Page 2 of Layla

The warning nearly came too late. Layla was seconds away from being flattened by the car that barreled toward her. The driver saw her and applied the brakes, but as close as they were, that wasn’t going to be enough. Thankfully Kirk was there.

He was always there when she needed him.

He zipped into the street and scooped her into his arms just in the nick of time. Darting to the other side, he stepped onto the curb as the car came to a screeching halt—about a foot beyond where Layla had stood. If Kirk hadn’t swooped in, she would have been sprawled out on the pavement for sure.

“Are you okay?” he said.

The young woman was too shaken to speak. She managed a nod, causing her long blonde hair to shake around her pretty, angelic face. Her blue eyes held a healthy dose of fear. Her body trembled.

The driver, now out of his car, rushed to the couple. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see her!”

He was a portly, middle-aged man with thinning hair. He had quite a bit of fear in his own eyes.

“It’s okay,” Kirk said, turning to face him. “That was on her. She just stepped right out into the street without even looking.” The words were clearly directed more toward her than the driver.

Layla gulped as her cheeks turned a rosy hue. Her stomach flipped in a nervous somersault, and it had nothing to do with her brush with death. If they were married, she’d be getting a spanking for sure. And rightfully so.

“She didn’t even use the crosswalk,” Kirk added.

Layla hung her head in shame before offering a weak, “Sorry.”

“I think you owe this gentleman the apology,” Kirk said.

“I just said I was sorry,” she said, her voice so quiet it barely registered.

“Louder,” Kirk said. “And to him.”

It took a few seconds but Layla finally managed to raise her head and look the driver in the eyes. “Sorry, sir.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said. “Just glad you’re okay.”

By now there was a line of stopped cars behind his vehicle. Two honked. He waved to them, hurried behind the wheel, and drove away.

During that time, Layla’s best friend, the one who’d issued the warning to “Look out” had crossed the street and joined the couple. “Whoa! That was close! What was going on?”

“I saw the store,” Layla said, motioning toward the business they stood in front of. “I’m ready to shop.” She offered a weak smile, but it was obvious her fiancé still didn’t see the humor in the rather grim situation.

The trio was in charming downtown Grapevine. It was only a stone’s throw away from Dallas and Fort Worth, positioned a little north but smack in the middle of the two giant cities. Mere miles away, planes took off and landed in one of the nation’s busiest airports. But you wouldn’t know it by looking at the quaint, historic buildings that made up the town’s central district. It had the appearance of a small town.

Perfect for an afternoon shopping excursion.

“Well, the store wouldn’t matter much if you were laying in the street hurt. Or worse.” Kirk’s tone matched the expression he wore.

“I know. I’m sorry, Kirk.”

He nodded. “Just don’t let it happen again. From now on you’ll hold my hand when crossing the street. Is that clear?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

His lips slowly morphed into a smile as he hugged her. “That’s a good girl. Now come on. Let’s do some shopping.”

They went in the boutique to find it stocked with purses, shoes, cute skirts, tops, and plenty of accessories. Layla was ready to spend some money. She felt slightly guilty because it was Kirk’s cash she was spending, but he didn’t mind one bit. He enjoyed spoiling her.

Of course, she was eager to oblige him. She giggled at the thought as she practically skipped to a rack of dresses. Courtney was not nearly as giddy when she reached her.

She cast a quick glance over her shoulder, made sure Kirk was not within earshot, and then spoke in a hushed tone. “What was that?”

Layla blushed again. “I know. I shouldn’t have darted into the street like that.”

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