Page 4 of In the Lonely Hour

“It’s fine. That explains why he was eatingmyice cream.”

“He what!”

The sight of his wide eyes and wrinkled brows caused Layla to chuckle.

“It’s cool. I was so deep in thought it was melting down my hand. I didn’t even realize it until he started licking it. I wouldn’t have been able to eat it anyway.”

“Still, I apologize. He’s usually chill but ice cream makes him unruly. I guess I was taking too long, so he decided to find his own.”

They shared a soft laugh before he began to remove leaves from the back of her shirt.

“I’m not usually scared of dogs. More than anything, I think I was just startled because I didn’t see him approach. It’s fine though. He’s a sweetheart.”

The stranger ran his hand down his face and sighed. “I’m glad you’re cool with it ’cause I damn near had a heart attack.”

“I could tell.” Layla giggled softly. “What’s his name?”

They both looked down at the husky as he whined and tried to free himself from the confines of the bench.

“Tiny.”

“Oh yeah.” She chuckled. “There’s nothing tiny about Tiny.”

He laughed. “Right. My mother named him. He’s her and my dad’s dog. I’m just walking him for them.”

Layla nodded. “Do you have any pets of your own?”

“Nah. They have two huskies and want to start breeding soon, so I might get a puppy from them.” He licked his lips. “Can I buy you a new ice cream cone?”

Though she appreciated the gesture, Layla was prepared to decline. She’d come to the park thirty minutes earlier than the time Carlos asked to meet to get her thoughts together. They hadn’t spoken to each other in three days, and she had no idea what he was meeting her to say. What else was there to add?

“That’s not necessary. I don’t really have an appetite anyway.”

“Are you sure? Can I pay for a massage or something? I didn’t see you fall, but I’m sure you have to be in some kind of pain.”

His concern was refreshing. Layla squeezed the back of her neck, feeling her body warm the longer his dark, round eyes bore into hers. He had the longest, curliest lashes she’d ever seen on a man in person. Like Tupac’s. They were beautiful.

“I’m good. I promise. It’s cool.”

His head shook. “I have to do something.”

The sincerity in his tone made her heart skip a beat.

“If you want to do something, just get Tiny his ice cream. ASAP.”

He smiled, drawing her attention to his diamond shaped, blunt brown lips. And his pretty, straight, white teeth.

“I can do that.” He licked his lips again and casually scanned the length of her frame before adding, “You have a good day. And whatever you’re overthinking, trust that it’ll work itself out in time. It won’t be as bad as you think it will be either. We need you focused on your surroundings, aight?”

His kind words had her eyes watering, but she gritted her teeth, swallowed, and blinked rapidly to dry her eyes. After releasing a shaky breath, she smiled.

“I will. Thank you and have a good day.”

“You too.”

Layla watched as he unwrapped the leash and Tiny wasted no time leading him back toward the ice cream cart in the middleof the park. She smiled, and it turned into a chuckle when Tiny charged toward the cart as they got closer to it.

“Yeah, I see why he only walks one dog at a time,” she mumbled before chuckling again.

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