by Erica Penrod
The nerves sprouted wings. No. “Yes.” Gosh dang it, Tayla. Unlike yesterday, he had a black T-shirt on and a ball cap, which, unfortunately for her, made him look like a down-home boy she’d like to get to know. “But I don’t want to be any trouble.” She didn’t understand why her heart was so quick to forget Waylon’s rude comment when her head wasn’t. Her heart acted like an emoji with gigantic red heart-shaped eyes flashing every time he was near.
“It’s no trouble.” He gave a slight smile, but his dimples sank into his cheeks. “I’m headed to Jamon’s anyway.”
“Are you sure you give rides to people like me? You know, us rich, conceited people?” She tried to sound irritated, but his darn dimples had her biting off a smile.
“About that.” He shifted the truck in park and hopped out. Waylon was at her side with the passenger door open before she even knew what he was doing. “I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive me.” He gestured for her to get in, which she did. “I was a hypocritical jerk last night. Not one of my best moments.”
Tayla smiled. “I guess we all have those moments now and then.”
Waylon grinned as his dark eyes reflected the florescent lights from the building, but Tayla was seeing stars. The same connection she’d felt the first time she saw him engulfed her all over again. He closed the door, and she gasped for air.
“I’m glad I saw you, but I’m surprised you’re in need of a ride,” Waylon said as he got in the cab. “Don’t you have a driver?”
“No, I didn’t think I’d need a full-time driver, and I actually plan on buying a car; I just haven’t had time to do it yet.”
The traffic cleared, and he eased out onto the road. “I hope this doesn’t come out wrong, but don’t you have people to do that for you?” He glanced over at her. “I know Jamon has people for everything.”
Tayla laughed. “Are you worried you’ll offend me again?”
He shrugged. “Yeah, kind of.”
“No worries.” She kept her hands busy folding and unfolding the strap of her purse. “I do have people, but this is the third house I’ve bought and the second location I’ve opened this year, and sometimes it’s easier to just do things for myself.”
“Okay.” His brows rose as if he was perplexed by her answer.
“I mean, of course I have a lot of employees—I couldn’t do what I do without them—but I also like to be a normal person as much as I can. I grew up working hard on a potato farm, and I like the satisfaction of doing things on my own.”
“A potato farm?” His incredulous tone was unmistakable. “But how …” Waylon didn’t finish the sentence.
“You want to know how a potato farmer’s daughter from Idaho ends up a billionaire?”
“Something like that.” He glanced up at the rearview mirror before he switched lanes.
“My dad owned over sixty-five thousand acres, and that’s a lot of potatoes.” She paused and grinned when he looked at her. “Anyway, he ended up supplying several major grocery store chains in the US and in other countries. Of course, I didn’t know we had a lot of money until I got older. I did chores every day and had to earn an allowance, just like every other kid I knew.”
“You really didn’t know?”
“I didn’t.” She wasn’t sure what to say from here. Sure, Waylon had apologized, but that didn’t mean she wanted to share her personal family details with him. “I had other things to focus on.” Tayla stared out the window at the damp street.
“Jamon told me your father was an addict.” Waylon’s voice resonated with empathy. “I’m sorry.”
She held back the tears, something she’d become very proficient at over the years. “He was, and after my mom left, I was so worried about him, I didn’t have time to think about anything else.”
“But if you don’t mind me asking, how did you end up with any money? Usually addicts spend every last penny they have and then some.”
“I guess he had enough money in his personal accounts to supply his addiction, because when he died, there was a fortune left in the business accounts and I inherited everything.”
“What happened to your mom? Didn’t she get money?”
“She divorced my father and took my little sister with her when I was sixteen. She opted for a lump sum in alimony, and I’m not sure how, but all other ties to the farm’s revenue were dissolved. My mom’s family had money of their own, and I’m sure she wasn’t worried about it.”
“I’m really sorry you had to go through all that.” Waylon turned onto the winding road headed for The Cove.
