Third Date (22 page)

But when she turned toward us, my chest lurched forward. I felt my pulse start to go off in a sprint, pumping hot blood through my veins.

She looked so much like me I almost threw up. It hurt to swallow, the large lump had embedded itself in the back of my throat, making it hard to breathe. I was frozen, but still moving. The world around me was suspended, but people glided smoothly between us.

“Anna?” I asked, briskly walking towards her. “Anna, Anna Galloway?”

Kinsely tried to match my pace, but I took three steps to her one. Holding the edge of my shirt, she asked, “Is that her? Are you sure that's her?”

My heart was pounding in my ears, the loud thumping masked every noise around me. “It has to be her, it has to be.” Looking over my shoulder, I spoke so fast I wasn't sure if Kinsley could even make out my words.

“Layne, slow down, what if it's not? Don't startle the girl.” Her hand curled around my bicep, trying to hold me back. “You can't just run at someone, slow down.”

Taking a deep, labored breath, the woman's eyes landed on mine. Her huge brown gaze swelled in tears, hands pressing into her lips.
“Layne?”

It was her, and I had been completely right. She looked just like me, only a carbon copy girl version. Her hair was the same deep shade of black, her eyes were thin and round in shape just like mine, and the color looked like it was poured from the same vile of ink.

There was no mistaking, that was my sister.

Anna was my sister.

I stopped a foot from her, arms dangling by my side. I wanted to reach out and touch her, feel her, make sure I wasn't hallucinating.

“Wow, you look just like me. I can't believe this, I just can't believe this.” Bringing a hand to my jaw, I dragged it across my chin. “This is crazy, I don't even know what to say.”

Anna didn't speak, she threw her body into mine, coiling her arms around my neck. The tears spilled down her face, trailing over her cheeks as she just stared at me.

“You're my sister.”

Shaking her head yes, she hugged me again, her head dipping into my chest. “And you're my brother.”

I could feel my eyes welling up, the sheer intensity of emotions were grabbing hold on my body. My chest hurt, my heart was racing, every nerve was on edge ready to explode in tears of joy.

Choking back the tears, I stepped away from Anna and rubbed my eyes. I wasn't used to being on the verge of crying, it was too much to take in. I was overwhelmed, completely and utterly so blown away by the entire situation.

To have your dream standing before you in flesh and bone, right there at the end of your fingertips... I had no words.

“Who's this?” Anna asked, wiping her eyes, and looking over at Kinsley.

“Hi, I'm Kinsley. It's nice to meet you.” Kinsley held her hand out, her watery eyes holding onto anything to keep from spilling over.

She looked like she was ready to pop, the droplets sat on her lids, teetering on the edge. It was an emotional moment, even for her.

But Anna didn't shake her hand, she didn't move. Her fingers tucked into the pockets of her jeans, elbows bowing out. “You too,” she said, smiling.

“I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was bringing someone with me, it kinda sprung up last minute.”

“I'm sure it's fine, really.” Anna looked annoyed. Her face scrunched up, thick lines made a stairway up her forehead. “I'll tell them later about your friend.”

I didn't want to pry as to why she seemed so upset over Kinsley being there. Maybe she was surprised, maybe it was everything hitting her all at once. I had no clue, I didn't know her.

How could I judge her reaction when we literally just met?

Maybe this was just who she was, and how she acted on any other day. Except this wasn't any other day, and I had to remind myself of that too. There was a lot she was probably feeling right now. She had just met her brother for the first time, the brother she didn't know existed.

“So do your parents know I'm here already?” I asked.

“Yes,
our parents
know you're here. You're going to meet them tomorrow, Mom's a bit anxious, so she decided today wouldn't be good.”

“That's alright, I understand, it's a lot to take in. This must be so strange for them too.”

“Yeah, it is. I called a cab for you, it'll take you to the hotel. I don't have a car right now, so I'll have to catch up with you later. I wish I could stay longer, but I told Mom I'd come home right after you landed.”

What? Why?

Doesn't she want to talk, get to know me?

“Um, alright. You don't want to get together later for dinner, or something?”

