“I beg your pardon?” she asks incredulously, her face turning beet red.
“Teagan…” Layla warns in an amused whisper.
I glance down only to be caught in those deep brown eyes. God, I want to kiss her again and never stop.
“Let’s just keep walking,” she says. “Don’t fight withThe Karen. It’s not worth it.”
Karen? Does she know this woman?
I nod once and turn back toKaren. “Well, as much fun as this has been, I think it’s time for us to find somewhere more private to carry on our indecent behavior. Have a lovely day, Karen.”
Layla bursts out laughing and quickly slaps a hand over her mouth before grabbing my arm to drag me away from the chapel, leavingKarenthere gaping like a fish.
Chapter Thirteen
Layla
“I cannot believe you just called her Karen!” I can’t contain my laughter as we approach the Pergola Garden.
We took off from the Bottle Chapel at a near run, hands grasped tight, not even bothering to stop at the Butterfly House. The more distance we put between ourselves and that hateful woman, the better. Had we been fully making out, I could have understood her outrage, but it was a short and barely heated kiss. Our hands weren’t even roaming.
“Is that not her name?” Teagan asks with obvious confusion. “You called her Karen, so I just assumed you knew her.”
This sends me into another fit of giggles, leaving me clutching my side and gasping for air.
“Teagan…” I choke out between laughs, “It’s an expression. AKarenis a woman that constantly complains about everything or asks tospeak to the managerover stupid, inconsequential shit! They find something to bitch about wherever they go.”
He palms the back of his neck and blushes. It’s almost as sexy as seeing him shirtless.
“So, her name isn’t Karen?” he asks sheepishly.
I giggle and shake my head. “I mean, I don’t know who she is, so I can’t answer that, but based on her reaction, I’m guessing that’s not really her name. But she’s well aware of what it implies.”
“Well fuck,” he groans. “I feel like a right eejit now.”
“Don’t,” I say with a laugh. “That lady was a bitch.”
Teagan gasps in mock astonishment, “Layla Diaz! There arechildrenpresent!”
When we reach the walkway to the pergola, our pace slows to a lazy stroll down the gravel path. Azaleas line either side before seamlessly blending in with the vining Carolina Jessamine and Star Jasmine that drapes over the top of the structure. A soft breeze ripples around us as we approach the multi-tiered fountain in the middle of a rounded platform with steps leading down to the lake.
“You mean the same children that we scandalized earlier?” I turn to bat my eyelashes at him.
“Yes,” Teagan says, smiling warmly and pulling me into his arms, “exactly the same.”
Placing my hands on his chest, I gaze into his bright green eyes, my pulse thrumming. His lips turn up in one corner before he leans his head closer.
Is he going to kiss me again? Please let him kiss me again.
“Layla,” he starts.
“Yes?” I breathe.
“I need to apologize to you,” he says remorsefully.
What? Oh no. He didn’t really want to kiss me, did he?
My heart sinks into my stomach and the smile on my lips falls. “What are you apologizing for?”