“Everyone has things to deal with, and I’m just grateful I’m in a position to do what I do.” She thought about her three rehab locations and all the good they were doing. “Anyway, I sold the farm, made some smart investments, and here I am.” Tayla didn’t remember the last time she’d told anyone so much about her personal life, especially someone she hadn’t known for more than two days and disliked for nearly half of the time.
“What you’re doing for families with the rehab centers is amazing and much needed. You should be proud of the work you’re doing.”
Alarms sounded within her mind, warning her to protect herself and not be fooled by Waylon’s understanding and compassion. Not to mention his come get me eyes. But what if his act wasn’t a charade? She couldn’t be sure, and the only way to know was to spend more time with him, something she wasn’t sure she could afford. While her bank accounts were almost endless, she felt short on minutes and days. Tayla gazed over at Waylon and wondered if he was worth the expense. Her heart wanted to find out, with or without her head’s approval.
Six
Waylon hated when Jamon was right, and his little brother was definitely right about Tayla Mills. After she’d talked about her childhood, he wondered how much they might have in common, until he pulled into her driveway. Waylon stared up at the mansion she called her second home—or was it her third?—and insecurity slammed into his gut like a sledgehammer.
“Thank you so much for the ride.” Tayla undid her seat belt and smiled. There was a tone of happiness to her voice he hadn’t heard before. Twilight filled the truck and darkness was slowly ebbing out the light, but her eyes lit up his world. The anger was gone, replaced by something he didn’t dare name. He wanted to call it excitement, maybe even anticipation, and he wanted her cheery disposition to be because of him. Yet one more look at her house, the expensive leather bag in her hand, and the diamond bracelet on her wrist, and he knew what he hoped for was impossible.
“You’re welcome.” He gripped the steering wheel to keep his hands occupied. The worn leather beneath his hands and the tear in the seat beneath him taunted him, more tangible reminders of why this would never work. The rich red tone of Tayla’s jacket accentuated the faded interior, yet Waylon wanted to touch her—to see if her creamy flesh was as soft and smooth as it appeared. The same out-of-control feelings she’d evoked the first time he saw her raced through out his body. He hopped out of the truck, hoping to outrun the sensation. Waylon paused at her door as another thought had his skin itching. Did a woman like her want a man to get the door? A phantom smack to the cheek made Waylon glanced up towards the heavens. Sorry, Mom. Independent woman or not, he was not about to be haunted all night by an angry mother. He smiled at Tayla and exhaled when she returned the gesture.
Tayla gathered her purse in her arms and slid out of the seat. She landed beside him and their eyes met, their faces a breath apart. Waylon’s heart pounded until he feared for his well-being. Heat radiated between them, and the only thing he knew to do was recite the steps, but the words wouldn’t come to mind.
“Sorry.” Tayla stepped back. Relief and disappointment vied for his attention.
“No problem.” Waylon shoved his hands in his front pockets and exhaled, until she moved in and kissed him quickly on the lips.
“Thanks again.” She looked directly in his eyes and held him with her gaze. “You’re not such a bad guy after all.” Tayla wa
lked away.
Waylon was alone with his thoughts, and there was no reining them in. Her kiss was like the release of a herd of wild mustangs: jumping, galloping, and kicking, none of which were healthy for an addict trying to regain control of his life. When the ground finally felt sturdy beneath his feet, he closed the passenger door and wandered around the front of the truck to the driver’s side. Heaven help him. That woman was her own kind of intoxication, and he prayed he would be strong enough to resist the temptation.
* * *
If death by embarrassment was a thing, Tayla would’ve keeled over on the sidewalk the second Waylon drove away.
What in the heck was she thinking?
She wasn’t thinking, that was the problem, and she’d lived in the moment, propelled by her emotions. Waylon must’ve thought she was the ficklest person he’d ever met. First, he rescues her dog and she swoons over him, followed by the conversation where she decides he’s a jerk and rescuing Charlie must’ve been his one good deed for the year, and now, she believes Waylon might be a really good guy and she kisses him.
