Layla's POV

Just as Ryan was about to pick me up and lay me down on the couch, he said, "Do you smell smoke?" I started sniffing. "I do but, where is it coming from?" He put his shirt back on and we got up off the couch. I went over to one of the bay windows and screamed, "MY TRUCK IS ON FIRE!"

"Someone set my truck on my fire!!!"

Ryan's POV

"Layla, listen to me! Go get Braelyn now! Don't worry about clothes. We have to go! Who knows what else they have done!" I'm calling 119!" So, she ran upstairs to go get Braelyn. She came back down within 5 minutes.

"I grabbed your phone and purse. Let's get out of here." I heard the fire department pulling up. I opened my truck so Layla could sit with Braelyn. Within 10 minutes, they had the fire out. After I noticed the fire was out, I walked over to where the firemen where standing. "Excuse me sir, do you know whose vehicle this was?"

"It was my girlfriend's Mercedes."

"I have been in the Fire Department for many years. I can tell that this fire was intentionally set. Do you have an idea or know who would do this to her?"

"Oh, I have an idea alright." I know exactly. Wait until I get my hands on her. "Thank you for your time." I walked back over to my truck. Layla was visibly upset and rightfully so.

"Layla, I am taking you and Braelyn to my house in Brooklyn." So, I got in the driver's seat and we made our way to Brooklyn.

By the time we reached my house in Brooklyn, it was after one o'clock in the morning. I looked in the back to see both Layla and Braelyn sleep. So, I got out from the driver's side and went to open the passenger door. "Layla?" Nothing. I started stroking her arm. "Layla, baby?" She jumped. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. We have arrived at my house."

I reached in to pick up Braelyn. I didn't think she would let me, but she did. Once I had Braelyn in my arms, Layla just sat there. She didn't move. She was frozen and started crying. "I can't move."

"I'll be right back." After opening the front door, I gently placed Braelyn down on the love seat in my living room. Then, I went back outside to get Layla.

"Layla, hold my hands." I extended my hands to her so she could get out of the truck.

"I'm scared. What if we were in that truck? We usually go out to eat on Tuesday nights - just the two of us. If we didn't have the family dinner, we probably would have died because of that fire." She gave me both of her hands, but still didn't budge.

"Come here, Layla." I slowly pulled her out of the truck so I could lock it. Then, I pulled her into my body. We just stood there, hugging each other. I started giving her a back rub. "Let's go inside." She held on to me for dear life as we walked into my house. I led Layla to the living room.

"Sit here and I will be right back." I went to grab some blankets and went back to the living room. Also, I called a towing company to pick up the remains of Layla's Mercedes. You might be wondering why I did that so early in the morning. It is because it is NYC - the city that never sleeps. After the phone call, I went back downstairs with the blankets. I placed one over Braelyn. Then, I went over to Layla. She stood up, then I laid down and motioned for her to lay next to me. Then, I put the blanket over us.

"Remember when your father made me promise to take care of you and Braelyn?"

"Yes. He said it last night."

"That is what I will do. I am not going to let anyone hurt you or Braelyn, understand?" I said to reassure her.

"I understand. What about clothes?"

"I can take you both shopping. I should be done with work later around 3 pm. But, I have to make  a pit stop before I come home."

"Okay. That is fine and all. But, have you seen what I have on? You want me to go out in public like this and see men having 'eye sex' with me? I only wear these in the house. I am not one of those women who like to have their chest out, or butt cheeks showing, or wearing super tight clothes. I have too much respect for how I present myself while in the public."

Layla's shorts are very short. Her body is very curvaceous. My goodness, her chest is out there. And, her hips are hypnotizing. There is an old school rap song that describes her butt.

On the back of the shorts is 'nice butt.' "Absolutely not! No way am I letting you out of the house looking like that. That view is for my eyes only. I'll give you a pair of my shorts." 

"And, can I wear one of your shirts? I love wearing a man's shirt." 

"I'll get you something when we wake up."

"Speaking of the fire, the Chief of the department said that it was deliberately set. And, I know who probably did it. I also called to have your truck towed."

"Thank you. I'll have to get something else and quick because I am going back to work on Monday. I know what I want because I had been thinking about trading in my Mercedes for it. I like the new Escalade truck that is out."

"We can go get you one on Friday. That is my off day. I work Monday - Thursday. What days do you want to train? I know you said three days a week."

"I was hoping Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We can change Friday to Thursday."

