Intent(36)

“Challenge accepted, little lady.”

Over the following four hours, we walked hand in hand over every square inch of the fairgrounds. We kissed when we stopped at the top of the Ferris wheel while passengers got on and off at the bottom. We fed each other cotton candy, funnel cakes, and fried Oreos. We talked and laughed and shared stories from our childhood, a time before adult problems tainted and jaded us. We’re now sitting at a picnic table under a huge oak tree.

“You did not do that to your poor mother!” Layne laughs and shakes her head when I finish telling her another story from my youth. “I’m surprised she didn’t have a nervous breakdown raising you.”

“Don’t be fooled. She loved never knowing what to expect from me. It helped her think on her feet and make decisions quickly. She was the best at her job because of me.”

“Yeah, I’m sure she saw it exactly that way, too.”

“What about your family? Where are they?”

“My mother died when I was in high school. I was very close to her. She had breast cancer and fought it for a long time before it won. It was very hard being a teenage girl without my mom, but Nana was there for me every step of the way. My dad moved to California when my parents divorced and checked out of our family. He gets a new wife every couple of years who’s somehow always younger than me. He calls maybe twice a year and texts pictures of all the fun things he does with his wife of the month.” She averts her eyes from mine and looks down at the ground. Her father’s lack of involvement in her life bothers her more than she wants to admit.

“I know what it’s like to have your family torn apart. You don’t have to pretend that it’s okay. You have every right to grieve. But there’ll come a time when you’ll want to move on—for yourself. When you reach that point, it’ll be the easiest thing you’ve ever done.”

“You’re right about that. It felt like I’d never move on from what happened with Bobby, but I have. Being here has helped me so much. Just getting away from everything that reminded me lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders. Caring for Frankie was the best therapy because focusing on caring for him took my mind off my problems. He needed me, and I needed him.”

“That’s the idea behind the therapy. Well, part of it anyway, depending on the underlying reasons behind the issues. I’m glad it’s worked out so well for you. But to save my pride, can you tell everyone that it was me who got you through it? It’s kind of embarrassing to be outdone by a horse,” I reply in blatant jest.

There’s more sincerity than humor in her eyes when she smiles. “I’ll definitely be sure to give you a fair share of the credit. In all honesty, you and River helped me as much as Frankie did. The time I’ve spent with you has made me want to rejoin the world instead of hide away from it. The time with River has rejuvenated my soul, brought out the kid in me again. I’ve needed that. I’ve needed you.”

“We’ve needed you, too, Layne. I’ve needed you. More than you know. You’ve helped me so much more than I have you,” I state emphatically.

She leans in unexpectedly and kisses me passionately. Our lips crush together, then her tongue glides against mine and I pull her into my lap. She comes willingly and wraps her arms around my neck as we deepen the kiss. When she breaks the kiss, it’s then that I realize we’re still in a very public place. Even though we’re off the beaten path, I’m sure there are eyes watching us from multiple angles. No doubt the whole town will be buzzing with gossip by morning.

“Ace,” she whispers as she meets my gaze. “Ask me to stay with you tonight.”

I’m pleasantly surprised by her request and only too happy to oblige. “Layne, stay with me tonight.”

She nods her head wordlessly in agreement. “I’m ready. No more holding back. I’m putting my full trust in you.”

“You won’t be sorry,” I promise her. It was a warning—the way she purposely phrased it, the question in her eyes, the uncertainty in her voice. In spite of her fears, she’s learning to open her heart again. “I won’t let you down. You’ll see.”

She nods, quickly leans into me, and presses her lips against mine. The softness of her plump lips and the sweet taste of her passion fruit lip gloss kicks my libido into overdrive like nothing else. “It’s time to leave now,” she purrs into my ear. “Take me home.”

“Thought you’d never ask.” I stand and lift Layne in my arms, keeping her body pressed against mine. “Let’s get the f*ck out of here.”





Chapter Twelve





Layne



The ride back to Ace’s house from the fairgrounds is nothing but a blur now. I’m anxious and excited and very turned on and really, really nervous. Bobby was my first and only, so I really don’t know what to expect with Ace. What does he like? Or not like? Why am I so tense about this? Our kisses have been scorching hot, and he’s been every bit as aroused as I’ve been.

“Would you like a drink? I just might have a bottle of strawberry wine in the refrigerator.”

Heat fills my cheeks because the mention of strawberry wine conjures memories of our kiss under the stars. “I’d love a glass of wine. Thanks.”

Ace returns with a glass of wine for me and a longneck bottle of beer for him. “Have a seat.” He gestures toward the couch and we sit close together.