Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Layla POV

I wake up Sunday morning feeling optimistic.

Even though my evening started as a shitshow of epic proportions, my talk with the guys put me at ease,

Which is weird, if you consider that they all are willing to spend time with me with the knowledge that I might develop feelings for one of the others.

Unbeknownst to them, though, they all have already engraved their names on my heart in some way, shape, or form. And even though it is small for now, I know with certainty that I will want them in my life, whichever way they’ll take me.

That is why before Hunter suggested last night that we not rush things, I was internally going into a panic attack, certain they would make me choose. And the problem was, I wouldn’t have been able to.

But now that everyone is aware of everyone, and all the guys are content with this new arrangement, I don’t have to feel guilty. Because I was starting to feel guilt–tormented about my developing feelings for each one of them.

I’ve never been someone who thinks cheating is right. And, technically, I wasn’t cheating, but my moral compass was not happy with me. I knew that I would soon have to have made a choice and that was the worst part because I would rather have cut ties with all of them than put all my eggs in one proverbial basket. They all mean something different to me.

Hunter is the playful one. Always ready with a compliment. He has an innate way of sensing my moods and feelings and adjusting accordingly so I’m as comfortable as possible. But, in the same breath, he is steadfast, and I know I can always turn to him if I need support. Our sexual attraction was also instantaneous that first day at the restaurant and I want to explore that with him.

Cade is my rock. From the beginning, he has been my knight in shining armor. Opening doors and ensuring I was safe at the end of our shift. Sending me sweet good morning and good night texts. Our connection was slow, but because of that, it feels somewhat stronger. It wasn’t fast–paced with the potential of burning out quickly. And even the few kisses we have shared to date were sweet but soul–altering.

AJ started as my best friend all those years ago, but just before he left, my feelings for him evolved into something deeper. And even though I was too young to realize it back then, I am confident that he might have been my first love. He never knew that, and I’m not sure I ever want to divulge that to him, but maybe, just maybe, we might have a second chance to rekindle and explore that. Because of our history, things feel right when I’m with him. No need to pretend I’m something I’m not. I can just be.

Deciding that I’ve ruminated long enough, I jump in the shower. Afterward, I throw on a pair of white jean shorts and my favorite band tee, tying it off on my hip, to help accentuate my curves.

I pad down to the kitchen, scrolling on my phone, thinking of going to the movies or even checking out the new ten–pin bowling court that opened recently I’m sure I can twist Becca’s arm to join me with a

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promise of spilling last night’s tea to her.

I come to an abrupt halt when I round the corner and spot three familiar guys bustling around the kitchen, helping Moira with various things.

Al is hand–mixing some chocolate–y batter at the island, Hunter is just pulling out a sheet of freshly baked peanut butter crunchie cookies from the oven, and Cade is rinsing the dirty dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Moira is seated on the bench seat, overseeing them all and sipping a cup of tea.

“Moira, I like the new kitchen staff you have employed. The fact that they are not too bad looking also helps.” I blurt out with a smirk before any of them realize I’m there.

Everyone’s head swivels in my direction and Moira giggles. “These hoodlums rocked up earlier and wanted to come wake you up, but I forbade it and instead, put them to good use.”

“Aw Moira, we’re not hoodlums, rascals maybe though,” Cade winks at her and starts striding over to me. “Good morning, Sunshine.” He leans down to place a gentle kiss on my forehead and my insides turn to

goo.

Moira smirks at me over the rim of her teacup and I blush. I’ll have some explaining to do later.

Hunter is next, handing me a cookie as he comes close, “Hey there, Beautiful. Sleep well?” His gaze zeroes in on my mouth as I bite into the soft and warm cookie, groaning as the delicious flavor takes over my

tastebuds.

The three guys all suddenly turn to stone, almost as if they were looking at Medusa herself.

My eyes widen in surprise and confusion, “What? What’s wrong? Do I have something on my face?” I’m bewildered and on the verge of storming out to check in the entranceway mirror if I’ve suddenly grown

three heads.