"For you only, I will work on Friday. Or, if you would like Saturday, we can choose that day. Okay, so what time? I know you are at work during the day."

"Evening time is best for me. And, Saturday will be great instead of Friday. I am usually home by 6 pm. For Saturday, definitely in the morning. Braelyn and I have dinner together and then we pick an activity to do. And Ryan, don't forget to let me know how much it cost. Just because I am your girlfriend, don't take it easy on me. I need to keep my body in shape - not just for Braelyn, but for you too. If that fire didn't happen, you were about to wear me out." 

"I'm sorry, Layla. It's just that the last two women I dated, I was never interested in becoming intimate with them. Both of them were suspicious acting and I was right. The one woman I was intimate with, I loved her. But, she wasn't in love with me. She basically used me for status. I was loaded with money and successful. After that, I vowed never to be intimate until I found someone who loved me."

She lifted her head so that now she was looking at me, face to face.

"You don't have to apologize. I wanted too just as much as you did. I was the same way. Austin was the first and only guy I was intimate with because I loved him. My parents always told me, 'be intimate with the one you love.' They told me to wait until marriage, but I didn't listen. And well, you know what happened between us. I have abstained for almost 5 years. I will never just give myself to anyone like I have seen women do. I'm not going anywhere, Ryan. We have both declared our love for each other. I'm just as ready as you are. No matter how long it takes, you are the only one I want to do that with. You never have to worry about me ever leaving you or mistreating you. I love you, Ryan."

Layla then laid her head on my chest and we went to sleep.

***************************

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with Layla and Braelyn at my house. Thursday after work, I went to confront Blake.

I pulled up to her house and banged on the door. I heard her say, "Who the heck is banging on the door?!" When she opened it, she had on a negligee. Only she would wear that during the day. I don't even want to know who was or is here.

"I see you are already tired of that girlfriend of yours. I knew you would come back to me." 

"Listen to me and listen good. I will never tire of Layla! Never! And, I would never, ever come back to you! My mother and father always told me 'never hit a woman.' But, I will have another woman smack the crap out of you! I know you are the one who torched Layla's truck!"

"I did no such thing!"

"Stop freaking lying Blake! I swear, if you lay one finger on Braelyn or Layla, you are going to regret it!"

"Is that threat?!!"

"It is a guarantee!" Leave us alone! Or else!!"

Blake's POV

Well, I did burn it. I paid someone to do it. I watched Ryan get in his truck and drive off. The warning message was a success. That is only the beginning. 

************************

Ryan's POV

And Friday, we spent most of the day out and about together. First, we went to a Cadillac dealership for Layla to buy the Escalade she wanted. They even had one with all of the features she wanted.

We then went to get a child safety seat for Braelyn. I bought one for my truck also. We went shopping for the barbecue. When we finally got home, we made phone calls to everyone about what happened. Of course they were concerned and happy that we were safe. Layla also called her insurance company about her Mercedes. They would contact her if any more information would be needed. Otherwise, they would mail her a check for the damages.

From my home office computer, I drew up a contract to become Layla's personal trainer. She will be training on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. She got a call from her cousin that is moving from Maryland to work for her at headquarters for her business. Friday evening, we drove back to Layla's house. Everything was okay and the towing company took her Mercedes. Her cousin came Friday evening. We are definitely getting her a security system, as well a privacy fence. I made dinner for everyone. She is really nice - a little on the quiet side, but very confident and friendly. She will not have a problem making friends.

*********************************

Nolan's POV

"Can't believe they all have plans." And, I am still mad at Dean though - trying to set me up with her. 'Like I could ever like her.' No point in sulking in the house.

As I was locking up my house, I noticed this vision of chocolate beauty out jogging. "I want her."

This woman was sexy as heck. Her body was calling to me. "When she comes this way, I am going to make my move." She must be new in the area because I have never seen her before. I would recognize a body like that. She stopped to take a drink of water, so I took this opportunity to approach her.

"Welcome to the neighborhood. I'm Nolan." "Dang, up close this woman is stacked - perky breasts, nice butt, beautiful brown eyes and a killer smile." 

"So, you're Nolan." She started looking at me up and down. Then she said, "You're hot, Nolan. But, I'm not interested."

"Wait just a darn minute?!! She turned me - Nolan Grant - down? Something must be wrong with her. Yeah, that's it."

She started walking away. "Wait!! Can I ask why?"

"Nolan, is it? Look, I may be shy and all, but I certainly was not born yesterday. I saw the way you were looking at me before you walked over. I know your type - only looking for one thing. Been there and not going back there. And besides, my cousin warned me about you."

