Page 14 of Two Weeks in Tahoe

As soon as she asks, my giant, furry Bernese mountain dog comes running up from behind me and nearly knocks her over. She almost falls on her butt again, but as I reach out to steady her, I realize she doesn’t need my help. Her feet are solidly planted on the ground, and she’s regained her balance on her own. I can’t help but laugh a little at her cute half-squat stance.

“Cocoa!” I say sternly. The fluffy beast sits down immediately and stares up at me, tail wagging, tongue out. I shake my head. Layla lets out a surprised squeal, reaching down to pet Cocoa.

“Sorry about that,” I say, wincing a little and looking her over to make sure she’s alright.

“It’s okay,” she laughs, petting Cocoa again. “So, Jackson?”

“Oh yeah, one sec. Jackson!” I call out.

She looks up at the sound of footsteps above us. Then, she returns her gaze to me, looking like she has a question on the tip of her tongue, but she holds it back. In return, I give a tight-lipped smile and lead her into the kitchen.

Jackson comes waltzing around the corner, immediately perking up when he sees Layla. He leaps to cover the rest of the gap between them.

“Layla!” he says, his face lighting up with excitement.

“Hey, Big J!” She greets him with a wide, genuine smile.

“Guess what, dude? Layla found your truck.” I interject.

Jackson freezes, eyes wide and face serious, like he doesn’t believe it. I hold the truck out to show him and he screams in excitement. He runs to grab it and then lunges at Layla, catching her off guard. She recovers well, though, and lets out a surprised laugh. I can’t help but laugh too.

Jackson starts thanking her, and she tells him it was nothing. It was right along her walkway, apparently. I don’t know how we missed it before, but I’m glad we have it now. The last couple of days had been rough for him, thinking he lost it.

“Can you stay for dinner, Layla?” Jackson asks out of nowhere.

“Oh, you know what Big J, I can’t…”

“Why not?” he questions, his expression falling.

“Well, I have to get back home, and I already have dinner plans. I’m so sorry.”

“What plans?” I ask, crossing my arms and staring her down with a look that hopefully says I don’t believe her.

“Oh…um…you know…” She stammers. She’s a terrible liar. Noted. I quirk an eyebrow and fight back a grin as I watch her squirm.

“You should stay,” I say. “We’ve got way too much roast, and it’s only the two of us…” She assesses me and must determine I’m being sincere, because she finally agrees—with a bit of hesitation still.

“That is, if Lord Davies allows it,” I add with a grin.

The surprised look on her face is priceless. Then she laughs, and her eyes light up.

11

Layla

I’m staying for dinner. It’s just the two of them…and me. I’m watching Liam’s shoulder muscles contract through his thin black crewneck sweater as he pours a glass of cabernet for me, thinking about how he might just be unattached—at least to a romantic partner. I’m not sure what the situation is with Jackson. Maybe he’s staying with his uncle for a long weekend?

Jackson starts talking animatedly about his favorite cartoon, which he apparently has an entire collection of cards for.

“Layla, which character is your favorite?” Jackson asks from beside me, perched on a barstool.

I quickly reply with the first name that comes to mind, earning a quirked eyebrow and thoughtful look of approval from Liam, who is now handing me my glass of red wine.

It’s one of the three characternames I know from that world. But they don’t need to know that.

Jackson nods in approval.

“Who is Liam’s favorite?” I turn to Liam with a teasing smirk on my face.

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