Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77: Xavier POV

del de tre of the butt

Making my useful in This was a Mortyofing best to file

villy if intend to spend more time und Lyd truth

But if I’m being how with myself, the action didn’t feel dising

Yes, tight have tried to fans with Tess, And that’s t

Reuse of Layla’s example of being a ‘grad human being, I want to try to be on t

You wouldn’t have caught me dead mingling with kids a couple of months ago, much less speaking to them and making laughed at you when you told me I would pick up toys for a kid I barely knew. And I would have posted you in the f better person, Being an asshole was what I lived for.

I’m standing in Tessa’s kitchen with a glass of water in hand, chatting with her about everyday subjects, when make the showered, if her wet hair in a messy bun is anything to go by, and dressed in high–waisted jeans and a floral to 11 gut putty dam neckline that’s still appropriate for public viewing. Still, with her ample breasts, the generous cleavage that is on dingley has me hung un hide my body’s inappropriate reaction.

“Ready to go?” I ask, as I place my glass in the sink, and walk closer to her. Her signature scent of strawberries and honey wrap and w her. I subtly inhale, imagining pressing my nose behind her ear and drawing it in right before she falls asleep in my arms.

“I am. Sorry for taking so long,” she says, a shy blush tinting her cheeks.

“Nah, I don’t mind at all,” I say as I place my hand in the hollow of her back, finding it harder and harder to keep my hands off being th “It was nice to meet you, Tessa. Mason and his friends are welcome anytime at the house to have a pool day.”

Layla swivels her head in my direction, her eyes widen in disbelief, but she doesn’t say anything. Tessa gives me a broad, gesine senide and “Thanks, Xavier.”

Mason gives me a fist bump on our way out, reminding me of our deal. Layla’s fond smile as she flugs him and places a moisy kas on his ches, nurs heart do funny things. Is that heartburn?

y

On the way out, she’s unusually quiet, but I chalk it up to her nervousness about the discussion she’s about to have with my dad, when we get and I’ve opened her door for her, she suddenly turns around, looks at me, and then asks, “Does Mason know you offered him and his friends a d

Caught by surprise at her seemingly random question, I shake my head slightly before answering, “He wasn’t in the room when Tea and talk ab no. But I can’t promise he didn’t overhear us. Why do you ask?

She looks down and plays with a loose thread at the bottom of her shirt, as if gathering her thoughts. Then blurts out, “Because I don’t want y disappoint him by not making good on your promise,” while still struggling to look me in the eye as the looks at a random spot in the shule my that

I take a small step closer, crook my finger beneath her chin, and tip her head up so she has no choice but to catch my gaze. “What make chat?” I ask earnestly, unsure where her train of thought is going.

“Uhm, at the risk of hurting your feelings, I’m just going to say it,” she starts, takes a deep breath, and then confesses, “You desh the best track record of being a nice guy, not to mention a guy that would hang around kids. If he gets his hopes up, and you most bats find some case the ip mud of it, hu little heart will be broken, and I would inevitably never forgive you.”

By the time she’s done, her chest is heaving as if she’s out of breath. But I have a sneaking suspicion it’s because she’s deat blunt character assessment of me

Truthfully, two weeks ago, I would have made the offer, then forgotten about it as soon as I stepped me of the coum. Il they contacted would have made up some reason or another to get out of it. Eventually forgetting abes the whole thing when they would stop asking realized I was a bullshitter of the utmost order.

I also get why she’s nervous at my reaction, because I usually would go on the defensive when someone called me out on my shitty behavior, screaming raging at them And the fact that she’s a girl would have made it worse, because who does she think she is to talk to me, Xavier Beed, like that put her through a character assassination that would make a troll with a vendetta on the internet proud

Chapter 77: Xavier POV

And I know the won’t hat believe me if I say I’ve changed. She will need proof, especially because a kid she’s close to is involved. An innocent by wh shouldn’t have to learn what disappointment and heartbreak feel like, especially at the hands of an adult they forkert up fri

he, 1 lean in, turn my fingertips along her jawline softly, and then gently but resolutely say, “I’m not going to promise you I wouldn’t do for, became with what you’ve seen with your own eyes, you’d never believe me, and that would be wise. But I can promise you that I want to be Better. For myself and was So, all I’m going to ask you right now is to give me a chance to prove to you that I’m not a fost cause.”

By the time I’m done speaking, she’s staring at me as if I’ve grown a second head or a third eye popped out on my forehead.

“Okay,” she says, softly but firmly,

“Okay? You’ll give me a chance?” I ask hopefully, needing to hear her say the words.

With a small smile, she nods her head, and I suddenly feel ten tons lighter. Impulsively, I lean forward and kiss her. I don’t linger too long, and i don’t try to get my tongue involved, but I make sure it’s heartfelt and intense, nonetheless.

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