Page 13 of Beards and Broken Hearts

After what seems like an eternity, we arrive at my house. Layton remains silent, but I can tell he’s wrestling with himself.

“Thank you for the ride, Layton. And for the show,” I say, wiggling my brows.

His mouth curves slightly, but he seems sad now.

“I rarely bust out my moves, but I thought it was a special occasion.”

I nod. “And thank you for punching that dipshit in the face. I don’t want to think about what would have happened if you hadn’t.”

I mean it, and I can only hope he can see that because he goes quiet again.

“Well, see ya,” I say softly, turning to the door and letting myself out. I place his jacket on the seat and close the door behind me before heading to my house without looking back.

The first few steps up the porch, I look for my keys. Holly has the porch lights on. A strand of Christmas lights, of course, and I hear the truck door open. I turn, and sure enough, Layton opens his door and moves toward me.

At that moment, my sister swings open the front door and drunkenly yells.

“Finally, you’re home!” Holly says with open arms. “I was getting so worried. Elenore forced us all into the limo. I told her you were in the bathroom, and we had to wait, but by then, we were all inside, and she told the driver to go.”

“It’s okay. I’m okay,” I tell her, and glance back just in time to catch Layton getting back into his truck. Seconds later, he’s backing out of the driveway, and my sister pulls me inside.

“Who was that?” She asks.

“Layton. He not only drove me home but punched a creep that followed me out of the bar.” Saying it out loud reminds me of how scary it was. I also realize now my hiccups have finally stopped.

“A man followed you. Oh my gosh, Daphne, are you okay?” Worry laces my sister’s words, and I can see the fear in her eyes.

“Yeah, I’m okay. It was scary, but nothing was more satisfying than seeing him fall hard to the ground.”

“Because of Layton,” she mutters in realization. It’s not a question.

I nod. “He and his friend came running when they heard me trying to escape him.”

“He put his fucking hands on you. I’ll kill him! Who the hell was this guy?”

“It’s okay. Again, I’m okay, and he’s nursing a mean bruise on his face and ego. No need to go to prison.”

Holly doesn’t look convinced, but she pulls me into her little arms and squeezes hard. Drunk or not, I know she loves me and would do damage to anyone who dared hurt me, and I would do the same.

“I’m okay, promise,” I whisper into her hair.

Finally, she pulls back and nods. Wipes a single tear from her cheek before leaning back on the couch, seeming to calm herself.

“So, Layton.”

I nod.

“You want to talk about it?” She asks.

“I don’t know what to say. He keeps showing up in my life, and although once upon a time he crushed me, we were just kids. Now, we’re adults, living in the same small town, and his grandma clearly has ulterior motives.” I shake my head, thinking about Elenore’s tricks. “Maybe putting the past behind us wouldn’t be so terrible. To move forward, or at least find a way to be on good terms,” I say, shrugging.

Layton feels familiar, yet at the same time, completely different. The pain he caused by disappearing without a word still lingers, but maybe I can find it in me to forgive him.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Layton

Yawning, I walk into Grandma’s house without knocking. I’m well aware it’s not just her house anymore, but it’s a habit, and my sour feelings toward her fiancé will not make me suddenly want to knock.

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