Tayla walked to the front door and put her face in her hands, mortified by what she’d done, when the door swung open. She peeked through her fingers.
“Tayla, are you alright?” Misty opened the door with Charlie in her arms. When he saw her, the dog whined in excitement, his tail thumping against Misty’s hip.
“Yes.” Tayla exhaled and tried to smile. “I’m sorry I’m later than I anticipated.”
“That’s okay.” Misty kissed Charlie on the top of the head before she handed him to Tayla. “It’s not like I’ve got a hot date waiting for me or anything.”
An image of Waylon popped in Tayla’s mind, and her face heated. She imagined her cheeks were the same shade as Misty’s hair. Charlie squirmed in her arms. “I guess you need a Charlie too.” Tayla laughed as she set the pup down. He hustled to the bush and lifted his leg. “I didn’t have a man in my life until he came along.”
Misty folded her arms over the front of her Nirvana T-shirt. “After spending some time with Charlie, I think I need to move. My building doesn’t allow pets, and I’ve decided a dog might be the way to go. There’s always someone anxious to see you, right?”
Charlie wandered over and pawed at Tayla’s leg. She scooped him up, and he licked her cheek. “Yes, that certainly is the case here, and that gives me an idea.” Tayla tucked the pup under her arm. “Let’s go inside. I’ve got something I want to talk to you about.”
Misty followed her into the entryway. “I hope there’s nothing wrong.”
Tayla dropped her purse on the side table. “Oh, no.” She reached out and touched the nervous-looking girl’s arm. “You’ve done a great job. In fact, earlier today, I thought about you and wondered if you were interested in taking on a full-time position with more responsibilities.”
A smile stretched across Misty’s face. “I’d love to. Then I could quit my weekend job as a waitress.”
“Good.” Tayla led them into the great room and plopped down on the sofa. “And then when you mentioned moving, I wondered if you’d be interested in moving in here. You can take the guest living quarters on the south end, if you’d like.” She stroked Charlie’s head as he nestled into her lap. “I know the kitchen is smaller, but—”
“Oh, no.” Misty clasped her hands together. “It would be perfect.”
“Great.” Tayla smiled. “I know you’ve been helping with the house and watching Charlie for me, but I always think I’ve got more time than I have, and I need some help.”
“Of course.” Misty bit the corner of her lip. “But I’m afraid you’ll have to be a bit more specific. I wouldn’t want to let you down.”
“I’d be happy to sit down and go over a few things with you, but I think the best thing to do would be to put you in touch with Brooke.” Tayla brushed back her bangs. “She’s my personal assistant back in Idaho who keeps me on track. I wouldn’t need you to take on her job, because she’ll continue to keep my itinerary correlated between the three rehab centers.”
Misty nodded. “Okay.”
“I just need you to help things run smoothly while I’m in Seattle, and when I’m gone, you’ll manage the house.” She smiled, hoping she hadn’t overwhelmed the girl.
“That sounds great.” Misty’s dark eyes sparkled, and she grinned.
“And if you’d like to get a dog, I wouldn’t mind.” She gazed down at Charlie. “After a few months, I’ll be back and forth. I’ll take Charlie with me, of course.”
“Really?” Misty’s eyes widened.
Tayla chuckled. Two days ago, she couldn’t have imagined owning a dog, and now she was agreeing to two in her home. “But it’s up to you. That’s a lot of work.”
“I think I’ll hold off on a dog until I get the hang of things and Charlie’s housebroken. Two pups would be like two kids in diapers.”
“I can’t even imagine.” Tayla didn’t allow herself to think about a family of her own. She’d devoted her life to her work, and her own childhood wasn’t something she wanted to repeat.
“Or maybe I’ll adopt one from the shelter, preferably already trained.” Misty stood up. “Something to think about.” She took her phone from her pocket and swiped the screen. “I’d better get going. What time would you like me here in the morning?”
