“You’re going to spoil me.”
“That’s the goal.” I wink, making her cheeks turn pink.
Groceries in hand, we head inside right as Will helps their dad get settled into his chair.
Will looks over at us and raises his eyebrow. “Did you guys have fun?”
“We did,” Lyla tells him.
The honesty in her voice makes me feel ten feet tall.
I did that. I gave her a little ray of sunshine when she wasn’t expecting it.
Lyla moves toward the kitchen with Will and me trailing behind her.
“You could have woken me up this morning,” Will tells her as she sets the grocery bags down.
“You needed sleep,” she says lightly.
He runs a hand over his face and sighs before turning toward me.
“Are you staying for dinner?” he asks.
“I planned on it, but only if it’s okay with you.”
“Of course it’s okay,” Lyla cuts in.
Will nods. “Fine with me. Can I talk to you for a minute though, privately?”
“Will…” Lyla warns as I set down the bags I was carrying.
“Of course.” I nod, ignoring her.
Will and I head to the back door and slip outside. We move over to some rickety lawn chairs that have definitely seen better days and sit down.
“I’m sorry,” he says, catching me off guard.
“For what?”
“I should have set an alarm. I knew you two had a date planned, and I slept through it. You shouldn’t have had to take our dad with you.”
I start shaking my head before he can even finish his apology.
“You have nothing to apologize for. Like Lyla said, you were tired, and honestly, I didn’t mind. All I cared about was getting to spend some time with your sister, and I did that.” I shrug.
Will looks at me like I’m crazy.
“You really like her, don’t you?” he asks after a few beats.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
“Look, man, I like you, and I know you’re a good guy. Shit, you basically scream it, but if you are playing games with my sister, I need you to walk away. Now. Before she gets too attached.”
“Will, I can promise you I’m not playing games with her. The only way I’ll be walking away from Lyla is if she makes me.”
He studies me again. “You really mean that, don’t you?”
“I do.”
