by Kaylee Ryan
* * *
I’m so engrossed in what I’m doing that I’m startled when the phone rings. It’s been really quiet this afternoon, and I’ve been able to mark things off my to-do list. “Riggins Enterprises, this is Layla,” I answer. Nothing greets me but breathing again. I’m sure it’s just kids, but it’s starting to not only piss me off but get a little creepy. “Riggins Enterprises, this is Layla,” I say again. Nothing but breathing, so I hang up.
“How was your day?” Owen’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
“Hey. You’re back sooner than I thought you would be.”
“It’s done. He’s playing games, and we’re over it. He’s going to have to find someone else to bail him out.”
“That’s sad for them, but at least you and Royce tried.”
“That we did. You in a place to head out early?”
Looking down at the clock, it’s thirty minutes until quitting time. “I don’t know. My boss might get upset.”
“Your boss says get your shit, we’re leaving,” he says, leaning over the desk for a kiss.
I stand from my chair and meet him halfway. “I guess it’s time to go then,” I say when I pull away from the kiss. “Let me call Sawyer and tell her.”
“Go on,” Royce says, coming out of his office. “We’re leaving for the day too,” he says, running his hands through his hair. “Turn off the phones, and let’s get out of here.”
“You heard the man,” Owen says.
Not needing to be told twice, I shut down my computer, turn the phones over to night mode, and grab my purse from my desk drawer, swiping my phone from the desk, following Owen to the elevator.
Before the elevator doors close, Owen has his arms around me, and I’m leaning into him. “What do you say we pick up dinner on the way home?”
“I don’t mind cooking.”
“I know, but I just want to hold you.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’m exhausted, and all I want to do is spend the rest of the evening with you in my arms.”
“How can I say no to that?”
“I was hoping you would say that. What sounds good?” We step off the elevator.
“Honestly, wings.” I grin up at him.
“Even better, they deliver. You can call and order when we get in the car, and it should be there not long after we get home.”
“Wings and my man. Sounds like a good night to me.”
“I love you.” He chuckles. My reply is to blow him a kiss as he opens the car door for me. Before we are even out of the garage, I have my phone to my ear ordering dinner.
“I’m going to grab a shower,” Owen says when we get home. “Here’s my wallet to pay for dinner.” He reaches into his pocket and hands me his wallet.
“I can—” I start, and he gives me a look that tells me not to argue.
“I’m buying dinner.” His shoulders are slumped, and he’s been quiet since we got home.
“You okay?”
“Yeah.” He sighs. “I’m just over today. I hate that we wasted so much time on this company, only to not have a deal in the end.”
“Go shower, wash the day away, and I’ll be here waiting for you.” That earns me a kiss, but not just any kiss. One that curls my toes as he heads to the shower. Not two minutes later, our food arrives. I leave it packed for now. I have other plans. When I enter our bedroom, I can hear the shower running. My man’s had a bad day, and it’s up to me to make it better. Stripping out of my clothes, I step into the bathroom. Owen has his arms braced on the shower wall, letting the water rain down on him. I slide in behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. He places his hand over mine as I press a kiss to his back.
He turns and lifts me into his arms, pressing my back against the wall. “Having you here means everything to me. You mean everything to me,” he says, kissing my bare shoulder. “I love you, Layla.”
“I love you too.” His lips find mine, and I open for him, giving him all of me. When he slides into me, I sigh, relishing the feel of our connection. Slowly, he makes love to me in the shower. It’s as if he’s memorizing every touch, every sensation. It’s intimate, and as my orgasm crashes over me, I can’t help but think that my heart also feels as though it’s bursting—not from pleasure, but from love for this man.
“Stay here. Don’t even bother getting dressed,” Owen says, leaving the room with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.
Grabbing the hairdryer, I dry my hair enough that it’s not dripping wet and pull it up on top of my head in a messy bun. I’m turning off the bathroom light when he comes back into the room carrying dinner and a couple of bottles of beer.
“Dinner in bed?”
“Now you’re speaking my language.” I smile at him. He looks less stressed after our lovemaking, and I’m glad I could offer him that. He’s done so much for me. I want to be the one he can turn to, the one who can turn a shit day into one that’s not so bad.
We devour dinner and snuggle up to watch a movie. I think we make it maybe fifteen minutes before we’re making out like teenagers, and Owen hovers over me, making love to me for the second time tonight.
* * *
It’s only Thursday, and this work week has been long. I’m ready for this weekend. Owen and I are going car shopping. He insists I can drive one of his, but I want my own. I’ve saved all of my money from working here since Owen barely lets me pay for anything. This is something that I want to do on my own. To say that I’m excited is an understatement.
The office is quiet again today. Royce and Owen begrudgingly agreed to another meeting for the company they were trying to buy. The owner called begging. Apparently, he was playing hardball. When Royce told him they were done, the reality of his situation hit him, and he begged them to reconsider. This time they took Grant with them. Something about power in numbers.
