Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Layla POV

The rest of the week is a mélange of school, shifts at the coff

ee shop, studying, and trying to find the time

to sleep.

The teachers have dumped a shitload of work on us, and I have a day of studying planned at the library on Saturday in an attempt to get up to date with everything.

The mansion is quiet with the happy couple still on honeymoon and Xavier questionably absent, but I prefer being in the library. Being among all those books, the hushed tones of fellow students trying to make hide or hair of whatever they are studying, and the soft tread of the librarian doing her rounds now and then to ensure no unruly teenagers are using the stacks as hook–up spots.

Sadly, I haven’t seen Cade or Hunter again. We have been texting, but our schedules just don’t seem to line up. I’m hopeful that next week will be more fruitful in that department.

I had to postpone my girl’s night with Becca – she was not a happy chappy – but a promise to spend the whole Labor Day weekend with her appeased her somewhat.

I’m thinking of applying for a scholarship for next year so I’m not indebted to Michael for longer than I have to be. My grades are good enough, and if I push myself, they can meet the scholarship criteria.

Sitting in the back of the library next to one of the larger windows, I am in my own little bubble. I’ve packed some snacks and a whole thermos of liquid gold, so I have minimal excuse to leave my seat. Not getting distracted is key.

My phone is on silent, making sure I don’t get sidetracked unnecessarily – everyone who might be looking for me will text instead of call. I’ll check my phone when I take my lunch break. Although, I don’t see something major happening that needs my urgent attention before then.

At around 1 pm I get up to stretch my legs, rub the kink from my neck, use the bathroom, and fill my water bottle at the fountain in the corridor by the bathrooms.

As I approach the table I’ve camped out at, a blond head of floppy hair is waiting for me. The smile on my face is instantaneous as I walk up behind him and slide my hand over his shoulder and bicep as I pass him by on my way to the chair across from him.

“Hey, stranger! Crazy week?” I ask him softly as I take my seat.

Cade gives me a sheepish grin before nodding his head in confirmation. “Yeah, sorry about bailing on you

earlier in the week.”

“No worries, everything sorted at home though?” Our shifts at the coffee shop haven’t overlapped thus far

so I wasn’t able to check in with him about it yet.

“Yes, thank you. I’m ready, willing, and able to be at your service again.” He winks at me, and I shake my

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Chapter 16: Layla POV

head at his antics.

“Well, I’m in the middle of a hectic study session, so our get–together will have to wait, unfortunately.”

Cade looks around at all my textbooks, notebooks, and stationery that litter the table.

“I can see that. Intelligent and dedicated – that’s a lethal combination.” His soft smile settles something in

1. me.

He stands and rounds the table, coming to stand next to me. He slowly glides his finger over the back of my hand and up my bare arm. Goosebumps follow in his wake.

“I’m having a small party at our place tonight. I’d like you to be there.”

He doesn’t give me a chance to reply, he just leans down and places a fleeting kiss on my cheek that is effective enough to make my breath hitch.

As he saunters off, he says over his shoulder, “I’ll text you the details.”

I catch myself smiling, contemplating his offer in earnest. Maybe a night with a cute guy is just what I need before the new school week starts.

To go to Cade’s party guilt–free, I knuckled down and got through all the study material that was on my study list. Look at me, being all responsible and shit.

As I’m packing up at around 5 pm, I check my phone, and true to his words, I have a text from Cade with a location to his house, a time, and asking what my drink of choice is. I reply quickly, swing my backpack over my shoulder, and step out of the library.

I halt for a second, breathing in the fresh air while tipping my head backward, happy with the progress I made today.

I start to descend the steps but movement off to my left catches my eye. A guy dressed in dark blue jeans, a black t–shirt, and a leather jacket is walking in my direction, but it’s his gait that sparks recognition in

1. me.

When I get to the bottom of the steps, he is a couple of yards from me, not noticing me – completely engrossed in his phone.

“AJ? Is that you?”

His head snaps up and we both freeze in a moment of shocked surprise.

“Layla?” he asks incredulously but starts walking towards me again.

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Chapter 16: Layla POV

The smile that blooms on my face makes my cheeks hurt.

AJ comes to an abrupt stop a couple of feet in front of me, both of us silent, taking the other one in. cataloging the changes.

The boy who was my neighbor and best friend for almost a decade, looks back at me. The only thing is, he can no longer be classified as a boy. He is all man!

Broad shoulders that tower over me, lean hips that are encased in a low–cut jean that allows a sliver of his lower stomach to peek out at me, long legs that look able to lift me if needs be, strong hands that are tanned and veiny a lethal combination.

–

His dark brown eyes look like molten chocolate now, his jaw is angular with a light dusting of stubble, his smile still makes my stomach feel all weird, and his light brown hair is long enough the curl around his

ears.

I’m not sure who moves first, but the next moment, my arms are wrapped around his neck, and his arms are around my waist. He lifts me so my feet aren’t touching the ground, and I giggle like a besotted teenager. He leans his head into my neck, and I reciprocate in kind. The scent of citrus & smoke invades

my senses.

I am in the arms of AJ Rhodes – my long–lost best friend my first–ever secret crush.

–

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I wondered when he would show up. im betting he is the newest roommate, what an interesting sinario that would be

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