Chapter 9 : Layla POV My hike is just what the doctor ordered . Peaceful , calm , serene . A great indicator that Xavier Reed is not in the vicinity . I have been hiking for about an hour when I start hearing the faint sounds of a bubbling stream in the distance . According to the trail map , the waterfall and its basin should be right around the corner . Next to it should be a decent - sized meadow where one can relax , have a picnic , or just take a breather . As I crest the final butte , my gaze is immediately drawn to the majestic waterfall in front of me . The sun's rays cause a beautiful rainbow to appear where the waterfall meets the catch pool at the bottom , the waterfall cliff is covered in the most luscious of green moss and foliage , and the melodic sounds of various birds can be heard . I stand there momentarily , just taking the scene in , and being thankful that I can experience something so magnificent . I promise myself that I'll visit again soon with my sketching supplies in hand . Off to my left , a sprawling field lays , dotted with wildflowers that create a pop of color every couple of feet - yellow , white , purple . The edges of the field are lined with large sprawling oak trees . The leaves create a patchwork of shadows as the early morning sun slants through their branches . It is the ideal place for a picnic with your loved ones , an artist wanting to paint the landscape , or someone like me who just wants to sit on their own and reflect on what's to come . I find a semi - secluded spot right next to the water's edge where I can dip my feet into the stream , but I'm also covered by the trees ' shade . As I'm sipping on my water and nibbling on my energy bar , I hear a small group of people approaching but decide to pay them no mind . The group of three girls and two guys choose a spot just down from me on the embankment , unpacking their blankets , towels , snacks , and drinks for the day . Something about one of the guys seems awfully familiar but I don't want to draw attention to myself by looking directly at them. The girls strip down to their bikinis and the guys get rid of their t - shirts , leaving them in the swimming trunks . In the next instant , they all wade into the stream , laughing and splashing each other as they go . Deciding to ignore them , I lean back on my elbows and tip my head up to the sky , close my eyes , and just breathe in the fresh air , temporarily forgetting about the troubles that await me at home , Suddenly , a shadow falls across my face and I open my eyes slowly , preparing to berate the person who decided to invade my privacy . 1/4 Chapter 9 : Layla POV I cannot make out any facial features due to the sun shining from his back , causing a halo around him , but his physique is that of a toned , muscular , and physically fit male . " Hey beautiful , " his voice is like molten chocolate , wrapping around me and making all my girly bits tingle . I bring my hand up to my eyes and squint up at him , still not able to get a clear picture of who I'm looking at even if the voice does sound vaguely familiar . He mock gasps while placing his one hand over his heart , " You wound me ! " I chuckle as I get ready to get to my feet , his other hand appearing in front of my face , offering to help me up . As I place my hand in his , an electric spark zips up my arm and I gasp - there is only one man that has had that effect on me the waiter from the seafood restaurant . - " Hunter ? Is that you ? " He gently guides me to the side so we can both look at each other without being blinded by the sun . A sultry smile spreads across his lips as he dips lower , his cinnamon and vanilla scent conjuring up all kinds of memories of that day , as well as some fantasies I had since then . " I'm glad I'm not that forgettable . " he winks at me . " Hardly , it was some of the best seafood chowder I've ever had , " I smirk at him , refusing to stroke his ego by alluding to the fact that he was more than memorable all on his own . " And here I thought I made an impression by being the best waiter you've ever had . " He fake pouts and I can't stop myself from giggling at his playfulness . We look at each other for a couple of moments , not saying anything , just cataloging the other one's features . I spot a faint scar just above his right eye , I realize he has golden circles around his pupils that bleed into his emerald - green irises , and there is a dimple that is faintly visible on his right cheek . I can only imagine how many panties he gets wet when he decides to grace the female population with its full presence . Someone calls his name , and we startle , realizing that we're still holding on to each other . Without letting go of my hand while turning slightly sideways and holding one finger up to the guy who tried to get his attention , asking to give him one moment . " Would you like to join us ? " Hunter asks , peering into my eyes as if he can reach my soul if he looks hard enough . " Raincheck ? I need to start heading back . " I smile at him sheepishly from beneath my lashes . 2/4 8:02 pm Chapter 9 : Layla POV " On one condition . " " Which is ? " I crook my eyebrow at him in suspicion . " You tell me why I never heard anything from you after I gave you my number at the restaurant that day . " I cover my eyes with my hands , drop my head , and groan in embarrassment . I hear Hunter chuckle at me and peek at him through my fingers , sure that my face is beet red . " I know this might seem like a lame excuse , but I honestly lost your number , my life plans got thrown in a blender , and I had to pivot my future projects accordingly - all in the space of about two weeks . " He slowly starts to pull my hands away from my face , a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth . " And I didn't want to go to your work to ask for your number because I didn't want to give off stalker / serial killer vibes . " He throws his head back and gives a deep belly laugh , causing some of the closer birds to startle and fly off . I'm entranced by the effect it has on his face . I was correct in my assumption of that dimple's effects - present company included . " Mind handing me your phone ? " he asks as soon as he can breathe and speak again . I cock an eyebrow at him , " Why ? " " I want to make sure you don't lose my number again , beautiful . " He has this cocky smirk that just makes me want to throw myself at him . I unlock my phone and hand it to him , his fingers fly over the screen and the next moment I hear a notification sound coming from his phone . " There , now there are no more excuses . " He winks at me and starts walking backward towards his friends . " Wait , you never asked my name , how will you know it's me contacting you ? " " I saved your number under Beautiful , that's all I need to know , for now . " Before I can give him a retort , he spins around and disappears into the stream with his friends . As I make my way back to my car , I can't help the smile that keeps spreading across my face . Who knew that a day that started with such a fiasco could make a complete 180 - degree turnaround ? Somewhere , my fairy godmother decided to show up for me . 3/4