Anna's eyes shot to the floor, her voice strained and distant. “I'd like to, but I can't. I'm sorry. It's not that I don't want to, it's... It's just... I'm sorry, I promised Mom I'd come home.”

I could feel Kinsley reading both of us, her gaze burning into my brain as she glanced between us. “We could get together in the morning for breakfast. Could you do that, Anna?”

“I don't know, maybe. I'll have to call you later.” There was something unsettling in her voice, a certain hardness that sharpened her tone.

Anna grabbed her phone from her pocket, looking at the screen. “Alright, my taxi is here, yours should be here in a few minutes. I gave them your number so they could reach you when they arrive. I'll call you later, okay?”

“Okay, that'll be fine.” Placing a hand on Anna's shoulder, I said, “Anna, I know this whole thing is a lot for both of us. I don't want you to think I'm going to press you for information or try to throw myself into the family, okay?”

Anna smiled through thin lips, eyeing Kinsley. “I know, Layne, I know.”

And with that she was gone. Her thick, black hair swayed over her shoulders as she walked off and disappeared into the crowded airport.

I had this sinking feeling penetrate my gut, twisting like a thorn. I had spent years looking for my family, and when I finally got to meet one relative, it didn't go how I expected.

She looked happy, she cried with what I thought were tears of joy, but then her demeanor changed in a snap.

It's nothing. It's just overwhelming for her.

You knew you had family out there, she didn't.

Kinsley

R
iding beside Layne in the taxi, his eyes were fixed out the window. He hadn't said a word since we got in, and barely moved his head except to tell the driver the name of our hotel.

He looks lost. Or unsure.

Rubbing his elbow, I laid my head on his shoulder. “You alright?” Kissing his ear, I snuggled into the crease between his neck and jaw.

“I don't know...” Pausing, Layne spun a finger over the back of my hand. “I'm confused I guess.” Speaking into the glass, the window fogged for a brief second under his breath, vanishing as he inhaled the air around him.

“Why are you confused?” Slipping my arm over his ribs, I pinned myself against his back.

“I don't know, I guess it's all hitting me. Seeing my sister, realizing that I finally have the opportunity to meet my parents, it's just a lot.” Layne's chin scrapped against my cheek, the short stubble felt rough against my face.

“Yeah, it is. But this is what you wanted, isn't it?” Placing my hand under his chin, I pulled his face towards mine.
“Isn't it?”

His lips puckered and laid a tight kiss on my nose. “Yes.” Then his eyes went stiff, growing distant as he lost himself in another thought. “But what if it's what I used to want?”

My brows crinkled, face pulling back. “What do you mean?”

Shaking his head, Layne put on a forced smile. “Never mind, just forget it.” Reaching for his wallet, he tugged out a few bills. “We're here.”

***

L
etting the strap of my bag fall from my arm, the heavy weight landed with a thump on the floor. “This place is nice.” Stepping to the window, I yanked open the curtains.

We were on the tenth floor, and our room faced the coast, set in the Athens of the South; New Bern. Inside I was secretly wishing that this was a longer stay, the city seemed beautiful.

Small shops lined the streets as we drove up, a marina was located on the oceanfront of the hotel, and watching all the tall ships, sailboats, yachts...

I was envious to explore what this place had to offer.

But Layne still held a solemn face. His arms looked dead, hanging by his side as he stepped up to look out the grand floor-to-ceiling window. “Yeah, it's a nice hotel.”

Turning towards the bed, he slumped over sitting down and slipping off his sneakers, kicking them into the corner. Sighing, he let his body fall back, the mattress squeaking in place of his voice.

“What's going on with you?” I asked, letting my hand fall to my hip.

And I didn't care that his eyes shot to my waist, a small smirk peeking off one side. He had to come out of this funk. We were here, he had met his sister—though it was brief—but he met her, and tomorrow he was meeting his parents.

What's going on?

He was so excited to do this, and now he looks like he's regretting his decision.

Why?

I couldn't understand it. Not two days ago Layne was jumping up and down like a damn child, wriggling his fingers and laughing in pure boyhood excitement.

Now he just looks beaten and battered. The life in his eyes had been dulled, small circles framed under his lids, and he just looked like he couldn't stop thinking. But there wasn't any reason for this that I could understand.

