Painting Rainbows

by Kiera Jayne

  “Hey. Layla, look at me.”

  Layla shook her head.

  Grady’s hand travelled over her back and shoulders in comforting circles. “Come on, gorgeous.”

  “I can’t,” Layla hissed.

  “Yes, you can,” Grady encouraged.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t have done this,” Layla whispered.

  “Why did you?”

  “Because I needed to see you.”

  Grady noticed a tear trickle down her cheek. She was petrified. He slowly wrapped his hand around her wrist. “We’re going to climb the rest of the way, alright?”

  Layla shook her head vehemently again. “No.”

  “Yes. Layla, trust me. Conquer your fear.”

  The softness in his voice was calming and slowly, Layla’s body began to relax.

  “That’s it, love. Nice and easy. We can do this, right?”

  Layla nodded again.

  “Good. Now, put your hand here.” Grady guided her trembling hand up to another rock. “That’s it. Up you go.”

  Slowly but surely, the pair made their way to the top of the cliff, Grady encouraging Layla the whole way. When they reached the top, they collapsed in a heap.

  “You did it!” Grady laughed.

  “Oh, my God, I did it!” Layla agreed. She fist-pumped the air and Grady laughed again.

  He pulled her into a hug. “Congratulations. You conquered your fear.”

  When Grady pulled back, their laughter died down as their gazes connected. Whenever they were near one another, Layla and Grady were electric together. They sparked like two fuses when they touched and right now, they could feel the magnetic pull as their lips started to drift towards each other.

  Grady swallowed. “You said you needed to see me?”

  Layla nodded. “I need to make you understand.”

  The image of Layla kissing her husband flashed through his mind. Grady’s body tensed, and he quickly got to his feet and unhooked himself from the rope.

  “Grady, please wait.” Layla tried to follow him, but was snagged by the rope.

  “What for? You’ve got your husband back. That’s it, then.”

  “But it isn’t!” Layla barely managed to catch him by the wrist. “That’s not it at all!”

  Grady spun on her. “I saw you kissing him, Layla! I came by to check on you last night and I saw you. You were so caught up in each other. There’s no denying how you feel about him.”

  “You’re wrong!” Layla threw her helmet off. “Not about the kiss, but about how I feel. That kiss . . . it wasn’t what you think!”

  “What the fuck do you mean by that?” Grady exclaimed.

  “He kissed me. And I think it had to happen because . . . because it was like I was saying goodbye. It had to happen because it made me realise that I’m not in love with him. He doesn’t make me feel safe, or important. He doesn’t have my trust. He doesn’t make me laugh. That’s all you, Grady. I love you.”

  Grady gritted his teeth together. His hands balled into fists at his sides and he turned away from her. “I don’t know what I believe, Layla. This to and fro shit . . . I can’t do it.”

  “I know. I’m sorry about that.” Tears trickled down Layla’s cheeks as he took a few angry steps away from her. “Rick isn’t right for me. He never was. We weren’t a good fit. If we were, he would never have strayed and I would never have given in to you. I’m in love with you. Whether you believe it or not, that’s up to you. But Grady? I. Love. You.”

  He stopped. His shoulders rose and fell in time with his laboured breathing. “Fuck it.”

  Grady spun back to her. He crossed the distance in two long strides, gathered her into his arms, and laid a passionate kiss on her. His arm folded around her shoulders as he teased her open and delved his tongue into the depths of her mouth, eliciting a moan from her.

  Layla’s fingers dug into his shoulder as she clung to him, never wanting to let him go.

  “God, I fucking love you, gorgeous,” Grady panted when he had broken off the kiss.

  “I love you so much,” Layla breathed.

  “It’s definitely over between you and Rick?”

  “It was over before he even came here, Grady,” Layla assured him.

  Grady kissed her again, slower this time.

  “I even gave him his ring back,” Layla added. She splayed her left hand out for him to see.

  Grady chuckled. “For me?”

  “For us,” Layla clarified. Mischief flashed in her eyes as she added, “That’s it.”

  “Take me home, Layla Stroud. I want to make love to you all day long.”

