Page 42 of Two Weeks in Tahoe

Dex scoops him up effortlessly. “What’s up dude?”

“Dex, you would not believe all the stuff Grandma and Grandpa got me this weekend!”

“Tell me all about it, Big J.” he says, encouraging Jackson, who dives into stories with excitement. Meanwhile, Layla and I sit by the window, where the setting sun gives her a soft, golden glow. We share a quiet, meaningful look, and smile at the conversation happening beside us. There’s something unspoken in the way our eyes meet, a mutual understanding that doesn’t need words.

Jackson scurries back to the table and she rips her gaze from mine. If anyone is going to take her attention away from me, I’m glad it’s him.

Dex grins, reaching over to clap my shoulder. “Listen, I promised Layla here a meal, and maybe Jackson because he’s so cool, but you’re paying for your own, big man.” He’s fucking with me like he always does.

I chuckle. “That’s fair. I’m not nearly as pretty as her, nor do I smell as good.”

Jackson nods in agreement. “That’s true, you don’t,” he retorts, making everyone laugh.

Layla leans over, giving me a sly smile. “You smell good to me.”

I wink at her and her smile grows wider.

I turn to Dex, throwing him a playful look. “So, I heard you were entertaining my girl last night.”

I don’t realize what I’ve just called her until it’s already out there. I catch Layla’s gaze and own it, tilting the corner of my mouth up. She doesn’t know how to react, and I enjoy watching her squirm. It’s adorable. Dex, ever the loyal friend, doesn’t say anything—he simply carries on smoothly. “I was happy to. We had a great time,” he says.

I’m giving him a hard time, but really, I’m glad he kept her company while I was away the rest of the night. I know she is okay with being by herself, but I hate the idea of her sitting at the bar all alone. If I hadn’t needed to go get Jackson, I never would have left town.

“It was,” Layla agrees.

“Besides that dweeb bothering you girls,” Dex adds.

I whip my head in his direction, then look back and forth between him and Layla. “What?”

“You remember that guy from the gym? He showed up last night while I was here,” Layla shrugs, like it’s no big deal. It sure as hell is.

“Did he lay a hand on you? What did he do? I swear he better hope I never see his face around town again.” I’m fuming.

“Relax, dude,” Dex says. “We handled it, and I’m certain he’s not showing up here again. Apparently poor Carly went on a date with him and he couldn’t take the rejection after.”

I feel only slightly better knowing he wasn’t there specifically to mess with Layla, but I don’t want him messing with Carly either.

“Liam,” Layla says, locking me in with her gaze. “It’s fine. He said one stupid comment. I’m fine.” She squeezes my leg under the table.

We move on, but I’m not going to forget that guy. It’s a small town. He better hope I don’t see him again.

Dex ends up hanging with us for most of the meal. He bullshits with Jackson and we tell funny stories from our teenage years. Layla listens with rapt attention, thoroughly enjoying all the tales of our old antics.

We leave the restaurant, swing by the store on the way home for movie snacks, then head back to my place for an evening in. Layla fits in with us so effortlessly, like a piece of the puzzle we didn’t know was missing.

28

Layla

I love the movie. Even with Big J next to me quoting half the lines. It may even add more to the experience. It’s adorable. And the entire time, I get to sit between two amazing guys. I’m a lucky girl.

Liam gets up to put our snacks away and use the bathroom, leaving me alone with Jackson. We discuss the movie, and he appreciates all of my honesty and feedback. The way he becomes so animated when he recaps his favorite parts is precious.

He has his favorite little blue truck on the seat next to him. The one that brought us all together when he lost it that fateful day. I eye it, itching to know more.

“How long have you had your truck for?” I ask him curiously, nodding toward it.

He looks over and grabs it, clutching it to his chest. His sandy brown hair flops over his brow as he tilts his head down toward it, and I sense him starting to close up.

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