Page 24 of Once Upon a Beast

“I don’t need your money or your help,” she stated.

“Are you upset that I donated the money or that I didn’t tell you?”

She opened her mouth as if she was going to say something and then stopped. “A bit of both,” she eventually admitted. “Did you do it because you were trying to get my attention? Were you hoping someone would tell me or that I would figure it out? Why rare books and not something else? It could look like you were trying to buy my job or keep me there.”

“I didn’t donate to get your attention. I was doing it because I wanted to help at the library. I’m also fond of rare books, although maybe not as much as you. I feel that they need to be restored, preserved, and appreciated. Yes, it did add to it that you worked there, but you aren’t the only one. I asked if some of the money could be put toward the after-school programs, too.”

Layla smiled and her eyes softened and she looked a little less annoyed. “That would be something that you would do.”

“To answer your other concerns, all my donations were done anonymously. If I had my way, you wouldn’t have ever known. The only reason Sandra knew was because we’ve emailed occasionally through the years. I started donating years ago, long before anyone would connect us dating. I believe that your job is still secure. Not everything is about you,” I said with a smile.

“I never said . . . I didn’t think . . . I wasn’t . . .” she stammered.

“Layla, I was teasing you. You’re the most unselfish person I’ve ever met. You never make anything about you. I’m sorry. I should have told you before we got here, but honestly, it slipped my mind. I didn’t think it would come up. I was happy to do it and I will continue to donate, no matter what happens between us. It’s a good cause, you do good work, and you should be able to continue to do it. If I can help, then I will.”

“Thank you, Nic. Really. It means a lot that you would be so kind. Not that I’m surprised.”

“Really?” I was shocked by her comment.

“There were some donations that were given, some equipment or things that were made available that had your handwriting all over it.”

“I wouldn’t have thought you or anyone else would have noticed,” I admitted. I hadn’t done it for attention. I wanted to help people; my money allowed me to do that.

“They were obvious to me, but then I would like to think I knew you or I still know you. I’m sorry if I was snappy at you. I guess I’m still on edge and not handling it well,” Layla said.

“You’re doing wonderfully. Better than I am,” I stated.

Layla laughed. “You could have fooled me. For a man who hasn’t been seen out much in the last few years, you’ve taken to this whole social environment very well.”

“It helps that I have such a wonderful companion for the evening. It really has been great being here with you.”

“I’m glad we could do it. This has been fun,” Layla said as if she was shocked by her own admission.

“It has been. I think we have put any issues to rest that people might have about us being a couple.”

“You think?”

“Well, there is one thing we could do that would help seal the deal, so to speak,” I said and looked over Layla’s shoulder to the dance floor.

She followed my gaze and then slowly turned to look back at me. “Are you asking me to dance?”

“What a lovely idea,” I teased.

Layla laughed. I reached to take her hand in mine and walked us out onto the dance floor. It was a decent enough size to have a small group of people dance without feeling crowded but still gave plenty of space for the tables and people to mingle. The band had just finished a song and began another as we walked onto the floor.

I turned and tugged Layla toward me so that she could move into my arms. My right hand kept a hold of hers as I put my left hand on her waist. She smiled at me as she put her hand on my shoulder. I felt the touch of her hand through my entire body and I longed to pull her closer to me. I wanted to lean my head against hers and inhale her intoxicating scent. I wanted to feel her body pressed up against mine as we swayed to the music.

It wasn’t the time or the place. We were enough of a spectacle without adding it by getting too intimate on the dance floor. I had to be happy with the notion that I was holding her, that she was close to me, and we were having a good time.

“You’re a pretty good dancer,” Layla said after a few moments.

“Don’t sound so shocked. I took the same dance classes you did in junior high. I might still remember a thing or two.”

Layla laughed, tilting her head back as she did. It was a genuine laugh, one that went through her entire body and I felt through mine. It had been so long since I had heard her laugh like that, I wanted to do everything I could to hear it again.

“You hated Mrs. Procop and her classes. I practically had to bribe you to go with me,” she said.

“That isn’t how I remember it.”