Somebody to Hold (Tyler Jamison #2) - April Wilson Page 0,15

tonight makes me smile. Tyler investigates murders for a living. I didn’t think anything fazed him. I reach out to brush his sexy bottom lip. “I promise, they’re going to love you.”

He laughs. “I appreciate your optimism. The last time we talked, your father threatened to have my badge if I didn’t stay the hell away from you. He said he’d make sure I never work in law enforcement again.”

I find it hard not to laugh. “Don’t let him intimidate you. He’s not your boss. He doesn’t have that kind of control over your career.”

“Ian, in addition to being a federal judge, your father is a very wealthy man. Don’t underestimate his influence in this city.”

I tug gently on Tyler’s tie. “I’m an adult. I make my own decisions, and I choose you. He’ll just have to accept that.”

Tyler caresses the back of my neck. “My little ray of sunshine.” And then he drops a quick kiss on my lips. “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”

* * *

As Tyler drives us to my parents’ house, I find myself preoccupied by the sight of his long fingers gripping the leather steering wheel. I love watching him drive. The confident way he navigates Chicago’s crowded streets, negotiating bumper-to-bumper traffic with ease, is a total turn-on. My gaze lingers on the backs of his hands—his sexy, rugged hands.

Tyler pulls the car around to the access lane behind my family home and parks next to my dad’s Mercedes. He shuts off the engine and turns to face me. “Ready?”

Grinning, I nod. The truth is, I’m excited about tonight. This is a big deal for me because I’ve never brought someone home to meet my family. “Absolutely. Let’s do this.”

He smiles at my eagerness. “Let’s just hope you’re right about tonight.”

My reply is interrupted by the screech of tires as a cherry-red Fiat comes tearing around the corner and zips into the parking space beside us.

As Tyler glares out my window at my sister’s new bodyguard, Sean Dickerson, who’s behind the wheel, he doesn’t bother to hide his irritation. “Sean should be more careful when he’s driving your sister.”

Layla’s just twenty-one, a sophomore at the University of Chicago, and an heiress with a sizable fortune—hence the need for a bodyguard. She can never leave the house without protection. My sister is featured on Forbes’ list of the wealthiest young adults in the US, along with me. And like me, she’s adopted. We’re not biologically related, but we couldn’t be closer. And like me, she has her share of issues.

Layla, dressed in ripped jeans and a burgundy UC hoodie, hops out of the Fiat and races around to my car door. Her long black hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and she’s wearing large silver hoop earrings.

After opening my car door, she leans in, ignoring me to peer at Tyler. She’s practically bouncing with excitement. “Hi. You must be Tyler.”

Tyler returns her smile. “And you must be Layla. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“I know, right?” she says. “I’ve been bugging Ian to bring you by.” Layla tucks some loose strands of hair behind her ear and nudges my shoulder. He’s hot, she mouths to me.

Tyler gets out of the car and walks around the front of the vehicle to join us.

“Layla, this is Tyler,” I say as I step out of the car and make proper introductions. “Tyler, this is my sister, Layla.”

I practically hold my breath as the two most important people in my life meet for the first time. I’m desperate for them to like each other.

Tyler offers Layla his hand, and she shakes it eagerly, her gaze bouncing from him to me and back again.

Tyler then turns his attention to Layla’s bodyguard, who’s now leaning insolently against the Fiat beside us, his arms crossed over his chest.

Tyler levels his gaze on Sean. “Do you always drive like a maniac when your client is in the car?”

I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. That’s my man—he never minces words. And I love that he’s already sticking up for my sister.

Sean whips off his dark sunglasses and hangs them on the neckline of his T-shirt. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.” He rolls his eyes toward my sister. “I don’t see Layla complaining.”

Tyler’s expression darkens, but before he can reply, Layla butts in with a shaky laugh and grabs my hand. “Come on, guys, let’s go inside. Mom’s dying to meet Tyler.” Then she glances