Eminent Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

vacations her parents took her and Drea on, the things they saw, her favorite places, and the ones she wanted to go back to. I hadn’t done a tremendous amount of traveling, so I couldn’t contribute much to that conversation. Although, I kept her busy with questions.
    The entire time we strolled along the trail, I thought about what Colin and Drea had said the night before, about Layne going through a difficult time and not being out much lately. Since meeting her, she didn’t seem to fit the person they’d described. Her attitude was amazing and extremely uplifting. Her laughter was genuine and easy, as if she found humor in everything. The only thing I could come up with was a relationship gone bad.
    Layne was young—well, younger than me. I was only twenty-one, and she was eighteen. I couldn’t imagine anything substantial happening to her other than a bad breakup. So I played it cool and continued my inquiry, hoping it might lead to some sort of answer. Or at least something I could base a logical assumption on. Unfortunately, she didn’t give me anything.
    Once we finally made it to the spot, we stopped and admired the scenery. A flat boulder extended over the river and the water ran steadily in front of us. I led her to the edge where she stood and stared out at the heavily wooded bank on the other side. The sounds of nature encompassed us as we took in the view. There were so many things I wanted to say, but had no idea where to start. Layne also acted as though she had something on her mind; however, she, too, remained quiet.
    After a few moments, she reached up and wiped the back of her shoulders. She’d gathered her hair low on her nape as soon as we started our hike, but apparently, it wasn’t enough to keep her cool. I wrapped my fingers around her ponytail, which seemed to surprise her, because she moved away. Her chest heaved as she stared at me, not blinking as if I’d triggered a fear of hers.
    “I’m sorry,” I said with my hands up, hoping to show her I hadn’t meant anything by it. “I was only going to suggest you get your hair off your neck. You seem to be a little sweaty, and it might cool you off more if it was up higher.”
    Her gaze flitted around me, rapidly moving from one thing to the next. She’d switched from content to nervous in an instant, and it left my mouth dry, my throat constricted in abrupt worry. When her hands began to fidget in front of her, I knew immediately something had happened—I’d caused a change in her. Only, I couldn’t tell if she was scared or nervous. She swallowed roughly, causing her throat to dip deep as she ran her trembling hands over the crown of her hair.
    “Layne.” I kept my voice low, soft, and I didn’t make any movements toward her. “Whatever I did, it wasn’t intentional. I didn’t mean to upset you.” I carefully studied her as she retreated farther, getting closer and closer to the edge of the rock behind her.
    “It’s fine… You didn’t…” She closed her eyes and shook her head in short, jerky motions.
    When she took another step back, clearly trying to evade me, I took two large ones forward and grabbed her arms. “Layne, be careful. You’re about to walk right off the rock.” I pulled her to my chest and held her there for a moment. My heart pounded against the side of her head, practically threatening to jump out of my body.
    She fisted my shirt, lifted her gaze, and met my stare. Something clouded the usual bright blue, dimming them to an almost grey color. “I’m sorry. I just don’t like people touching my hair.” Her confession forced my thoughts to the night before, remembering what Colin had said.
    I wanted to ask why, although I knew better. I was told not to mention it, so I had to bite my tongue and let it go. I didn’t want to cause her any more agony over whatever fear she experienced. “I didn’t mean anything by it. But I promise, I won’t touch your hair again. Maybe you should put your ponytail