Page 42 of One Whopper of a Love Story

“You love me.”

It had to have been long enough. Without looking at the sharp end, I tucked this one with the other. “With all my heart. Now, let’s get you checked out.”

“I need pants!”

“It’s easier to check you out without them.” I winked.

Her giggle was a sweet sound because it meant she was breathing better. “Seriously. Let me just put them on. Did you check them for ants?” She scratched at her arms.

Hopefully the hives would start going down as the Benadryl worked through her system. I shook out her jeans and checked for ants inside and out before handing them to her.

“I’ll turn around. Holler if you need help.”

As soon as my back was to her, she pressed a kiss to the back of my neck. “I must’ve looked like a crazy woman yanking off my jeans on the side of the road.”

“If I hadn’t been so panicked, it might’ve been funny.” I crossed my arms and willed my heartrate to slow.

“Pants are on. I’m sorry about ruining the plans.”

“Ants ruined the plans. Not you. Besides, the L word was a nice surprise.” I made sure she was tucked inside before slamming the door.

Today was turning out nothing like I’d planned except for one part. While the doctor was making sure she was okay, I’d message Dag and Garrett and warn them about what was happening. My party plans were on standby, but I wasn’t ready to give up on the surprise just yet.

Chapter 21

Layla

I blinked as we walked out of the brightly lit emergency room into the darkness. Unlike the last time I’d come here, this visit took hours. All the plans he’d made were shot.

“Nico, I’m so sorry.”

His fingers were laced with mine, and he squeezed my hand. “I’m just glad you’re okay and that you found out about the allergy stuff. Maybe that will help you.”

I’d definitely be following up on allergy shots, and I wouldn’t be taking Nico to those appointments.

“I ruined all your plans.” My stomach rumbled from hunger, but I didn’t feel like sitting in a restaurant. The hives were better but not gone, and being stared at by strangers wasn’t how I wanted to spend the rest of my birthday.

“We’re together. That’s the important part. Why don’t we head back to my place? Then we can figure out dinner.”

I waited until he opened my door, then slid into my seat. “Yeah.”

He’d spent a lot of time on his phone while the doctor and nurses fussed over me, so he must’ve been canceling reservations. Why was it that the end of the habits always seemed to go sideways?

I’d been eager for the end of the five months. It felt like a fork in the road, a possible change in direction.

We were both quiet on the way to his house, but his thumb brushed back and forth across the side of my hand all the way.

“You didn’t pass out.”

“I was more worried about you than the pointy thing.” He shot me a side glance. “Then when you started talking about not making it...” His lips pinched, and he stared at the road.

“I was scared, and I wanted you to know how I felt.” I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, appreciating how amazing it felt to have this big, strong man holding my hand. With him, I felt protected and loved. “It isn’t that things are always perfect, but...” Lips pinched, I choked back the emotion that threatened to overwhelm me. “But what we have is good.”

“I love you too, Layla. So much.”

Nothing about his words surprised me, but hearing them out loud warmed me from head to toe.

“Please do me a favor.” His voice was rough and sounded more like a plea than a simple request.

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