“I’ll stamp it on my fucking forehead if I have to,” I ground out. I’d never been comfortable with the attention in the first place. Now? It felt like an insult to Layla every time it happened. Word had spread I was spoken for, but some bitches didn’t care about that shit. Hell, for some it was a challenge.
He chuckled. “Now that I’ve gotta see.”
“Later, brother,” I replied by way of answer, throwing up a two-fingered salute and making my way out to my bike. My jeans tightened at the idea of Layla behind me, her luscious body pressed to mine. With Riley, we hadn’t been able to ride yet.
But I had to plan to change that. Very soon.
Just had to make sure she went for it.
****
“Remember to keep your fists up,” I reminded Layla a short time later as we wrapped up a boxing session in the empty studio at the back of the gym.
She looked gorgeous with her cheeks flushed and hair thrown up in a haphazard bun. Her gorgeous body was on distracting display in a sports bra and tights that left little to the imagination.
I’d be all over her if I didn’t know how important this was to her.
“You did good.” I grinned at her in approval. She was a natural athlete.
She smiled, pleased. “Thanks. I’m gonna do a quick run on the treadmill.”
I smacked her ass. “You’re gonna put a shirt on first.”
She stared at my bare chest, her brow raised in challenge. “I will if you will.”
I pulled her close, kissing her neck and squeezing her ass. “There’s only one woman I want lookin’ at me anyway. You’ve got a deal.”
We walked out into the main gym hand in hand, now both dressed in the shirts we’d discarded during training. “What’s on for the rest of the day?” I asked.
“Have to get back to work and then picking up Ri,” she replied. “Are you coming over later?”
I’d spent every night under her roof since we’d met, and still that glimmer of doubt shone in her eyes when she asked. “You know it.” I nodded, slinging my arm over her shoulders. I could be patient as long as it took for her to trust me. “I actually wanted to ask you something.”
She looked at me expectantly as I pulled her closer.
“I’d like to take you girls out tonight. I was thinking burgers and then maybe we could catch that new Disney movie. I did some research, and it seems like it would be okay for Ri.”
Her face softened as a gorgeous smile tilted her luscious mouth. “That sounds perfect.”
I grinned. “Good. I’ll head over after I’m done here, probably about six. Come get me when you’re done, and I’ll walk you to your car. Have a good run.” I gave her ass another squeeze. I couldn’t seem to keep my hands off her.
She tipped her head up, kissing me briefly before walking off toward the cardio equipment. I watched her go, practically drooling like a teenager. Damn, but the woman was fine.
“Eyes off!” I bellowed to a man whose gaze tracked Layla’s ass as she crossed the room.
Layla shot me a look over her shoulder.
I shrugged in response. That ass and those amazing tits and those kissable dimples at the small of her back were all mine. As was her larger-than-life heart that I wanted to claim more than any other part of her.
It hit me like a pile of bricks as I watched her begin a steady jog on the treadmill.
Holy shit, I loved her.
Chapter 13
LAYLA
“Baby, we’re just going for burgers,” I reminded Riley after she’d come downstairs outfitted in her pink party dress and sparkly Mary Janes. I’d told her we were going out with Cash, and she’d squealed in delight and promptly run up the stairs.