by Morgan Fox
He swallowed hard. “I spent my life fearing commitment because of the shit man my father was. He treated my mom like she was nothing, leaving her with a kid to raise alone. My mother never had a kind word to say about him, so she said nothing. I could sense that there was never any love between them and when he abandoned us…I never wanted to feel that way again. I was wrong to think that, Layla.”
“I’m sorry you had a jerk for dad. I hate that you went through that.”
“I realized something over the last few days.”
She slanted him with a gaze. “What’s that?”
“I’ve never given anyone a chance to get close to me. Not until you.”
She shifted on the barstool, pulling her hands from his. “Luke,” she whispered. “I can’t.”
He lowered his head. “I’m not my dad, Layla. You helped me see that. I had hoped you’d see that I’m different now. I’m different because of you.”
“Luke, I want to believe that you’re nothing like the gossip that circulates around you. But I watched those women falling all over you. How can I ever trust that temptation and opportunity won’t give way to cheating on me?”
“I’m no cheater. I’ve never cheated on anyone before.”
“But you’ve never committed to anyone either. How can I be sure you won’t freak out and run from me the first chance you get?” She shook her head. “I can’t do this again. I can’t fall in love with you only to have my heart torn from my chest.”
He stood, spun her barstool and crowded in on her, his hands resting on either side of her against the bar. “Are you in love with me, Layla?”
He was too close. She couldn’t think. His musk scent was overpowering her mind, ruling her brain. “Stop. Don’t.”
With his mouth at her ear, he asked again, “Are you in love with me?”
She held her breath and closed her eyes, trying to imagine he wasn’t as close to her as he was, that he didn’t affect her so much. “I can’t do this,” she finally said. “It’s too hard.”
“Fuck hard, Layla. I’m throwing myself at you. Something I’ve never done in my life. I’ve told you I’m in love with you. I want you, damn it. I need you. I’ve never felt this way for another person ever. You are the only one I’ve ever considered spending my entire life with. I’ve hated not being with you these last few days. It practically killed me to wait.”
“But it might not matter after today,” she told him, her eyes filled with tears.
“Why not?”
Her lower lip quivered as she thought about what she had planned to do if the job opportunity didn’t come through at the center. “I applied for a job at an equestrian center. If I don’t get it…I’m going back to Kentucky.”
* * * *
Luke’s world was crumbling. The first woman he’d ever loved was preparing to leave him, just as he always feared would happen. He stepped back and dug his hands into his hips.
“When will you know?”
“Sometime today. I’m assuming I didn’t get the job since I haven’t heard anything yet.”
He scraped his shoe over the hardwood floor, his heart beating at a thundering pace. “So you’re leaving, then.”
“I haven’t told anyone yet.”
He was lost. She was already gone. Nothing had prepared him for the gut punch he’d receive if she rejected him. Somehow in his mind, he’d pictured the outcome differently.
He laughed, but it wasn’t a joyful sound. “I really fucked up,” he told her, sitting back down beside her. “I had everything I never knew I wanted and I blew it.”
Silence swallowed them whole. “I can’t believe I didn’t see the forest through the trees.” He stood, facing her. “I wish you all the best, Layla. You deserve that and more.”
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, the salty taste of her tears filled his mouth. Biting the inside of his cheek, he kept his emotions in check as he stepped through the doors of Iron Horse and out of her life. She was lost to him and it was all his fault. If he’d only been a better man, a man who knew what he had before it was stripped from him. If only he’d had a clue sooner that his heart was stolen by a sweet girl from Kentucky, maybe he wouldn’t feel as if he were dying.
Without Layla, his world would turn upside down. He got to his motorcycle and pressed his fingers to the tank. Memories of their time together flooded through him, robbing him of breath. What the fuck was he doing? She was still here and so was he. He didn’t have to watch her leave. He could convince her to stay. It was the only thing he could do. That, or follow her to Kentucky.
He stormed back inside. She whirled around to see him coming toward her. “It’s not over,” he said gruffly, before pulling her into his arms and kissing her hard.
Her arms surrounded him, clasping around his neck as he took possession of her. “I want you. Only you,” he managed to say between kisses. “Don’t leave now, Layla. Not when I just found you.”
She broke the kiss. “I’m scared. I don’t want to be hurt. I tried so hard not to love you.” Tears rolled from her eyes. “But I think I always have.”
He cupped her face. “I know, baby. I know. I feel that way, too. And I’m just as freaked out as you are.”
She laughed. “We make quite the pair, you know?”
He kissed her again and placed his forehead against hers. “Don’t leave, Layla. Stay.”
She sighed, shaking her head. “I don’t know.”
“Then I’m coming with you.”
She gasped. “No. You can’t give up your job for me.”
He smiled, his eyes wet with tears. “It’s just a job. I’ll get another one.”
“I can’t let you do that.” When he moved to argue, she glared at him. “I won’t let you do that.”
“Then stay with me,” he pleaded. “I’ll help you find another training gig. I’ve got connections.”
