Layover (Open Skies Book 1)

by Becca Jameson

  She sighed. “I don’t know. We’ll see.”

  Her phone rang on the counter, and she reached for it when she saw Christa’s name on the screen. “Hey. You’re up early.”

  “Yeah. There was a delivery for you. I dragged myself out of bed to answer the door.”

  Libby stiffened. “Shit. It’s not even eight.”

  “Don’t I know it.”

  “What was it?”

  “No idea. A package. It had to be signed for. I set it on the table, but I thought you’d want to know. Especially with the mysterious roses and all.”

  “Shit. I forgot to tell you the roses came from Eddie. Surely he wouldn’t send a package this morning after our confrontation last night. I made myself super clear.”

  “I could open it if you want?”

  Jason reached for the phone and took it from Libby. “Christa, don’t open it. I’ll come over and check it out.” He handed the phone back to Libby, kissed her forehead, and left the room in a hurry.

  “Shit,” Libby muttered into the phone.

  Christa sighed dramatically. “He’s gone all Rambo on you, hasn’t he?”

  “It would seem so.”

  “That’s so romantic.”

  “I’m not sure about that. It’s probably overkill. It’s just a package. We don’t even know who it’s from yet.”

  “There’s no name on the box. Other than yours, I mean.”

  “Guess we’ll be there in a bit then.”

  “See you soon.”

  Chapter 18

  Jason followed Libby to her townhouse, doing his best to talk himself off the precarious ledge. There was no reason to get freaked out about a package. Hell, maybe Libby had ordered something and forgotten about it. Could be anything. There was no reason to believe it was from Eddie and that he refused to accept no for an answer.

  When they arrived, he followed Libby inside. Christa was in the kitchen, sipping coffee. She pointed at the box on the table.

  Jason had his hands fisted at his sides as he stared at it. Libby stepped in front of him and flattened her palms on his chest. “I’m sure it’s no big deal.” Her words were soft. She was trying to placate him.

  He met her gaze, frowning. “I just got out of the Army. Nothing in my world is no big deal. Let’s judge that after I open it.” He narrowed his gaze. “You don’t mind if I open it, do you?”

  She shook her head. “Not at all. But I also don’t think it warrants the stress you feel, as if it’s a bomb.”

  He ran a hand down his face. She was right. Part of him was just pissed that this guy wouldn’t leave her alone. If the box was from Eddie, there was a good chance Jason would hunt the guy down, and he was in no mood to be kind about it. Enough was enough.

  Libby stepped back and turned to face the box. It was long and flat. Like a shirt box but larger. She lifted it. “It doesn’t weigh much.”

  Jason took it from her hands. “May I?”

  She nodded.

  Christa sat across from them, her hand on her chest. He was pretty sure she was about to swoon, and it had nothing to do with the box. Her gaze was on him.

  He took out his pocket knife and ran it along the sides to cut the tape. When the lid was freed, he pulled it off. He saw delicate tissue paper first, and then Libby reached over and parted the white paper to reveal black material and a note on top.

  Her fingers were shaking as she lifted the note first and opened it.

  Jason unapologetically leaned over her shoulder to read along while Libby read it out loud.

  Libertad, I’m so sorry about our misunderstanding. I shouldn’t have shown up last night without making sure you knew I was coming. It was insensitive of me. When I saw this dress, I thought of you. Please accept it as my way of apologizing. Hopefully, you can forgive me and let me take you out on a real date this weekend. No friends. No parents. Just the two of us.

  There was a good chance flames were coming out of Jason’s head. “Is this guy fucking for real?”

  Libby lifted the silk dress out of the box and held it up. “My God.”

  “That’s more like lingerie,” Christa commented. She leaned forward and picked up the tag. “Shit. This cost a fortune. Look at the brand.”

  The brand meant nothing to Jason, but the fact that some other man had thought it appropriate to buy his woman a gift—let alone something this fucking sexy—made his blood boil.

  Libby spun it around. The back was bare. She wouldn’t even be able to wear a bra with it. Finally, she dropped it into the box and put the lid back on. She lifted her gaze to Jason. “I’ll talk to him this morning.”

  He shook his head. “Not a chance. You’re done talking to him. I’ll talk to him. Do you have his address? Give me every piece of information you have on him.”

  Libby drew in a breath. “I don’t have his address. Just a phone number. I could get more information from my mom, but not without explaining why. Besides, you can’t confront him, Jason.”

  “Why the fuck not? The guy is stalking you.”

  “He’s right,” Christa added. Thank God someone besides Jason saw the seriousness of this situation.

  Libby rubbed her forehead. “If you confront him, he’ll figure out I’m involved with you and tell my parents.”

  Jason groaned as he rolled his head back. “Libby, this is crazy. Someone has to tell this guy to fuck off and make sure he hears it loud and clear this time. He’s not going to stop this nonsense. It’s not safe. He’s unbalanced.”

  “That’s putting it mildly,” Christa added. “He’s a lunatic.”

  Jason nodded. He hadn’t wanted to put it so bluntly and risk angering Libby more. “How about if you go talk to your mom while I go talk to Eddie? Let’s put an end to this.”

  Libby chewed on her bottom lip and then shook her head. “Please. Let me handle it.”

  He stared at her. His brain was screaming at him to get out of this relationship right now. It was moving into territory he couldn’t stomach. Not after Veronica. Never again would he be someone’s secret side piece.

  It took every ounce of strength not to blow up and say things he would never be able to take back. Instead, he drew in a breath and uttered, “Fine.” He turned around and walked toward the door.

  “Jason.” Libby rushed to catch up with him.

  He opened the door and turned to glance at her. “It’s fine. Do whatever you want. I need to get to work.” He stepped outside, shut the door, and jogged to his SUV.

  It wasn’t until he’d pulled away from her townhouse and out of sight that he stopped along the side of the road, put the SUV in park, and slammed his hands against the steering wheel. “Fuck.”

  He couldn’t wrap his head around this situation. His head told him to run fast and far. Get away from Libby before she hurt him. She wasn’t worth it.

  His heart told him she was fucking perfect for him and he needed to calm the fuck down and let her handle this mess in her time. He reminded himself they had only been dating for eleven days. He was putting expectations on her that weren’t warranted.

  So what if her mother was a bigot? He couldn’t expect Libby to tell her parents to go fuck themselves after eleven days with a man, even if the sex was off the charts.

  Jason needed to shake this off, pull himself together. She said she would handle it. He had to trust that she would. She’d made it clear from their first date that she didn’t like people doing things for her. He had to assume this fell under that category. She wanted to fight her own battles. She was a grown woman. She could find a way to make sure Eddie stopped sending gifts. And, please God, please tell me she will eventually put me first and tell her mom to jump in a lake.

  Chapter 19

  Libby was stomping furiously when she arrived at her parents’ house two hours later. She was mad at them, at Eddie, at Jason, and at herself. She couldn’t figure out why Jason was so insistent about her confronting her mom.

  Obviously, she would eventually have to face her
parents about Jason if things got more serious, but until then, it was not on her shortlist of things to do. That didn’t mean she didn’t have words for her mom.

  She entered the house and went straight for the kitchen where she knew her mother would be prepping for dinner or some shit. The woman loved to cook and was often found in the kitchen, sometimes all day.

  Libby knew her father would be at work, but he wasn’t the pushy one making her life miserable.

  Maria lifted her gaze when she heard Libby enter and smiled. “What a pleasant surprise.” She wiped her hands on her apron. “Have you had breakfast? I can put some burritos together for you.”

  “I’ve eaten, Mamá. I came to talk to you.”

  “Okay. Let’s sit.” She pointed at the table and pulled out a chair.

  Libby didn’t feel like sitting, but she reluctantly followed, trying to tamp down her aggravation. She decided to dive right in. “Mamá, you have to stop meddling in my life. Why would you invite Eddie to come for dinner without checking with me first?”

  Her eyes went wide. “I thought you liked Eddie. I went to a lot of trouble to invite him.”

  Libby shook her head. “No. You knew I didn’t like Eddie. We had one date. We didn’t connect. I told you that.”

  Her mother harrumphed. “I didn’t remember you telling me that, and it would seem to me you need to give people more of a chance. He was a charming man last night. I liked him. I don’t understand why you’re so obstinate.” She gasped suddenly. “I hope you’re not going to tell me you’re not interested in men.” Her eyes widened as if that would be a horror worse than death.

  Libby groaned. “Jesus, Mamá. What if I wasn’t? What if I wanted to date women? Would you disown me?” This was a good test.

  Maria rubbed her hands on her apron, flustered. A tear came to her eye. “Is that it? Are you interested in girls, Libby?”

  Libby rolled her eyes. “No, Mamá, that’s not it. But so what if it was? Truth is, I just don’t like Eddie.”

  “You say that about everyone you date.” The woman pouted. Pouted.

  “And that’s my prerogative. You have to stop meddling. I’m not going to settle for someone I’m not in love with. If the sparks aren’t there, then there’s no reason to keep dating someone.”

  Her mother shook her head. “That’s not true. It’s not always love at first sight, Libertad. Sometimes you have to let it grow. Give someone a chance. Eddie is a perfect example. He’s kind, handsome, polite, and he’s obviously into you. He comes from good people. His parents have connections. They come from old money. Have you been to his house? It’s that brick mansion at the corner of Mason and Deerpark. You know the one?”

  Libby gasped. She knew the house, if you could call it that and not a castle. She hadn’t realized Eddie owned it.

  Her mother kept talking. “You would live a comfortable life with someone like him.”

  That was enough. She didn’t care about Eddie’s damn money. Libby slapped her hands on the table, making her mother jump in her seat. “Stop it. Stop trying to fix me up. It’s not going to happen with Eddie. It’s your fault that he has false hope now, and I have to freaking go talk to him and tell him—yet again—that I’m not interested.”

  “Watch your language, Libertad.”

  Libby rolled her eyes. If you even knew how hard it is to substitute freaking for fucking. She rose from her chair, hands on the table, leaning over. “Stop it. Stop it now. No more dates. No more meddling. Got it?”

  Her mother stared at her and then wiped her eyes dramatically. “I’m just trying to help.”

  “I don’t need any help finding a man, Mamá. I’ll find one on my own.”

  Her mother sighed dramatically. “Okay, if you really don’t have feelings for Eddie, fine. I’d like you to do me a favor though. One of my neighbors, Josefina Morales, her grandson just moved to Dallas. He doesn’t know anyone in town. I already told her you could give him a tour and show him around. Please don’t embarrass me and say you won’t.”

  Libby literally growled at her mother.

  Her mother sat up straighter. “It wouldn’t really be a date. Just being a helpful citizen.”

  “No.” Libby turned and walked out of the house without looking back. She feared if she’d stayed another second, she would’ve said things she couldn’t take back. It was the first time she’d ever dared to confront her mother.

  It felt…good.

  Maybe one day she would muster up the confidence to tell her she wasn’t marrying a man from Guatemala, too. Because what Libby now realized was that no matter what happened between her and Jason, she was incredibly attracted to him. She was hoping they could continue to build on it.

  This was not how she wanted to spend her day. Not even close. She’d intended to go for a run, do some laundry, read a book in her favorite armchair.

  Instead, she was on a rampage hunting down people who needed to be set straight.

  She’d never been to Eddie’s house, nor had she intended to go today. She’d thought she would call him. But now that her mother had told her where he lived, Libby figured it would be easier and faster to just go to the door. It might even send a stronger message.

  Granted, Eddie was probably at work. It was the middle of a weekday. But it wouldn’t hurt to try. If he happened to be home, she could put an end to this now. If not, she would call him and make him listen.

  It took only a few minutes to get to the mansion she’d admired for most of her life. She’d never realized who lived in it. It seemed ridiculous that Eddie owned it. He couldn’t have owned it long. He wasn’t that old. Mid-twenties. What the hell did he do for a living? He’d never told her. She hadn’t cared to ask.

