Page 8 of Layla

If the way she inadvertently licked her lips was any indication, she found Peyton to be quite yummy.

Layla stifled a laugh.

Perhaps her friend was starting to enjoy Brennan County after all.

“Hey, ladies,” Kirk said. He kissed his fiancé and then smiled warmly at Courtney. “I’m glad you came. Did you have any trouble finding it?”

“No,” Courtney said, clearly now a bit uncomfortable as she always seemed to be around Kirk. “It’s so new the GPS didn’t have it in the system yet, but your directions got me here just fine. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Kirk said. “Like I said, we’re glad you came.” A few seconds passed. “Oh, where are my manners? Sorry. Meet my friend Peyton Scott. He’s thinking about moving here.”

Layla snuck a quick side glance at her friend to gauge her reaction. The wheels were clearly turning in Courtney’s mind. If Peyton was considering a home in Brennan County, that meant he was a take-charge kind of guy. Would that shade Courtney’s feelings at all?

“Well, it’s a pretty place,” Courtney said. “The mountains and all.”

“The mountains are beautiful but looks like they have some competition when it comes to scenery,” Peyton said. He kept his eyes locked on Courtney as he spoke. There was no missing the meaning of his words.

She blushed hard and for a moment Layla thought she might giggle, though she managed to keep that reaction at bay.

“You’ve heard me talk about Courtney,” Kirk said.

“That’s right,” Peyton said as recognition flickered in his coal black eyes. “Layla’s best friend.”

“That’s the one,” Kirk confirmed.

Peyton extended his hand and Courtney slowly accepted it. As they shook, he said, “Nice meeting you. I guess we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other in the coming days with you being the maid of honor and me being the best man.”

“That’s right!” Layla said. “You’ll even get to escort her down the aisle.”

Courtney’s cheeks glowed red once again. She held onto Peyton’s hand a second or two longer than she probably should have.

“Great,” she said somewhat awkwardly.

Just then, a group of women emerged from the community center, laughing as they talked and calling to Layla. Peyton’s cell rang, too, and suddenly Kirk and Courtney found themselves alone as the other two split away for a moment.

As always, Courtney appeared uncomfortable.

Kirk smiled warmly. “It means so much to me that you came. I know this is new to you. The fact that you’re still supporting Layla means the world to me. She loves you. I do, too.”

Courtney reared her head back, clearly in shock. “You love me?”

“Of course. You’re like a sister to Layla. That means you’re family. Courtney, you always have a place in our home. You’re always welcome. You ever need anything, just remember you have kin down this way. Maybe not by blood, but how does the old saying go? Love is thicker than blood. Just keep that in mind.”

Courtney’s grin was genuine as she found the courage to look into Kirk’s eyes. “Thank you. That…means a lot to me.” Another moment passed before she spoke again. “You would never hurt Layla.”

It wasn’t a question. It was as if she was finally understanding the truth of their relationship. At least, for the moment.

“Never,” Kirk said. “I’d protect that woman with every fiber of my being. She’s my world.”

“But the spankings and stuff…”

“Oh sure they might sting for a bit. It’s for her own good. That’s part of that protection. I love her enough to lead her. To guide her. Invest in her. I’m not saying folks who don’t have that dynamic aren’t in love. They are. In their own way. It’s just that our love has a few other—perhaps even deeper—elements to it. That’s all. It’s our way of life. What works for us. But trust me, she’s the center of my universe. My everything.”

Courtney looked as if she wanted to say more but kept it to herself as an elated Layla came skipping back.

“Oh my gosh, this is the best day ever! So far. I guess the best day is coming up.” She took her fiancé by the hand. “I can’t wait!”

“Me neither, darlin’. Soon.”

---