Chapter 5 Falling for you.

It had been several days since I asked Layton about the girl, he liked...we'd kept in touch with drabs of messages here and there but from what he and Sam had said, Layton had been pressed this week helping his dad with more duties and spending his left over time keeping up with his training.

Although he wasn't classed as a warrior, he still had to partake in training regularly with the other warriors as he was the future Alpha his dad still did regular training even as he got older, even the Luna practiced martial arts and knew how to use a sword, she would tell me all about it during the dinners we used to have at their Palace...That's my kinda Luna. She was so classy and always carried herself with elegance and grace, but she also had a 'no nonsense' side to her, she told me she loved knowing that she could protect herself if the time called for her to.

It was the weekend and after three sessions of hard training and doing extra shifts at the gallery to cover for another employee. I was just getting out of the bath and going into my room when I heard my phone ping...

Layton "hey you, a load of us are heading to the lake this afternoon, getting all the canoes and jet ski's out! you need to come!"

Uhh hell yea I thought! I loved being down at the lake, it was now springtime and the water although still a bit cold, we would still always have the sun shining on it all day, this was the time of year we'd always hang out at the lake and the beach.

Lelanna "YES! count me in, I'll see if the girls are free as well, see you there"

Layton "GREAT :) that's my girl! I'll put a jet ski aside for you".

I quickly texted the girls to which they all replied very enthusiastically that they were coming, we agreed they'd meet here, and we'd all go down with Sam and one of his friend's, Jonah.

I dried my hair and tied it up into a high ponytail and curling the end lightly so it would cascade in waves, and letting a few loose tendrils fall around my face. I put on a pair of ripped denim shorts and a strap top. I chucked a towel and change of clothes in my bag and went to Sam's room.

"Hey, I'm ready! the girls are coming with us"

He looked at me raising an eyebrow in a cheeky way "Will Dakota be coming" he asked grinning

Lelanna "uhh yes, why?" I asked with a disapproving look.

"What?" he smiled

I sighed "yes of course she's coming... but she's had enough crap with guys...so don't lead her on"

"Lanny, I have no intentions of leading her on...I actually think she's cool.... and hot" he said cheekily

"she's not cool" I grinned "she's awesome...and she's nothing like these girls you snog the faces off every week, she deserves better...ok! I mean it Sam"

He looked at me and sighed "ok, ok...I know Lanny, I promise, ok?!"

I gave him a nod then went downstairs just as the doorbell rang and the girls were all waiting outside. We all left with Sam and Jonah to the Lake. It was already as busy we put our bags in the lockers held in the lakeside cabin and we headed for the Jet skis where Layton was standing with Sam, Jonah and the rest of their mates.

"THERE SHE IS" Layton shouted as he caught sight of me walking over with the girls.

"Heyy, which one do I get to use then" I asked as I got closer eyeing up all the jet skis

"Take your pick Darling, before they all go"

I picked a black and red one and Dakota picked a purple one...As Lola and Maisie weren't up for using their own Jet Ski's we decided Lola would ride on the back of mine and Maisie would go with Dakota.

We pushed our jet skis off the raft and into the water, I waited for Lola to get on, then slid on in front of her, pushing us off into the water...I put the key into the ignition and off we went. I started off slow till we got further out to the lake then sped up racing round with Dakota, we were all laughing and screaming, the water splashing our faces and soaking our hair. People were now swimming near the shore as others were in small rowing boats and canoes, casually, floating round and jumping off them into the water. laughter and screams filled the air. We had already spent over an hour on our jet ski's when I decided to slow down and come to a stop before taking it back to shore letting me and Lola catch our breath...we sat for s few moments on the Jet ski floating on the water...

"Wow that was so much fun" she said breathlessly

I laughed "I know, I've missed this... I love this time of year" I mused as I looked out around me watching everyone else and as I looked to the shore to look for a clear way to drive the Jet ski back...as my eyes moved to where Layton was, standing next to one last Jet ski I saw Zara walking over to him with her arms literally flying in the air as she waved hello to him, my stomach sank at the sight of her and clearly Lola noticed just as I did "Oh, my days, what the hell is she wearing?" She groaned

"No idea!"... I replied as I watched her walk over to him. She was wearing like a short tight black skirt with Lace on the trim, but it was just covering her arse and a lace strappy crop top that looked more like a bra than a bikini and white wedges on her feet, trying to mind her step across the pebbles.

We watched as she stood in front of him chatting and even though we were too far away to hear their conversation we could clearly see her put her hand on his bicep, throwing her head back in a high pitched laugh... it infuriated me, and I felt the jealousy rise up inside me. took a deep sigh as he smiled at her.

