Page 11 of In the Lonely Hour

Andres chuckled. “Don’t laugh.”

Immediately her grin widened. “You can’t tell me not to laugh because that’s going to make me laugh.”

“‘Billy Summers’ by Stephen King is my most recent download, but I paused it to read the “Harry Potter” series.”

Her eyes widened and she released a quick cackle before covering her mouth, making him chuckle and shake his head.

“Harry Potter, Dre? Seriously?”

At the sound of her calling him Dre, a smile settled on his lips after he licked them. For a few seconds, all he could do was stare into her dark, hypnotic eyes. If she didn’t watch that shit, he was going to have her in positions that let him hear how good her sultry voice sounded moaning his name.

“The shit is interesting, aight?”

She giggled. “I tried to watch the series but couldn’t get into it. Same thing withTwilight. Maybe I would enjoy the books better.”

“Come on.” Andres took her hand into his and led her into the living room.

“What are we about to do?” she asked sweetly.

“We’re going to read the first book together. If you like it, we’ll start the movies.”

“Really?”

They sat so close on the couch their legs touched one another.

“Yeah. Unless you got something else to do?”

She stared at him for a few seconds before shaking her head. “There’s nothing else I’d rather do.”

Biting back his smile, Andres nodded. “Cool. I hope you don’t read slow either…”

Dior’s eyes lit up at the sight of the gift basket Andres had waiting for her. It was her first evening at the center working with his team and they had welcomed them both in with warm, open arms.

“This is what I asked for!” Dior rocked back and forth before jumping up and down as she hugged the large stuffed turtle he’d gotten her. There was also a single yellow rose in her basket, and he’d gotten Layla a bouquet of red roses.

“What do you say, Dior?” Layla guided with a smile.

“Thank you?” She looked from one to the other to make sure she was correct, making Layla chuckle.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“You’re welcome, Dior,” Andres replied. “I want you to have a good time, okay? If anyone or anything makes you uncomfortable what are you supposed to do?”

“Call you or mom.”

“Right.”

He lifted his hand and she gave him a high five before hugging Layla and following behind his team without any further guidance needed.

“Whew.” Layla released a long breath, eyes never leaving Dior until the door closed behind them. “What am I supposed to do now?”

Andres chuckled. “You have three hours to yourself and you didn’t make any plans?”

Her head shook. “Well, I planned to sit outside the door, but I figured you wouldn’t let me do that.”

His laugh was a little louder this time. “You damn right.” After looking around, Andres added, “Come with me.”

Placing her hand inside of his, Layla followed his lead. It was always naturally easy to do that. Standing next to him, she brushed her arm against his, inhaling a deep whiff of his scent. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, Layla had been thoroughly enjoying their time together. There was something about the effortless calm of his presence that was a welcomed relief from what she was used to with Carlos.

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