My desk phone rings. “Riggins Enterprises, this is Layla.” Once again, nothing but heavy breathing, and I’ve had enough. “Look, I don’t know why you keep choosing this number to harass, but this is a business. We don’t have time for the games.”
“You never were much fun,” a raspy voice that I would recognize in a crowded room replies.
“W-Who is this?” I ask, hoping I’m wrong.
“What? You don’t even recognize the sound of your mother’s voice?”
“M-Mom. H-How did you find me?”
She laughs. It’s a haunting sound. “Oh, come on. Did you really think that you just left town and I didn’t know where you were? Oh, no, my darling daughter. I’ve been watching you for years. In fact, you’ve been making me money, but we can get into that later.”
“What do you mean? How have I been making you money?” I can hear the panic in my voice. I would have been happy if I had lived the rest of my life never hearing her voice ever again.
“Now, now, I can’t be giving away all of my secrets.” She laughs. “At least not until you give me what I want.”
“What are you talking about? If you’ve been following me like you claim to be, you would know that I don’t have anything. Nothing. I don’t even have a car.”
“You’re right, you don’t, but that man of yours does.”
My heart drops to my toes. “No.”
“No? I didn’t even tell you what I wanted yet.”
“It doesn’t matter. I won’t let you touch him or his family. They’re good people. They don’t need evil like you in their lives.”
“Silly girl, they already have me in their life. They have you. You are a part of me, little girl. Don’t forget that.”
I shiver at her calling me “little girl.” It’s what she always called me. I don’t know why she bothered to name me Layla. She never used my name. Never.
“Now, like I was saying, I know you don’t have a pot to piss in, but you’ve done well for yourself. Finding a man with money. I taught you well.”
“It’s not like that. I love him.”
“Oh, I’m sure you do. That’s why you’r
e going to do what I tell you. I want a million dollars. Cash. You have one week to get it to me, or else.”
“No.” I push the words past my lips. “I won’t use him like that.”
“You don’t have a choice. I’ll be delivering you a package. In fact, it will be there within the hour. I think you’ll see things my way once you get it. Don’t call me. I’ll call you.” With that, she ends the call.
My hands shake as I place the receiver back on the base. I can’t believe she found me, and what is this nonsense that I’ve been making her money? I have no idea what she could be sending me, but I feel like I’m going to be sick. I hate her. I know that hate is a strong word, and I shouldn’t hold the feeling in my heart, but… I. Hate. Her.
My only saving grace is that Owen is out of the office today. I focus on taking deep, even breaths, willing my heart to slow its rhythm. My concentration is shit, and there is no point in trying to get anymore work done today. The whooshing sound of the elevator doors opening has me standing and watching as a young guy, who can’t be older than eighteen if that, approaches my desk.
“I have a delivery for Layla Massey.”
“I’m Layla,” I tell him.
He hands me the package. “This is for you.”
“Thank you. Um, can you tell me who sent you?”
“No, ma’am. I work for a courier service. I just get the packages and the name and address for delivery. Have a great day.” He waves. I stand and watch until the elevator doors close, shutting him in before my eyes go to the letter-size envelope sitting on the corner of my desk.
With shaking hands, I retrieve the envelope and slowly tear it open, pulling out the contents. It takes me a minute to decipher what I’m looking at. Once I figure it out, my stomach rolls. With the envelope and its contents clasped tightly in my hands, I rush for the restroom and lose the contents of my stomach.
Chapter 25
Owen
After our meeting yesterday, Royce, Grant, and I called Conrad and Marshall, inviting them for drinks. Finally, after months of negotiations, we were able to close the deal to buy the small trucking outfit just east of Nashville. The company wasn’t a huge competitor, but they were a competitor. A drink was in order, and it’s been months since the five of us got together for a beer. I forgot how much fun hanging out with my brothers was. We don’t do it nearly enough, and I told them so. They all looked to be surprised by my admission, but we agreed to make sure we get together more often.
It was late when I got home, and Layla was already sound asleep. It was nice knowing she was at home waiting for me. I slid in bed next to her, pulled her into my arms, and slept like a baby. All was right in my world, until the light of day, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind that something is going on with her. She’s been quiet all morning and barely touched her breakfast. It’s not just that the smile that’s usually shining at me every day is gone.
“You okay?” I ask once we’re in the car and on our way to the office.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
“You seem off.”
“I have a headache.”
“Why didn’t you say something? What can I do?” I glance over at her before turning my eyes back to the road.
Another smile, this one genuine but still pained. “Nothing. I just have to wait it out.”
“Do you get them a lot?” It’s been a few months since she moved to Nashville with me, and this is the first time I’ve heard of her having a headache.
“I used to get them all the time. It’s been years, but when I do, it takes days to kick it.”
“I’m going to call and get you into the doctor,” I tell her.
“No, Owen, I’m fine. I just took some over-the-counter medicine. I’ll be fine.”
“If you’re not better by tonight, we’re going to the doctor,” I tell her.
“Owen.” She reaches over, placing her hand on my thigh. Her touch goes a long way to soothe my fears about her being sick. I couldn’t survive anything happening to her. “It’s a headache. I’ll be fine.”