How do you spend your entire life wondering about something so great, so important, and when you finally have it you look quizzical, and uncertain.

“God, the whole hand-hip thing is so fucking cute.”

“Stop messing around. What's up with you?” Walking to the bed, I sat up near his shoulders. “You were so excited, now you just looked bummed. I don't get it.”

“I just thought Anna would've wanted to see me for more than just ten damn minutes. I flew all the way here for this, and I feel like I'm being cheated out of it.”

“Layne, you need to put yourself in her shoes. You've been looking for your family for years, she just found out you existed. That's got to be one hell of a rush, surreal if anything.” Gripping his bicep, he flexed it, his muscle rolling up and turning into a bolder under his flesh.

“I know, I keep telling myself that. It's just hard, that's all.” His eyes fluttered over my face, skimming over my nose, and settling on my lips. “Maybe I need a massage... Or something. Maybe a little release will do me some good.” Winking, his tongue dragged over his bright white teeth.

Layne wasn't telling me everything that was going on inside his head, but I wanted to give him the space to figure it out. This was his journey, and I only came for the ride. 

My body surged almost instantly, the heat crackled down my spine and pooled between my thighs. “Oh, yeah? A little release, huh?” Letting my fingers work their way down his arms, I traced the ink-painted designs in slow sultry movements.

Rolling to his stomach, his face lit up, staring at me under half-lidded eyes. The first sign of real excitement I'd seen since getting off the plane. “It couldn't hurt to try.” The strength of his hands wrapped my thighs, thumbs digging in and pressing towards my swelling button.

My belly began to spin, turning in spastic jolts, and flooding with butterflies. It didn't matter how many times Layne touched me, it always felt the same. His hands shattered my thoughts, washed away my concern, and flooded my brain.

Purring under my breath, I blew hot air over his lobe, and whispered. “Let me make you forget why you're here, let me take you to another place that belongs to us and us alone.” Flicking my tongue over his ear, I nibbled it gently. “Let me show you why I'm the woman who will always make you lose yourself, and erase any fears you might have.”

“That voice alone could put me over the edge.” An animalistic growl slipped through his teeth, rumbling up from a deep forbidden place.

Feverishly, his hands grasped at my dress, pushing the fabric aside. I was still bare and naked beneath, ready and willing. My sex was pulsing with need, warming and soaking with just the look in his eyes.

Layne's fingers tickled over my legs, sending a quiver through my body. Snapping his eyes up to my face, he flashed a greedy smile. He had felt it too, and it only fed his devourous nature.

His growl deepened, rolling into a voice that was so low, so savage, it made my heart skip over itself. “You're a needy little woman, aren't you?” Layne's lips hit my inner thigh, his teeth dragging over the hot skin. “You can't get enough of my cock, can you?”

Crawling up my trembling frame, his mouth suckled small quick bits of my body. They landed on my belly as he forced the fabric higher, making me shake. They landed on my ribs, making me inhale a short gasp of air. They landed on my chest, hovering over and around my breast, but not fully touching it.

I couldn't stop my reaction, I couldn't slow down my heart, or rapidly throbbing clit. My nipples stiffened, eagerly trying to reach the warmth of his tongue.

He was teasing the fuck out of me, and loving every second.

“Stop being such a tease,” I said through air filled coos. “I'm going to make you pay for every second longer you keep me waiting.”

“Sassy, that's hot. But I think right now I'm the one in control.” His finger gently circled my nipple, plucking it and twisting it. Arching my back, I let my head fall back. “Yeah, right now, I'm the one holding all the power.”

Trailing his finger away from my breast, he rode my ribs down, slipping his hand into the small of my back. His nails dug in to hold me in place, lips crashing down in wanton need onto my mouth.

He wants control, he can have it this time.

But two can play that game.

Stripping my clothes off, Layne's eyes glowed, flickering in small bursts of light. He wasn't just enjoying my body, his stare went deeper, wrapping around my heart, and holding it tight.

Should I tell him now about the baby?
The thought lingered for a mere second, only to be swept away as he coiled his fingers into my roots and tugged.