Read Online Beneath the Boss: Omnibus (The Complete Collection) by Lydia Rowan - Free Book Online

just defend the big, bad wolf? Either this is Layla’s evil twin, or somebody has to spill. Right. Now.” Mary Alice punctuated her words a surprising stern look, particularly for a diminutive daycare owner. But then again, Mary Alice ran her center with a mix of love, fun, and military precision, as she had run almost everything else going back to their sophomore year in college in San Antonio, so Layla supposed she shouldn’t be surprised.
    The server stepped over to the table, inquiring about drinks and appetizers, and Layla ordered large Irish nachos and pitcher of raspberry margaritas.
    After the waiter left, the table sat in stunned silence for a moment before Katrina piped up. “Nachos and margaritas. Yea, M.A., this is big. Don’t hold out on us, Layla.”
    “Come on, Katrina. Aren’t you supposed to be bragging about John?”
    “I’m in love with a ridiculously handsome man who thinks my love handles are cute. He understands and accepts me body and soul, and I can’t imagine life without him. Done. Now give it up, Layla.”
    The ladies erupted with laughter at Katrina’s succinct summary of her current love life. She’d always had issues with confidence and way too many responsibilities, but her new boyfriend, and soon to be something more Layla suspected, brought a balance and calm to Katrina’s life that Layla hadn’t seen in the ten years they’d been friends.
    “Nothing I say can leave this table.” She waited for the round of agreement before continuing. “I slept with Leighton. And spent the weekend sleeping with him more.”
    Silence was followed by a chorus of “bout times,” “how was its?” and “oh, honeys.” Just about the range of reactions she’d expected. After they’d quieted, she proceeded to tell the story, interrupted only by the delivery of food and drink and the occasional sip and bite. When she finished, she sat back and took a long swallow of her margarita, letting the sweet concoction rest on her tongue a moment before letting it slide down her throat.
    Surprisingly, it was Katrina who spoke first. “Do you love him?”
    Layla exhaled, giving the question thought before stating “I do. But does it matter?”
    “Of course it does,” Katrina said. “Look, you don’t have any idea where this is going, do you?”
    Layla shoot her head no.
    “Then the love has to guide you.”
    “I disagree completely,” Mary Alice said. “He slept with you because he was mad. How childish.”
    “I was an active and eager participant, M.A.,” Layla said, feeling obligated to defend Leighton.
    “Doesn’t matter. Anyone with eyes could see you’ve been halfway in love with that man since Ms. Francis passed. I’m sorry to bring it up, but it’s the truth. And I find it hard to believe that the very intelligent Leighton didn’t recognize it. He manipulated you for his own gain.”
    “Come on, Mary. That doesn’t make sense. Leighton can have anyone he wants. Why go to such great lengths for me?”
    “I love you, Layla, but you’re a moron,” Squeak put in. “Why do you think he reacted so strongly? You’re beautiful—don’t roll your eyes at me, you are—and an amazing asset. Of course he wants you around, and if fringe benefits are involved, more’s the better.”
    Layla’s shoulders sagged, doubt creeping in. “But you guys didn’t see him, how different he was...”
    “I believe you, Layla,” Katrina said. “You have powerful feelings for the man. And I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say he obviously has them for you as well. I don’t know much about the guy, but have you considered that he just might not know how to express them? Imagine it from his perspective: He has gobs of money and influence, but he works in a ultracompetitive field, and he’s always got to stay on his toes. On the other side, he’s not lacking female attention, but he has to stay on his toes there as well because who knows what motives Sally the Socialite has? Enter