"Who is your cousin?" 

Just then, I saw Layla coming over to where we was standing. "I was wondering where you were. Don't do it, D. Stay away from my cousin, Nolan." 

"Trust me Layla, I won't."

"You are Layla's cousin?"

'Dang!' Of course Layla would tell her cousin about me.

"Come on Darlene. My friends are coming soon and I want you to meet them. Leave my cousin alone, Nolan." 

"Nice to meet you Nolan."

They both walked back over to Layla's house.

"Oh my goodness! Look at the view of her from the back." 

https://youtu.be/-5EmnQp3V48

Just as I was about to get in my truck, I saw the guys pulling up. "I thought you all said you had plans?" 

"We do. Layla invited us over for a barbecue and pool party." Eric mentioned.

"You would have been invited if you wasn't such a d-bag to Layla." Michael then said.

"Whatever. Enjoy your boring party." I got in my truck and went wherever I wanted to.

Layla's POV

"Hey everyone, I have a couple of things I wanted to tell you all. First, I want to introduce you all to my cousin Darlene. She is moving to NYC to work with me at my company. These are my friends - Jamala, Sophie, Riley, and Alicia. And their guys - Michael, Eric, Jackson and Dean."

"It is nice to meet everyone."

"Welcome to New York." And, they all gave my cousin a round of applause.

"Aww, thank you guys for the welcome."

"Second, before Austin arrives, we need to talk. Whatever I told you guys about him, please disregard it." I told them the truth about what happened and that Austin and I apologized to each other about what happened.

"Dang Layla, that's messed up. But, you both were mature about it." Jamala said.

"I'm glad you both are moving forward." Then Sophie added.

"Speaking of, where is Brae?" She came running out of the house with Ryan chasing her.

"One more thing. Ryan asked me to be his girlfriend and I said yes."

The girls all squealed with excitement. "Congratulations, Layla. We are all happy for you." Riley said to me.

Ryan came over and wrapped his arms around me. "Thanks Riley. I am happy."

I heard my parents coming from the front yard to the back.

"Grandma! Grandpa!" Braelyn went running over to my parents.

Ryan whispered in my ear, "I hope you don't mind, but I told my parents and they are going to come." I turned around to face him. "I don't mind. I just hope they like me."

"You have nothing to worry about, Layla. They were happy that I finally found someone who makes me happy." I wrapped my arms around his neck and we pulled each other into a kiss.

"Daddy!" I heard Braelyn now scream, so I am guessing Austin is now here. I hope my friends make peace with him. He walked over to where Ryan and I were standing with Braelyn in his arms.

"Hi Austin." Then, Austin and Ryan looked at each other and smirked. "Um, what are you two up to?" They both slowly walked over to the pool. "Oh, no you are not going to jump with me in the pool." Austin and Brae went in first. Ryan had a tight grip on me and I couldn't get away.

"Come on Layla, jump in the pool with me." This time he picked me up. I tried kicking and screaming. "Not going to work, love." He carried me to the diving board. "Not this again. You remember what happened last time, right?"

"You said you are good at holding your breath."

"Daddy, mommy about to splash!"

"Baby girl, I thought you were on mommy's side?" Then he says, "Braelyn, let's start counting."

"One."

"Two." This time he jumped.

"Three!" And, we were in the water.

"SPLASH!"

We heard my dad say, "Food is ready everyone."

"Brae, come with mommy so you can eat."

"Okay, mommy." Braelyn and I got out of the pool and got ourselves something to eat. Then while fixing our plates, I heard someone ask, "Excuse me, we are checking to see if Layla Jordan lives here."

"Yes, I do."

"Oh, hi. We are Ryan's parents. I'm Valerie and this is my husband, Jason."

"And, this little one here is Katie, Ryan's niece."

I knelt down to her and said, "Hi Katie. This is my daughter, Braelyn. Say hi, baby girl."

"Hi."

Then, I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me. "Hey mom and dad. This beautiful lady right here is my girlfriend, Layla. And, her daughter, Braelyn."

"It's nice to meet you both."

"Hi, uncle Ryan!"

"Hi, Katie." She ran over to him and jumped in his arms. "How would you like to eat first then play with Braelyn?"

"Okay, uncle Ryan." He helped Katie pick out what she wanted. And, I helped Braelyn with what she wanted. Next, Ryan and I fixed us something and went to sit with his parents.

