by Layla Hagen
“That’s right. Haven’t fed you yet. Let’s get dressed. There’s a delicious breakfast place a block away.”
“Can we get in without reservations? Isabelle and I tried to go to a few places spontaneously, and it didn’t work out.”
“I’ll make a call. They’ll find a spot for us. Any time you need something, tell me and I’ll pull some strings.”
She chuckled, taking a step back. “Really? Thanks. You’re useful to keep around, Winchester.”
“Out of all my skills, pulling strings is the one that makes me worthy of keeping around?” I teased.
“Well, your seduction skills too. And general charming ability.” She was counting on her fingers with an exaggerated frown. “Clearly not for your cooking skills.”
“Come here, you little vixen.”
“Catch me.”
She darted away from me before I even reached out. I chased after her, catching up with her just as she was about to open the bedroom door. She was panting, smiling from ear to ear. I loved that look of pure joy on her face. I pressed my hands against the door, keeping her captive between my arms.
“Caught you.”
“You did. What are you gonna do now, do me against it? You’re really good at that.” She said the last words in a whisper.
“Another check on my skill list?”
“Definitely. A huge one. Pun intended.”
“First, I’ll feed you. Then... we’ll explore all the doors in here. Some of the walls too. The couch.” She licked her lips, drawing in a deep breath. Taking a step back, I pointed to the bedroom. “Now come on, let’s get dressed.”
“I like your priorities, Cole.” She opened the bedroom door, walking inside with a sexy-as-fuck shimmy in her hips.
“What do you do on weekends?” she asked while we changed.
“Depends. I play tennis or head out to meet friends in the Hamptons. Sometimes I’m on family duty, checking if anyone needs anything. I started that when my sisters first opened the brick and mortar store. They practically lived there, and I checked on them constantly. Mostly I dropped by with food and doing some minor repairs or helped with back-office tasks. Now they’re delegating a lot more and don’t actually need me anymore, but the habit is already there.”
“Did you check in this week?”
“No need. Got a picture from Tess. Half the family is camping out at Skye’s house. Isabelle’s there too. I think sis is going a bit crazy because of the bed rest.”
“Poor thing. It’s not easy. Hey, if you want to go to Skye’s as well, I’m up for it.”
“You mean that?”
“Sure. I’d love to see her again. Tess too.”
“I’ll text to let them know we’re coming. But we’re eating breakfast on the go because we’ll need forty minutes to get to Skye’s. We’ll grab ice cream too. She loves it.”
Laney chuckled, wrapping her arms around my neck. “You think of everything.”
“Anything to keep the ladies in my life happy.”
“Let’s go, Winchester. I’m on family duty with you.”
Chapter Nineteen
Cole
It was a great weekend. I’d woken up with the news that we won the Centenarian submission. The construction would start next year, but we’d won the bid. And now, Laney was going to my sister’s house with me. There was a small party going on in Skye’s bedroom. Tess was dancing to a catchy song coming from the phone in her hand. Isabelle was lying at the foot of the bed, moving her shoulders to the rhythm of the music. Rob sat on a chair. Skye waved excitedly when we entered.
“Hey, you two. I’m so happy you came. Oh, and you brought ice cream. You’re a good brother.”
“Told you she’d be happier for the ice cream than to see us,” I whispered to Laney.
“Hey, not true,” Skye said, grinning. “Necessarily. But I can’t wait to dig in.”
“I’m on it,” Rob said. “I’ll put it in bowls.”
“I’ll help you,” Tess said, relieving me of the bags. “Everyone wants ice cream?”
There was a chorus of yes from the group. Only Laney and I refused, because we’d just stuffed ourselves with breakfast.
After they left, Laney sat on the side of the bed next to Skye. Isabelle was on the other side.
“Looking good, sis,” I said.
“Aww, brother, you can tone down the charm. I look like a whale.”
“I mean it, Skye. You look great.”
