Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 21

We’re seated in a half–moon booth at the back of the diner. Layla is wedged between me and Hunter and AJ is on Hunter’s other side.

Hunter has his arm slung over the back of the seat behind her and my hand is nonchalantly resting on her thigh. AJ is eyeing our subtle possessive acts but chooses to say nothing, at least for now.

When I met Layla at the coffee shop, I was immediately blown away by her beauty and matching personality.

I’ve never really been good with girls but with Layla, everything felt natural – the friendship, the camaraderie, the flirting.

I’m an introvert by nature but she unlocked something in me, a confidence in who I am as a person, that just feels right.

Girls never really interested me; not like they did Hunter and Xavier. Yes, they fawned over me because of my good looks, but when they realized I’m not another man whore who will sleep with a new girl every other night, or that I couldn’t be persuaded to give them some inside information so they could get closer to my boys, they backed off quickly.

I know it sounds sappy for a guy to say, but I’ve always wanted something deeper than a one–night stand. I want romantic dinner dates, long walks on the beach, and waking up to me spooning her.

And all those things, I saw myself doing with Layla. That, and so much more.

Yes, she is beautiful, but she also has the most unique personality – something I’ve never seen in other

girls until now.

She’s kind, but not a pushover. She will help anyone in need but won’t let anyone disrespect her. She has the most enchanting laugh, not fake, but so genuine that it draws you in to join her. I can only hope that my little sister will one day grow up to be like her.

So, I really can’t fault Hunter for falling for her as well. The way AJ’s looking at her tells me he is just as smitten as we are. Even Xavier, who would probably eat his tongue first before admitting it, but I saw how he looked at her. And his visceral reaction to her being at the house was a dead giveaway. He doesn’t want to feel something for her, but it’s evident that he burns for her.

I’ve never shared a girl with one or both of them, but I can’t say I’m opposed to the idea. But ultimately, it will have to be her choice without any cajoling from any of us. I will, however, let her know down the line that the option is on the table from my side at least.

–

Xander, Hunter, and I grew up together on the same street. We were there for each other through the most horrific times in our lives – when Xavier’s mom passed away, when Hunter got hooked on pain meds after he broke his arm two years ago, and when my twin brother and sister were diagnosed with cancer when

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Chapter 21 Cade POV

they were six years old.

We’ve cried together, we’ve fought together, and we’ve laughed until our stomachs hurt, and through it all, I would never have wanted anyone else by my side.

The same goes for now, if Layla will have us, I have no objection to sharing her. In whichever way she wants us, she can have us.

I am just not willing to give her up.

She has become my ray of sunlight, my fresh breeze, and my cool drink of water on a hot day, Jeez, waxing poetic much, Cade?

We order our milkshakes and a large portion of chili cheese fries from the friendly older waitress before she goes to the back to put our order in.

The place is quiet for a Saturday night, but we’re not complaining. Being able to talk softly enough so nobody overhears this awkward conversation will hopefully make things a little easier to wrap our heads

around.

Layla fidgets with the napkin in front of her before speaking up, “So…” she drags the word out, evidently not sure how to start this conversation. I decide to put her out of her misery and hope to the high heavens that I’m not putting my foot in it.

“Sunshine, you know I like you. And you know I want to spend more time with you. But I also don’t want to put you in an uncomfortable situation. If you would rather have me back off so you can explore your feelings with one of these two, I’ll respect your wishes, even if it does pain me to do so.”

We wait with bated breath, not sure what to expect.

“Honestly, I’m not sure what I want at the moment. I have a different connection with each of you, but I can’t expect you to stick around with the hope that I might choose one of you down the line. That would just be selfish and cruel. There’s also Xavier to consider. You guys are friends with him and you guys saw for yourselves how he feels about me. I’m not comfortable getting in between you.”

Her head is dipped low, her gaze glued to the tabletop. I meet their gaze over her head and a mutual understanding is reached without a word being said.

Hunter crooks his pointer finger underneath her chin and draws her head up. “Beautiful, let us worry about Xavier. As far as your connection with each of us is concerned, why don’t we just take it one day at a time? You spend as much or as little time with whomever you want and then we see what happens. No pressure and no expectations.”

A small spark of hope comes into her eyes, and I give ourselves a proverbial pat on the back. If we had made her choose, especially now when everything is so new between all of us and her, we all would have

lost her.

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Chapter 21: Cade POV

Layla is feisty with a passion for life and those she cares for. I am confident that not just one man would be enough to love her like she deserves. But ultimately, that is her decision, and I’ll respect whomever she chooses.

I smile to myself as the others confirm to her that we are all on the same page.

I just hope she realizes that Cade Reynolds is a man who doesn’t pull his punches and that the other two will have to bring their A–game if they want to steal her from me.

The rest of the night is spent chatting and laughing. There is no outright competition between us because Layla makes sure to give each of us her undivided attention when we pull her into a conversation.

I learn that Layla likes to dunk her fries in her milkshake before she eats them, and I give her a bit of good–natured grief about it. When she starts to sulk, I lean over and kiss her temple, whispering, “I think it’s cute.” She blushes and I silently endeavor to make that blush pop up more often.

AJ and she talk about the forts they built as kids in her living room, and the pure joy that shines in her eyes, makes it difficult for me to take my eyes off her.

Hunter teases her about her losing his number, insinuating it was her way of ghosting him while still being polite about it. She looks shocked and we all break out in raucous laughter. She huffs in exasperation when she realizes we are making fun of her. The look of retribution in her eyes makes me shiver in anticipation of what she might be planning for us.

At the end of the night, as she drops us off at home, we all lean in to give her a goodnight kiss, everyone behaving and keeping it PG. Her blush and adorable smile, as she drives off, make everything worthwhile.

Stepping into the house, we notice Xavier is drunk off his ass, clinging to a bottle blond and holding court amongst our fellow teammates. But I know him better than he sometimes knows himself, and I can see he’s struggling. I’m just not sure if it is because he feels bad about how he treated Layla, or because he’s starting to realize he’s got feelings for her. Maybe both. Only time will tell.

Hunter, AJ, and I decide to head upstairs, not in the mood to mingle after how amazing the night turned out. A bunch of drunk guys and horny girls just won’t do it for us.

Tonight, I know exactly whose face and voice will be visiting me in my dreams.

Chapter Comments

Visitor

well im thoroughly enjoying this book. it keeps you interested in all the chapters so far.

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