What the Heart Takes Read Free

At least with the paparazzi, he could escape to his home—could curse, punch walls, drink until he passed out. Yet the moment he arrived in Jamaica and stepped inside the coastline cottage, that small sliver of solitude was stolen.
    Embarrassment beat within his soul, but he didn’t turn away. He raised his hand, gave her a quick wave, and then grinned so big, his cheeks dimpled in perfection. “Hey. How’s it going?”
    “Doesn’t look like you’re doing so hot,” Dylan chuckled. “No pun intended.”
    “That’s an understatement,” Layne grumbled. The breeze blew his bangs over his eyes, blocking the irritation they contained, but Heaven could sense it.
    She bit the inside of her cheek in order not to laugh at their bantering. “Hey,” she whispered, jabbing Dylan in the side. “Be nice.”
    The dumbfounded look on Layne’s face squeezed her heart. He was just like a puppy, off doing his own thing, playing, growing, and learning about the world. Then she caught his attention, and he wanted nothing more than hers, would beg for it if she didn’t speak to him.
    She gazed at Dylan, who shook his head at his friend. “Guess you need to talk to him, huh?”
    “I think so. You know , you could stay and help me.”
    “Soon,” he whispered, gazing down at his hands as he rubbed them together. Regret pulsed within him, along with frustration.
    After five months on the island, she thought he would be dealing with everything better. Granted, he had made improvements since they’d arrived in Jamaica. It took him a month before he could stay in the same room with Layne for more than five minutes. Another month passed before he’d leave them alone, and an additional month to explain why.
    It’s not that I don’t trust you. I know you love me, that the kiss upset you, but I know his feelings are more complex. Partially because of what he is to you. Partially because he’s a man.
    Remembering her husband’s words, she met his gaze, stroking the side of his face. He looked as though he wanted to say more. Probably would have if the phone hadn’t begun ringing. His eyes darted to the cottage door, then back to hers as they widened.
    “We haven’t heard that sound in a while. I better go see who it is.” The heat of his body left hers when he stood. Walking off, he mumbled, “Maybe one of our parents found something.”
    “Hurry back. I want to know what’s going on.”
    He gave her a thumbs-up before taking off in a jog.
    Finding Layne’s eyes again, she motioned for him to join her, not that she had to. He would have walked over a second later. Anticipation burned in his eyes and his soul.
    “Have a seat.” She patted the cushion beside her, hoping he’d lower himself to the bench.
    He didn’t acknowledge her at first, kept looking back toward Dylan, who’d just made his way through the door. “Wonder who’s on the phone.”
    “I don’t know.” She gazed up at him, waiting for him to sit. “As long as they have good news, I don’t care who’s on the other end of that call.”
    Taking a deep breath, she inhaled his citric, yet woody scent. Layne always smelled good, regardless of where they were. Even after a long day of practicing, including those days where he came into the cottage dripping with sweat.
    An array of images played through her mind, causing her cheeks to heat. She pushed the thoughts away, focusing instead on the kink in her neck as she rubbed it. “I didn’t ask you over to chat about the call.”
    He ignored the cushion she patted and found her eyes again. It didn’t take him long to kneel in front of her, or curl his fingers around her arm. “Are you okay?”
    “I’m fine, Layne, but you aren’t.”
    Guilt washed over his face. He couldn’t hold her gaze any longer and lowered his eyes instead. “I was hoping you wouldn’t sense that. Guess I should have known better.” Shifting his focus to the ocean, a long sigh slipped past his lips. “I’m worried, Heaven. I