Lola pulled into my back wrapping her arms around me, resting her chin on my shoulder..."come on babes! she said "don't let it ruin your fun, just pretend she's not there" her calm voice filled with understanding and sympathy...

I took her advice and slowly began to ride our Jet ski in. We hopped off as we got to the raft and pushed it up to Layton with the other Jet ski as Zara just openly glared at me... I plastered a smile on my face and quickly handed Layton the key "thanks for that" I said to him as I turned away with Lola heading to a few loungers.

We sat back to dry off in the sun and waited for Dakota and Maisie to join us. When they had finally come off their Jet ski and sat with us more old friends and people, we had been training with came to join us and bit by bit what started off as just us four on loungers we were now swarmed in a group of people as we all mingled the crowd only got bigger as people dragged over other loungers to sit on.

Sam and all his mates sat with us and I looked over to the left of me, a few loungers down to see Dakota and Sam chatting away, laughing and Sam was grinning ear to ear, it did seem like he did like Dakota and seemed to be a bit different around her... he was calm and not acting like a typical lad.

I couldn't see Layton from where I was sitting and the crowd around me blocked my view...but I suppose it was for the best, I hadn't seen Zara for a while either so I wouldn't be surprised if they were hiding amongst the trees at the Lakeside making out or something and I shuddered at the thought.

"Hey" I heard as my shoulder was nudged by Lola, taking me out of my thoughts... "let's, go and take a canoe out on the lake, its gorgeous out there now the sun is lower"

I nodded at her for us to go... as I stood up I noticed she was right the sun was hitting the lake perfectly, gleaming across the water making it all sparkle and It was less busy now as everyone was sat along the shore. We got to the boats and just as I started to push one out...

Lola "Oh hey Layton"

I turned my head round to Lola, to see Layton walking over

Lola "Were taking a boat out" she said smiling at him "you should get out on the water, its perfect this time of day"

Layton "It is perfect" he said looking at me and back to her

Lola "well actually, I'm feeling a bit chilly now so I'm gonna go and grab my jacket, why don't you go out with Lelanna instead"?

Lelanna "wait what? Lola this was your idea! You wanted to go on the boat too"

She looked at me with a mischievous grin and Layton just stared at me smiling

Layton "Yea definitely, I'll go with you" he said walking over to the boat and started pushing it out

Lola kept grinning then quickly jogged away back to the group, only looking back at me still smiling! hmmm ok did that on purpose!

As much as I'd normally enjoy this time with Layton, all I could think was of the fact that he'd probably just been off somewhere with Zara! We got out into the middle of the lake and stopped rowing, pulling our oars in so we could just float under the sun.

I looked from the water to Layton who was looking at me and smiling.

"What are you so chirpy for?" I asked cocking one eyebrow

"just nice to be out here" he shrugged "I feel like I've not seen you properly, just been so busy" he said as he leant forward to rest his tanned arms on his legs

"That's ok, I get it, you've been with your dad annnnd spending time with this special girl" I asked him giving him a cheeky and curious grin.

"Actually, no that's the one thing I've really wanted to do all week and haven't been able to... till today, I guess that's why I'm smiling so much"

OUCH! ...this girl has got Layton grinning from ear to ear! I just nodded and smiled cause I really didn't know what else to say, so I just looked out to the water, but Layton broke the silence and bought my attention back to him. "hey" he said looking at me like he was trying to gauge what I was thinking.

"What?" I replied frowning

"what's on your mind Lanna... looked like you were in a world of your own for a minute there". giving me a thoughtful and concerned look.

Ohh...Yes Layton I was thinking about the fact that you have feelings for someone else and it makes me feel jealous and nauseous because I don't just have feelings for you but deep deep, with every piece of my foolish heart type of feelings and all I want to do every time I see you is kiss you, hold you and for you to tell me you feel the exact same way about me... of course I couldn't say that though!

But he did look soo good in his Black shorts and white tight top and I could make out his toned body and muscled shoulders! I shook off my little fantasy and bought my thoughts back to reality and just gave him a smile.

"Nothing really, was just thinking how great it's been today, I just love when spring starts and summers not far away" I partially lied as I tried to keep my gaze on anything but him and I could feel him looking at me

"I know, I couldn't wait to get down here today and just be out on the lake with everyone and I'm sorry I've not been able to come to any more of your training sessions and see you much I'm hoping next week I'll get some free time to pop by"

"Oh, don't worry" and my efforts of looking away from him were useless as I felt bad for making him feel like a bad friend "I get it I know you got a lot going on, you don't need to be there its only training".

