Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59: Hunter POV

Watching Xavier spiral is a beautiful sight to behold.

Of course, we know who Mason is. And of course we’re not one bit threatened by a seven year–old. But he doesn’t need to know that. At least not yet,

anyway.

We also know exactly where she is and what she and Mason are up to because we aren’t too chicken shif to contact the girl we like to find out what’s happening in her life.

Texting Layla to playfully scold her about teasing Xavier, and her acting all innocent–like about it, makes me fall even further in love with her.

Yeah, I said it. I’m falling hard for this woman who is proving daily that she’s a fighter, and nothing or anyone

will get her down, least of all Xavier.

I’ve missed her so much this week. Not being able to see her in passing around campus, or popping over to Xavier’s dad’s house to surprise or just spend some time with her, was fucking hard.

But, luckily, I’m taking her out for brunch tomorrow morning so that I can get my fix of her before our game later in the afternoon. I can’t wait to see her, hold her, and most definitely kiss her. We’ve had a few stolen moments, but nothing as evolved as she’s had with the others. But I’m rectifying that tomorrow. Mark my words.

Xavier stomps off in a state, irritated with himself because he believes he let her slip through his fingers, and irritated at us because we did nothing about her allegedly finding another guy to replace him. He’s one of the smartest guys I know, but he can be an absolute idiot sometimes.

My soft chuckle at his antics catches Cade and AJ’s attention.

“Was that as much fun for you as it was for me?” Cade asks as he grins.

“Oh, most definitely,” AJ says with a broad smile.

“Does one of you know if she’s coming to the game tomorrow?” Cade looks between us as he sits up and leans against the couch I’m lounging on.

“I plan on asking her tomorrow morning,” I reply nonchalantly, but on the inside, I’m positively jumping with excitement and anticipation.

AJ suddenly sits up straight, his attention now zeroed in on me. “What do you mean? Are you seeing her tomorrow morning? Isn’t she supposed to be working?” he rambles on, which makes me chuckle at him.

“She’s got the day off. And I’m taking her to brunch. I’m going to invite her to our game then,” I reply matter–of–factly as I look pointedly at them, “And don’t you two idiots even think of joining or interrupting us. You’ve both had some alone time with her, not me.”

Cade holds his hands up in front of his chest as a sign of surrender, saying, “Hey man, you’ll get no pushback from me there.”

I nod my thanks to him before looking at AJ with a raised eyebrow, silently questioning him if he will cause problems tomorrow for Layla and me.

His shoulders sag, but eventually says, “Fine, I’ll play nice, but only in the morning. At the game, she’s fair play.” His eyes light up at the end as if he’s already thinking of possible ways to get her alone – the bastard.

Saying my goodnights to them, I head upstairs to my room. I’ve still got a few small things to finish before having to leave tomorrow morning to go and fetch her.

She’s under the impression we’re going to a diner of coffee shop, but I’ve got a much better setting in mind.

Pulling up to Tessa’s townhouse the following morning, I’m clutching the steering wheel of my truck with nervous anticipation.

I can’t wait to see her, but I’m also nervous about whether she’ll like what I planned for us.

I take a final fortifying breath before I step out of the truck and head to the front door. I’ve barely rung the doorbell when it’s ripped open by a little tyke of a guy with a toothy grin and a freckled face.

1/2

Chapter 59: Hunter POV

Hi, are you the guy that likes Layla?” he asks before I’ve even had the chance to say good morning to him. I smile at him nonetheless,

My eye catches movement at his back, and my beautiful girl comes into view as she leans against a doorframe a few feet down the hallway, intent on se where this is going.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I mock scowl at him, “Who’s asking?”

“I’m her real boyfriend, and I want to know what your intentions are with her,” comes his macho answer when he puffs out his chest and tries to look intimidating.

Having trouble containing my laughter, I crouch down to his height and lean in conspiratorially while replying in a whisper that’s still loud enough for her to hear as well, “Well, I intend to treat her with the utmost of respect while I take her out for something to eat. Then I intend to hold her hand as we go for a walk. And then I intend to bring her back to you, fed and happy.”

I surreptitiously look up to find Layla looking at us, a tender smile softening her face. Mason looks at me with narrowed eyes for a few seconds before finally answering, “Fine. But no funny business.”

I finally crack up as I stand up and ruffle his brown curls, “All right, little man, no funny business.”

He steps to the side as Layla approaches. She leans down and kisses him on the cheek, causing a blush to rise over the bridge of his nose. “Thank you, Mason. Be good for your mom.”

He watches us as I take her hand and lead her to my truck, only closing the front door when he sees me opening the passenger door for her. Before she can get inside, though, I stop her with a hand on her waist. She looks back at me expectantly, probably thinking I’m about to say something.

I use the moment to my advantage and kiss her. Languidly, tenderly, sensually. She instinctively leans closer to me, fisting her hands into my t–shirt to help keep her balance.

Reluctantly, I slowly pull away after a few more seconds of drowning in her taste, but still holding on to her as I look deeply into her eyes. “Good morning. Beautiful.”

The giggle that erupts from her makes my heart soar, and my broad smile is automatic.

“Good morning, Hunter,” she says in a sweet but sultry voice before giving me a final kiss on my lips, making me groan.

Without another word, I help her into her seat, shut her door, and walk around the front of the truck to my side.

Once I’m buckled in and the engine’s come alive, I pull her hand over the console, lace my fingers through hers, and place it in my lap.

The drive to our destination is filled with a comfortable silence, with the radio softly playing in the background.

When I finally put my truck in park, she looks around and asks confusedly, “Where are we?”

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