  “It’s Layla O’Connell.”

  He flashed her the Grady Smirk. “Perhaps for now.”

  Before Layla could wonder too much about that statement, he kissed her once again.

  Two months later . . .

  “Come on, gorgeous. We’re going to be late!” Grady called into the bathroom as he knocked lightly on the door.

  The tiny, two-bedroom terraced house they had recently moved into together at the other end of the village was still fairly bare and lacking any Layla/Grady flare so far. But Grady was ecstatic that he had convinced Layla to stay in the U.K. longer and give their relationship a real chance. In a week, her aunt and uncle would move into the cottage for their retirement and with Will back, Grady was no longer needed at Myra’s house, so he and Layla had needed new lodgings. Living together seemed to be the most logical decision.

  Rick had signed the divorce papers a week ago, but according to Australian law, it could take up to four months for the divorce to be finalised. In the meantime, Rick had granted Layla’s wish by going back to Canberra, but not before he had put a stop to the paps harassing his soon-to-be ex-wife. Something about bribes again and a lawsuit that he would take out on anyone who continued to pursue her. Grady and Layla decided not to ask questions. Grady knew his girl had had enough of the political world and its poison. He was grateful she wanted to live a quiet life with him. That didn’t mean he’d let her become complacent, though. Grady would still challenge Layla as much as possible . . . just in a less forceful way than he’d been doing. Even he could admit he’d been a bit of a wanker.

  Layla opened the door and Grady couldn't help but check her out in the sexy red dress she was wearing. The sleeves were a little bit long for his liking, but his Aussie girl wasn't used to such mild summers and tended to complain about her shoulders being cold. But damn it, Layla could make anything look good.

  “I'm ready!” she announced. “This is nerve wracking. I didn't do a very good painting of you.”

  Grady laughed at the way she pouted. “You're such a Negative Nelly when it comes to your art. C’mere.”

  Layla moved into his arms. “It's part and parcel of being an artist, Grady. We’re tortured.” She sighed for dramatic effect.

  Grady laughed again. “Hush it . . . and kiss me.”

  Layla gladly obliged and leaned into him. She would never get enough of Grady’s kisses. As their tongues danced and teased, Grady’s hands roamed over Layla's body and came to rest at the top of her arse.

  “You're so fucking beautiful, gorgeous,” he murmured.

  “We’d better get going,” Layla reminded him. As they descended the staircase, she looked at his dapper suit, which he wore without a tie. “You're going to give all the women heart palpitations.”

  “Is that your way of saying I'm hot stuff?” Grady asked as they left the house.

  Layla threw him a suggestive smile.

  When Layla and Grady arrived at the town hall, they were greeted by Olsen, the owner of the town’s pub, who served them both champagne. They thanked him and moved towards Katie, Howard and Mrs. Pearce.

  “Good evening,” Grady said.

  “Oh, hi you two!” Katie hugged Layla while the men shook hands. “Isn't this fancy? Sue’s gone all out.”

  “All of this for our little showing of our class’ work?” Layla said.

  “Apparentl
y so,” Rosie said.

  Grady hid his sheepish smile behind his champagne glass and took a sip.

  “Shall we go in?” Hector asked.

  Grady gestured towards the door. “Lead the way.” He laced his fingers with Layla’s and the four friends entered the old hall.

  “Welcome, Grady, Layla. Isn’t this exciting?” Sue gushed.

  “Ah, sure,” Layla stammered.

  “Oh, don't be nervous, Layla. We’re all friends here,” Sue soothed her.

  “That's the truth?” Myra spoke up as she and the main bloke in her life squeezed in behind them. “I'm not sure I'm looking forward to seeing my brother naked, though. Which is why we left Edwin with a ‘sitter.”

  “I'm interested to see how this lot interprets ya, mate,” Will said as he smacked Grady on the shoulder.

  “There's a lot more to it than me,” Grady said.

  “He's right. Tonight is about my budding artists. Make sure to go into the back room and see the extra gallery we’ve got set up once we open it.” Sue nudged Grady and he winked at her.

