Page 88 of The Sky in Summer
“We need to talk it all out. But can we justbefor a little while? I want to show you how much you were missed.”
I take his arm and stop our steps.
“Wait. First I want to hear you say the words.”
It sounds like an order, but it is more a plea.
“I love you, Layla.”
“Who else?” I say, head tilted to the side.
He chuckles.
“I love you, mon cheri,” Pepe Le Pew says.
“Who else?”
“I love you, Miss Peaches,” Rowdy answers.
“And who else?”
“I love whoever you will become.”
“I love all of you too. I love you and Pepe and Rowdy and Frenchie. And I don’t care how we’re going to make it work. I only care that we do.”
“So I take it friendship is off the table?” he teases.
“You shouldn’t have ever suggested it.”
“Me? You were the one who lectured me on the wonders of staying friends with benefits. Come here. Give me my benefits.”
This time the kisses reach another level. Decidedly lower.
“Let’s go upstairs, okay? We can come back here later and put on the fig leaves or eat an apple. Whatever you planned. I want to do it all. But let’s start the meal at dessert.”
I take him by the hand and lead him to the stairs. We climb fast. Anxious to get to the heart of things.
“Is it all right to be in their bed? Do they know?” I chuckle.
“They know.”
With a start, I grab his arm outside the master bedroom door.
“Wait! The boys! We’re supposed to go to dinner.”
“They’re in on it too.”
“Really?” I lean my head back and look him up and down, impressed by the details of the con.
“I hate to tell you, but the horse is out of the barn, and the cat’s out of the bag. The whole zoo is loose.”
“I missed that,” I say, kissing his nose. “I never laughed with anyone like I laugh with you.”
He likes that I said so. It’s all over that fabulous face.
“Here’s who already knows.” He lifts a hand and starts counting on his fingers. “David, Tyler, Dove, Noble, Scarlett.” The other hand rises. “Parish, Sam, Teddy, and my parents.” Two open palms face me. “Ten people. It might as well be on the news. I needed them, well, some of them. I am only here for three days this visit. And I didn’t want anyone to feel left out,or, and this is the most important part, expect a visit.”
“No?”