Hunter leans down and whispers in my ear, “If you make those noises again, I might be inclined to prove to Moira I’m not a hoodlum, but a reprobate.” His breath skates over my ear and down my neck. I suppress a shiver, but his words have a visceral reaction in my core.

I clear my throat and step towards the coffee machine, noticing all the guys‘ varying smirks that are directed at me. I give them my back as I wait for the machine to spew out my morning pick–me–up, hoping to hide my body’s reaction to Hunter’s words and their stares.

Deciding to change the subject, I ask. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

“We thought it would be nice to spend the day with you. If you’re not busy, that is?” AJ says as he comes to stand next to me, leaning back against the counter, arms crossed. My gaze automatically slides to where his biceps strain his t–shirt sleeves.

“You’re drooling,” Moira whispers in my ear. When did she sneak up on me? When I was distracted by Al’s

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Chapter 22: Layla POV

tanned, muscled, defined biceps perhaps? Bad Layla!

AJ smirks at me, making it evident that he heard Moira’s comment. I mock glare at him, and he chuckles.

“I was thinking of going to the movies or asking Becca to join me for a game of ten–pin bowling. Something fun but relaxing before next week’s workload kicks my ass.”

“Whose Becca? The same Becca that was in kindergarten with us?” AJ asks, handing me the vanilla creamer from the fridge beside him. When our fingers touch, a warm fuzzy feeling seeps through my bones like syrup drizzled over pancakes.

“Thanks.” My throat is suddenly parched, and I’m obligated to swallow a few times before I can answer, “Yeah, that’s her. She became my bestie after you left.”

AJ, Becca, and I were good friends back in the day. AJ and I had a closer relationship back then than Becca and me, mostly due to him living next door and his mom dropping him off at our house all the time. When he left, Becca and I became each other’s pillar of strength.

A look of melancholy flits across his face for a second and I’m on the verge of apologizing for my callous

reply.

“I’m glad you guys had each other,” he says as he places his hand on my forearm, effectively soothing my

inner turmoil.

After a couple of seconds of looking at each other with mutual remorse over lost time and an understanding of what the other person felt like when our world was ripped to shreds, I turn back to face the rest of the kitchen and take a sip of my coffee – needing a minute to adjust my thoughts and emotions.

“Let’s do ten–pin bowling,” Cade pipes up, a look of sheer excitement on his face.

“If it’s just us four, we can divide into teams of two and see who’s the better team,” Hunter says, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

I smirk at myself as the guys launch into an argument over who will be on my team, not even realizing I’m on my way out of the kitchen.

“The first one to my car gets to be on my team!” I holler as I stroll towards the front door. There’s a moment of complete silence before all hell breaks loose. Three pairs of feet come thundering toward me, and I only have a couple of seconds to rip the door open and run down the steps, not willing to be caught up in a teenage boy stampede.

I watch as the three oafs bump and shove each other to try and get the upper hand, I roll my eyes; men and their need to prove their dominance – ridiculous creatures.

AJ intercepts the other two at the last minute with a stealthy sidestep that has Cade and Hunter tripping over each other. He slaps his hands on the hood of my car before turning around, pumping his fist into the

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Chapter 22: Layla POV

air, and shouting, “Take that, assholes!”

Incapable of keeping it in anymore, I burst out laughing, doubling over and clutching my stomach. When I’m eventually able to catch my breath and stand up straight, three beaming faces are looking at me.

“I’ll lose gladly if I can see you laugh like that again,” Cade says before strolling to the front passenger door. “Shotgun.” He hollers nonchalantly as if he didn’t just make butterflies erupt in my stomach, grabbing the door handle, and waiting for me to unlock it.

“Hey, no fair. I won the race.” AJ’s puppy dog eyes could make a saint turn sinner.

“You won the race, not the privilege to sit next to Layla on the way there.” The smug look on Cade’s face makes AJ grumble under his breath before he slips into the backseat.

I have no choice but to chuckle at their exchange. This should be a fun afternoon.

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