I told his parents about me, Brae, and my company. I also told them about Austin being Braelyn's dad. I reassured them that I love Ryan and would never do anything to hurt him.

"When Ryan talks about you, I have never seen him so happy. You are good for him, Layla. And, your daughter is adorable."

"Thank you. That means a lot to me. Excuse me, but I will be right back." I went to get my mom and dad and came back over. "Mom and dad, I want you to meet Ryan's parents, Valerie and Jason."

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Olivia and this is my husband, William." While they were talking, Ryan and I went to talk with Jamala, Alicia and Darlene.

"Ladies, I will be back in the office on Monday."

"Are you okay, Layla? That must have been scary with that fire the other day." Jamala asked me.

"I was scared. Once Ryan helped me calm down, I was okay. I talked to my insurance company about what happened. And, I bought the Escalade out front yesterday. I don't like depending on others for anything. However, I do want to find out who intentionally set that fire." 

"I spoke to the contact in Italy about setting up a location in Milan. The meeting is set up for the week after Braelyn's birthday in August. They want to know how many are coming."

"Ryan, will you be able to come with me? I want you there by my side."

"Of course I'll be there to support you. Just let me know the dates."

"Thank you, handsome. And, I want you ladies with me also."

********************************

Four months later.

Everything has been going great. Braelyn and Katie became friends. And they even had sleepovers at my house.

After 4 months of not talking to Alicia and Dean, I finally decided to forgive them for what they did. They promised they would never pull a stunt like that again. Ryan and I became closer than before. We talked about moving in together. But, trying to pick a place to live was tricky. We both want a house that we see ourselves living there forever, hopefully one day married and with children besides Braelyn.

Nolan continued to pursue my cousin, Darlene. But, she wasn't having it. He must really like her for him to do that. Or, he really just wants to add her to his list of who he slept with. Braelyn turned 5 and I started the process of getting her in school. I am going to miss having her with me at the office.

******************************

August - week of the trip

Jamala and Alicia were going to meet Ryan and myself at my house. Austin is going to watch Braelyn at his house. I was packed and ready to go. I was deep in thought in my kitchen until I felt Ryan grab me from behind and started kissing my neck.

"What's wrong, Layla?"

"I am nervous and excited about Italy. Excited because I have never been and when it comes to fashion, Milan is one of the places to be. Nervous, because what if it fails? And, it is Milan."

He spun me around so I was facing him. "Jump, Layla." I jumped and he sat me on the kitchen island. Then, he stood between my legs. "You like having me jump, don't you?" 

"You're short, Layla. And, its easier to kiss you this way. Like I am about to do now."

Then, he started kissing my neck. "Hey, I am not short. I am 5'7" inches tall. When I wear heels, I am taller."

"Well, compared to me, which I am 6'4", baby doll, you are short. Listen, Layla, don't be nervous about Milan. This is an amazing opportunity for your company to branch out in Italy. Few people will get the chance like you have before you. I will be with you every step of the way. It's not going to fail, Layla. I have faith in you and I have your back."

I pulled him close to me to smash our lips together. He started taking my jacket off. I whispered in his ear, "Ryan, I'm ready. But, not in the kitchen. That's just unsanitary." He lifted me off the island and carried me to the living room. On our way there, the doorbell rang.

"Dang. We can't catch a break." He says as he put me down.

"Oh, we will handsome. Just wait until we get to Italy and  you see the outfit I have that will make you wild. You're mine."  I thought to myself as I answered the door.

"Hey ladies. we will be out shortly."

Ryan grabbed our luggage and headed towards my truck. I did a final check to make sure we had everything. Then, I locked my house door. I gave him my keys so he could drive because regardless of what anyone says, I am nervous.

While on the way to the airport, my phone started ringing. I looked at it and it was Braelyn.

"Hey baby girl. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, mommy. I miss you."

"I miss you too, baby." This next week is going to be hard. This will be the longest time Braelyn and I have been apart.

"Promise me you will be a good girl for your dad. I'll bring you something back from Italy. And, whenever you want to talk to me, call me, okay?"

"Okay, mommy. I promise. Bye, mommy. Daddy said have a safe trip. See you when you come home."

"Thank you and I can't wait to see you too." And, then Braelyn hung up the phone. I miss her already. 

"Layla, are you okay?"

"Not really. I am nervous and I miss my baby girl. This is the longest time Braelyn and I have been separated. I should have brought her with me."

"I am going to do all I can to make sure you are not nervous. Close your eyes and don't open them until I say it. I have a surprise for you. You trust me?"

