Layla’s doorbell rang at ten fifteen. She was surprised that Elijah stayed out that long. She’d expected that he might stay out a few minutes after he said he would, but not much. She obviously had underestimated the man’s need to get out and have some fun. She wouldn’t mind helping him loosen up a bit, but he was so formal with her. Not once had he crossed a line or given any indication that he was interested in her in any way other than the mother of his daughter’s best friend. So she followed his lead. No one was going to accuse her of being thirsty.
Like Elijah, her divorced left her as a single parent. The friendship that had sprung up after she and Jasmine moved in next to Elijah was a blessing. He was the one consistent person in her life right now. Even though she was happy being single and fine being alone, it didn’t mean she wouldn’t be open to a relationship. But she wouldn’t use their kids’ friendship to try and hit on him.
She opened the door and had to fight not to smile like a love-struck fool when she saw him. Okay, so what if she was as thirsty as a mermaid in a desert. Elijah was smart, rigid, devoted to his daughter and fine as hell. He was right at six feet tall, with golden brown skin, honey-colored eyes, and a solid build. When she’d first met him she’d expected him to be an asshole. Men that fine typically were. Instead, she’d quickly learned that he was too distracted by work and fatherhood to care about the effect his smile had on people.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” he said sounding completely sincere.
“I’m surprised you made it past ten,” she answered honestly. “Come on in. The girls took baths about an hour ago and are laying down in Jasmine’s room.”
He followed her in. “Why are you surprised?”
She shrugged. “You were at a fraternity meet up. I expected you stay longer catching up with your brothers.”
“I did have fun, but promised to be here sooner. I didn’t plan on staying out so late.”
“It’s not too late. Besides, the girls were excited about the possibility of having a sleep over. If you get Sabrina now, I think she’ll be disappointed.”
He looked ready to argue before sighing and nodding. “You know, you’re right. I usually say no sleepovers during the week, but I guess I can make an exception today. If it’s not a problem with you.”
His quick agreement surprised her. He didn’t typically agree to change his plans so easily. “It’s no problem at all. Sabrina is like a sister to Jasmine. I love having her around.”
“How was Sabrina tonight?”
“She was great. She and Jasmine are excited about the upcoming pageant.”
He reached toward his back pocket and pulled out his cell phone. “How much did you spend on the costumes? I can send you the money.”
She held up a hand. “Don’t worry about it tonight. I’ll send you the amount tomorrow.”
His shirt stretched across the muscles of his chest as he put the phone back in his back pocket. “That’s fine, but don’t forget. I don’t like to owe people.”
“Don’t worry. I know where you live. I’ll track you down if I need to,” she said with a wink.
Elijah froze and blinked before clearing his throat. Heat spread across Layla’s cheeks. She sounded foolish.
“Is there anything I need to do for the pageant?” he asked.
“What does your schedule look like? They’ve got a few afterschool rehearsals we’ll have to work around.”
He frowned and shook his head. “We’re going into budget season. I’ll have a lot of late nights.”
“Same with my job. The CEO is working on an upcoming acquisition and we’ve got a lot of meetings with the board of directors. I’ll have to make sure everything is set up.”
She worked as an IT manager, for the Leisure Hotel Group. If the technology wasn’t in order before a board meeting then the CEO tended to have a meltdown. Layla’s goal was to make sure there were no meltdowns.
Despite the occasional chaos, Layla loved her job. She’d quit college after getting pregnant her sophomore year and married her ex who’d been a senior. Her ex-husband’s engineering degree meant he’d quickly found a job, but then expected her to stay home with their child. When it became clear the marriage wasn’t going to work and she would need to find a way to support herself, she’d chosen IT technology because of the flexibility offered. She’d been able to get her certifications and land a job despite dropping out of college. An accomplishment she was very proud of. Her job was close to Jasmine’s school and made it easy for her to be there if her daughter needed her.
“I’ll share my calendar with you so you’ll see when my after-hours meetings are so we can coordinate.”
“Sounds good. I’ll share mine, too.”
He nodded then looked around as an awkward silence filled the space. “Well, if Sabrina is spending the night, then I’ll go.” He shifted to walk toward the front door.
“Do you have a second?” Layla asked quickly.
He stopped and turned back to face her. “Sure, what’s up?”
She hesitated, wondering if she was about to cross a line. She and Elijah’s relationship was that of friends and parenting partners, but they rarely got personal. But after overhearing something Sabrina had said earlier, Layla was about to get personal.