“I’m so happy this turned into a party. Pity Josie and Hunter aren’t here.”
Josie was on duty today for us, actually. She’d taken care of all the court dates and paperwork in the case against Gabriel, and we hadn’t had to personally participate until now.
“How are you feeling?” Laney asked.
Skye patted her belly. “Just waiting for this little one to cook. And to actually turn around in the correct position. He doesn’t have much time left.”
“Oh, he’s breech?” Laney asked.
“Yes. Dr. Johnson says he’s still got a bit of time to turn, but I’m afraid. Of the delivery, the possible C-section, all of it. I don’t like that there are so many unknown variables.”
Laney smiled, taking one of Skye’s hands between her own.
“If you want, I can be there with you when you deliver, whatever way it is. I’ve been to plenty of deliveries when I did my ob-gyn rotation. I’m sure Dr. Johnson wouldn’t mind.”
“Oh, you’d do that? I’d love it. I really would.”
“Then that’s settled. I’ll talk to Dr. Johnson, and I’ll leave word that they should call me if you’re brought in when I’m not on shift. Or even better, you or Rob can call me.”
“Thank you, Laney. So, so much. You’re amazing.”
I agreed one hundred percent. She’d sensed that having another known variable there would put my sister at ease. I’d never met a woman like Laney—so ready to jump in and help, to make everyone comfortable. I couldn’t wait to get her alone, show my appreciation in the way I knew best. Isabelle looked between the two of us, wiggling her eyebrows.
“So...,” she said, “I get that the date yesterday went great, considering it led to an overnighter.”
Laney blushed instantly. “Umm..., Isabelle.”
“What? It’s a secret? Oh, you don’t want to spill the beans in front of Skye.”
“Yeah.”
“Wait, no! Don’t spill secrets until I get there,” Tess called from the corridor.
“Is it just me or is her hearing getting sharper by the day?” I asked.
“Especially when it comes to juicy details,” Tess said, coming in with a few bowls of ice cream. Rob was right behind her with more bowls. “I have a special talent for picking those up.”
“Didn’t we have a deal about not sharing too much information?”
“Wait a second. We’re absolutely not asking for sexy details,” Tess said vehemently. Skye was nodding too.
“Just general info,” Tess murmured.
I was waiting to see if Tess would go into detective mode in front of Laney. I was betting on yes, but what do you know? She said nothing more, focusing on her ice cream. So Tess could apply self-restraint when the occasion demanded it. Good to know.
“Anyone got news?” Skye asked, as she typically did during working lunches.
“Oh, wait, I didn’t tell them ours,” Tess said. “So, we’ve been experimenting at the store with customizable lingerie, and things have really taken off.”
“I think we’re going to have to think about an investor again. We’ll see,” Skye added.
“Wow, that’s great news,” I said.
“I know, right?” Skye asked. “I can’t wait to get into the thick of things after the baby is born. So, anyone else have news?”
“Laney here is joining us at the next gala, and—”
“Yes!” Tess exclaimed, cutting me off midsentence. I chuckled at my sister’s enthusiasm.
“I love those,” Isab
elle added. “I think you will too.”
Skye pouted. “Well, I won’t be there for the next one, but you’ll have a lot of fun.”
Laney rubbed her palms in excitement. “I think I’ll need to shop. Care to join me?”
“Yes,” Tess and Isabelle answered at the same time.
“Now you’re just making me jealous,” Skye said.
“How about we send you pictures of the dresses I try on?” Laney suggested.
Skye sighed. “Laney, this might be the hormones talking, but I love you. You have the best ideas.”
“Can I get pictures too?” I asked. “You don’t even have to be dressed.”
Laney glanced at me over her shoulder. I barely caught her grin before realizing she was tossing a pillow at me. I caught it midair, and then just threw it back at her.
“Hey!” Rob said. “Careful, don’t hit Skye.”
“Hon, I don’t think a pillow can hurt me. Just saying.”
Rob was glaring at me.
