Piece by Piece (The Riggins Brothers #2) - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,37
you want to help me get the salad ready in the kitchen while the boys grill us some steak?” Sawyer cutting through the tension has me sighing in relief, thankful for the change in topic.
I nod. “I’d love to help.” Just like that, they’ve accepted me for who I am. We spend the rest of the day just hanging out and talking, getting to know one another. I see a lot of similarities between Royce and Owen. Their mannerisms, and the way that they are with Sawyer and me. Owen treats me like Royce treats Sawyer, and I know just by watching them together how in love they are.
I can’t help but wonder if Owen and I will get there. If I’m being honest with myself, I’m already falling hard. I’m scared as hell, but I’m not going to fight it. With life comes heartbreak; I know that better than anyone. I also know that sometimes you have to take a risk if you want the reward. That reward is Owen, and he’s worth all the risks.
Chapter 13
Owen
When the light of a new day begins to shine through the window, I realize I’ve lain awake all night. I was able to convince Layla to sleep in my bed again, promising her I just needed her close. I pulled her body into mine, and minutes later, she was sound asleep. Another night with her in my arms was exactly what I needed, but I couldn’t seem to turn my mind off. This is where she belongs, here with me. Not just in Tennessee but in my bed. In my arms. I ran through hundreds of different scenarios to keep her here permanently.
“Why are you watching me?” she asks, her voice gravelly from sleep.
“You’re beautiful.” A light shade of pink coats her cheeks at my compliment. “I’ve slept alone for thirty years. Never craved the warmth of a woman in my arms until you.”
She blinks a few times and tilts her head up to look at me. “You’ve never slept next to someone?”
“Unless you count my brothers when we were younger and would go camping out at the lake, no.”
“How is that possible?”
“Never wanted to until now.”
“You don’t have to lie to me, Owen. I’m a big girl. I can take it.”
I wrap my arms around her and pull her into my chest. I want her as close to me as possible. Always. “I’m telling you the truth. I’ve never been serious about anyone. I’ve never had a girlfriend. All of my experiences have been casual and never overnight.”
“What? You bring your dates here, and then kick them out of your bed?” She grimaces as she asks the question. No one wants to talk about this shit—especially not me when the woman of my dreams is in my arms.
“They don’t come here. We go to their place or a hotel, never here. This is my home.”
“A hotel? That’s such a waste of money,” she says.
“That’s all you got from that confession?” I ask with a smile. “I can afford it. Besides, those days are done.”
“Done?” I can hear the hope in her voice.
“Why would I need them when I have you?” Her mouth forms the perfect O, showing her surprise. “You’re the only one I see, Layla.”
“I guess we should move me into Sawyer’s place today. I didn’t realize that I was breaking a rule,” she says, pulling out of my arms. At least she tries to.
“Hey,” I say, pulling her back into me. “What are you talking about?”
“No one stays here, and I’ve done it now two nights in a row, and you didn’t even get a happy ending,” she says, her frustration showing in her voice.
“Layla, you’re not listening to me. I wanted you here. I want you here in my bed next to me. I want to sleep beside you every night and wake up to you every morning. You’re the exception.”
“I shouldn’t have come,” she says, once again, trying to pull out of my hold.
“You are exactly where you should be. Where I want you to be. Where is all of this coming from?”
“I moved to a state where I literally know no one, and he tells me that he doesn’t have serious relationships. I thought we might have more. I hoped that we would be, but now you tell me this. I need to go.” She tries to move away, and I do the only thing I can think of to stop her.