I crinkled up my nose and giggled. “Mitch? Mitch said he would read a book that you gave him? Does he know what type of books you read?”
She threw her head back and laughed. “Yes! I was thinking of giving him Knight and Play!”
I just looked at her, and then we both busted out laughing. I looked up to see Layton walking toward us. He was covered in dust and looked sexy as hell.
“Holy shit. Damn…that boy is fine, Whit. ”
I smiled as I took a sip of tea and watched Layton moving closer. The way he was walking about had me ready to tell Courtney it was time for her to leave.
“How lucky am I? Two beautiful women are sitting on my porch,” Layton said with a wink.
I let out a giggle. I looked over at Court and winked before turning back to Layton. “So, this dinner on Monday night? Fancy?” I asked as I set my cup down.
Layton walked up, leaned down in front of me, and kissed me so sweetly that I almost let out a soft moan.
When he pulled back, he frowned. “It is fancy. It’s a dinner for an investment bank in Austin. I sit on the board of directors, and they’re hosting it. ”
For one brief moment, a surge of panic rushed through my body as I thought of Roger.
Jesus, Whitley, calm the hell down. Roger is not going to be at an investment party in Austin, for cripe’s sake.
“Baby, are you okay? You turned white as a ghost. ” Layton placed his hand on the side of my face.
My stomach dropped, and it felt like it was twisting and turning.
The things his touch does to me—will it always be like this?
I smiled as I looked into his eyes. “Yes, I guess I just realized I better get into town to go shopping for a fancy dress!”
Courtney laughed as she grabbed my hand and pulled me up. Layton stood and kissed me on the forehead, and then he smiled at me even bigger.
“Please, Whit, I have a closet full of dresses. Excuse us, Layton, but I’m going to have to take her away from you. We have prepping to do. ”
Layton’s face dropped for a quick second before he leaned over and whispered into my ear, “I’ll be over around seven? Dinner?”
I smiled as I nodded, and then I let Courtney lead me back into the house. I turned back one more time and gave him the sexiest smile I could. He winked as he gave me the sexiest damn smile ever in return.
“Jesus, Courtney, you’re pulling my arm out of the socket. What the hell?”
She stopped and looked at me as she dropped my arm. “Didn’t you see the fucker walking up from the barn? No way do I want to be within ten feet of him. ”
“Reed?” I asked.
She tilted her head and put her hands on her hips. “Yes, Reed. Do you know any other fuckers who would be walking up from the barn?”
“Well…” I laughed.
“Oh God, Whit. Just go pack up your shit. We’re going home to play dress-up!” She turned and walked toward the stairs and up to the room where she’d stayed last night.
By the time I was packed and ready to go, Courtney was already in her truck and giving me a hurry-the-fuck-up look.
I ran up to the truck, and as I jumped in, I saw Courtney glaring at someone. I glanced in the direction and saw Reed walking toward us. He looked like he was trying to get Courtney’s attention.
I looked back at Courtney. “He looks like he wants to talk to you, Court. ”
She watched him as he walked around the front of her truck to the driver’s side. He stopped and knocked on the window. Courtney was staring straight ahead as she gripped the steering wheel tighter. She slowly looked over at Reed. The next thing I knew, she slammed her foot on the gas, and we spun out and took off down the driveway.
“Oh my God! Courtney! You could have hurt him by doing that. What in the hell were you thinking?” I spun around and saw Reed standing there, watching the truck speed away.