I actually have to think about it. Everything is just second nature for me.
“There’s the basic thank you. If you’re friends, you could hug them. It actually depends on how big the favor was that they did for you.”
“It’s very big,” she says. “I was really worried about my mother.”
And just like that, she melts my heart. I feel a rush of compassion mixed with an intense need to protect this girl, spread through me.
“You don’t have to thank me, Lee.”
She lowers her head for a moment, and I hear her take a couple of deep breaths, and then she darts forward. I instinctively lean into her when she reaches up, wrapping her arms around my neck.
Placing an arm around her waist, and feeling her body so close to mine reminds me that she’s not just a girl in need of help, but also the woman I’ve come to care for.
The hug is only for a couple of seconds, and then she pulls back.
“You’re fine with Layla and Kingsley spending time with you, right?”
She nods, and a shy look settles on her face, coloring her cheeks pink.
Grinning like a damn idiot, I reach out, and when I cup her cheek, her eyes fly to mine. “I’ll go get you a phone and bring it by later. Is there anything else you need?”
She shakes her head, and it makes her soft skin brush against my palm.
“Layla and Kingsley have my number. If you think of anything while you’re unpacking just have them call me.”
“Okay.”
I drop my hand to my side and look at her for a second longer before I walk to the door.
“Lake,” she calls after me, and when I glance over my shoulder, she continues, “Thank you… a lot.”
“You’re welcome.” I smile at her one last time before I let myself out of the room.
“Finally,” Kingsley groans as she gets up from the floor again. “Ah, crap. Now my other leg’s asleep.”
Chuckling, I shake my head as I walk down the hallway. “Thanks, ladies. I owe you.”Chapter 7LeeThe instant Lake leaves, I cover my face with my hands, taking deep breaths.
I know there’s a lot I should be worried about, but right now I’m just too relieved to care about any of it. Even though Mom sounded tired as always, it was so good to hear her voice.
When I asked her if everything was okay, she rambled on and on about the daily life on Jeju.
I could smell the ocean air she was breathing.
I could feel the wind I heard blowing over the line.
It feels as if my soul has been refreshed after the call.
I drop my hands from my face when I hear the door open, and again I’m shocked by how beautiful Layla is. I saw a couple of people who were light-haired and fair-skinned when we walked through the airport, but not up close. Not like this. Her hair looks like she’s been spun from gold and her skin can rival any pearl in the world.
“We should order food first,” Kingsley says as she sits down on the couch. “What do you like to eat, Lee?”
Unconsciously I place a hand over my stomach. I haven’t eaten since yesterday afternoon and could really eat half my weight in Tteokbokki.
I’ve also learned most of the food here tastes bland and oily, and I just can’t stomach it.
“Do you have anything similar to ramen or any kind of noodles? Or rice?”
“I think we should walk over to the restaurant and talk to one of the chefs. I’m sure they can whip up something for you,” Layla offers.
“They won’t mind, will they?” I ask, not wanting to inconvenience anyone.
“They don’t mind,” Kingsley answers. “I have them add new toppings to my pizza every other day. Oh, did I tell you?” She glances at Layla. “I got them to make me a chocolate pizza.”
“Just chocolate, right?” Layla asks, pulling a face.
“Yeah, but I think it would taste even better with pineapple.”
Layla shakes her head, then brings her eyes to me. “Don’t eat any food she gives you.”
I smile, and I have to admit, I envy the friendship they share.
“We can get it to go then eat here while we unpack everything.”
I follow the two girls out, but then Kingsley turns around and jogs back to where the coffee table is. She picks up a card and waves it in the air as she runs back to us. “We almost forgot the keycard. Trust me, you do not want to forget this in the suite when you go out. It took me hours to get a new one.”
When we close the door behind us, Kingsley shows me how to use the card to open the door again before handing it over to me.
“Thank you.” I don’t have any pockets to put it in, and the thought makes me glance down at my dress. Then I look at the comfortable clothes Laya and Kingsley are wearing, and I ask, “Can I change quickly?”