Page 205 of Fighting Chance

LAYLA

we did a lot more than make out

BELLA

OH MY FUCKING GOD

Cindy is going to be so proud

Snickering at my phone, I come to an abrupt halt as I crash into a hard chest. Lifting my gaze, I find Kieran, his Ghostface mask long gone, his features soft and full ofsuch tender care I’m momentarily stunned.

“Stay the night,” he breathes, with a hint of fear.

Pocketing my phone, I take a step forward, laying a gentle hand on his cheek, savoring the way his eyes flutter closed. “I’m not going to change my mind, Kieran,” I say, lowering my voice. “I meant what I said.”

He lifts his calloused hand to mine and clutches it. “Say it again. I need to hear it.”

“I love you, Kieran Ashford.” I chuckle. “You made it increasingly hard not to.”

His lip twitches before he opens those eyes and sets the ocean upon me, sucking me in as they always do. His voice is so rough it sets my skin on fire. “I knew you couldn’t resist me for long.”

Snorting out a laugh, I shove him playfully as I walk past him to the front door, only to stop and turn with wide eyes.

“What is it?”

“What the hell do I say to my mother?” I whisper-hiss.

Kieran throws his head back with a laugh and I leap forward, smacking my hand over his mouth. Lucky for me, he wraps his arm around my waist and keeps me upright, allowing me to keep my hand there, otherwise I would have just slid down him like a drop of water with the height difference.

I can feel his smirk behind my hand, his eyes twinkling with mischief as the front door opens behind me.

His brow quirks as my mom’s voice rings out. “Layla? What are you two doing?”

“Yeah Layla,” Kieran mumbles, “what are you doing mounting your boss like that?”

“I’m going to kill you,” I whisper.

“And I’ll scream like a good boy,” he says with a wink.

Wiggling like Emmy does, I’m grateful he lets me go, allowing me to drop down on my own two feet. Spinning, I face Momma Bear Carson.

“Hi, Mom!”

My voice is too high-pitched and by the jostling at my back, I think Kieran is laughing silently.

My mom glances between the both of us before she smiles,and I don’t think I’ve seen her smile like this before. It’s part joy, part relief, and for some strange reason, tears fill her eyes.

Stepping forward, I lower my voice, touching her arm. “Mom?”

She takes a steadying breath, blinking away the tears. “I’m just so happy to see you living your life to the fullest, sweetie.” Grabbing her bag from the entryway console, she winks my way. “I’ll see you tomorrow, I presume.”

She leaves me standing in the threshold, gaping at her, as she walks past Kieran and pats him on the shoulder. “Take care of my baby, Kieran!”

“Always will, Momma Bear Carson.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” Unlocking her car, she opens the door, parting with, “Emmy wouldn’t stop singing tonight, by the way, so whatever you’re doing keep it up.”

The sound of my mom’s car leaving is the only thing to fill the otherwise quiet night. Kieran and I stand in the doorway, staring at each other.