“Sorry. You’re the first people we’ve seen in a long time, and we were hoping you could take our picture.”
They’re looking at the two people behind me with no recognition. Deciding they aren’t actually a threat, I go for their phone but Charlotte pushes me out of the way.
“Sorry about him. I would love to take your picture.” Charlotte is beaming as she takes their phone and starts snapping away.
“They have no fucking clue she’s a princess, do they?” I whisper to Pierce. Charlotte is pointing out different spots for them to pose for a picture.
It’s picturesque. Everything about it from the trees to the mountains. It’s different from London, but I still enjoy being out in nature.
“She loves it. Getting to talk to people without any expectation. She’s made for this.” Pierce is beaming at his wife as she waves the hikers off.
“They were lovely.” Charlotte holds a hand out to grab the water bottle from Pierce. “In town from California to see the Tetons for the first time. Staying in Jackson since the ranch is closed.”
“Is that all?” Pierce asks, dropping a kiss on her head.
“Told them a few recommendations in town. Wouldn’t be surprised if we see them at The Tipsy Cocktail tonight.”
“You’re on your own there,” I tell them.
“You were about ready to throw them down.” Pierce’s laughter echoes around the trees as he turns to face me.
“I was not.” My senses are on high alert. You always have to be in this business, but I didn’t expect anything out here. I expel a breath, trying to rid myself of the nerves of this job.
“Glad we’re putting you to work.” Pierce claps me on the shoulder.
“Shove off.” I brush him off.
“Alright boys. Let’s finish our hike. We need to make sure we’re back in time for the kids.”
“And your big date.” Pierce gives me a playful punch on the shoulder before following after Charlotte.
That puts a smile on my face as I head off after them.
It’s not hard to mind the job when I get to clock out and head out with Layla.
I can’t fucking wait to spend my evening with her. And if I’m lucky, spend all night buried inside her.
ChapterEighteen
LAYLA
“Ipromise, I’ll be over tomorrow with your dress.”
“How does it look?” Gemma asks me over speakerphone. It’s set on my dresser while I put the finishing touches on my makeup and outfit for my first date with Simon.
Well, firstrealdate I should say.
“You need me to tell you it looks gorgeous? Because it does.”
I tie my T-shirt, showing off a sliver of skin on my stomach. I love the way it drives Simon wild.
He was vague about what we were doing tonight, but said casual. With a pair of leggings and tennis shoes, I think my outfit fits the bill.
“I can’t believe my dress is done. It makes it real.”
“More real than the month-long celebration we’ve been having?”
Gemma laughs. “The dress is tangible though. Something I know you’ve been working on for so long, that it being finished means the wedding is around the corner.”
