Page 75 of Her Filthy Grump

When she brought up dinner with her parents, I freaked out. I don’t want them to ask what my plans are and not be able to declare that Layla’s the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. First, I need the house. Then, I need a ring.

Once I have those things set in stone, I’ll ask her to marry me, and together we can convince her parents that I’m a good catch.

My stomach churns. Am I ready for this? What if I fail her? I can’t stand the thought of not being the man she deserves.

My cell phone buzzes, and I glance down at it.

Roman: Hey, my flight gets in tomorrow night at ten.

What the fuck?The world goes black and spins in vicious circles inside my head. That messes up my entire timeline.

Me: I thought you were gone another week.

There was little chance I was going to get everything finalized in a week, but in just one day–that’s not going to happen. I’m going to have to find a rental. This is not how I wanted to start my future with Layla.

Roman: Nah, man. Missed home.

Sweat pools on my forehead. Layla will be out any second. Crap. I’ve got to get to the real estate agent and figure out where I’m going to live.

The front door opens, and Layla sprints out into the sunshine. Her face is freshly scrubbed, and even without an ounce of make-up, she’s beautiful. I want to wake up every morning next to this woman. It doesn’t matter where I live. Layla’s home.

A slow smile curves up to my cheeks. So what if the timeline is moved up, and I don’t know where I’m going to live? Layla’s my home.

Me: I get it.

Roman: Cool. Then you won’t mind heading back early.

Me: I’ll figure something out. Is it okay if I shack up with you until next week?

I don’t want to invite myself to stay at Layla’s rental. Her parents aren’t going to approve of us living together, and I don’t have a ring picked out yet. There’s so much to do. I thought I had more time.

Roman: Sure thing.

I wave at Layla and shift the gearshift into drive. I need to stop by the real estate agent and tell her about the change in plans. Surely, there’s somewhere else in town for rent until I can find the right place to purchase.

As I drive through town, I stop in front of the agent’s office. The closed sign hangs prominently in the window. Perfect. She doesn’t open until nine o’clock. Three more hours. Nothing like losing more time. Adrenaline buzzes through my veins. Am I really doing this?

I take in everything as I pull out from in front of the office. The streets are quiet, with a few vehicles dotting the parking spaces. Everything’s still as the sun continues to rise. The buildings look like a scene from a movie.

I love this town. I can see getting married to Layla and starting a family here. Our kids can grow up in the same cocoon of community support that Layla experienced. I’ve spent my entire life avoiding commitments, and she’s broken all those defenses in less than two months. When I’m with her, I feel complete.

Her parents. Will they approve of our relationship? Hell, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prove to them that I love their daughter and want to make her happy. Surely that’s all they’re hoping for. Okay, I’m positive they want her to remain here, and once they know I’m ready to make Meadow Bay my home, that should be a point in my favor.

As I pull into the station, my cell phone buzzes again. Who is it now? No one’s called my number in weeks besides my dad and Rich, and now, it’s like Grand Central Station.

Tabitha: We need to talk.

Fuck. I don’t want to talk to you.

Me: I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t have anything to say to you.

Tabitha: I only need five minutes.

Me: Later. I’ve got to go to work.

I shove my cell phone into my pocket and whistle as I walk to the station. This is where I cradled Layla in my arms for the first time. How would she feel about a wedding at the station? I chuckle. Yeah, not exactly romantic. I’ve got to pick Gavin’s brain for romantic gestures that don’t blow up in my face. I obviously don’t have the knack for that.

Cole opens the door and stops in mid-step. “Hey, bud. I was about to send out the search party for you.”

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