Page 26 of In the Lonely Hour

Andres shrugged, unsure how much he really wanted to tell. Technically, he wasn’t supposed to pursue anything romantic with Layla or any of his clients mothers for that matter. Things seemed to be beyond his control when it came to Layla, though.

“I guess you could say that.”

“Hmph.”

“What doeshmphmean?”

She smiled softly and shrugged. “Nothing for now. I just want to meet her. Make sure she’s nothing like that damn Veronica.”

“Whew,” Trevor released with a shake of his head. “That bit—”

“Watch your mouth, boy,” Marilyn demanded, swatting the back of his head.

“My fault, Ma. That woman was crazy. I’m surprised she hasn’t popped back up yet.”

“She’s not going to because I got that restraining order. Veronica is crazy but she’s not stupid. She’s not going to risk going to jail for anything.”

“Good.” His mother’s chin tilted as she added, “If she comes around again, she’ll have to deal with me.”

“Here you go,” his father, Dedrick, grumbled before chuckling. “Don’t even talk about her around your mother. You do remember our no fraternization clause though, right?” his father confirmed.

“Yeah,” was all Andres offered.

He knew that eventually he’d have to make them aware of the changes between him and Layla or bring someone else in as Dior’s aide. Until Layla was divorced and free to be his, Andres didn’t want to worry his family with their situation just yet. So far, he’d kept the center from being liable in any way because they weren’t accepting any payment for his services. She didn’t know it, but everything he’d been doing was technically off the clock and on his personal time.

By the time they’d finished dinner Layla was pulling up. Instead of bringing her inside immediately, he went out to her red Genesis G70. If something was bothering her, the last thing she needed was to be the center of his family’s attention. They were playful and loving but a bit much at times. Losing Emily had weaved them together even closer, and Andres wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.

“Hey,” she greeted as he closed the door behind himself.

“You good?”

“Mhm,” she agreed, smiling widely. “Can I have some suga?”

“You know you never have to ask.”

Andres gripped her chin and connected his lips with hers. He didn’t realize how much he’d needed this… her… until she was there. Once they pulled away, Layla rested her forehead on his and sighed.

“I missed you.”

He smiled softly. “I missed you too.”

“It’s funny because I went my whole life without you a little over a month ago, and now having two days pass without you seems suffocating. I legit feel like it’s easier to breathe now that I’m with you. Maybe because you make my heart feel safe.”

Pulling away, Layla avoided his eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“I met with Carlos earlier.”

“How did that go?”

“He’s willing to put the house in my name and everything else I asked if Dior gets a new aide.”

His heart pinched. “If that’s what it takes.”

She chuckled and crossed her arms over her chest. “She shouldn’t have to have her normal changed all over again just because her father is being difficult.”

“That’s true, but until you’re free of him, we gotta do what we gotta do. At the end of the day, Dior is my main priority…”

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