  “I'm so proud of everyone in the class. They've done so well. They've captured you perfectly,” Layla muttered as she pecked Grady's cheek.

  “Ah, I spy yours!”

  Layla suppressed the desire to cringe as Grady dragged her over to her painting, which she still thought was awful. She may have come around to accepting that her other paintings weren't so bad, but when it came to painting people, Layla was atrocious.

  Grady wrapped his arms around her from behind and whispered into her ear, “Remember, it’s just an interpretation.”

  Layla rested her head back against him. “I wish I could do you justice. You're so handsome, Grady.”

  “And I think seeing me in multicolour is an enlightening experience.”

  “Enlightening?” Layla queried.

  “Yes. Enlightening. Flattering. Abstract . . .”

  “Shi—"

  Grady covered her mouth with his hand. “Don't you dare say that word.”

  Layla changed tactics. “Shhhould we look at the other section?” She spun around and smiled up at him.

  “Ah. Right. About that—"

  “May I have everyone's attention, please?” Sue shouted over the din.

  A couple of people started tapping their glasses and soon, everyone was hushed.

  “Thank you. We'd like to welcome you all to our little art showing. This class was a pleasure to teach. We've had laughs and wonderful stories and love blossom,” she indicated Layla and Grady, “all in the span of six weeks. Class, if you could all make your way over here. Let's see you all.”

  The five members of the class joined Sue in front of the crowd. Rosie put her arm around Layla and Taleesha’s shoulders, and Taleesha took Mrs. Pearce’s hand, and so on down the line.

  “These incredible people, from all walks of life, came together six weeks ago to learn how to paint a model. The fruits of their labour you can see here, around us, today. Look at all of these beautiful paintings. Aren't they wonderful?”

  Applause erupted around the room.

  “And of course, our handsome model.” Sue waved Grady over.

  He obliged. Layla noticed his face deepen a shade and she stifled a giggle.

  “Grady was brave enough to pose for us. That in itself deserves applause, too.”

  The gathering followed Sue’s direction and clapped for Grady as she handed him a fancy bottle of liquor with a bow on the neck.

  “Thank you, Sue,” he said as he hugged the woman.

  “Are you ready?” Sue whispered.

  Grady's nod was imperceptible.

  “Good.” Sue patted Grady’s shoulder and glanced at the crowd. “Mill around, eat and drink and enjoy the art. The second section will be open very soon.”

  Layla started to wander over to Rosie's painting.

  “Not you, Layla. Come with me.” Grady caught her hand and pulled her towards the curtained off area.

  “But Sue said it's not open, yet,” Layla protested.

  “We’re the exception.”

  “Why?” Layla asked as Grady pulled her behind the curtain.

  Layla stopped in her tracks. Her hand fell from Grady’s and her mouth fell open. All around her were her paintings, displayed in the most dignified and professional manner possible. She turned on the spot and took it all in.

  “I know you're ashamed of your art, Layla. But I don't want you to be. I think it's as gorgeous as you are, and I think that people should see it. It's too good not to share with the world,” Grady murmured. “Is that okay?”

  “Do you really think they'll like my stuff?” Layla's voice shook with nervousness.

  Grady cupped her face. “I'm positive.”

  “Well . . . alright then. Let them in, I guess.” Layla shrugged.

  “I think, maybe you should do the honours.”

  Fear tinged her green eyes as Layla shook her quickly head.

  “It's okay.” Grady wrapped his arms around her. “Sue! Let them in!” He called.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, the art of Layla O’Connell.”

  Sue parted the curtain and the crowd moved inside. Gasps and whispers of admiration permeated the room.

  “These paintings are spectacular, Layla. Simply spectacular,” the green grocer said.

  Olsen ditched his tray of champagne glasses and pulled his chequebook from his pocket. “Do you offer payment plans?”

  Layla looked puzzled. “Payment plans?”

  “I'd like to buy that landscape over there. The one of the lake and the old ruins. It would look great above my mantel. But I make a modest living and there's no way I could pay for it in a lump sum,” Olsen explained.

