs my hand, and she and Sophia lead me to the set of couches. Pitchers of margaritas and an assortment of foods are on the table.
Sophia pours our drinks as the guys walk over to sit with us. We fill our plates as we tell them about our day. Miles holds up his hand to stop me.
“Wait. Are you telling me you actually got Jake on a roller coaster with you? We haven’t been able to get him on one since he was eight years old and vomited in the trash can as soon as it was over. He’s scared to death of them,” Miles chuckles.
“He rode them all today. I did notice him looking a little green at one point,” I glance at Jake and suppress my smile.
“You guys laugh all you want. My reasoning is valid for not trusting the damn contraptions. And you,” he says, pointing at Miles, “try hanging upside down and spinning after eating two corndogs and a funnel cake, and see if you don’t vomit,” he mutters.
“I can’t believe you got him buckled in. He must really love you, Lyla,” Ryder grins.
“And majorly wanting to impress her while trying not to shit himself,” Miles laughs.
“Want to help me out here?” Jake asks Travis.
“Nope. You guys gave me so much hell and teasing about how Sophia had me wrapped around her finger, so I’m perfectly fine watching this play out,” he laughs.
“Well, it worked on me,” I say, smiling at Jake. “I’m very impressed. ”
“So am I. You did good, Jake,” Eve smiles at him.
“I made Lyla happy today, and that’s all that matters to me.” Jake winks at me, and my stomach flutters. “I just pray to God I never have to sit in one of those death traps again,” he says, causing everyone to laugh.
We eat and pour some more drinks as the brothers tell me stories about their childhood and all the trouble they got into.
I learn more about Travis and Sophia and how they met, and Ryder and Eve fill me in on bits of their story of how they secretly dated in high school.
The guys get a game of cornhole going out on the beach after dinner while I chat with the girls. We are on our second pitcher of margaritas when Sophia grins over at me.
“I always wondered who would finally catch Jake’s eye. I’ve never seen this side of him. He’s a smitten kitten,” she laughs.
“Tell me about it!” Eve giggles. “That man has fallen hard, but I shouldn’t be surprised. It does run in the family.”
“I’ve fallen just as hard, trust me. I never knew love like this existed. He’s gorgeous, of course, and has a body to die for, but he’s also the most kind, caring, and loving guy I’ve ever met.” I glance over at him, and he catches me watching me. His wink makes me smile like an idiot.
“Oh yeah, you’ve definitely been bitten by the Montgomery brothers' love bug. Eve and I still have bite marks on our asses from it. It’s all-consuming, but in the best way, if you know what I mean,” she wiggles her eyebrows at me.
My face gets warm, causing Eve and Sophia to crack up.
“The Montgomery men sure know how to get things done right,” Eve murmurs, looking over at Ryder with a look in her eyes that tells me the babysitter will be working a little bit later tonight.
“You got that right,” Sophia sighs when she sees Travis run his hand through his hair before replacing his backward hat. “I can’t wait to have that man’s child,” she says, taking a sip.
“If you think he’s possessive now, just wait,” Eve laughs. “Being the mother of his child takes it to a whole new level.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Sophia grins. “So, have you made good use of the pool table yet?” Her bright green eyes sparkle in my direction.
“Oh, the pool table,” Eve says dreamily. “Now that was a night I will never forget,” she giggles while refilling my glass.
“The pool table? No, I haven’t,” I say, shaking my head. “Wait, you both have used the pool table?”
“Well, not at the same time,” Sophia laughs. “But yeah, there’s nothing better than a game of strip pool.”
“You’ve never played strip pool before?” Eve’s blue eyes get excited when she sees my curious face.
“Nope. No strip, nothing.” I shake my head and laugh.
Sophia hands me my margarita. “Drink up. It’s your birthday, and tonight, you are going to ask Jake to play a game of strip pool with you.”
“Yes!” Eve grins.
“Miles…”
“Already told us he’s leaving after this to drive to his next show. You have the house all to yourself, so take advantage of it because the summer is coming up, and that place gets full.”
I glance over at Jake again, and he’s laughing at something Travis said. His gaze turns to me, and I can almost feel the heat penetrating my skin.
“You only live this lifetime once, Lyla, so make the best out of every moment,” Eve says, as my eyes stay focused on him.
I finally break away from his hypnotic spell and smile at the girls as excitement starts to build.
“I guess I’m playing pool tonight on my birthday.” I hold my glass up to toast .
“Hell yeah, you are.” Sophia clinks her glass to mine.
“Oh, the stories that table could tell,” Eve laughs, touching our drinks together.
I take a long sip and already feel the tequila making its way through my veins. Images of Jake shirtless while playing pool enter my mind as I peek at him again over the rim of my glass. That pool table is getting one more story, and I have a feeling I’ll never look at it the same way again after tonight.