He opened his mouth, and Laylee said, “Great idea. We can shop together. Maybe after lunch.”
Almost wincing, Skye turned to her sister. “You’re coming back tomorrow?”
“Actually”—she bounced her gaze back and forth between them, then gave a sly grin—“I think I’ll spend the night.”
Ha! Did she hope to disrupt her sister’s plans? He admired her persistence. “No problem. I mean, I live right next door.” His grin was no less sly than hers. “Plenty of privacy to go around.”
“Here.” Skye shoved her cola into his hand. “You can have it. I need to speak to Laylee just a moment.”
He sipped the cold drink. “Should I wait next door?”
“No need.” Laylee finally stood, then smoothed her body-hugging dress, making a point of stroking her hands over her waist, hips, and derriere. “We can talk when she gets home tonight.”
Ford knew exactly what she wanted, but he didn’t oblige her. After a mere glance, he gave his attention back to Skye. “Does that work for you?”
Without waiting for her sister to reply, Laylee said, “I’ll get my overnight bag out of the car.”
Skye practically locked her jaw. “Fine. Make yourself at home.”
“Don’t I always?”
The second she stepped outside, Ford chuckled. “I always wanted a sibling. These types of shenanigans seem fun—at least from the outside looking in.”
Surprised, Skye looked up at him, a load of curiosity in her eyes. “You really think so?”
“Definitely.” She needed to know that her sister wasn’t a problem for him, not in any way.
“Usually Laylee comes on so strong that she . . .” The words tapered off.
“Scares people off? Offends? Draws all the attention?” It amused him. “That seemed to be her plan. I imagine it was tough, having a twin so different from you.”
Allegiance had her saying, “Laylee can be overwhelming, and we’re different in a lot of ways, but she’s always there for me.”
Just as he’d suspected. “Family. That’s how it should be, right?” As if he had a clue. “Being an only child sucked, at least most of the time.”
Three seconds ticked by as her gaze delved into his, possibly seeing things he didn’t want to show. Her tone was sweet and caring when she asked, “But not always?”
“I couldn’t have left home when I did if I’d had a little brother or sister.” He was often a dick, but he was loyal—to those who deserved loyalty.
His parents hadn’t.
Getting himself back on track, he said, “By the way, you look amazing.”
As if she’d forgotten what she wore, she glanced down at her tailored white shorts, tan tank top, and brown leather sandals. “I wasn’t sure about the white, since we’ll be seeing animals, but I didn’t know—” Before she could finish that thought, her sister breezed back in with a large purple tote overflowing with toiletries, and a small floral suitcase.
“Skye looks prettier in bold colors, but she rarely wears them.”
“She’s so stunning in natural shades, why would she? Believe me, she doesn’t need to draw more attention.” The fact that Laylee’s dress was brightly colored hadn’t slipped his notice. “Ivote she leaves the bold colors to you.” The compliment had both women studying him, Skye in flustered confusion and Laylee with uncertain affront. He’d been vague enough that neither of them knew if he’d complimented or insulted Laylee.
It was almost laughable. Almost.
Playing his part—or so he told himself—he stroked Skye’s hair again and looked into her beautiful eyes. “Although I’m sure you’re stunning whatever you wear . . . or don’t wear.”
Her eyes flared wide and stayed that way. Laylee looked equally surprised.
Satisfied with those reactions, he asked Skye, “Do you have everything you need?”
She instinctively glanced around, then with an, “Oh,” she grabbed up her purse from the console. “Ready.”
