“I’m honored,” he insisted.“Seriously, Laylee, I keep telling you I’m here.Believe that it’s where I want to be, okay?”
She stared at him so intently, she almost tripped over a crack in the sidewalk.“How did I live twenty-five years and not know men like you exist?”
He answered with far more seriousness than she’d expected.“You hadn’t met me yet.”
The simple truth of his words turned her heart to mush and brought her voice down to an emotional whisper.“I’m very glad I know you now.”
He stepped closer, shifted the leash into his left hand, andlaced his fingers with hers.“You’re an incredible woman, Laylee.An all-around impressive person.Smart, beautiful, sexy, adaptive, accommodating, and fun.”
Wow.“All that?”she teased, both flattered and a little embarrassed.The comments on her appearance she was used to.On her character, not so much.
“All that and more.”He squeezed her fingers.“Never let anyone tell you different.”
Speechless, she considered his words as they walked along, shoulder to shoulder, with the dogs happily trotting ahead of them at the ends of their leashes.
In this moment with Knox, the day no longer felt so hot.Her burdens were lighter, and her situation didn’t seem as alarming.Not because she could unload on him, but because of the way he saw her.She was accommodating, especially with Skye.Her sister was also her best friend, and she’d do anything for her.
Yes, she sometimes leaned on Skye, but the reverse was occasionally true as well.She and Skye had grown up with their family always playfully comparing them, with her cast as the beautiful one and Skye the smart one.She didn’t fault her parents; both she and her twin were well loved and cared for.But sometimes parents didn’t realize how their words hurt.
The realization gave her plenty to think about for a few minutes.Of course, she also thought about Knox.
He was one of those family guys, loyal clear through to his soul, dedicated to his parents, siblings—and his friends.
And now she was one of them.
That meant something, was a testament to her and her character.Where she often felt selfish and flighty, Knox apparently saw only the best in her.That helped her to see the best in herself, too.
She was lost in thought until they reached the quaint little pharmacy.Laylee hesitated outside.In a low whisper, she said, “I’m glad I’ve never shopped here; otherwise they might know me.”
“Want me to go in instead?”
“You’d do that?”
“I have a sis, remember?I’ve bought tampons and wine at the same time when she was in need.”
Laughing, Laylee said, “You must be the best big brother ever.”
“On occasion.Other times, I totally screw up.”He shrugged as if that was to be expected.“So what do you say?Want to control the beasts while I grab the goods?”
“I say you’re awesome, but no.”She squared her shoulders and handed him Tank’s leash.“I can do this.”
“Hell yeah, you can.”He stepped into the shade of the entry’s overhang and squatted down to offer the dogs water from their travel water cups.“The gang and I will be right here waiting for you.”
She nodded, resisted thanking him again, and made herself go through the door.Chilly air-conditioning hit her, and as she pushed her sunglasses atop her head, her eyes needed a moment to adjust.
There were several people inside.Up front were rows of makeup, then eyeglasses.Midway through the store, a woman wearing a white coat smiled from behind a counter.Laylee returned the smile but kept walking.She didn’t want anyone to offer help.She found shelves displaying vitamins, medicine, nutrition … and finally family planning.
Drawing a breath, she searched the shelf until she found the test she wanted.As Knox suggested, she grabbed two.
Just as she started back to the front, she heard a commotion and wondered at it.Moments later something broke.There was an even bigger crash, then boisterous laughter, loud voices, and as she peeked out of the aisle, she realized with shock that the pharmacy was being robbed.
When he heard a commotion inside the store, Knox turned to quickly glance through the large display window.Could just be kids goofing off, or friends who hadn’t seen each other for a long time in a surprise reunion.
Oddly, all he could see was the backs of a few men blocking the aisles.He didn’t like it.When Maybelline nudged in beside him and gave a low growl, he decided to trust his instincts.
The urge to charge in was there, but he looked down at the dogs and knew he shouldn’t risk them.Plus, they could get in the way.A woman, probably in her mid-thirties, was sitting in her car on her phone.Not knowing what else to do, Knox tapped on her passenger window.
She looked startled for a moment, then with a smile she lowered the window a few inches.“Yes?”
