Page 37 of His & Hers

"What? So you date famous people?"

"Not all of the time, no. Most are lonely and in need of stimulating conversation. I enjoy it; I get bored with regular conversations. I need to be mentally entertained."

She was staring at me, and this time she didn't look away.

"Now it's my turn to ask you something." I exhaled.

She said nothing, her eyes remaining fixed on me as I shuffled slightly closer to her.

"Do you feel it?"

She blinked as though she was waiting for me to elaborate. I waited, my fingers itching to touch hers.

"Feel what?" Layla swallowed, her fingers twisting her engagement ring around her finger nervously.

"Us." I indicated between us with my pointer finger, raising my eyebrow with amusement as she finally groaned slightly.

"Zane. I'm very flattered that you are flirting with me, but I am a loyal girl. I'm getting married—”

"At eighteen." I interrupted, making her narrow her eyes at me.

"As I was saying, you are gorgeous, and every girl would love to be in my position right now—”

"What position is that?" I said softly, my fingers sliding under hers, barely making contact. Her skin was warm, and when my fingers laced with hers, she jumped up.

"No, this isn't okay," she exclaimed, pushing her hand through her hair as I bit my lip. "I'm standing here, wearing your hoodie—”

"Layla. Let's be honest here. I'm a respectful guy." I stood and walked over to her as she closed her eyes. "If you tell me you feel nothing, I won't waste your time anymore."

My heart was pounding in my chest while I waited for her to answer me. She walked forward, so close I could smell the wine on her breath.

"Another place, another time, it would've been different. I feel it; I do. But it's not how reality works. You commit to someone, and you keep to your word. Please understand," Layla pleaded with me, and my heart sank. I know if this were my brother or father in this instance, they'd probably kiss her and make her weak with lust.

I'm not like that.

I don't doubt if I kissed her, she would kiss me back. But then she would go home, racked with guilty thoughts and a confused mind.

I didn't want that for her.

"That's fine. I won't make you feel uncomfortable again."

I smiled at her, and I thought I caught a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

"I always thought you were gay," Layla confessed as I groaned.

"Most people do, but I'm not. I wish I were so that I could fit in with everyone's expectations."

"Zane, you are lovely as you are. I just thought because you never had a girlfriend or slept around—”

"Like a true Fallon?" I quipped, pushing my hair out of my eyes.

"Uh, yeah. I guess..." she admitted sheepishly.

"I'm waiting for the right girl," I said quietly, avoiding her surprised gaze.

"Waiting?" Layla echoed as we continued our stroll around the lake.

"Yes."