She caressed the side of his face. “Why me?” she asked, her voice just above a whisper. “Of all the women in your life, why me?”
“It must be a Kentucky thing,” he replied with a wink.
She laughed. “Seriously. Why me?”
He shrugged. “Can you answer that about me?”
She licked her lips, pulling him close to press her cheek to his chest. “You’re kind, easy to talk to, and sexy as hell.”
He chuckled, rubbing her back. “I could say the same thing about you. Except I could add that you bring out the best in me. When I look at you, I see forever and that’s never happened before.”
She looked up at him, and with his thumb, he brushed away the fallen tears. “I feel the same way about you, Luke. And I can’t believe you feel the same way about me.”
He kissed her. “I love you, Layla and if you let me, I’ll love you forever.”
“Okay,” she said softly. “You win. Forever it is.”
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning when Luke woke he felt different. It probably had something to do with the strawberry-scented pillow beneath his head and the warm woman cradled in his arms. Layla’s soft breath teased against his neck and her leg rested over his. Perfect. He loved how she molded against him and made him content with just her presence. Over the last several weeks he’s spent more time in her bed then he had his own and that didn’t seem to bother him at all.
When he’d promised her forever and she’d accepted, he almost couldn’t believe it. That wasn't like him and as he replayed the moment in his mind, he thought it had to be a dream. But waking up beside her in her bedroom, he knew it wasn’t a dream. He wanted a lifetime to be with Layla, to get to know her better than she knew herself. She infiltrated him so effortlessly and the adoration he felt for her was genuine. Loving her would be easy. If anything, she’d gotten the short end of the deal. He was a difficult man with an emotionally challenged past, but he would do everything in his power to show her just how much she meant to him.
Unknowingly, she had changed him, made him want to be the man he alwa
ys should've been. There would be no more situations where he risked losing Layla. That could never happen. They belonged together and he would prove it. Every single day, for the rest of his life.
“I’m going to have to press charges against you for stalking if you don’t stop staring at me like that.” Opening her eyes, she exhaled a breathy laugh.
“Is that so?” he said with a chuckle, remembering when he’d said the same thing to her the first night he’d stayed over. “I think I might know a cop you can call.” He pulled her on top of him. “He’s very thorough.”
She bit her lower lip. “Is he hot?”
His laughter grew and then settled to a soft smile as he gazed up at her. He could spend a million mornings looking at her like this. The warm burst of the morning sun creeping through the window, setting her hair on fire with its bright yellow glow, her blue eyes sparkling with the love reflected from his own eyes. Cupping her face, he coaxed her down for a sweet morning kiss.
“Will you go out with me tonight?” he asked. “I think I’d like to shoot some pool and play darts with you.”
She frowned. “I don’t know how to play. Iron Horse was the first place I’d ever seen people do that.”
“And you never tried?”
She shook her head. “I was always too afraid that all those people would see right through to this small-town country girl’s soul and shred me bare.”
“You are no longer small town, Layla. You’ve worked at one of the most well-known bars in town and you can handle the clientele better than you give yourself credit for.” He gently pinched her chin. “You’ve got balls, baby.”
“Thanks,” she told him, snuggling against him. “They’re Sam’s. I borrow them sometimes.”
With laughter in his words he said, “I don’t doubt that. But I think you’ve grown your own pair, so you can give hers back.”
She rested her chin on his chest and stared up at him. Sadness filled her gaze. “The equestrian center never called.”
“I’m sorry, honey. I’ll help you find something else. That was just one of—”
“Three,” she added. “I called three places and that was the first one to have a position available.”
“There will be others,” he told her and he believed that. She had too much heart and love for horses for someone not to see how perfect she was to hire. “It could take time, but don’t give up.”
“If I didn’t give up on you, I certainly won’t give up on my dream.”
He kissed her forehead. “That’s my girl.”
Her phone rang and she slid over to answer it. As she spoke, her voice was even, devoid of emotion. He couldn’t tell who was on the other end of the line.
“I see,” she said, keeping her eyes averted from him. For a long while, she didn’t say anything, just listened. “Yes, I appreciate it. Thank you so much for calling.”
When she returned her phone to the night stand, she sat up on the edge of the bed and inclined her head to look at him from over her shoulder. “That was the equestrian center. I didn’t get the full-time job.”
He sat up, moving to sit beside her, his heart aching. “Layla, I’m sorry. Another position will come available. I know it.”
A slow, budding smile emerged from her face. “One already has. I didn’t get the full-time position, but I did get the part-time one.” She clapped her hands together. “So that means I’ll get to train horses, build my resume, and work at Iron Horse.”
He wrapped her in his arms. “That’s great.” He eased her back. “Are you sure you still want to work at the bar?”
“Of course. I couldn’t stop working with Sam and the girls. I’ve grown to like being with them. The tips aren’t bad either and since I’ll need to go buy new riding clothes and gear, I’ll need the money.”
He stood. “It’s settled. You’re going out with me tonight and we’re celebrating.” Kissing the top of her head, he reminded her, “I’ve got to run into work today, but when I return, I’m taking you out.”
