Chapter 2 #3
Laylee being Laylee, she put a hand to her throat and hummed suggestively. “You have this specimen living next door and you’ve never introduced me?”
Ford grinned. “Until recently, we hadn’t been close.” He strode in and held out a hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Heart deflating, Skye waited for the new romance to begin.
Her sister won over men so easily . . . even the men that interested Skye.
It had been happening since before high school.
For Laylee, winning over a guy was as easy as picking wildflowers.
She always knew what to say, when to say it, and her boldness was only topped by her devastating looks.
If she wasn’t Laylee’s sister, Skye probably wouldn’t like her on principle alone.
* * *
Ford had a difficult time taking in everything he was noticing. Not just the twin, who enjoyed being outrageous, but the way Skye retreated, emotionally if not physically.
There was a touch of jealousy—each of the other, though he doubted Skye realized that her sister envied her. Laylee, who was a more delicate version of Skye, probably needed her sister a lot. For many things.
What he’d heard . . . No, if he thought about that too much, he’d end up offering to show Skye a few more positive experiences. That wasn’t on the agenda though—she’d made that clear—and now more than ever, he wanted to be available to her.
As a friend. A fake significant other to fend off interest. And as protection if she needed it.
It was a novel experience, and he wasn’t sure he liked it. As with most medicine, it didn’t taste great but was probably good for his character.
He squeezed in next to Skye on the couch, and she gave him a look of surprise. “So, have you thought about what type of dog you want?”
With him so close, she turned her head and stared at him.
He grinned. That’s right, he thought. I won’t ask about your sexual misadventures, so relax. What he’d overheard was her own private business. She could discuss it with him or not, but he wouldn’t put her on the spot.
“I . . .”
“Small, large?”
She pursed her lips. “I guess small and cute would be best. Easier to take care of and all that.”
“A yapper,” he said with a nod. “They’re notorious heel nippers.”
Her worry eased and she smiled. “You sound like a man familiar with small dogs.”
“A few. They can be really territorial.” Especially with women. “Disgruntled pooches have a knack for trying to ruin my plans with dates.”
Skye laughed, but Laylee murmured, “I bet you don’t let much get in your way.”
Ignoring that, he said, “If I got a dog, it’d be something muscular.
Friendly but capable.” Envisioning one particular dog would only frustrate him.
He was used to wanting things he couldn’t or shouldn’t get.
That feeling of disappointment reminded him of his youth and all the high expectations he’d had for his life.
“A dog who’d chase a ball or a Frisbee. Who’d enjoy a jog, and a ride in the car with the window open. ”
In the softest voice he’d ever heard from her, Skye said, “That does sound nice. Do you have a dog in mind?”
“She doesn’t need a dog.” Tired of being left out, Laylee leaned forward to peer around her sister, and when that didn’t suffice, she moved to the chair to take center stage. “She needs a man.”
“I’m a man,” he said, holding out his arms. “I don’t think she needs another. But a dog? Everyone needs a dog.”
“Then why don’t you have one?” Laylee asked.
“One day I will.” If the dog he wanted was still available. Rather than get too introspective, he shook his head. “Maybe when I settle down and all that.”
Skye said low, “In a hundred years or so?”
He teased back, “Exactly.” In truth, he hoped it wouldn’t take that long.
Laylee crossed her legs. “So you two are . . . ?”
Skye went comically still. Probably her usual reaction to her outrageous sister’s nosiness.
No problem for him though. He stroked two fingers along a lock of Skye’s hair, down her cheek, over her shoulder.
He heard her small, sharp inhalation.
God, her hair was silky, and so pretty. She wore it a little darker than Laylee’s, but with a few select highlights that framed her face.
A face that was a little rounder than her sister’s, and softer because of it.
Darker brows, too, which made them more noticeable.
And those plump lips . . . They were a focal point on her face, at least for him.
Settling his hand on her knee, he gave a smile of pure seduction. It usually worked, and seeing the flare of heat in Skye’s eyes, he knew he still had it. “Now, Laylee,” he said, without taking his gaze from Skye’s midnight eyes. “I’m guessing a woman like you doesn’t need it spelled out.”
In a cunning tone, she repeated, “A woman like me?”
Making his expression as bland as he could, Ford glanced at her. Oh, this one was good at getting her way in most situations. “You’re Skye’s sister, so I assumed you were as astute as she is . . . but maybe not?”
Skye took another quick breath, this time more of a gasp. “We should go.” Abruptly, she shot to her feet. “We don’t want the shelter to close on us.”