"Yes, I trust you." I am curious as to what this surprise is.

25 minutes later.

Ryan stopped the truck but didn't tell me to open my eyes yet. Suddenly, I felt the passenger side door open. "Layla, give me your hand." I gave him my hand and he helped me out of the truck. Once the door, was closed, Ryan said, "Open your eyes."

"Mommy!" Austin and Braelyn were waiting there for us. She ran over to me and I grabbed her and gave her the biggest hug. And, it just hit me that we are standing near a private airstrip with a private jet. While holding Braelyn, I asked, "Okay, I have two questions. First, what are you guys doing here? And, why are we standing in front of a private jet?"

"Austin and I saw how sad you were when he came to pick her up the other day. So, he suggested to bring Braelyn so she could see you fly off. And, this is our mode of transportation. Layla, I told my friends that my girlfriend is going to have big news to announce on our trip to Italy. He mentioned his family owned a private jet. His parents have allowed us to use it for our trip."

I put Braelyn down and grabbed Ryan's shirt and pulled him down to give him a big, juicy kiss. "Thank you Austin for bringing Braelyn. And, thank you handsome for the private jet."

"Mommy, I have a present for you. Close your eyes." After a few minutes, "You can open your eyes now." It was a Build-A-Bear box. I opened it and it was a teddy bear. On her shirt, it said, "Good luck mommy, Love Braelyn." I couldn't help but cry. Now I know I am going to miss her.

"I love you too, Braelyn. And, thank you for the present." 

"It's time for us go, Layla."

"Remember what I said, baby girl. Be a good girl for daddy. And, I'll bring you something back." We watched Braelyn and Austin get in his truck and pulled a safe distance from the jet so they could watch us. There was a building there were they could watch, so that is where they went. Ryan and I walked towards the jet.

"Ms. Jordan, are you ready for your trip to Milan?"

"Mr. Meyers, I am ready as I will ever be." I'm still nervous, but I will have Ryan by my side. We boarded the jet and 15 minutes later, we took off for Italy.

8 and a half hours later.

We landed safely in Milan at 2 am in the morning. We was greeted by a gentlemen who was waiting to take us to our hotel. The guy looked at me with lust in his eyes, but Ryan wasn't having it. He gave him a death glare and the guy backed off. While we rode to our hotel in Milan, I took in the sights. It is a beautiful city. I felt even more nervous now. We arrived to what we thought was the hotel, but the man said, "My employer wanted to have you stay at her second home."

Even though it was early am, this house was beautiful. When we walked inside and it was even more beautiful. "Good evening, Ms. Jordan. My name is Maria. We hope you enjoy your stay and just let us know if you need anything. I do want to let you know there are plenty of bedrooms to choose from and each bedroom has its own bathroom."

"Thank you."

"Ladies, you all go ahead and pick your room. We will take whatever room is left."

"Layla, later this evening, we will be attending a fashion show. My contact left tickets for us to attend. She also left the name of a boutique for us to buy outfits from. That includes you too, Ryan." Alicia mentioned.

"Okay. I'll see you all in the morning. I am going to shower and go right to sleep." They went upstairs to pick their rooms. It was 8 pm in New York. So, I called my parents and told them we made it safely. I then called Austin, but he said Braelyn was asleep for the night. I told him thank you for watching her. After we hung up, I went upstairs to unpack and take my shower.

Ryan's POV

I went downstairs to get something to eat after taking our luggage to our room. Layla's friends also got something to eat. I told them of the plans I have for her after her meeting. I love her and I want everyone to know it. I am ready to take the next step and Layla is the one I want to take it with.

After the ladies and I chatted, I told them good night and went back to our room.

Layla had already fallen asleep, so I went to take my shower. After showering, I grabbed the remote, turned on the tv, then sat on my side the bed.

But, that didn't last because now it was my time to be nervous. I turned off the television and laid my head on my pillow. I pulled her close to me so I could wrap my arms around her. I gave her a kiss on her cheek. "I hope you say yes because I can't live without you. I love you, Layla."

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Thank you all for reading chapter 9. 

The pictures and videos are courtesy of  PNG Tree and Can Stock Photos:

1. Italy picture - © Can Stock Photo / catalby

2. NY brownstone - © Can Stock Photo / rjcphoto

3. living room - © Can Stock Photo / PaulMatthew

4. beach property - © Can Stock Photo / photobunny

5. bedroom -  © Can Stock Photo / irina88w

 And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘😘