Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80634 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80634 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Glancing over at her, I flash her a grin—something the me before her wouldn’t have done so easily. Now, with Layla by my side, I feel lighter, maybe even a little more laidback, like my younger brothers. Hell, even Royce now that he has Sawyer in his life. “Ready?”
“If I say no, will you take me home?”
“Depends. Where are you referring to as home?” I smirk, knowing I have her.
“Your home.”
Reaching over the console, I slide my hand behind her neck. “Our home. And this is my family. I want to share them with you. Will you let me do that, Lay?”
She sucks in a deep breath. “How am I supposed to say no to that?”
“You’re not.” Leaning over, I kiss the tip of her nose and pull away, climbing out of my truck. I start around the front to her door, and to my surprise, she meets me halfway. I thought I might have to pull her out against her will, but my girl once again proves how strong she is. She’s scared and nervous, but she’s with me. Right where she will always be.
“Come on.” My hand finds hers, and our fingers lock as I lead her up the steps and to the front door. I don’t bother knocking as that’s not how this family works, and step inside.
“Owen,” Layla hisses under her breath. “You can’t just walk in like you own the place.”
“Of course, he can,” a deep male voice greets us. “His momma and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You must be Layla,” my dad says.
“Y-Yes, sir.”
“None of that. Bring it in, darlin’.” Dad holds his arms open wide and steps into her personal space, wrapping his arms around her in a hug. “It’s nice to meet you. I was starting to think the two of you weren’t coming.”
“We’re early,” I remind him.
“Yep, but you, my son, are usually the first one here.”
“Who beat me?” I ask, realizing I didn’t bother to look at the vehicles when we pulled up, my mind too occupied on bringing Layla here for the first time.
“Marshall.”
“That’s my baby brother,” I explain to Layla. I’ve been down the family tree a few times, but there are five of us, and we’re a lot to take on all at once.
“I heard that!” Marshall calls from what sounds like the kitchen.
“He hates that.” Dad laughs.
“Hates what?” Layla asks.
“When I call him baby brother.” My grin is wide and genuine when I think about how my words have annoyed Marshall. “Come on. I’ll introduce you.” With her hand still wrapped in mine, I follow my father down the hall to the kitchen.
Chapter 14
Layla
My stomach is in knots as I walk next to Owen, following his dad into the kitchen. He must feel the tremble in my hand that he’s holding. He gives it a reassuring squeeze, but it does nothing to calm my nerves.
“You’re late, brother,” a handsome guy who I assume is Marshall says as soon as we enter the kitchen.
“You’re never early, what gives?” Owen asks.
“Oh, you know, wanted to be here when my girl got here.”
“Your girl?”
“Yep.” Marshall stands from the stool he’s sitting on and comes to stand next to me. “Thanks for picking her up for me,” he says, slinging his arm over my shoulder.
“Marsh,” Owen says, his voice low and kind of menacing. The look on Marshall’s face tells me he’s not a bit afraid of his big brother and that he got the reaction he was hoping for.
“Come on, babe, let me introduce you to my mother,” Marshall says with a chuckle.
“Back off, baby brother,” Owen says with humor lacing his voice. His hand slides around my waist, and he pulls me into his side and away from Marshall.
“Mom, Owen keeps calling me baby brother,” Marshall says in a whiny voice, barely able to contain his laughter.
“Oh, hush, you two. Marshall, leave your brother alone, and Layla too. You’re going to scare her off before I get a hug.”
“He started it,” Owen singsongs, and I can’t hide the giggle that escapes.
I rush to cover my mouth with my hand, my eyes wide as I glance around the room. “I’m sorry,” I mumble, finally looking up at Owen.
He’s grinning, his white teeth shining brightly through his beard, and his eyes are twinkling. I open my mouth to apologize again; it was rude to laugh, but come on, that shit was funny. He beats me to it when he leans down and kisses the corner of my mouth.
“He can razz me all damn day if that’s the reaction I get out of you. Love to see you happy, Lay,” he whispers, just for me.
“Back up,” his mom says, smacking at his chest lightly. “Layla.” She smiles, and the dimple in her cheek peeks out. “I’m Lena, the mother to this brood. Welcome.” She opens her arms for a hug, and I feel Owen release his hold on me. I step into his mother’s embrace and have to swallow hard to fight off the emotions. My own mother never hugged me like this. Not one moment of my past do I ever remember getting this kind of affection from her. “We’re glad you’re here,” Lena says, pulling away.