More slowly, Ford rose, too.
Laylee watched them both. “Are you set up for a dog? A bed, treats, dishes, food?”
Skye bit her lip. “No. I wasn’t sure what to get.”
“You have time,” Ford assured her. “They won’t give you the dog today. You’ll just choose the one you want, then fill out an application. It’s their way of ensuring the animals go to a good home.”
She released a breath. “Oh, good. So I’ll put that on my agenda for tomorrow.”
He opened his mouth, and Laylee said, “Great idea. We can shop together. Maybe after lunch.”
Almost wincing, Skye turned to her sister. “You’re coming back tomorrow?”
“Actually”—she bounced her gaze back and forth between them, then gave a sly grin—“I think I’ll spend the night.”
Ha! Did she hope to disrupt her sister’s plans? He admired her persistence. “No problem. I mean, I live right next door.” His grin was no less sly than hers. “Plenty of privacy to go around.”
“Here.” Skye shoved her cola into his hand. “You can have it. I need to speak to Laylee just a moment.”
He sipped the cold drink. “Should I wait next door?”
“No need.” Laylee finally stood, then smoothed her body-hugging dress, making a point of stroking her hands over her waist, hips, and derriere. “We can talk when she gets home tonight.”
Ford knew exactly what she wanted, but he didn’t oblige her. After a mere glance, he gave his attention back to Skye. “Does that work for you?”
Without waiting for her sister to reply, Laylee said, “I’ll get my overnight bag out of the car.”
Skye practically locked her jaw. “Fine. Make yourself at home.”
“Don’t I always?”
The second she stepped outside, Ford chuckled. “I always wanted a sibling. These types of shenanigans seem fun—at least from the outside looking in.”
Surprised, Skye looked up at him, a load of curiosity in her eyes. “You really think so?”
“Definitely.” She needed to know that her sister wasn’t a problem for him, not in any way.
“Usually Laylee comes on so strong that she . . .” The words tapered off.
“Scares people off? Offends? Draws all the attention?” It amused him. “That seemed to be her plan. I imagine it was tough, having a twin so different from you.”
Allegiance had her saying, “Laylee can be overwhelming, and we’re different in a lot of ways, but she’s always there for me.”
Just as he’d suspected. “Family. That’s how it should be, right?” As if he had a clue. “Being an only child sucked, at least most of the time.”
Three seconds ticked by as her gaze delved into his, possibly seeing things he didn’t want to show. Her tone was sweet and caring when she asked, “But not always?”
“I couldn’t have left home when I did if I’d had a little brother or sister.” He was often a dick, but he was loyal—to those who deserved loyalty.
His parents hadn’t.
Getting himself back on track, he said, “By the way, you look amazing.”
As if she’d forgotten what she wore, she glanced down at her tailored white shorts, tan tank top, and brown leather sandals.
“I wasn’t sure about the white, since we’ll be seeing animals, but I didn’t know—” Before she could finish that thought, her sister breezed back in with a large purple tote overflowing with toiletries, and a small floral suitcase.
“Skye looks prettier in bold colors, but she rarely wears them.”
“She’s so stunning in natural shades, why would she?
Believe me, she doesn’t need to draw more attention.
” The fact that Laylee’s dress was brightly colored hadn’t slipped his notice.
“I vote she leaves the bold colors to you.” The compliment had both women studying him, Skye in flustered confusion and Laylee with uncertain affront.
He’d been vague enough that neither of them knew if he’d complimented or insulted Laylee.
It was almost laughable. Almost.
Playing his part—or so he told himself—he stroked Skye’s hair again and looked into her beautiful eyes. “Although I’m sure you’re stunning whatever you wear . . . or don’t wear.”
Her eyes flared wide and stayed that way. Laylee looked equally surprised.
Satisfied with those reactions, he asked Skye, “Do you have everything you need?”
She instinctively glanced around, then with an, “Oh,” she grabbed up her purse from the console. “Ready.”
He took her hand. “Catch you later, Laylee.” The silence was damning, but he didn’t mind. In fact, he came close to grinning.
It helped that Laylee suddenly laughed and leaned out the door behind them. “I like him, Skye! He’s slick, but funny, and almost perfect.”
Nice to hear her sister wish her well. At least, he thought that was what she’d done. Skye didn’t look overly certain about her sister’s intention either.
Once they were on their way, the silence stretched out. He glanced at her. “Are we going to talk about it?”
“What?”
“Your amusing sister.”
Low, she muttered, “I don’t think she was trying to be amusing.”