Wilde at Heart (Completed)

Chapter 6

"I'm sorry, honey," said Donna, "I wouldn't call unless it was an emergency."

"What's wrong?" asked Layla worriedly, "Is Silas alright?"

"Yes dearie," answered Donna, "He's fine. I just need a bit of help at the bakery if you can swing by. I'm swamped with orders and there's no one to run the desk."

"Oh Donna," said Layla remorsefully, "I'm so sorry. I should've been there."

"No no," insisted Donna, "That was our agreement. That when you finally got a real job you would take it immediately. You deserve better than to be working in a small little bakery for the rest of your life."

Layla sighed then and said, "I know. Look I'm pulling in the parking lot. I'll be there in a minute."

Layla hurried inside as her phone rang again. "Hello?" she questioned, trying to put her apron on with one hand.

"Where are you?" asked Jester, "I need to borrow your truck."

"I'm at the bakery," answered Layla, "What do you need the truck for?"

"I got a date," said Jester proudly.

"Already?" asked Layla flabbergasted, "You've only been in town a day."

Layla could practically hear Jester's smirk over the phone. She hung up on him when Donna walked in the room and hugged the small older woman. "Thanks a bunch," said Donna gratefully, tucking a wisp of graying hair back into her bun.

"Anytime, Donna," said Layla smiling.

A few hours later, Donna was closing up the shop. Jester had come to the bakery and hung out in one of the booths and ate his weight in sweets while Layla made herself useful. Layla hung up her apron and grabbed Jester by the arm and hauled him outside after saying bye to Donna. "I'm driving," said Jester snatching the keys from Layla.

Layla sighed but got in the passenger seat. "I'm so tired," she groaned, leaning back against the seat.

Jester said, "You don't worry about a thing. I'll get you home safe and sound."

Layla must have fallen asleep she realized, when she woke with a start. It was dark and there was a hand on her arm. She shrieked and slapped whoever was leaning over her. Jester's pained 'ow' wasn't even heard as her breathing accelerated. Her chest felt like someone was slowly compressing her lungs and she inwardly panicked. No, no, no; she couldn't have a panic attack. Not after all this time. Jester would think she was crazy again. Her hand went to her throat as she closed her eyes and started counting in her head, forcing herself to take slower breaths.

When she opened her eyes, it was to see Jester staring at her in concern, the dome lights of her truck turned on. His hand closed around hers as he softly stroked her knuckles. "Breathe," he whispered, "Just breathe."

Layla nodded and felt relieved when the band around her chest seemed to loosen. Jester stared intently at Layla. She'd almost had a panic attack and he knew why. One minute she'd been asleep, and the next, she was cringing away from him, her face white and plastered with fear. "What's going on Layla?" he asked quietly.

Layla shook her head and whispered, "I don't want to talk about it."

Jester was frustrated as he clasped his hair with his hands and sighed loudly. He turned back to look at her and Layla's eyes dropped to her lap as she sat still, the tense silence unbearable. Jester studied her for a long moment and then said, "Do you have these attacks frequently?"

Layla shook her head in denial quickly, her eyes flying up to meet his. Jester continued, "Cause if you do, you need help, Layla. You should see a therapist."

Layla let out a sigh but shook her head no, tears clouding her vision. "It's the first one I've had in years," she choked, "You just startled me is all."

Jester straightened his shoulders and said, "Okay, let's get you inside."

Layla looked up and realized they were outside her apartment complex. "Okay," she said shakily.

........

Meanwhile, Canon let himself in his office and made his way up to his office. The file with all of Layla Kelly's current information and three years of her history sat upon his desk. Suddenly hesitant, he sat down behind his desk and just stared at the brown manila envelope.

Setting his jaw in determination, he opened the file. The first page contained basic stuff like age, hair color, height, etcetera. There were a few pictures of Layla which looked like Carter had taken on his surveillance missions. There was one that Canon absolutely loved. She had just exited her apartment and was standing looking over the railing of the stairs dressed in sweatpants and a tight white tank top with a dreamy smile on her face. The wind was blowing her hair and the light of the sun fell full on her face. Canon was fully aware he was acting like a stalker but he couldn't find it in himself to care. He had spent one day with Layla Kelly and he found her to be a fascinating woman.

He flipped to the next page and what he saw made his chest hurt.

.......

What's happening???? My old readers from the first book have a general idea, eh Wildies? Hehe. Vote and Comment.

XOXO,

Scarlett