Maybe he was a bit of a bastard, but he liked that she'd noticed how some of the females had acted with him. Not that any of them compared to Layla.
Chase took a second to debate what to do before replying, "You're beautiful, smart, loyal, and kinder than almost anyone I've met. On top of that, you don't play games like the others. You speak your mind and know enough about the world to recognize life is short and always encourage everyone to embrace what joy they can find." He paused and added quietly, "Well, you encourage everyone except yourself for some reason."
His beast growled. Which is why you need to tell her the full truth, and maybe she'll embrace it.
Ignoring his dragon, he dared a step closer. Layla didn't retreat, and it encouraged him to add, "I suppose I should be asking you why not me? I want you, Layla MacFie, and I would take every free moment you had to convince you of it. Look past numbers on a page and truly look at me, lass. Why not me?"
Her pupils flashed as she studied his gaze. Damn, what he wouldn't give to know what her dragon was saying.
Probably that she agrees with us and wants us. Even if female dragons don't fully recognize a true mate pull until they're kissed, there's probably some sense of wanting on her end.
Chase should tell Layla the truth right here
, right now. But as she bit her lower lip, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Oh, he'd absolutely tell her before he kissed the lass, but was it wrong to want Layla to desire him simply for himself instead of the instinct?
Because the instinct's pull would fade over time, like it had with his aunt, uncle, and a few other couples on Lochguard, and they could both end up miserable for the rest of their lives.
Layla's voice was barely a whisper as she replied, "I work all the time."
"Not all the time. And when you're off, I'll be there waiting for you."
"I don't do flings, which is all you'll want."
"No, I want you, Layla. End of story."
"But you don't even know me," she whispered.
He dared to brush a stray strand of hair behind her ear, allowing his finger to linger against her skin. Layla drew in a breath and it sent heat rushing through his body. His voice was husky as he said, "Then give me the chance to do so, lass. Because I want to. I really do."
His heart raced as she continued to stare into his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to pull her head close, kiss her jaw, and murmur further words of encouragement.
However, he sensed Layla needed to sort through her thoughts in this moment, right here, before he could do anything else. If she still resisted him after all he'd said this evening, he may never have a chance with her.
Not because he didn't want her, but because she might be too guarded to ever allow him in.
He barely heard her reply. "I'm afraid if I do, it might break me in the end."
With a growl, he took her face in his hands and lightly stroked her skin. "I would never hurt you, Layla. Once I set my mind on something, I stick to it, even if the world thinks I'm nothing but a charming, happy-go-lucky bloke who doesn't have a care in the world. And if you say yes, if you choose me, then I would be the most dedicated male ever."
She opened her mouth to ask a question, but a knock on the door made her jump.
Chase quickly dropped his hands and stepped away from the lass. Image was everything for a clan doctor, and if he wanted any chance with her, he needed to prove he respected that. In other words, he'd have to wait for her to touch him in front of others and not the other way around.
His dragon grumbled, I want to hurt whoever is on the other side of the door for interrupting. She might've been about to say yes and finally given us a chance.
Hush, dragon. Not now.
Layla stated for the person to enter, and the tall, blond form of one of Lochguard's nurses—Logan Lamont—appeared in the doorway. "Here you are. It's Aimee King. She's having an episode again, and Arabella needs your help. They're both at the cottage next to Finn and Ara's place."
Layla's entire body went on alert. "I'll be right there. Gather the usual supplies, and I'll meet you at the cottage."
With a nod, Logan closed the door. Layla quickly opened a drawer, picked up a set of keys, and handed them to him. "Install what you need to in my place. I need to help Aimee."
He took the keys and did his best to hide any disappointment. "Aye, I'll do that. And whilst I'll get it all sorted, I'll find you later to explain how they work."
With a curt nod, Layla hurried to her doctor's bag, picked it up, and left the room.
Chase curled his fingers over the keys. He was fairly certain he'd convinced Layla that he was worth noticing. The trick would be to ensure she didn't try to pretend this evening had never happened.