Page 96 of Fighting Chance

Kieran

KIERAN

what are some of Layla’s favorite books?

SISTER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER

why…?

KIERAN

research

SISTER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER

what the hell are you up to

KIERAN

I’m going to make her yearn for me

SISTER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER

what does that mean?

KIERAN

you would know if you read books

SISTER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER

you don’t even read books

KIERAN

precisely why I’m asking for Layla’sfavorites

Ispent the entire evening awake, wracking my brain over everything she said to me, going over it in my head along with how I could make her fall for me.

I’m not going to take this “teaching” situation lying down. I will use every opportunity I can to make Layla see me forme. Because now after she whispered those words, those words I’ve been daydreaming about hearing…I want her.

And it seems she wants me, too.

She just thinks I still want everyone else. I need to prove to her that I’m good enough, that this isn’t an ego trip because she rejected me. This is solely because I’ve spent too long watching her from afar, and now that she’s in my life, I never want her to leave.

I adore every facet of her that I’ve learned, not only through Bella but on my own merit. Hence why I’m now standing on her front porch, knocking on her door and praying she doesn’t find out.

The famous Momma Bear Carson opens the door.

“Kieran! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here, sweetie?” She looks past my shoulder. “Bringing that darling daughter of yours for me to finally meet?”

“Sad to say it’s just me today.”

She waves me off, not the least bit deterred. “Nonsense! You’re more than enough!”

Bending down as her arms stretch up, I soak up this tiny woman’s small yet mighty hug. I never understood how someone could be known for their hugs until I met her during Trisha Stratford’s funeral.

“Would you believe me if I said I was just in the area?”