“No more throwing. I promise.”
“My medical input is that a pillow really can’t hurt. But I’ve also learned you don’t get between an expecting dad and his wife.”
“I don’t foresee this changing once the baby is here,” Skye said, patting her belly.
Everyone laughed... except Tess. She glanced down at her cup, but I suspected she might be misty-eyed. That suspicion grew when she excused herself from the room, saying she wanted more ice cream. I followed her down the stairs, catching up with her at the kitchen island in the living room.
“Sis, what’s wrong?”
Tess rolled her shoulders, immediately flashing me a smile. But I knew her well enough to tell when she was genuinely happy or just putting on a good show. The troubling part was that Tess never actually put on a show for the family.
“Don’t pretend, Tess. Not with me. What’s wrong?”
She pressed her lips together, shrugging.
“I’ve always wanted to be a mom, you know.”
“Okay.” That was no surprise, but I couldn’t figure out why that would bring her in this state of melancholy.
“I always loved the idea of having a family, even when things were tough, even when I saw that it took a toll on Mom.”
“You’ll have a family,” I said firmly.
“Well... that’s debatable. I’m still single, and I’m not getting any younger.”
Oh, shit. I didn’t see this coming.
“Tess, you’re in your midthirties.”
“Yup.”
“How’s that not plenty of time?”
“Hmm... do you want a detailed rundown of the past few years of dating?”
I shook my head. Some things I didn’t want to know.
“I’m happy with life, you know. I don’t want to sound ungrateful. Skye and I have this unbelievable business, and I spend the whole day doing something I love, and I don’t take that for granted. I just...” She shook her head, putting more ice cream in her cup. For the first time in years, I was at a loss as to how to comfort my sister.
Usually, I was pretty good at it. Even when she’d been fretting about the store, worrying herself sick over the numbers, I’d managed to take her mind off it. Taking her out to dinner usually did the trick, and if that didn’t, then suffering through flicks like Gone With The Wind was always a winning strategy. But this was different, and if I was honest, I was completely out of my depth.
“Come on, let’s get back up to the group. Don’t want anyone getting suspicious.”
“Tess...”
“I’m fine, really.”
She wasn’t, but I wasn’t even sure if she needed comfort, or encouragement? I just knew that I hated seeing her like this, missing her usual spark and joy. Without any idea on how to improve her mood, I followed her back upstairs.
The dancing situation had escalated in our absence. Isabelle and Laney were dancing their asses off to some crap music. Rob was still on his chair, watching Skye like a hawk, as if thinking she might get ideas if she saw too much movement. Tess immediately joined in on the dance party.
We ended up spending half the day at Skye’s house. Mom and Mick had come too. Mom had met Laney when Skye was in the hospital, but now I got to introduce them properly.
“Thank you so much for taking such good care of Skye. And knocking some sense into Cole.”
“My pleasure,” Laney said, smiling nervously.
“Are you staying for dinner too?” Mom asked.
“No, the crowd’s too big. I think it’s too much excitement for Skye,” I explained.
“You’re right,” Mom said. “I didn’t think about that. I’m going to ask Rob what’s the best thing to do.”
Ever since Skye got pregnant, Mom’s been fussing about her, even more so after she was ordered to bed rest. Rob agreed that there was no way we could all have dinner in their bedroom, so only Mom and Mick would stay. Laney and I were the first to leave.
“I had so much fun,” Laney said as we walked to the station. Skye lived in a suburb, and the pace was so different from Manhattan. I wasn’t used to the quiet and watching people just leisurely stroll on the streets. I loved the energy of the inner city, the speed and frantic pace. “The girls are a trip. I mean, Isabelle told me that a few times, but still.”
“Thanks for offering to be with Skye during the birth.”
“Sure, no problem. I’m gonna talk about this with Dr. Johnson first thing when I see her. I already did my rotation in ob-gyn last year, but I really don’t think she’ll mind if I’m there.”