I don’t argue with her, that’s the last thing she needs, but I’m sticking by my demand that if she's not better, we go see a doctor. “We’re out of the office again today,” I remind her. “Marshall will be there if you need anything.”
“I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“I know that, but you have a family who loves you, that includes my brothers.”
“I know,” she says, her voice cracking.
“We should go home,” I say, not sure leaving the office and not being close to her today is the right choice. “You’re upset.”
“It’s still a lot to take in, knowing I have so many people in my corner. Sometimes it gets the best of me. This is one of those times.”
I pull into my spot in the parking garage and turn off the engine. Removing my seat belt, I turn to face her. My hand cradles her cheek. “You are the most important person in my life. I will always be in your corner. There is nothing in this world that can keep me from being by your side.” Her eyes well with tears, and my anxiety piques. I hate to see her cry. “I love you, Layla. You know that, right?”
She nods. “I love you too.” She smiles and wipes at her tears. “We should go in. I have a lot to get done today, and you’re all supposed to be leaving in twenty minutes.”
“I can stay,” I offer, but she waves me off.
“I’m fine, Owen. Thank you for worrying about me and taking care of me. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Good thing we’re never going to find out.” I kiss her one more time on the corner of her mouth and pull the keys from the ignition, exiting the car.
I leave Layla at her desk with the promise to stop by before we leave to check on her again. She rolled those beautiful blue eyes of hers but didn’t argue. She knows it wouldn’t do a bit of good. Instead of going to my office, I stop by Marshall’s. He’s the only one of us in the office today. I would have gone to Sawyer, but girl code and all that. I’m afraid she might not tell me if Layla needs me. I know I can count on my brother.
“What’s up?” Marshall asks, sitting up straighter in his chair.
“I need a favor.”
“Anything.” For all of the goofiness that comes from my brothers, the younger two especially, I know that I can always count on them. “Layla’s not feeling well. Can you check in on her for me today?”
“Got it.” He nods.
“Call me if she needs me. She won’t ask,” I say, running my hand over my beard.
“I’ll check on her,” he assures me.
“Can you also make sure she eats lunch? She didn’t eat much for breakfast.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him to forget it, and that I’m staying.
“Owen, I promise you I’ll look after her. I’ll make sure she eats, and if she needs you, even if she won’t admit it, I’ll call you.”
My shoulders relax at his assurance. “Thanks, Marsh.”
“Anytime, brother. She’s family.”
His easy acceptance of the woman I love has me feeling a little choked up myself. I know that my emotions are feeding off hers, but my brothers, they’re my best friends, and Marshall, although six years younger than me, he’s got my back.
“Thank you.” My words are sincere.
“Go on, do what you’ve got to do. I’ve got her.”
With that knowledge, I nod and leave his office. I stop by mine to grab a file I’m going to need for today and then make my way back to the front office to see Layla. She’s sitting at her desk, looking at something on her computer. “Babe, why don’t you at least take it easy today? That computer can’t be good on your headache.”
“I will. I was just checking my emails to see if there is anything that needed my immediate attention.”
“Promise you’ll take it easy?”
“Yes.”
“Ready?” Royce asks, coming out of his office.
I look at Layla, and she gives me another one of those smiles that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Do what you need to do. I’ll have my phone on my desk all day. You can check in with me.”
“What’s going on?” Royce asks, and I can hear the concern in his voice.
“Nothing is wrong,” Layla assures him. “I have a headache, a migraine, and Owen wants to cancel the day. I’ll be fine.”
“You sure? We can move this if we need to.”
“Yes, I’m sure. It’s Friday. I’ll have all weekend to rest up. Besides, I took some headache medicine, and I’m already starting to feel better.”
“Layla,” I try again, but she gives me a look that tells me I’m pushing my luck.
“Owen, I’m fine. I promise you, I’m fine. If I need you, I’ll call you. Marshall and Sawyer are both here with me today. It’s not like I’m going to be alone. Go do your job so I can do mine.”
“Get Sawyer or Marshall to drive you home if you feel like you’re done for the day,” Royce tells her. “Don’t worry about missing work.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you. I’m fine.” She stands from her chair and walks to where I’m standing next to her desk. Her arms wrap around me, and she hugs me tight. “I love you, Owen Riggins.”
I hold her close to my chest and breathe her in. “I love you too. Take it easy today, babe.”
“Got it.” She pulls away and salutes me, making me chuckle.
“She good?” Royce asks once we’re on the elevator.
“I’m not sure. Something feels off to me. She’s not acting like herself.”
“She’s not feeling good.”
“I know, but it feels like more than that.”
“Maybe she found the ring?”
“No. It’s in the safe. Hell, I don’t even know if she knows that the safe is there. I rarely use it. It has my passport and things like that. She doesn’t have one, so I didn’t have to store hers for her.”
“I’m sure she’s fine. Marshall and Sawyer will take care of her today. Like she said, she will have the weekend to rest if it’s still there. If I know you, you’ll make sure she does.”
