Chapter Four
Kellan
The hints of sunlight coming in through the sheer curtains were what woke me, but instead of the feel of Layla’s warm body pressed to mine, there was an empty spot with cool sheets.
What the hell? Where was she?
I sat up, peering into the bathroom on the off chance she’d gone for a shower. No luck. No Layla. I shouldn’t have been so unbelievably disappointed. After all, we’d both gone into last night without any expectations. Yet the thought of how good we’d been together had me anxious to see her again.
Not that it would be hard to track down her number. After all, I was off to her brother’s house this morning to help him build his deck.
I grinned, getting out of bed and heading for the shower. If there was one thing I enjoyed, it was a challenge.
After taking a quick shower, packing up my things, and checking out of the hotel, I made the six-mile drive to Russ’s house.
He’d bought the Cape Cod-style home a few months ago with plans to make renovations.
A week ago, he asked me about some quotes he’d gotten on building the deck.
All had been reasonable, but not compared to me helping him with free labor.
So, I’d offered. Now that I’d moved back, it was good to be able to do a favor for a friend.
I parked my big Ford truck in his driveway, backing it in so I could unload my tools. After hopping out, I was unlocking the hard cover to the bed when I heard Russ.
“Hey, man,” he said, coming out the front door. “Thanks for coming by. I’m sure this isn’t what you wanted to be doing on your day off.”
“It’s not a problem.” I felt an immediate relief that he wasn’t acting awkward about most likely knowing I’d gone back to the hotel with his sister last night. For my part, I hoped that during the hours it would take to build his deck I could find out more about Layla and perhaps get her number.
“I got all of the materials you listed although you’ll have to look it over. I’m a wiz when it comes to high school geometry, but put me in a home improvement store, and I seriously go dumb.”
I laughed, always having felt the exact opposite about school work.
I’d much rather pick out building materials than do math.
After walking to the rear of his house with my saw and toolbox, I took inventory of the materials he’d bought from the list I’d given him.
I was pleased he’d gotten almost everything right. With the exception of the nails.
“I need the longer nails.” Pulling an example out of my toolbox, I handed it over. “But it’s okay. I can run to the hardware store.”
He was already shaking his head. “Nope. I’ll go. You saw the boards or do some other manly activity.”
I chuckled, picking up my tool belt and putting it around my waist. “It’s really the belt that does it.”
That’s when the back door slid open and out walked Layla.
I’d forgotten how beautiful she was. Dressed in soft gray sweat shorts with a university T-shirt of the same color, she wore her hair piled up in a messy bun and no makeup. She was surprised to see me if her wide eyes were any indication.
Although I hadn’t a clue she’d be staying with her brother, I was certainly pleased to see her here.
Russ was the first to speak. “Morning, sis. I’m off to the hardware store. Need anything while I’m out?”
She turned as if having forgotten her brother was standing next to me. “Uh, no. Thanks. I just came out to say I made pancakes.”
“Great. I’ll only be few minutes and will eat when I get back.”
We both watched him walk toward the front and get in his car. I decided to speak first. “Good morning. I’m guessing by the expression on your face you didn’t expect to see me again this soon. For the record, I didn’t know you were staying with your brother.”
She blushed. Which was adorable. I liked seeing this not-quite-confident side of her.
“I was staying with my parents but didn’t think sneaking in at six o’clock this morning in last night’s clothes would go unnoticed by my mother.
I guess I didn’t put it together that you were the one helping my brother with the deck.
I should have, considering what you do for a living. Um, are you hungry? I made pancakes.”
I’d grab any excuse to get close to her and talk some more. Even if it meant the deck would have to wait. “Sounds wonderful. I didn’t eat yet this morning.”
I followed her through the sliding door and into Russ’s kitchen.
She had a griddle cooling on the counter with the promised pancakes, about a dozen of them stacked on a plate, and some bacon on the side. She handed me a plate. “Let me get some syrup. What did Russ need to get at the store?”
“Longer nails.” I realized as I watched her bustle around the kitchen that she was nervous. It was both enchanting and unexpected. She’d been so very assured last night.
“I’m sorry if me being here is making you uncomfortable.” I’d hoped to plan how to affect our next meeting, not catch us both off guard.
She turned to focus her attention fully on me. “Here I’d thought by sneaking out this morning I’d make things less awkward.”
My steps were slow and deliberate as I closed the gap between us. I was careful not to cage her against the counter if she didn’t want me to. Yet she didn’t move. Her big green eyes locked in on my approach.
“The word ‘awkward’ wouldn’t describe what I would have done had I woken up with you still in bed.”
Her breath caught, and suddenly there was nothing to keep me from kissing her. As soon as my lips touched hers, she melted into me, returning the kiss with unbridled lust.
This woman ignited my passion in a way no other ever had. Pulling away wasn’t easy, but I was aware we were in her brother’s kitchen, and he’d be arriving home shortly.
As I cupped her face, I could see the arousal in her expression. “I should’ve given your brother a much longer list of items to get from the store. Are you heading back to Seattle tonight?”
“Yes, after a family dinner.”
“Come over to my place when you get back to town.”
Her hesitation wasn’t lost on me. Obviously, another night together wasn’t in her plans. But I was determined to get my way and moved my lips along her jawline next to her ear, a place I knew drove her crazy.
“I’m in need of another rescue from my fake girlfriend. Come over.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “You need a fake girlfriend to fake sleep with you?”
My smirk came quickly. “There will be no faking or sleeping involved.”
“It’s just that I can’t do anything serious right now, Kellan. Things are too unsettled in my life.” There it was again. The glimmer of vulnerability she was determined to hide.
It made sense she wouldn’t want to start anything serious if she was in reset mode, unsure what she wanted to do with her career and such.
Considering the amount of hours I was putting into my new business, I didn’t have time for a relationship, either.
“Good, I feel the same. Come over, and we’ll simply have fun.
” My hands moved down her body to cup her ass.
I was tempted to hoist her up on the countertop to have my way with her.
“I—wow—You make it hard to think.”
“You won’t need to think. Say yes.” I took her lips one more time to give her the push toward the decision I wanted.
She broke the contact, breathing heavily. “Okay. Yes. I’ll come over.”
I gave her a last peck. “Give me your number, and I’ll text you the address.”
Her reluctance was lingering. “Okay. But—this is only for tonight.”
Nevertheless, as I handed over my device, I was already contemplating more than that.
Surely there was a way to persuade her to come over for dinner next weekend.
Just because we were hanging out and having fun didn’t mean it had to be limited to a two-night deal.
But for now, I’d follow her rules. Doing so meant she’d be in my bed again at least for tonight. “Agreed.”
I watched her type in her digits and then took my phone back from her, chuckling at the name she’d put it under. Fake Girlfriend Hotline.
“Cute.”
She blew out a breath and smoothed her clothes. “I think I need a cold shower now.”
Stepping into her space, I tipped her chin up. “Didn’t you say something last night about enjoying the anticipation?”
“I did indeed.” Her grin was contagious.
She wasn’t alone. I would be thinking about her all day. “I better eat some pancakes and get back outside before your brother returns.”
“I’m gonna go take that shower now.”
The image that came to mind with this statement made me groan. “Until tonight, then.”
She gave me a small wave and headed down the hallway of the small rancher, disappearing into what I assumed was the guest bedroom or bath. Too bad I couldn’t join her. I definitely could use a cold shower about now.