“It’s not like that. I love him.”
“Oh, I’m sure you do. That’s why you’re going to do what I tell you. I want a million dollars. Cash. You have one week to get it to me, or else.”
“No.” I push the words past my lips. “I won’t use him like that.”
“You don’t have a choice. I’ll be delivering you a package. In fact, it will be there within the hour. I think you’ll see things my way once you get it. Don’t call me. I’ll call you.” With that, she ends the call.
My hands shake as I place the receiver back on the base. I can’t believe she found me, and what is this nonsense that I’ve been making her money? I have no idea what she could be sending me, but I feel like I’m going to be sick. I hate her. I know that hate is a strong word, and I shouldn’t hold the feeling in my heart, but… I. Hate. Her.
My only saving grace is that Owen is out of the office today. I focus on taking deep, even breaths, willing my heart to slow its rhythm. My concentration is shit, and there is no point in trying to get anymore work done today. The whooshing sound of the elevator doors opening has me standing and watching as a young guy, who can’t be older than eighteen if that, approaches my desk.
“I have a delivery for Layla Massey.”
“I’m Layla,” I tell him.
He hands me the package. “This is for you.”
“Thank you. Um, can you tell me who sent you?”
“No, ma’am. I work for a courier service. I just get the packages and the name and address for delivery. Have a great day.” He waves. I stand and watch until the elevator doors close, shutting him in before my eyes go to the letter-size envelope sitting on the corner of my desk.
With shaking hands, I retrieve the envelope and slowly tear it open, pulling out the contents. It takes me a minute to decipher what I’m looking at. Once I figure it out, my stomach rolls. With the envelope and its contents clasped tightly in my hands, I rush for the restroom and lose the contents of my stomach.
Chapter 25
Owen
After our meeting yesterday, Royce, Grant, and I called Conrad and Marshall, inviting them for drinks. Finally, after months of negotiations, we were able to close the deal to buy the small trucking outfit just east of Nashville. The company wasn’t a huge competitor, but they were a competitor. A drink was in order, and it’s been months since the five of us got together for a beer. I forgot how much fun hanging out with my brothers was. We don’t do it nearly enough, and I told them so. They all looked to be surprised by my admission, but we agreed to make sure we get together more often.
It was late when I got home, and Layla was already sound asleep. It was nice knowing she was at home waiting for me. I slid in bed next to her, pulled her into my arms, and slept like a baby. All was right in my world, until the light of day, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind that something is going on with her. She’s been quiet all morning and barely touched her breakfast. It’s not just that the smile that’s usually shining at me every day is gone.
“You okay?” I ask once we’re in the car and on our way to the office.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
“You seem off.”
“I have a headache.”
“Why didn’t you say something? What can I do?” I glance over at her before turning my eyes back to the road.
Another smile, this one genuine but still pained. “Nothing. I just have to wait it out.”
“Do you get them a lot?” It’s been a few months since she moved to Nashville with me, and this is the first time I’ve heard of her having a headache.
“I used to get them all the time. It’s been years, but when I do, it takes days to kick it.”
“I’m going to call and get you into the doctor,” I tell her.
“No, Owen, I’m fine. I just took some over-the-counter medicine. I’ll be fine.”
“If you’re not better by tonight, we’re going to the doctor,” I tell her.
“Owen.” She reaches over, placing her hand on my thigh. Her touch goes a long way to soothe my fears about her being sick. I couldn’t survive anything happening to her. “It’s a headache. I’ll be fine.”
I don’t argue with her, that’s the last thing she needs, but I’m sticking by my demand that if she's not better, we go see a doctor. “We’re out of the office again today,” I remind her. “Marshall will be there if you need anything.”
“I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“I know that, but you have a family who loves you, that includes my brothers.”
“I know,” she says, her voice cracking.
“We should go home,” I say, not sure leaving the office and not being close to her today is the right choice. “You’re upset.”
“It’s still a lot to take in, knowing I have so many people in my corner. Sometimes it gets the best of me. This is one of those times.”
I pull into my spot in the parking garage and turn off the engine. Removing my seat belt, I turn to face her. My hand cradles her cheek. “You are the most important person in my life. I will always be in your corner. There is nothing in this world that can keep me from being by your side.” Her eyes well with tears, and my anxiety piques. I hate to see her cry. “I love you, Layla. You know that, right?”
She nods. “I love you too.” She smiles and wipes at her tears. “We should go in. I have a lot to get done today, and you’re all supposed to be leaving in twenty minutes.”
“I can stay,” I offer, but she waves me off.
“I’m fine, Owen. Thank you for worrying about me and taking care of me. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Good thing we’re never going to find out.” I kiss her one more time on the corner of her mouth and pull the keys from the ignition, exiting the car.
I leave Layla at her desk with the promise to stop by before we leave to check on her again. She rolled those beautiful blue eyes of hers but didn’t argue. She knows it wouldn’t do a bit of good. Instead of going to my office, I stop by Marshall’s. He’s the only one of us in the office today. I would have gone to Sawyer, but girl code and all that. I’m afraid she might not tell me if Layla needs me. I know I can count on my brother.
“What’s up?” Marshall asks, sitting up straighter in his chair.
“I need a favor.”
“Anything.” For all of the goofiness that comes from my brothers, the younger two especially, I know that I can always count on them. “Layla’s not feeling well. Can you check in on her for me today?”
“Got it.” He nods.
“Call me if she needs me. She won’t ask,” I say, running my hand over my beard.
“I’ll check on her,” he assures me.
“Can you also make sure she eats lunch? She didn’t eat much for breakfast.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him to forget it, and that I’m staying.
“Owen, I promise you I’ll look after her. I’ll make sure she eats, and if she needs you, even if she won’t admit it, I’ll call you.”