“No need to cut your day short,” she said.“Just telling someone else helped.”
“Sure, but you toldme, right?Not just anyone, so why not wait until I’m with you?”Then, if it wasn’t the news she wanted, or even if it was, he’d be there for her.
“Thank you, I will.I meant that you don’t have to rush.You can finish up your day.”
“What will you do?”
“Wait for you.”
That sounded nice.“You promise?”
“You were planning to come by anyway, right?So we could walk the dogs?”
It was as good an excuse as any to spend time with her.“That’s the plan.I’ll only be a few more hours if you’re sure you don’t mind waiting.”
“I’m sure.Now that I know I don’t have to do this alone, I can handle it.”
She was more than okay.She was exceptional in every way.Tonight, he’d convince her of that.
After upsetting the dogs with her freak-out, Laylee spent some time in the backyard playing with them.They were great at chasing a ball.Maybelline always brought it back, but Tank tried to eat it.They were such awesome furry goofs.
She loved that she lived side by side with her sister.When Skye had married Ford, her next-door neighbor, she’d moved into his house, leaving her own empty.
Laylee wasn’t one to let a prime opportunity pass, so she’d quickly talked Skye into selling her the house and now had access to her twin every day.Well, except for now, while Skye and Ford were on a much-deserved getaway.
Without Skye, Laylee knew she’d spend most of her time utterly lost.
As everyone had always told her, Skye was the smart, serious twin.The one you could count on.Levelheaded, capable.She was a sister and a best friend, a confidante and, at select times, a co-conspirator.In short, Skye was the absolute best.
Laylee was just described as “beautiful and fun-loving.”Which basically equated to “fun-loving” because, after all, they were identical twins.
Sure, there were some subtle differences in their looks.Skye wore her hair styled differently—or more aptly, it wasn’t styled.Skye just let it hang while Laylee couldn’t imagine going out without first smoothing her long hair so that it perfectly framed her face.Skye was much more conservative in her clothing choices, too.Her sister was subtle and classy, while Laylee was colorful and bold.
And apparently, far too needy.
Ugh.
She really needed to get over herself.
Going to a window, she looked out at the backyard.After the recent storms, it was messy.She needed to clean up some branches.It was such a hot, humid day, though, she didn’t feel like working.The mess would still be there a few days from now, when the forecast claimed they’d have milder weather.
She didn’t know how Knox could bear working on a roof, but then, he amazed her daily.He was lean from physical labor, but also remarkably strong.His dark hair was a little too long, but she loved it.Almost as much as she loved his dark eyes.
He was one of the funniest guys she’d ever met and had such a remarkable group of friends.They were the kind of people you met and immediately liked.He and Ford were really tight, but they were also super close with Marcus and Bray.
They were all different.Ford was a polished pharmaceutical rep who also happened to have a big heart.Bray, as an MMA fighter, was all muscles and protectiveness.Marcus was a cop who seemed determined to save the world.All great guys, all handsome, and their wives were equally likable.
But from the start, there’d been something special about Knox.
Well, aside from the fact that he was the only single one of the group.
She trusted Knox the most.From the moment she’d met him, she’d felt … something.As she’d never felt it before, she couldn’t quite name it.Around him she was comfortable; she didn’t stress over the need to look her best or worry when she didn’t understand something.He brought contentment, and she often borrowed some of his confidence.
Sighing, Laylee wondered why he hadn’t made a move.Most men would have by now.She knew Knox was attracted to her, or at least, he gave every indication he was.So far though, he’d stuck to being “hands off.”
Now of course, after her call, she doubted he’d ever take that big step.After all, what man wanted to take on such responsibility?She wasn’t even sure she wanted to take it on.
Trying to outrun her thoughts, she opened the back door and turned to call the dogs.Since they were right behind her, she didn’t get out a single word.They nearly tripped her on their way out.
