Stripped

Chapter 19

Jake

I wasn't really sure how I ended up here. After I dropped Layla off I just started to drive. I had gone everywhere, including her old house. I had been there several times over the years, it helped me feel closer to her. Being there tonight though, just made me miss her more.

Now I was sitting in my truck, looking up at Mark's house. The bastard lived on a beautiful lake, with a cherry Mustang sitting in the driveway.

I wanted to think that she chose him for his money, it would be easier to accept her rejection. Though, I could tell it nearly killed her. As the words came out of her mouth I only wanted to scoop her into my arms and tell her it was okay. My heart broke as I watched her crystal blue eyes fill with tears. She didn't want to hurt me, she never wanted to hurt anyone.

I played with the ring around my neck. She had held onto it for so long, waiting for me to save her and I didn't. For a decade she waited for me, and I couldn't wait for her. If I hadn't been with Megan things may have been different. I screwed up and now she was in love with someone else. Even if I had to hurt, this time she was going to get her happy ending. It was what my beautiful girl deserved.

Despite the late hour, I got out of the car and walked across the gravel drive. The security lights came on and Mark came to the door. He was still dressed and looked tired, as if he hadn't slept in days. "Who is it?" He called.

I cleared my throat, "It's Jake. Sorry it's so late. I really need to talk to you."

Mark didn't seem thrilled by my being there, "Come back in the morning."

"It's about Layla." I said, hoping he would let me in.

Mark considered this for a moment then said, "Well come in."

I followed Mark into his house. I was surprised to find it wasn't ostentatious like most rich people's homes. I could tell the decor was expensive yet it had a modest feel. "We can talk in here." He flicked on the over head light and gestured to a stool at the bar.

It looked like we were in a den, there was a large projector screen with lush armchairs sitting in front. There was a fully stocked bar, complete with a wine cooler. "Care for a drink?" He offered clearly trying to be polite.

"Whiskey if you have it, on the rocks please." There was silence except for the tinkling of ice as it landed in a tumbler. Mark poured a glass for himself and sat in the stool next to mine.

"What are you doing here Jake? It's after two in the morning."

"I know, I'm sorry for showing up unannounced and so late. I just..." the words were caught in my throat. So, I just blurted it out. Better to rip off the band-aid, right? "Layla is in love with you." I watched as relief washed over Mark's face.  "Here's the thing though. She probably won't call to tell you. If I know anything about her she's at home beating herself up over hurting me. You'll need to go to her."

Mark swilled his whiskey around in his glass, staring into it thoughtfully. "I know that Layla means a lot to you. The two of you have a connection I was afraid I wouldn't be able to break through. But I want you to know, that I will take care of her. I love her."

I nodded, "You'd better." With that I stood and held my hand for Mark to shake.

He paused for a moment but eventually, took mine in a slightly too firm shake. "I'll see you out."