Chapter 16
MACK
Ihate that Layne is so nervous. Even though we chat about the wedding, the hotel, and vacations on the drive home, she’s quieter than she was all weekend, and too restrained.
A series of things bug me. I don't like that she hasn't been on nearly enough vacations, even though she's still quite young.
I don't like that she's all alone in the world.
Really don't like that she has no family except for a mother who largely left her alone and that she rarely speaks to these days.
Hmm. If her mother is cold, Layne could be understandably twitchy about other people being in her life—
Oh shit. Like the man who emailed and texted her like a robot for the past month, showing no emotion or feeling. More importantly, not caring about her as a person.
It's almost noon when we approach Kingsville.
Layne is staring down at her hands, picking at her thumbnail. "Hey, would you like to grab lunch before I drop you at home?" I ask. "I could use your help with an errand."
"Of course. " Although she didn't exactly say yes, boss, I heard it in her tone.
I reach out and squeeze her hand gently. "Trust me. It's going to be good for both of us."
She seems surprised when I lead her into Brody's Books after parking downtown. "This is your errand?"
"Remember the part where I said trust me?"
I head straight for the self-help section and select three books: one each on better communication, interpersonal communication, and communication between men and women. "Is there anything else you think I should get?" I ask.
Layne blinks sharply. "Are you really going to read those?"
"Of course. I'm going to study these puppies as if there's a test." I lean close, kissing her just under the ear. "Actually, baby, you're the test. I want to make sure I do everything right for you.”
As I straighten up, her hand grips my arm. "Wait. What are you saying? That you think…this…" She points back and forth between us, then looks up at me with those beautiful eyes.
Setting the books on a shelf, I wrap my arms around her. "I want you, Layne. As my girl." I chuckle. "Actually, more importantly, I want to be your man."
Her eyelashes flutter unsteadily as she blinks up at me. "You mean…for real?"
"Yes." I caress her lower back, realizing that we're swaying slightly, almost slow dancing in the self-help aisle.
“I want to protect you. To make you laugh.
Make you gasp my name. I want to know what you're reading and watching and how you're feeling, always.
I think we're going to be amazing together.
I know you're nervous, and this is brand new, and everything has gone way too fast. But it doesn't matter to me.
It feels right. Layne, will you be my girlfriend? "
She blinks up at me, her eyes hazy. "Since you were so clear and personal…yes."
“Thank you. I’m going to upgrade that title a few times very soon.”
“Upgrade?”
“Yeah. Fiancée, Wife, Mother of our children. That kind of thing.”
“How can you be that certain?”
“Simple. Because I love you.”
I feel her shudder as she freezes, then leans in, hugging me tightly. As I stroke her hair, I hear someone clear their throat behind us. I turn around to face a man shooting us a disapproving glare just before he bursts into laughter and extends his hand.
"This is not normally a place where I see people canoodling. Of course it's got to be Mack Wentworth."
I laugh with him, clapping him on the shoulder. "Layne, this is Mack Brody. He owns the shop." My chest swells with pride. “Mack, this is my lovely girlfriend Layne.”
She looks back and forth between us. “Mack and…Mack?”
He shakes her hand gently. "We were shooting pool in a tournament and found out that two Macks make a great team."
His phone beeps, and he releases Layne’s hand. "Sorry. Delivery in the back. Nice to meet you, Layne. Mack, tell Lea to give you the friends and family discount."
"No way. How dare you."
He chuckles and strides away as I pick up the stack of books. Layne follows as I snake through the store, heading to the magazine rack. "Could you do me a favor and pick out a couple of bridal magazines, please?"
Her mouth falls open. “You can't be serious."
"I want you to start putting sticky notes on rings you like. And flowers and whatever." I tap her elbow with mine. "Clear communication, yeah? I'm sure these books are going to say I'm supposed to spoil you rotten and give you everything you've ever wanted."
"Pretty sure they won't."
"Either way, it’ll be on the test."
She grabs a few magazines and I pay for them and the books before heading to the café section of the shop. A girl with pink and orange streaks in her hair grins at us. “Perfect timing. A pot of fresh coffee just finished.”
“What about decaf?”
She grins. “That one’s fresh as of about two minutes ago. Have you tried the cinnamon carrot walnut oat muffins yet?”
We pick up coffee, sandwiches, and muffins, then I look around. The cafe is pretty crowded. "Do you want to eat here? Or would you prefer to go to my place?"
"Why not to mine?"
"We can eat wherever you like. But I was thinking that since you have an apartment and I have a house, it might be easier if you just move in with me and stop paying rent. Plus, then I can make you breakfast every morning. That kind of thing."
"Mack…” She trails off, unsure.
"I'm not saying you need to move in with me today. I’d just like to plant the thought. Then I would like that thought to grow. Everything's at your pace, okay, baby?"
Her eyes light up as she smiles. “ Sure."