  “You want to buy a painting from me?” Layla exclaimed.

  “Yes, I love it. I think it captures our area perfectly. So?” Olsen asked.

  “Well, sure. If you love it that much . . . But can I get back to you? I have to . . .” she indicated Grady.

  “Oh. Of course. Excuse me, I'd best get back to work, anyhow. We’ll talk later, yeah?”

  Layla nodded.

  “Good-o.”

  As soon as the publican moved away, Layla spun to Grady. “You were right. They love it!”

  “You see, gorgeous? Do you believe me, now?” Grady teased.

  “I'm sorry I didn't. My confidence has taken a serious battering this year. Thank you for helping me find it again. I love you so much.”

  The sincerity in Layla's voice was strong—it was full of love and Grady's whole body seemed to swell with love in return.

  “I can't describe how much I love you, Layla. Not in so many words. But I can show you. So, here goes nothing.”

  He appeared awfully nervous all of a sudden. He blew out a breath, then knelt down on one knee. Everything around them seemed to fade away as Layla watched him. Was he—?

  “Layla . . .” he revealed a velvet box and pulled it open, revealing a diamond and rose gold engagement ring. “I love you, gorgeous. Will you marry me?”

  Her smile was so big and so persistent that Layla's cheeks began to ache. She took a shaky breath and whispered, “Yes. Yes, Grady, yes!”

  Grady became teary, too, as he slid the beautiful ring onto her finger. “So, that's a yes, then?”

  Layla laughed at him.

  The room erupted in applause again as her sexy Englishman scooped Layla into his arms and kissed the living daylights out of her.

  There may not have been a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but they had led Layla to a new life, a new love, and new joy, and for that, she was so grateful. As she traced her finger across the brand-new rainbow tattoo on Grady’s neck, Layla realised rainbows would be a part of her life for a long time to come.

  The End

  The release of this book is a dream come true. Becoming a published author was something I never imagined could happen up until two years ago. I would like to thank Sharon, Aunty Robyn, Aunty Kay, Jackie, Peter, Jenny, Michelle
B, and so many other friends for believing in me and always being enthusiastic about hearing my updates on this road to becoming an author, even when sometimes I might chew your ears out about it.

  To Mum and Dad, you know how important you are to me. Love you both.

  To my sprinting buddies, Lauren, Josephine, Kate, Andria, Mikey (whomever else I have missed). You all motivate the shit out of me and we have so much fun whilst writing. You folks crack me up.

  E Kay, Derek, Morgie, Laura & Esther, I've made friends with a lot of incredible authors, but you four are by far the four I've connected with the most. I truly feel like I've made lifelong friends with you.

  To my cover designer, Megan @ Designed With Grace, you're an incredible artist and thank you for working with me.

  My editor, Silvia. You’re the best damn editor an author could ask for and you’ve taught me so much. You’ve really helped me hone my craft, so thank you.

  To Melissa, my PA. Thank you for teaching me so much during our time together.

  All the indie authors, photogs, models, designers and everyone in this industry who have welcomed me, befriended me, guided me. THANK YOU. This is the most amazing, inspiring group of people I have ever had the pleasure of being involved with. My mind is blown away on a daily basis by this community. I love it to pieces.

  And finally, to the most important people: the readers. I can't be an author without readers. I'm so grateful you took a chance on this newbie author. Thank you for choosing to pick up my book and give it a go. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope that you will continue to follow my work. You are the BEST. I love you all! Until next time! xoxoxo

  I grew up in country New South Wales, Australia and spent my formative years having all sorts of fun on the sheep and cattle farms my grandad and uncles helped to run, as well as spending lots of time in Tamworth, NSW, which fostered in me a love of the bush.

  In my early twenties, I spent a year in Europe, which I consider one of the best years of my life and would live there permanently given half the chance.

  I am a crazy dog lover, I love music, reading, history and traveling, Marvel films and epic television dramas such as Outlander and Vikings. I love the cold, I can’t stand the heat of summer and I will pick peas out of absolutely everything, because eew!