Now and Again Read Online Free PDF Page A

dismay.
    “You’re saying you think I’m superficial,” she said. “I found Prince under a bridge when I was in law school. He was dirty and skinny and he stole my heart. We’ve been together since.”
    Ben studied the dog’s gleaming coat and purple jeweled collar. He sure wasn’t dirty and skinny anymore. If anything, Prince needed to lose a couple pounds.
    “Looks like he has it good now,” he said, petting Prince again when he jumped up. “And I don’t think you’re superficial. I think you’re feminine, and that’s not a bad thing.”
    He warmed at the slight flush on her cheeks. God damn , she was pretty. Not run of the mill pretty, either. She had a bright white smile with dimples and huge, dark eyes framed with long lashes. But he hadn’t come here to hit on her.
    “Just stay with me while I look everything over,” he said. He made his way into a small, modern kitchen, which didn’t look like it got much use. The counters were bare except for a coffee pot and a glass container of dog treats. A vase of wildflowers decorated the kitchen table.
    “I wasn’t expecting anyone, so things may not be all that clean,” Layla said as they left the kitchen. Ben opened a closet and saw a few coats and long dresses, along with several shelves of shoes.
    When they walked into her bedroom, he took note of her unmade queen size bed, with a white down comforter and pink satin sheets twisted together at the base. He pictured Layla sleeping there, her long legs bare on top of the sheets.
    Stop. You can’t get a hard on right now, she’ll be so creeped out by it. Think about her dog, or work or your taxes. Anything but that bed.
    He looked across the room and saw clothes littering the floor. His eyes went right to a skimpy pair of red panties that he pictured her sliding down her tight ass and tanned legs.
    Fuck. That’s not helping.
    “I’m sorry,” she said, sounding embarrassed behind him. “There hasn’t been anyone but me in my bedroom for the longest time.”
    “It’s not that messy, really,” he said, stepping into the closet, where he eyed racks of clothes and rows of shoes and quickly adjusted himself. “Looks like you’re kind of into shoes.”
    “A little,” she said.
    He led the way out of the bedroom and into the black and white bathroom, where a large counter was spread with makeup, perfume, curling irons and hair styling products. Ben took in the fresh, powdery smell, wondering if that was what she smelled like up close. He went to the shower and pulled away the curtain, finding nothing but several bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Another wave of something fresh and sweet hit him, and he tried to banish the image of Layla in the shower, naked.
    “So, you’re good,” he said. Layla led the way back into the living room, with Prince hot on her heels. “I’m just gonna check all your windows real quick, okay?”
    Ben made sure all the locks were secure before wandering back into the living room, where Layla leaned against the back of the couch.
    “Thanks,” she said. “I’m sure this is no big deal. I’ll just be extra careful.”
    “You should. Keep all your doors and windows locked and don’t go out by yourself after dark if you can avoid it. I’ll have third shift patrol the building and keep an eye out.”
    “Okay. I really do appreciate you coming over, especially on a Saturday.”
    “It’s no problem,” he said. “Hey, I’m heading to O’Malley’s, this pub where all the cops hang out. You want to come with? Get some dinner?”
    “Um … that sounds good. I need to take a shower and change, can I meet you there?”
    “Yeah,” he said. “You know the place? Not far from the station?”
    “I do.”
    “Okay.” He glanced at his watch. “Meet up around six?”
    “Sure.”
    “You’re locking this when I leave, right?” he said, gesturing to the door.
    “Yeah.” She smiled, and Ben wished he wasn’t leaving.
    God, that smile. She’s fucking