Unrivaled Read Free

she would never achieve, encompassed in one single breath.
    Yet despite their enormous differences, Mateo acceptedher as she was. Never trying to change her or make her see things his way.
    She wished she could say the same.
    When he tipped a finger under her chin and lowered his lips to meet hers, Layla responded like a girl who’d spent the last three hours waiting for exactly that (she had). At first the kiss was gentle, playful, Mateo’s tongue gliding with hers. Until Layla ground her hips against his, returning his embrace with a passion that saw him groaning her name.
    â€œLayla . . . jeez . . . ” The words were a blur on his lips. “What do you say we find a place to continue this?”
    She curled her leg around his, pulling him closer, as close as her denim cutoffs and his wet suit allowed. Aware of nothing more than the heat spiraling throughout the length of her body as his hands slipped under her hoodie. So drunk with his touch she’d gladly drag him down to the warm golden sand and straddle him there. Luckily, Mateo had sense enough to pull away before she got them arrested.
    â€œIf we hurry, we can have the house to ourselves.” His grin was loose. His eyes heavy and glazed.
    â€œNo, thanks.” Layla pushed him away, quickly losing the mood. “That last time Valentina nearly walked in, the panic I experienced shortened my life by a decade. I can’t risk that again.”
    â€œSo you live to one forty instead of one fifty.” Heshrugged, tried to pull her back to him, but Layla stayed put. “I like to think that it’s worth it.”
    â€œEasy for you to say, Mr. Zen Master.” It was one of her many nicknames for him. “Let’s go to my place. It’s free of little sisters, and even if my dad’s in the studio, it’s not like he’ll bother us. He’s really into his newest series of paintings, not that I’ve seen them. I’m just glad he’s working. It’s been forever since he last sold a piece.”
    Mateo cringed. Obviously he still wanted to be with her, but all it took was the mention of her dad for his own enthusiasm to wane.
    â€œI can’t get used to that.” He busied himself with packing their stuff, pulling the umbrella apart, and sliding it into its bag. “It’s too weird.”
    â€œOnly for you. Don’t forget Dad’s a self-described open-minded bohemian who believes in free expression. And more important, he trusts me. And he likes you. Thinks you’re a calming influence.”
    She cracked a smile. It was undeniably true. Then, tossing her bag over her shoulder, she headed for Mateo’s black Jeep, where she plucked a flyer from under his wiper blades and read: Promote with Ira Redman’s Unrivaled Nightlife Company this summer for a chance to win an unbelievable cash prize .
    Her interest was instantly piqued.
    She’d had her sights on journalism school in NewYork since her junior year of high school, and while she was thrilled to have been accepted, there was no chance of attending when the staggering tuition, not to mention the high cost of city living, was like a brick wall blocking her way. And with her dad’s current financial slump lasting longer than usual, asking him for help was out of the question.
    While her mom could easily provide whatever amount Layla might need (correction: her mom’s wealthy husband could provide; Layla’s mom was just another Santa Monica zombie shuffling between Soul Cycle and Drybar), the fact was Layla and her mom hadn’t spoken for years, and Layla had no plans to start.
    As for Mateo—his job as a surf butler at some of the pricier beachfront hotels didn’t pay much (not that Layla would accept his help if it did). Not to mention she’d yet to fill him in on that particular goal—mostly because he’d insist on joining her, and as nice as it would be to have him around, he’d only