Page 17 of Falling for the Guy Next Door

Ella sat up with an idea. “Just play dumb. If she finds out, pretend you didn’t know.”

“I thought of that, but it seems like lying.”

“It’s definitely lying,” Rhett added as he carried the plates out to the front room.

“See, I’m not sure I can pull off a whopper of a lie like that. It’s bound to slip out.” I sat back with a growl of frustration. “For now, I’m not going to say anything. I actually hoped I could introduce them at some point, but Nash didn’t exactly jump at my suggestion. I’m sure he’s really busy. Oh, well, I’m starved, and your incredibly hot boyfriend has fixed us sandwiches that look so good they’re practically dancing on the plate.”

Rhett smiled as he settled into the big armchair with his plate. “Have I mentioned that Layla is my favorite Lovely sister?”

Ella looked at him incredulously.

“Well, after Ella, the ghost hunter, of course.”

I laughed as I picked up my sandwich. “What are you planning to do if you do find a ghost in the house?” I asked.

Ella shrugged. “Haven’t gotten that far yet on my plan, but it sure would make a great story.”

ChapterTen

Nash

Iclimbed out of the truck. The early morning sun was still working its way through the fog that rolled in the night before to blanket the town. The cold mist had brought a reprieve from the heat, but I was certain once the fog burned off, the sun would beat down on the worksite with all its might. My work boots felt hot on my feet, and I hadn’t even started the day yet. It was early, but there was already a line outside the bakery. I considered getting in the truck and forgetting about the pastry, but the line seemed to be moving quickly. I’d been telling myself I badly wanted to try a pastry, but I knew my real reason for stopping in at the bakery. I just needed to see her, get a glimpse of her, and hopefully take her smile with me to the workday.

The two women in front of me paused their conversation to glance back at me. One whispered something to the other and then giggled. I glanced at my reflection in the window to make sure I didn’t have something on my face. My gaze looked past the reflection. She was standing under the sparkling chandeliers inside the shop, smiling at a customer as she handed him a box of baked goods. I hadn’t been imagining it. She was incredible.

“Hey, aren’t you that singer?” a guy asked from behind.

I glanced over my shoulder and nodded. Something about the guy looked familiar, but I couldn’t place the face. “Yeah, how’s it going?” I said with a chin lift and turned back around.

“So, you work construction? That’s your day job? I’d have thought you were raking in enough money with your music to not have to work.”

I smiled. “Well, I wish that were the case, but it’s not.” I faced forward again. It was my turn to step into the bakery. In those few seconds, Layla spotted me, smiled sweetly and then that smile turned to a frown. Total disappointment. The guy behind me had slipped in, too, and my memory was jogged. It was him; the man Layla was hiding from outside the bar.

I reached the counter and was disappointed when one of the other women behind the counter stepped up to help me. Layla was helping a woman who was buying several loaves of bread that needed slicing and packing. Her smile hadn’t returned, and her thin shoulders looked tense as she pushed the bread through the slicer. It wasn’t exactly the bakery visit I’d been hoping for.

“Uh, I’ll have two cheese Danish,” I said.

The woman turned away to get the pastries. Layla wasn’t making eye contact with anyone. She was tense as she rang the woman up. Then it was his turn at the counter.

Layla’s mouth was pulled tight. “What can I get you?” she said coldly to him.

“Layla, I’m not here to buy anything.”

“Then please step aside, so I can help the next customer.” Layla waved her hand, and the weasel reached over the counter and grabbed hold of it.

“Let go, Dustin,” she said quietly not wanting to cause a scene in her sister’s bakery. Unfortunately, the scene had already started.

“Please, Layla, I saw you the other night at Comstock. I was so broken up about you running from me that I couldn’t even go back inside. Let’s talk. Please.”

“I’m working, Dustin.”

When he didn’t let go, I stepped over to their section of the counter. I leaned down and spoke quietly into his ear. “Let her go … now.”

He peered sideways at me. “This isn’t any of your business.”

I looked at him. “You’re right, but if you don’t let her go, you’re going to be walking out of here with far fewer teeth than when you walked in.”

Dustin released his grip. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Layla rubbing that same wrist. I really did want to knock some teeth out.

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