The smile that tugged at her lips had him as excited as he was his first Christmas. He’d never realized something could feel so good. Their connection, the strange feelings that thrived between them, was growing every day and he loved it.
“I’ll be waiting.”
She was going to wait for him. He loved the sound of that, too.
* * * *
A burning acid churned in Layla’s belly as Luke tugged her into the bar. It wasn’t as nice as Iron Horse, but it was still hopping with people playing pool and darts.
“Can I get you a drink?” Luke asked, guiding her through the sea of people toward the bar.
He found an available barstool and she sat down on it.
“A lite beer would be good.”
He placed his order with a bartender who would give Zerina a run for her money with the number of piercings and tattoos she had. A flutter of surprise raced along her skin as she caught sight of a man at the end of the bar eyeing her. She turned her head to look behind her to make sure she was the target of his interest. Then she glanced up at Luke, who’d clearly noticed as well.
“Should I pee on you?” he asked, spinning her to face him. “Maybe I should mark my territory.”
She laughed. “Why?”
He placed his hands on her knees, spreading her legs so he could stand between them. She wrapped her arms around his waist. “You know why,” he said in a guttural tone that had her panties dampening. “That guy at the end of the bar is eye-fucking you.”
Her body heated at the way he said fucking. She loved the way his voice dropped an octave each time he talked dirty. Clearing her thoughts, she said, “Well, if that’s the case, I’d get to pee on you, too.”
He frowned. “He’s not checking me out.”
“No, but they are.” She pointed to the table were several women were eyeing him as if they knew exactly what he looked like naked.
He turned to see who she was talking about and when he faced her again, he was grinning wickedly. “I see only one solution to our problem.”
“And what’s that?”
He caressed her cheek, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip. “We let them know we’re not interested.”
She scooted to the edge of the barstool, her legs wrapping around him as she arched her neck to look up at him. “And how do we do that?”
Luke leaned forward, weaved his fingers into her hair, and she braced for the passion-filled kiss he unleashed on her. Damn, he tasted good. So hot, spicy, and sweet. His lips were full and his kiss wasn’t rough, but then again it wasn’t exactly gentle either. It was primal, and both were consumed by desires that surged between them.
Her hands dug into his ass as the heels of her shoes massaged the backs of his legs. He pulled her close, her breast crushing against his chest, while his tongue darted inside her mouth. She moaned, the fiery heat of his kiss and public possession was almost too much.
He broke off the kiss and sucked in a ragged breath, but he didn’t let go of her hair. He used it to pull her closer, placing his mouth at her ear. “I want to fuck you so bad right now. I want to bend you over that barstool and shove my cock inside you. I want to feel your tight ass, your pussy…fuck, I want your mouth on me.”
Her heart was pounding against her ribs. Breathless and consumed with lust, she turned her head, her lips on his cheek. “How about you fuck me on your motorcycle again?”
His eyes swelled just before he dug into his pants pocket to pay for the beers they never had a chance to drink. Then he took her by the hand and led her out to the parking lot. He’d parked his bike in the back, in a very shadowed area.
She smirked. “You had this planned, didn’t you?”
“I was hopeful.”
She crowded in on him, her hands pressing to his chest as he wrapped her in his arms. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Layla, and I know you’re the one I’ve waited my whole life for. I just didn’t know it.”
“Good. I’m glad
you finally see that.”
He laughed. “Did you mean what you said about the bike?”
She glanced over at it and then swept her gaze across the parking lot. No one was close enough to notice anything they were about to do. “Hell, yes.”
His fingers glided up her thighs and under her skirt. She wasn’t wearing any panties. His eyes widened just as she reached down to cup his very hard cock. “I was hopeful, too.”
“I think I’ve met my match,” he told her, nipping at her lips as his finger slipped between the folds of her pussy.
She rolled her head back, a throaty moan escaping. “I know you have.” Switching positions, she encouraged him to sit on his bike. Slowly she unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. “I hope you don’t mind if I suck you for a minute.”
He groaned, just as she pulled his cock free of his jeans and licked the head. “Ah, fuck,” he said, weaving his fingers in her hair.
Rolling her tongue over his shaft, she took him to the back of her throat, sliding up and down mimicking the way it was when he made love to her. She sucked gently and listened for his quick intake of breath each time she nibbled on him. His cock pulsed and jumped each time she did something that turned him on even more. She was learning everything he liked and mastering it.
“Okay. Okay. Okay,” he said over and over again, guiding her mouth off his cock. “I’ll come if you don’t stop that.”
He kissed her, the softest, sweetest kiss she’d ever felt from him, one that spoke of love and a lifetime together. Then she bit him and the power of that kiss turned savage and all the need and lust she felt poured out of him.
With a grin, she lifted her gaze to meet his. “You said something about bending me over…” She let the words fall away.
“My motorcycle?” he finished.
She pulled him off his motorcycle and hiked up her skirt as she bent over the saddle, waving her ass at him like a target. “I suggest you get to it then. Again and Again.”