“7:30 would be great. I’ve got a meeting at 8, but I’m planning on coming home after that.” Tayla picked up the sleeping puppy. “And I need to buy a car. Any chance you’d go with me? I’d love the company.”
Misty cocked a brow and gave her a quizzical look. “Sure.”
“What?” Tayla grinned. “I like to pick out my own cars.”
“Alright.” Misty tucked her phone back in her pocket and smiled. “I’d be happy to.”
“Thanks. See you tomorrow.” Tayla stood up and meandered towards the kitchen. She put Charlie in the small dog bed in the corner and went to the fridge. She took out a yogurt and searched a couple drawers for a spoon until she located the utensils.
A noise startled her until she realized it was her phone ringing. She jogged over to the entryway and pulled the slim rose-gold phone from her purse.
“Hi, Saige.” Tayla balanced the phone on her shoulder and spooned some yogurt into her mouth.
“I was just wondering how life with your fur baby was going.”
Tayla swallowed. “I’m already suffering from working mother’s guilt, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Laughter floated through the speaker. “No, but that must mean you’re attached to the little guy.”
She glanced at the sleeping pup, watching the rise and fall of his little tummy, and sighed. “He’s already got me wrapped around his little paw. Of course, that’s what you were hoping for, right?”
“Of course. I want you to see there’s room in your life for a relationship.” Ever since Saige had found true love with her husband, Mark, she’d turned her attention towards Tayla’s single status.
“I’m going to be one of those women we used to make fun of, packing their dog in their purse.”
“Wow. I didn’t see that coming.” Saige paused. “Really? You with a dog purse?”
“You’ve seen Charlie. He’s impossible to leave behind every day. In fact, I’m going shopping with Misty, the girl who’s been taking care of the house, to find him a dog bed for my office.”
Saige’s voice rose an octave. “See, you’re making it work. Now if finding a man were as easy as picking out a puppy …”
Tayla giggled. “If only that were the case.”
“Have you seen any sexy Seattle men since you’ve arrived?” Saige didn’t know Tayla’s body warmed from head to toe as Waylon came to mind.
“Maybe.”
“What?” Saige’s squeal echoed in Tayla’s ear, followed by an orchestra of clattering and banging. “Sorry,” she huffed. “I dropped the phone. Alright, I’ve calmed down. Give me the details.”
Tayla wanted to regre
t not being more discreet about Waylon, but she didn’t. She wanted to tell someone about the last couple days. “His name is Waylon, and he’s Jamon West’s older brother.” Tayla imagined Saige lounged out in her recliner while she absorbed every bit of information Tayla was willing to spill. “And it’s not what you think. I mean, yes, he is attractive, but he’s an addict.”
“Okay.” There was somberness to Saige’s voice that hadn’t been there a second ago. “I guess that’s not great. Is he in recovery?”
“Yes, at Prevail.” Tayla stirred the yogurt. “And I know that’s not a reason not to care about someone. I can’t own three rehab centers and be that hypocritical—”
“But?” Saige interjected.
“But I’m not sure if he’s a nice guy or not. One minute he’s the hero, and the next he’s acting like the villain, and he’s clean, so it’s nothing to do with drugs.”
“That’s not like you. You usually peg someone within the first few minutes you meet them. It’s like your superpower,” Saige laughed.
“I know.” Tayla searched for a strawberry in her cup. “But with Waylon, it’s different. Something comes over me whenever he’s around, and I can’t think straight.”
“You’re attracted to him.”
“Yes, I admit that.” Tayla sighed. “But I don’t like it. One second I’d like to jump into his arms and be carried off into the sunset, and the next second, I’m so angry inside for feeling that way—especially when he’s acting like a jerk—my blood is boiling.”
Silence.
“Saige, are you there?” Tayla quickly took another bite.
“I’m here.” There was a clanking noise in the background.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m grabbing a bowl. This conversation requires a scoop of cookies and cream.”
“It’s not that bad.” Tayla wished she would’ve thought of ice cream herself as she looked at her yogurt.
