Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Layla POV

Who even am I?

I have never flirted this openly and blatantly with any man. Not to mention, three men simultaneously.

The only reasonable explanation I have is that their testosterone is making me feel hedonistic. Yes, that’s the excuse I’ll go with.

The look in Hunter’s eyes as I peer up at him is a mixture of arousal and pure need. And surprisingly enough, it doesn’t scare me.

The biggest reason that I’m still a virgin is because no guy has made me feel safe and cared for enough, to want to give him that part of me. Call me a romantic girly all you want, but I’ve always believed that my virginity is special, and I wanted to share it with someone important to me.

Realistically, I knew I would never wait until my wedding day to get rid of my V–card, but I also didn’t want to give it away to a random guy in the back of his parents‘ truck in a dimly lit parking lot of a seedy bar.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a complete newbie when it comes to carnal urges. Connor O’Shea & I got to second base in my junior year under the bleachers after the homecoming game. Robbie Meyers tried to go to second base, but we were interrupted when his little sister barged into his room.

And obviously, I’ve explored on my own. I am well–versed in what my body likes and needs and until now my fingers have done a tremendous job of satisfying my sexual appetite.

But at this moment, I have a compulsion to drag one, or even all of them, off to the restrooms or back to the car so they can have their wicked way with me.

I step back from Hunter, intent on giving us some much–needed space. We need to take a breath and come to our senses. We’re in a public place, for goodness‘ sake. I can’t hump the guy like a bitch in heat.

Hunter clenches his hands into fists at his sides and I get the impression that he is as affected by our encounter as I am. I feel a moment of accomplishment at the fact that I was able to elicit such a response from him without blatantly offering him sex.

The next emotion I feel is regret. He has way more experience than me, they all probably have, and flirting with them like we all just did, would until now most likely have led to them taking it further in the bathrooms, their car, or back at home. I am not a tease, but I acted like a complete hussy while knowing full well that this wouldn’t go further, for today at least.

Hunter, ever the perceptive one, reads my expressions like a pro and steps into me again, whispering, “Breathe, Beautiful. There’s no need to panic. It was just a bit of harmless flirting. We won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. Isn’t that right, boys?” he raises his voice with the last question. I feel AJ and Cade stepping up behind me in the next moment.

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Chapter 25: Layla POV

AJ’s hand settles on my left hip, Cade’s on my right hip, and Hunter’s right–hand slips to the nape of my neck, ensuring I can’t break our intense eye contact.

Cade speaks softly behind me, “We know you would never lead us on maliciously. That is not who you are.”

AJ is next to pipe up, “So flirt with us as much or as little as you want, you’ll never hear us complaining. Just don’t think we will ever label you as a Jezebel for exploring your desires with us.”

Hunter gives me a reassuring smile that wipes all doubts and fears from my mind.

“Thank you. This is all new to me, so I appreciate your patience.”

The look in Hunter’s eyes settles the last of my nerves before he says, “Always. Now, let’s get out of here. How does frozen yogurt with any topping of your choice sound?”

I give him a wide smile and nod my assent.

We hand in our bowling shoes before stepping outside where the blistering afternoon heat overwhelms us.

As we draw near my car, AJ holds out his hand before he asks, “How do you feel about someone else driving your car? I would be honored to act as your chauffeur for the rest of the day, milady.”

Cade snorts at him as he rolls his eyes. “Suck–up.”

“You’re just jealous for not thinking of it first,” AJ smiles sweetly as Cade glowers at him. Oh, someone’s

salty.

I hand AJ the car key and just as he steps up to the passenger door, opening it for me, I open the backdoor and slide onto the seat. AJ gapes at me and Cade immediately catches onto what I’m up to, running around

to the other backdoor.

“Uhm, Cupcake, what are you doing? You’re supposed to be sitting up front with me.”

“No, you offered to be my chauffeur. That means your client is supposed to sit in the back, correct?” the smile I give him is sweeter than a toffee apple at the town fair.

Hunter and Cade laugh while AJ pouts, “That’s not what I meant, and you know it, I wanted you next to me so I could hold your hand while driving.”

Cade is the one to answer him, “Now I get to hold her hand while you drive us around like celebrities.” He winks at him and AJ almost stomps his foot like a petulant child.

“Now kids, let’s not bicker. I’m sure if you ask nicely, maybe Layla will sit upfront when we head back home.” Hunter attempts to sound like a stern father but he can’t keep the façade up too long, so we all start laughing.

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Chapter 25: Layla POV

“AJ, I promise I’ll sit up front on the way home.”

This seems to appease him somewhat and we all bundle into the car. Cade takes my hand and laces his fingers through mine, resting it in his lap while his thumb draws lazy circles on the back of my hand. The awkwardness and doubts of last night, when I worried about being touchy–feely with one guy in front of the others, wither away.

Us, here, together feels right.

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