Chapter 2
Daniela
I have an obsession with men’s thighs. More specifically, the ones with insane muscles that could squeeze you in half.
“Have you seen those rugby men online? You know, the ones with the thick, muscular thighs. Muscles that I didn’t even know existed until the internet dropped them into my lap like a gift.”
“Can’t say that I have.” Layla laughs through the phone.
“Well, you’re missing out. It’s pretty much all I see now. All I want to see. ”
“You have issues.”
“Duh. It’s why you love me. I keep your life interesting.”
“My life is very interesting, thank you.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Okay. Drive safe. Call me again if you get bored or sleepy. Actually, pull over if you get sleepy. No tired driving.”
“I’m fine,” I assure her.
We hang up, and I zone out again.
It’s going to be dark before I even get there. I have no doubt about it. I don’t mind driving in the dark when I’m in familiar territory, but I’m heading into the mountains. There’s a whole different level of dark out there. I should have left earlier. Damn it.
I’ve talked to Layla twice already. I got bored an hour into the drive. I can only listen to music for so long, and it’s possible I may be feeling a little antsy as well.
I really don’t want to see Liam’s best man, if I’m being honest. My last few visits didn’t end on a positive note where he’s concerned. Am I a bit of a coward for it? Probably.
Yes, the physical chemistry is there. Last Thanksgiving, the night I first met him, proved that.
The first moment I laid eyes on Dex, my stomach did that thing.
Where it flips and flutters and all that stupid stuff.
He was insanely hot. But then he opened his mouth, and we immediately clashed.
Constant bickering. He actually kind of pissed me off when he said, after five minutes of knowing me, that we’d probably end up together because our best friends were together, so it only made sense.
My walls immediately went up. I had absolutely no intention of doing anything with him…
and yet, we found ourselves drunk and sneaking off to a bedroom by the end of the night.
It was completely consensual hate sex. I’m actually quite certain I was the one who initiated it, but the memory is a little fuzzy.
Luckily. If it was mind-blowing, I’m glad I don’t remember.
It probably would have been harder to ghost him afterward and go back to my real life.
The night was driven by a purely physical need. Nothing more. And I didn’t want it to lead to anything more. Dex has always been insanely infuriating, and I can’t stand to be in the same room as him half the time. Not that I see him that often.
I’m lost in thought when a flash of movement crosses the road about ten feet ahead, and I slam on the brakes, my heart leaping in my throat.
What the hell.
I don’t stop completely, because it luckily cleared the road in time. I crane my neck to check the rearview mirror, hoping to catch a glimpse, but the trees swallow up any evidence of whatever it was.
I grip the wheel with both hands, my knuckles white and my heart pounding. I’m ready for this damn drive to be over .
After the adrenaline rush of almost hitting the mystery blur with my vehicle, I drive the rest of the way in silence.
Finally, I pull into the driveway of the massive cabin-style home where Layla, Liam, and Jackson live. When I step out, the fresh scent of nature invades my senses, calming me instantly. I’ll give it to Layla—it is nice here. Peaceful even. At least in the summer.
I spot a curtain swish closed, and a moment later there’s a little boy running out the front door and down the porch steps. Jackson—or “Big J,” as we like to call him sometimes. Their Bernese mountain dog, Cocoa, trots happily alongside him.
Jackson is Liam’s nephew, but Liam has guardianship of him now.
He lost his sister and brother-in-law in a tragic accident a few years ago and has been raising Jackson since.
But he has a village. His parents live nearby and often take Jackson on weekends and during the summers.
It’s horrible, but I kind of love that Layla found someone to bond with over her grief and loss after losing her own parents.
Their love story is sickeningly sweet and serendipitous.
“Daniela!” Jackson screams as he slams into me with a rough embrace.
“Hey, little dude.”
“You’re late,” the kid remarks as he pulls away, already leading me toward the house .
“I am not. A lady always shows up exactly when she wants to.”
Jackson looks back at me, confusion on his face.
I laugh and shake my head. “Never mind.”
As soon as I step into the kitchen, I’m met with the sight of an entire feast waiting for us. Liam is an incredible cook.
Layla squeals and wraps me in a soft hug, and Liam waves and smiles while handling various pots and trays he’s moving to the dining table.
“Just in time!” Layla exclaims with a giant smile plastered on her face. “Thanks for coming. I’m so excited for this summer!”
I grin and pull her into another hug. “Me too. Though I did almost kill Sasquatch on the way here.”
Her eyes widen, and I quickly explain the incident.
“Gotta be careful on those roads, especially after dark,” Liam says as he makes his way into the room. He gives me a side hug and then stands back, crossing his arms.
“Well, I’m so glad you made it in one piece,” Layla smiles, grabbing my hand and leading me to my room. Liam follows with my biggest suitcase.