“Layla, the first moment I laid eyes on you I knew I had to have you. Iwatched you walk across that street to the coffee house in a complete daze. You were breathtaking. Fumbling around in your purse, your hairblowing in the breeze around your face. I couldn’t take my eyes off you. In fact I was so stunned I never even noticed how close I was standing to thedoor when you backed your way into it. So when you asked me how I didn’t see you through that glass, I did see you. Then when you told me youworked here, oh Layla, I can’t lie, I was thrilled and worried all at the same time. It meant I would be able to see you whenever I wanted. That’s why Icame in the next day and every day after that, just to see you here. When you agreed to go on a date with me, I thought my head and chest wouldexplode from the sheer joy I felt. You were so easy to talk to and wonderfully fiery, sarcastic, yet warm and caring at the same time. I feel like I’veknown you forever. I’ve never shared a connection with anyone like the one I have with you. So no, I don’t think it’s fast”

“I don’t know what came over me. You were in my arms, crying and when I looked down at you I just couldn’t stop myself. It was like someuncontrollable force I just had to kiss you Layla. I know you’re mad and I’m sorry that you feel that way but honestly Layla? It was wonderful. And I’ddo it again in a heartbeat. I’m crazy about you. I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re the first thing I think about when I wake up, the only thing I thinkabout all day and the last thing I think about at night. You’re my muse. I must have written at least twenty new songs since I met you and they’re allabout you. Your eyes, your smile the way you laugh and the way you make my heart want to tear its way out of my chest when you’re near me. I can’tfight it any more, it’s killing me. I’ve tried to forget it, to get over you but no other girl even compares. I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“I’mnot punishing you baby. I’m just struggling with this. He loves you Layla. It’s in his eyes when he looks at you. Every time I turn around he’s gazing atyou and I can see it. I should know. It’s exactly how I feel every minute of every day. He wants you and I’m terrified that one day you’re going tochoose him. I couldn’t take it Layla. I’m close to breaking point as it is with that fucker pushing every button I have. He needs to get it into his thickhead that you’re mine and I won’t let you go without a fight.”

“Stop it. Right now. Why torture yourself Layla? It’s notas many as you think. If I had to give you a number, which by the way I find a little unsettling, it would be…sixty, approximately. I started having sexwhen I was sixteen Layla. So when you think about it, that’s ten women per year. Not that many is it? And that’s including you. But none of them evenmatter because I’m with you. You’re the only woman I want in my bed, shower, tub, dining table, counter top, sofa and anywhere else I can throw youover. You, Layla Jennings are the only woman I will sleep with from now till the day I die. And I bet I know the next question and the answer is no. Ididn’t love them. I never knew what love was. I cared about them sure and I wanted to make them happy but I didn’t love them. I love you. I’ve nevermet anyone that affects me the way you do. I feel like I could conquer the world, bench press a bus and run a marathon when I’m with you. You makeme feel alive and so happy I can’t even think straight.”

“Layla. I don’t know how you feelabout me. I hope you feel as deeply as I do, but I knew the moment I saw you how I felt. It hit me like a bolt of lightning right here.” He pressed mypalm against his chest, just above his heart. I drew in a sharp breath. “Layla I’m falling for you. I’m deeply, madly and completely head over heels foryou. You’re mine and I want to take care of you. Please, let me give you things while I can, let me spoil you and treat you the way you deserve. Likea queen. My queen. I…” He took a long breath while I held mine in anticipation of his next heart stopping words.“…I love you Layla.”

“Do you have any idea how much you mean to me Layla? Any at all? Because Isometimes think, if you did, you wouldn’t keep torturing me like this. I can’t keep watching you with him. The way you gaze into his eyes, the way hekisses you and when you tell him you love him, I hate you. I hate you for loving him. I hate you for choosing him. I hate you for wanting him so badly.But mostly, I hate myself for not being him! I can’t hide it anymore. I’ve tried so fucking hard that I swear I’m going crazy sometimes. It’s eating at me.I can’t sleep, can’t think; I can’t even function because I’m thinking about you so much. But I get it, I do, it’s him you want and from now on I’m handsoff. But I have to let you know how I feel before I go nuts.”

“See, I can play nicely. I didn’t spring over the booth to strangle him when he hugged you, I didn’t shatter his jaw when he kissed your cheek and I didn’t break his fingers when he held your hand. You must appreciate how hard that was for me Layla.”