Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Layla POV

The warm water envelops me like a gentle embrace, swirling around my body as I swish my hand through the frothy layer of bubbles floating on the surface. The heat seeps into my aching muscles, soothing the dull throb in my limbs and calming the frazzled edges of my mind. The bathroom is a sanctuary tonight, softly lit by a single candle flickering on the counter, its warm glow dancing across the tiles.

After Hunter drew this amazing bath for me, he helped me into the bathroom. Originally, he wanted to help me get undressed, afraid I might lose my footing and fall again. I’m not quite ready for one of them to see me naked, so I negotiated with him. He could stay in the room, with his back turned, so if I fell, he was

within arm’s reach to come to my rescue.

Enough bubbles are floating on the surface so when I was settled under the water, he could turn around without seeing any of my girly bits. Satisfied that I was comfortable and needed nothing right at that moment, he kissed my forehead tenderly and then left the room, leaving the door ajar so I could call out if I needed something.

Here, in this quiet moment, surrounded by warm water and the faint crackle of the candle, I feel the tension in my body begin to unravel. Knowing there are people downstairs who care about me, truly care, eases a weight I’ve carried for too long. It’s been ages since I’ve felt looked after. Lately, I’ve been the one holding everything together, especially for my mom, whose needs have consumed so much of my energy. Pouring myself into her care, I’d started to wonder if I’d ever find someone who’d see me, who’d put my needs first, even just for a moment.

I was starting to wonder if I would ever be worthy enough to find someone who would put my needs before theirs, at least some of the time. Amazingly though, not only was someone out there listening to me, but they also sent me five incredible people (six if you count José) who genuinely care for me and my well being. Is it possible to get so lucky, or should I be apprehensive that the rug will be ripped from underneath my feet soon?

A soft knock on the doorframe pulls me from my spiraling thoughts, the sound gentle but enough to make me blink and refocus. I shift slightly in the tub, careful not to disturb the bubbles, and turn my head

toward the door.

“Cupcake, mind if I come in. I’ll keep my eyes closed the whole time.”

I chuckle at him before saying, “No need AJ, I’m completely submerged in bubbles, there’s nothing

untoward to see here.”

He saunters in and lowers his big, bulky body down next to the tub, his back leaning against it. He drops his head back so it can rest on the edge causing his long strands to spill into the bath, causing the tips to

get wet.

Instinctively, my hand comes up out of the water and I start playing with his hair, running my fingers through the soft tendrils.

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The sigh of contentment that leaves his throat makes something flutter in my chest. Was he more worried about me than I originally thought?

We sit like that for a while, no words spoken but the silence that surrounds us speaks volumes. This was always our thing. Just sitting in each other’s company, no need to say anything, but knowing that your best friend and most likely soulmate is within reach.

“I was so scared,” he suddenly says. Choosing not to say a word, I let him talk, vent, and get whatever’s running through that beautiful mind out of his system.

“When Xavier called and said you were hurt, I immediately thought of the worst-case scenario. Fearing that I’d walk into your room and see you lying there, unconscious, bloody, and on the brink of death.”

I snort and mutter, “Dramatic much?”

“It might sound dramatic to you, but I wasn’t even that scared all those nights I got home, and my mom was passed out on the couch or bed. When I couldn’t wake her, no matter how hard I shook her fragile body, or no matter how many times I called her name and begged her to wake up.”

My heart breaks for him but before I can comfort him, he goes on.

“You mean more to me than my mom ever did in those last couple of years. First as my best friend. And now, after finding you again, those feelings have not only amplified, but they have morphed into something else. Something more tangible, something I never want to let slip through my fingers ever again.”

My fingers freeze where it’s still raking through his silky strands, not certain I’m understanding him correctly. Or maybe I am, but I’m just so scared of getting hurt that I need him to spell it out to me. “Wha are you trying to say, AJ?”

He suddenly turns to kneel beside the tub, placing his forearms on the ledge, and then leans into me. Making sure he catches my eye, he holds my full attention and says, “I know it’s too soon, and I know you’re probably going to freak out, but this has been coming for some time now. Since just before I left al those years ago. And I don’t want you to say it back just because you feel you must, but I need you to kno that I love you.”

My breath hitches at his declaration, momentarily stunned, but he isn’t done yet, “You might have started as my best friend, but you were always so much more to me. You were the one I could laugh with over ridiculous things. You listened when I needed to just express my emotions. I could always count on you, not just for the small things but the big things.

“When I moved away, it felt like a piece of my soul had been ripped out and left behind. I was never the same again. Until that day I bumped into you in the courtyard, I felt hollow and numb – like I was going through the motions, not noticing the world around me. Certainly not living my best life.”

“And I know we were young back then so some people could doubt the depth of my feelings for you,

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chalking it up to puppy love or even you being my first love. But even before I was old enough to know what real love was, I knew my soul needed your soul.”

His gaze scans my whole face and then he places his hand on my cheek, cupping it slightly. As if it’s an ingrained reaction, I lean into his hand, seeking its warmth and comfort.

“So, Layla Kincaid, I love you. I will always love you. And I’ll work my ass off every day to show you how much you mean to me and that I won’t, no can’t live without you. So, take all the time you need, I’ll wait for you till the end of time.”

The kiss he seals his declaration with sears my soul and sets fire to my heart. I never want to be kissed by him in any other way.

Needing to tell him that he’s not alone when it comes to this soul-deep devotion, I pull back slightly so I can whisper against his lips while looking into his dark mahogany eyes, “AJ, I…”

I’m interrupted when Xavier barges into the room. Fan-fucking-tastic.

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