I put an arm around her shoulders, tucking her into me, kissing the side of her head. Her hair smelled like my shampoo. I couldn’t explain why, but I fucking loved that.
She startled when the alarm went off on her phone. Pulling out of my hug, she took it out of her bag. “Oh, I promised I’d FaceTime with my parents in two minutes.” She glanced up, tilting her head playfully. “Do you mind if I do it now? Do you want to join? They’d love to meet you.”
That was the exact moment I knew how special Laney was to me. In the past, that sentence would have sent me running for the hills. Now, I was looking forward to meeting them.
“Sure. Let’s just find somewhere comfortable to sit. Look, there’s a bench at the next corner.”
“Okay. You lead the way. I’m going to start the call.” She was smiling big as she brought the phone to her ear, explaining to her parents that she’d turn on the camera as soon as she was sitting down and that she had a surprise for them.
“Ready?” she whispered the second we sat down. I nodded, and she switched the phone from audio only to camera mode.
“Mom, Dad, this is Cole,” she exclaimed. Her mom instantly beamed, and her smile looked a bit like Laney’s. Her dad just nodded, his eyes wide.
“Good to meet you, Cole,” he said.
“Likewise,” I replied.
“Oh, we don’t want to interrupt you two,” her mom said.
“You’re not. We’ve been visiting his sister and were just going to the station,” Laney explained. “We’re heading back to the city.”
“Okay, okay,” her dad said. We spoke a few minutes only, and then her mom repeated that she didn’t want to interrupt anything.
“Hmm, that was weird,” Laney said after hanging up. “Usually they won’t stop talking. I think it really shocked them that you were on the call. Once they recover, they’ll have a million questions. But I think they like you.”
“How can you tell?”
“Just a gut feeling. Plus, Dad didn’t glare at you.”
I laughed, kissing her temple. Based on what she’d shared with me this morning, I suspected she hadn’t ever imagined she’d want to introduce another guy to her parents, and yet, here we were.
“I didn’t even get to exercise my charm on them.”
“Oh, trust me, that smile did a great job with Mom. I could tell by that starry look in her eyes.”
“I’ll take your word. Let’
s go to the station. We’ve missed the train, but the next one comes in fifteen minutes.”
“Okay.”
On the way, I started thinking about Tess again.
“Are you worried about something?” Laney asked out of nowhere.
“What makes you think that?”
“I don’t know. You seemed preoccupied.”
“I spoke to Tess when we were in the kitchen. She was very melancholic—said she always wanted kids but isn’t sure if it will happen for her.”
“Oh, no. Hmm. Let me think. Isabelle was in a bit of a funk too. She’s not really making headway in gaining new clients. They both need cheering up. Maybe I can arrange an outing.”
“You’re fucking adorable.”
“I’ll come up with something. This is so new to me—planning stuff for my leisure time. I haven’t actually had full weekends off since I moved to New York.” But she’d taken time off for me. “It’s always been so easy to focus on my patients and research, and just forget about my issues.”
I squeezed her hand, bringing it to my lips. “And now?” I glanced sideways at her, watching her intently.
“Now, Mr. Winchester, you make me want to live a little. Explore New York... you.”
Yes! Fuck, yes! I’d never wanted to let anyone too close, but now all I wanted was to explore her.
“I don’t even know what to do with all this time,” she went on. I picked up on the teasing note in her voice.
“I have some ideas about how to fill it.” I pulled her closer, tilting my head. To my surprise, she put two fingers against my lips. I cocked a brow.
“Oh, no, no. No more kissing in the street.”
“Since when?”
“Since we established that it’s messing with my inner compass.”
I pointed with my thumb behind my shoulder. “Well, that’s the station, and this is nonsense.”
“So, here are the rules—”
“I’ll show you kissing rules,” I said, right before I kissed her senseless, right there on the sidewalk. She stumbled backward, eyes dazed and happy.
“You’re a danger to me, Winchester.”
