Her Protector: A Braxton Brothers Romance by Meyer Anne-Marie

Author:Meyer, Anne-Marie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sweet Heart Books, LLC
Published: 2019-06-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

James helped his mom clear the table after dinner. Partly because old habits die hard and partly because he needed to talk to her privately.

If he and Layla were going to stay here, he needed to set some ground rules. His overly anxious mother meant well, but boundaries weren’t Sondra’s specialty.

Layla stood up from the table and reached down to grab her plate at the same time James moved to get it. Their fingers brushed, and warmth spread across his skin. Out of instinct, he glanced over to her, his eyes widening.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. He had been so preoccupied with his thoughts that he hadn’t noticed how close he was standing to Layla. He could smell her coconut shampoo and feel her warmth cascading across his skin. He wanted to lean in. To soak in every part of her.

Just as he moved to lean closer, he realized what he was doing and snapped back. That was the last thing he needed.

Layla shook her head. “It’s fine.”

“I’ll take care of this,” he said, smiling down at her.

Layla chewed her lip as she pulled her hands away and clasped them together in front of her. “Sure.”

James took it from her, making sure he was very aware of where he placed his hands. He wasn’t sure how she felt when they touched, and he didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.

He needed to keep his ridiculous thoughts in check if he was going to get through the weekend.

He gathered a few more dishes and stacked them on top of each other in an attempt to look busy. “I’ve got this covered. If you want, you could go lay down or something. I’m sure you’re tired.”

Layla’s expression softened as she nodded. “Actually, I was hoping to take a bath. Do you think that would be okay?”

James nodded. “Ma, Layla would like to take a bath.”

Sondra looked over at them. “Of course. Upstairs and to the left. Feel free to use my bath salts,” she said as she wiped her hands on a dishrag.

James felt warmth begin to rise up inside of him. Maybe it was because Layla seemed to fit so easily into his life here. Worried he’d blush for what felt like the millionth time, he gave Layla a wide smile. “I’m pretty sure you can find your way.”

The sides of Layla’s mouth tipped upwards as she nodded. “I’m sure I can.” She moved to walk past him but then paused as she glanced up to study him. She looked as if she was going to say something but then changed her mind. “Thanks,” she said.

James watched her as she made her way up the stairs. It was strange. Even though he’d only known her for less than forty-eight hours, he was beginning to recognize her habits. The slight downward turn of her shoulders. How her hair fell forward, hiding her face. He could tell something was bothering her, but he didn’t know what.

He wanted to, though. He wanted to learn all there was to learn about Layla.

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