"Yea, I know but I've wanted to see how you're doing, see you kick ass"

I tilted my head to the side and smiled, bless him I thought... we might not be together but I do love our friendship and how much he's been there over the years and still tries to be and I know our friendship is something I have to put before my feelings and even though he's going to be going through a lot of changes within the Palace now he's getting older he may only be turning twenty in two months but it's around that age that Soon to be Alpha's need to start learning the ropes and slowly take over duties until they officially become declared as the new Alpha.

I put one hand over his and leaned slightly toward him "honestly, you don't need to worry, you've got important things happening, but we'll always be here.. me, Sam, my parents, all your friends, were not going anywhere so whenever you can spare a little time, we'll be here for you".

He gave me a wide smile and put his other hand over mine and for a moment we sat there smiling looking at each other until we got interrupted as we were splashed with water from a couple swimming playfully past our boat, but my heart was still beating frantically from his touch.

We stayed out in the boat, chatting away reminiscing about old times, when us and Sam and Florence would have our secret meetings in our tree house and sneaking food in till we had stashes of it. We loved it when one year my mum and dad bought new paint and bits for us to decorate it with... Even though they were boys and two years older than me and Florence, they always included me in everything, even their little sleepovers they had planned in our little tent in the garden, we'd stay up and tell stories, and share whatever sweets we had bought with our pocket money. They always looked after us and even snuck me my first beer when I was fifteen. When I was thirteen and punched the hell out of a guy in my year who slapped my ass, Sam picked me up threw me over his shoulder and carried me away, the both of them laughing, and finally giving me a high five when he put me down, telling me that's what I should always do if anyone ever touches me without consent.

We had a million memories together and we were in our own little world, in fits of laughter reminding each other of things we used to get up to. We finally let our laughter subside as I wiped tears of laughter away from my eyes only noticing then that we had drifted off away from the shore and the sun was going down that's when we both decided it was probably best, we rowed back before it got dark.

As we slowly headed back, it was quiet, we were both looking around at the water and glancing at each other... I had him alone and I had something I needed to ask him. "So, tell me what's the deal with you and Zara"? I asked casually... you know just asking as a concerned friend.

He looked at me confused..."UHH what do you mean me and Zara"?

"Well.... It's just that I noticed earlier you both looked like you were hitting it off and then you both seemed to of well...disappeared"

"Ahhh spying on me were you"... he looked at me grinning cocking one eyebrow.

I laughed "NO, I just noticed that's all and wondered if perhaps she was the girl you liked" I shrugged.

"WHAT??" he said looking shocked "uhh no Lanna, I mean she's being over friendly but to be honest I barely know her, she just keeps talking to me for some reason...but no she is definitely not THE GIRL...she doesn't even compare. .no offence to her but she doesn't and besides I know you two don't get along and I would never date someone that was rude to you".

Phew I thought, least I don't have to deal with Zara any more than I already do and now I don't have to feel sick at the thought of those two together!

"And I disappeared earlier because I popped to Vince's shop to buy a load of refreshments for everyone...and then when I got back, I wanted to come up with a way to spend time with the girl"

"Oh ok, well I have to be honest I'm glad you're not hooking up with Zara cause honestly, just no...! and well I hope whatever plan you came up with works and you get to have some time with her" I didn't mean that of course but he didn't need to know that.

He just looked at me thoughtfully...then gave me a smile, and I smiled back.

"Lanna"... He said quietly

CLUNK!

Just as Layton began to say something we came to a halt when our boat had knocked into the raft...that's how little attention we were paying.

We got out and pulled our boat up to the shore. Just as I was about to walk to the crowd to mingle, Layton who was still behind me grabbed my arm making me turn back round to face him, I looked up at him in wonder...

"Lanna, there is something I do want to talk to you about though" he said his eyes moving from mine to the floor.

"Ok, well whatever it is you can talk to me about it" I reassured him feeling slightly concerned.

"I just... well.""

I waited for him to get out what he needed to say... when all of a sudden, arms came crashing down on us, Jonah and some of their mates were on us shouting for Layton to come and join them, they pulled us back to the crowd and all through the rest of the evening I would look over to see Layton glancing over at me.

We didn't get a chance to speak again that night, and when me and the girls all decided we were ready to go home we left, leaving everyone to enjoy the rest of their night.

I got home and got into bed, but before I went to sleep, I decided to text Layton.

"Hey, you, whatever it was you needed to say, well just know I'm here if you still need to talk :) "

I put my phone on my bedside table snuggled under my duvet and went to sleep thinking of course...about Layton!