  She parked her car in the circular drive and headed for the front door. It was one of those enormous entrances, the double doors wide and tall as if giants lived there.

  She rang the bell and waited, wiping her hands on her jeans. She was just about to return to her car when the door finally opened. An older man in his seventies stood there. “Can I help you?”

  Libby was taken aback. “I’m looking for Eduardo Lopez. Does he live here?”

  “Of course.” The man stepped back. “Come in. I’ll go tell him you’re here. What’s your name, miss?”

  “Libby. Libertad,” she corrected for some odd reason.

  He nodded. “Wait right here. I’ll be right back.” He shuffled off to the left, leaving her to glance around at the foyer. Jesus. This place was the wealthiest home she’d ever seen. How was it possible Eddie hadn’t mentioned this detail to her?

  Several minutes went by before another older man appeared. His eyes were dancing as he reached out a hand. “You must be Libertad Garcia. I’ve heard so much about you.” He was impeccably dressed in pressed dress pants, a white dress shirt, and a black tie. His hair was slicked back, but it was long enough to curl a bit at the back of his neck.

  She took his hand, confused beyond measure. “I’m sorry. Who are you?”

  “Eduardo Lopez. Eddie’s father.”

  “Oh. I, uh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize…” What the fuck was she supposed to say?

  “Come on in. My wife is in the kitchen. She’d love to meet you.”

  Libby’s heart thudded so hard she thought it might jump out of her chest. This could not be happening. It was a nightmare. “I really can’t stay, sir. I was looking for Eddie. Is he here?”

  “Not right now. He’s at the office.” He waved his hand, trying to get her to follow him. “But if you’re not in a hurry, Mija, Elena will have my hide if I tell her you were here and she didn’t get to say hello.”

  “I really can’t stay, sir,” Libby insisted.

  “Who’s at the door?” a woman’s voice asked from behind.

  Great. This disaster was getting worse by the second.

  “It’s Eddie’s girlfriend, Libertad,” Eduardo tossed over his shoulder.

  “Oh, how delightful.” The beaming woman hurried toward
Libby. “My God, Eddie was right. You are stunning. Come on in. I’ll make tea. Or coffee? Which do you prefer?” Elena was a stunning woman of about fifty. Her hair was stylish and either still black or she dyed it. She wore an expensive skirt and blouse and pumps as if she were heading to the country club at any moment. Maybe she was.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am. I can’t stay. I was hoping to speak to Eddie. I’ll just catch him later.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad.” Elena looked seriously defeated, as if Libby’s arrival was the most interesting thing that had happened to her in days. “I’ll talk to Eddie and make sure he invites you over for dinner soon.”

  Libby couldn’t even respond to that. The hole she was in kept getting deeper. Her world was upside down. “Sorry to bother you,” she said as she backed up to the door and then opened it.

  “No bother at all, Mija,” Eduardo insisted. “Please, come again soon.”

  Libby did nothing but nod and rush down the steps back to her car. She knew the two of them were staring at her from the doorway, so she didn’t glance back.

  She pulled away, holding her breath, not able to wrap her head around the events of this morning the entire drive home. The moment she was back in her townhouse, she pulled out her phone and shot a text to Eddie.

  I went by your house to talk to you. Your parents told me you were at work. I also got your package this morning. I can’t accept this. I also thought I made myself clear last night. Nothing is going to happen between us, Eddie. You have to stop sending me gifts.

  The fact that the guy lived with his parents didn’t escape Libby’s attention. What self-respecting grown man lived at home even if they did have a luxurious house with servants?

  Five minutes later, she received a response.

  Oh, good. I’m glad you got my gift. I hope you liked it. I’m sure my parents were delighted to meet you. I don’t blame them. I’ve told them how beautiful and sweet you are. I get that it embarrasses you to receive gifts. You’ve probably never had a boyfriend who could afford to treat you like you deserve. I can’t say I’ll stop sending little tokens. I enjoy buying things for you. But I’ll give you the space you need to think about us. I know it’s overwhelming. I didn’t mean for you to figure out how much money I have so soon. It’s intimidating. I get that. I’ll give you some time. Love, Eddie.