Oh.
“Tonto,” I say gently. “She’s scared. I’d put money on the fact that what she really wants is to follow you wherever you’re going, but she is terrifiedthat the relationship will end. She’ll be left alone in a place she’s not familiar with if that happens.”
“Why would the relationship end? I love her and want to be with her for the long haul,” he says defensively.
I quirk a brow at him. “Thelong haulfor you is maybe six months. You don’t exactly have the best track record for long-term relationships. She’s cutting ties now, before things get too involved, so it’s less painful. She’s not going to make a huge move unless she is absolutely certain that you’re her endgame.”
My brother glares at me, so I glare right back. He may be older, but that doesn’t mean he’s the wisest.
“So you’re saying I should marry her?”
“Jesus, Marcos. No, I’m not telling you to marry her, but the only way she’s going to even consider staying together is if she feels secure enough with you.”
Teagan clears his throat. “Do you think she’d consider a long-distance trial period of sorts? Maybe give it a go and reevaluate every so often?”
Marcos tilts his head to the side, considering this option. “That’s not a bad idea.”
Nodding, I expand on Teagan’s idea. “You’re going to have to put in a lot of work for her though. Stay in contact with her as much as possible, provide proof that you aren’t fucking around on her. Make trips back to see her every chance you get…or fly her out to you.”
“That seems excessive,” he grumbles, refusing to meet my eyes.
“Hey,” I hold my hands up and shrug. “You’re the one that wants to figure out how to make it work with this chica, so that means you’ve gotta do the work. If you love her, it should be worth it.”
“When the hell did you turn into a relationship guru, Layla?”
“When you decided to drop in uninvited,burro. Which,” I state, pointing at him, “there’s no way you came all the way here just so you could get life advice from your sister.”
Laughing, he interlaces his fingers. “No, I’m actually meeting a new teammate and roomie. He lives here, but we got matched up to share aspace when we’re not on the road. Someone named Rowan Gallagher. You know him?”
Teagan chuckles under his breath. “Yeah, mate. I know him.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Teagan
Marcos looks at me questioningly, clearly hearing the amusement in my voice. “What am I missing?”
Layla puffs her cheeks before releasing her breath. “Rowan is…something.”
I give Marcos a brief history of how I know Ro, including how we play together, which leads to a full-blown conversation about playing footie. Layla eventually gets bored and leaves the room under the guise of taking a shower. I’m only slightly resentful of the fact that I don’t get to join her, but I’m enjoying getting to know her oldest brother. He’s a good chap. We’re close in age and have been playing football most of our lives, though he’s been playing competitively longer than I have. Getting promoted to CFC is a huge accomplishment for both him and Ro.
“So,” Marcos says, clasping his hands together. “As Layla’s big brother, I’m obligated to make sure you know that if you hurt her, I’ll be forced to kick your ass. I really don’t want to do that because you seem like a decent guy and someone I’d get along with.”
He laughs, but I can see how serious he is, which I respect. I have a sister and while we aren’t exactly close, I get where Marcos is coming from.
Looking him in the eyes that are so similar to Layla’s, I level with him. “I can assure you that I have zero intentions of ever hurting Layla.” The sincerity of my words is evident. “She’s important to me and the only thing I want is to make her happy.”
He peers at me for a moment before nodding. “I can tell. She’s glowing, amigo. And it’s definitely not because her brother is visiting.”
We both laugh, but inside I’m absolutely busting with pride. I know that Layla and I are good together, but when her family can see it too? Yeah, that makes a man feel good. The big test will be when we meet the rest of her family during spring break.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate you saying that. I hope your parents feel the same. I’m looking forward to meeting them in a few weeks.”
A mischievous grin spreads across his face. “Layla did warn you about our family, didn’t she? Mami is a force to be reckoned with.”
I grin back at him. “Aye, she did. Must be where she gets it, yeah? She doesn’t have a problem putting me in my place.”
He nods knowingly. “Our twin sisters are just the same. Papá, Raf, and I all know exactly where we stand. Word of advice? When it’s thattime of the month, just agree with whatever they say.”
