Page 48 of Two Weeks in Tahoe

“No, no, it’s okay. I’m sorry for misunderstanding. I didn’t realize,” I say, shaking my head and lifting my mug to take a sip. We sit in silence for a moment, and I focus on the warm sensation as it slips down into my stomach, trying to gather my thoughts.

“It’s okay,” he states. “Sometimes I just get tired of people acting like I’m some delicate flower. I’m a big boy.”

“I know you are.” I nod. “But I’m here if you ever need to talk.”

He nods back, and we clink our glasses.

33

Liam

Daniela is leaving today, and we’re at Layla’s cabin saying our goodbyes. Earlier, Layla cooked us breakfast finally. I tried to fight her about it, but, alas, it was her kitchen, not mine. Maybe I can be a bit stubborn, but I just like taking care of her. I want to feed her, worship her, and make sure she’s always satisfied. And happy. After everything she’s been through, I want her to find happiness. And, selfishly, I wish she could find that here, with me. I think maybe I deserve a little bit of joy too. Not that I didn’t have any before, but I’ve always put everyone else’s needs before my own, and now, for once, I want something all for myself.

We had a great time at the ski slopes yesterday, and then I spent time at Layla’s cabin with just her and Daniela. I felt many times like Daniela was doing her best friend duties by interrogating me, but I was a good sport. I’m glad she has someone looking out for her. And I’m pretty sure I passed all tests with flying colors.

Once it started getting late, I left them alone for the evening and went back home to Jackson. My parents stayed another night, so first thing this morning, I left Jackson sleeping at home and cruised over to Layla’s to say goodbye to her best friend.

Today was the day Layla was originally scheduled to leave, and I can’t help but be glad that it’s not her I’m saying goodbye to right now. I still have two more weeks with her. I’ll take it.

As I help Daniela load up her compact SUV, she looks at me with the most serious stare I’ve seen on her so far. “Take care of our girl,” she says to me quietly, so Layla doesn’t hear. “You’re more special to her than I think she even realizes.”

I nod. “I will.”

She nods back, seeming satisfied. Then, much louder, she adds, “Oh, and tell Dex I said…” she flashes a vulgar gesture.

I tilt my head back and laugh. “I’ll give him the message.”

Her car pulls away, and Layla and I stand in the snowy driveway, my arm around her. She looks up at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“We have a couple more hours without the kiddo.” She smiles. “What should we do?”

I pick her up, grabbing her thick, strong thighs, and she wraps them around me. I carry her inside.

**

We enjoy a blissful afternoon spent making love in several different rooms of her cabin. Then we have dinner, which I cook in her kitchen, and now we’re sitting together on her couch reading. Layla is on her back with her fluffy blue socks in my lap, immersed in a book. I like to sneak glances at her sometimes while she’s reading. When she doesn’t realize I’m looking. Her face can get a bit animated when she’s deeply immersed in the story. It’s adorable.

Right now, her brows are slightly raised. She looks like she’s reading a particularly interesting part.

“What are you reading about?” I ask.

She looks at me, flushing instantly, trying to conceal a smirk.

“Ah. Is it dirty?” I ask with a grin.

“It’s… a little spicy,” Layla replies.

“Hmm…” I say, leaning toward her. She’s watching me as I trace kisses down her stomach, working my way toward the waistband of her grey sweatpants.

She goes to set her tablet down, but I grab her wrist and stop her, moving it back in front of her face.

I shake my head, grinning. “Keep reading, baby.”

She makes a face like she’s unsure, then gives in and goes along with it.

I pull her pants down, placing gentle kisses down her body until I get to that magic spot between her thighs. I kiss her there a few times over the pink lace, then slowly pull it aside and attack with my tongue, sucking with my mouth.

She tries to remain focused on her tablet for a few minutes, but it doesn’t take long for her to begin panting, and she tosses her device aside. Once I incorporate my fingers into the mix, she cries out in pleasure and I feel her body twitching.

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