Chapter 10: Careful What You Wish For (Layla) - Once I Find You

He stares at me like he’s trying to piece a puzzle together. My face heats under his gaze, and I suddenly wonder if I look okay. Is my hair messed up from all the wind? I had to walk six blocks because the second bus line was down, and I probably sweat too. “Uh, so, you really don’t want it?” I ask awkwardly, looking down at the forgotten cupcake in my hand.

“Just…leave it on the counter.”

I smile and walk over to the counter, setting it down on an empty spot. When I turn back around, he immediately turns his head to look away. Was he staring at my ass?

“Look. I don’t know what to do here. I can’t afford to get involved with anyone, and as you know what I do is dangerous,” he says, though he looks conflicted. That means I’m definitely getting through to him, right?

“I don’t mind,” I say sweetly, clasping my hands together.

“Okay, but I do. You should be…I don’t know. Aren’t you supposed to be in college?”

“Well, I’ve been working since I was sixteen. I skipped college to follow my dream. I mean, maybe one day I’d like to take professional classes for baking.” That would be amazing. Too bad they’re expensive.

“Sixteen?” he asks.

“Well…I had to drop out of high school and get my GED online. I kind of ended up on my own so I had to work full-time.”

“Why would you be on your own? Because of him?”

I feel a bit embarrassed. I guess I didn’t think about the fact I’d have to tell my messy life story to the man I’m trying to impress. “Uh, yeah. I mean, I had to separate from my family. I moved in with my aunt on my father’s side but it was only while I waited to get accepted for a housing program. I had to work full-time so I could make enough to be approved.”

He’s quiet. Crap. He’s totally not interested in my backstory. I misunderstood and overshared again. Why would I expect him to care about that?

“And now?”

“Huh?” I ask, not sure what he means.

“Where are you now?”

“Oh…now? I’m in a studio apartment in downtown Ashford. I aged out of the low-income housing program when I turned eighteen, so I had to find something else.”

“Downtown Ashford? Where?” Why is he so curious?

“It’s on the same block as Heritage Park.”

“Heritage Park? You live there alone?”

I nod once, a bit confused. He’s probably thinking about how it’s in a poorer area…and maybe I should’ve lied? No, no. It’s okay, he’d find out eventually anyway.

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “At least tell me you don’t walk far from your car to get inside.”

“I…take the bus,” I admit quietly. This can’t be going any worse. Great first impressions you’ve made so far, Layla.

“The fucking bus? Are you kidding me?”

I shake my head, my eyes staying locked on his.

“You took a bus last night?” When I nod, he looks pissed. “Do you know how fucking unsafe that is?”

“I can’t really afford to Uber everywhere, though. I got a discounted bus pass from the program.” I try to defend myself, but I know he still isn’t happy.

He runs his hand down his bearded face as he turns to the side, and I take his moment of silence to enjoy him while he doesn’t watch me. It’s exciting finally seeing him fully unmasked like this. He has well-kept brown hair, dark green eyes, and a kind face despite his constant sour expression. His arms are covered in tattoos, and I bet they spread everywhere. I wonder how hard that chest is…

He passes me and rounds a corner, and I hear keys jingle. When he comes back, he stops right in front of me, and I feel my whole body stiffen. Surprisingly, not in the bad way. The very, very good way.

“I’m taking you home, and you’re going to stay there, and not even think about coming back here again, or any-fucking-where else you shouldn’t be.”

“But—”

“Did you hear what I just said, little girl?” he says it like he’s angry…but why do I kinda like it?

“Yes, but⁠—”

Make your next read a love story.

Search Lokepub on Google for romance novels.

He grabs my arm, not too hard but firm enough that he easily pulls me alongside him as he unlocks the front door and takes me to his truck. He opens the passenger door and motions for me to get in. I hesitate until I see the serious look on his face and begrudgingly get inside.

I put my right arm up and behind me awkwardly to reach for the seatbelt but feel nothing. “Where’s the seatbelt?” I ask as he slides in and closes his own door.

He reaches across me, searching down the side of my seat. His muscular arm rubs against my thighs, and I can feel the butterflies fluttering inside my stomach. It’s rock hard, and almost as big as my wide thigh.

He finally finds it, pulling it up and across my hips, then clicking it for me. I think he also realizes how close we were, and he pulls back awkwardly to put his own seatbelt on. He clears his throat. “It’s uh, been a while since I had a passenger. I keep it tucked.”

The ride is quiet, and I can tell he isn’t used to talking a lot. Fortunately, it’s a bit of a drive from here to Ashford, so I can use this time to try to change his mind.

“So, you must really like cars then,” I ask, trying to make casual conversation.

“Something like that.”

“I like your truck, and the seats are cool.” Instead of two separate seats, the front seat is a bench long enough to fit three people.

“Well, it’s a ‘79 F-150. Not like the shit they make these days.”

I nod, looking down at the seat. Should I…move closer? Would he notice if I just slid a little bit? I bet if it was Crystal, she would have shamelessly undone her seatbelt and scooted all the way to him and put her hand on his thigh. Can I channel her right now?

“If I promise to be more careful, can I come back?” He’s dead silent now, and I feel weird. I need to know what he’s thinking, but he has a poker face I just can’t read.

“What do I have to do to get rid of you, Layla?”

“Have sex with me,” I blurt out quickly.

Holyshit! Did I just say that out loud?

He turns his head, the steering wheel slightly shifting but he quickly corrects it. “Excuse me?”

What do I say now? I should take it back. Wait, why would I take it back? If I said it, that means I felt it, right? Should I double-down? “Uh…yeah. T-that’s what I want.” I try to sound confident, but I’m too shocked that my voice cracks.

“You want me to fuck you?”

God.

Yes.

Please fix me.

“Yep.” Yep? Seriously, Layla?

“That isn’t enough of an answer,” he says, his voice…deeper.

“Um…yes. Please fuck me.” I’m sure my voice comes out quieter than I meant, but this is all moving so fast. Is he seriously going to do it? Am I ready? I think I am, but now I’m worried I’m going to mess something up. This is my last chance to prove how badly I want him.

“Careful what you wish for, sweetheart.”

I feel my stomach sink as we pull onto my block. Am I even breathing normally? How long has it been since I spoke? I’m pulled from my mini-panic when the passenger door opens, and his imposing figure stands there waiting for me to climb out.

As I get out, he quietly follows close behind me as we walk up to my building. “Oh, sorry—the door is kinda broken,” I say over my shoulder. The broken door hangs off one hinge as it easily opens as I grab the handle. His jaw is clenched, but he thankfully doesn’t say anything about it as I walk to the staircase and he follows.

Why is he so quiet? Why isn’t he saying anything?!

We finally make it to the door, and my hand is shaking a little as I try to unlock it. His hand completely covers mine as he helps me turn it, pushing the door open with his other hand.

He closes the door behind him, and I set my keys and purse down on my kitchen counter. Am I really doing this? I’m going to have actual sex for the first time? What if⁠—

“What are those?” he asks. I turn to follow his gaze and my heart drops.