Chapter 10 : Layla POV The next morning , I come down to the kitchen to grab a travel mug of coffee before my shift starts , to find Moira gesturing towards an envelope on the kitchen island . " Mr. Reed asked me to hand you that as soon as it arrives . " " Any idea what it might be ? " I ask her as I saunter over , slip my nail underneath the flap , and tear it open . " I'm afraid not , my dear . " She leaves me to it as she slips from the kitchen to start her morning chores . The first piece of paper I pull out is a handwritten note from Michael himself . * Dear Layla , I pulled some strings and was able to obtain a late admission into Saxonsea University for you . Unfortunately , all the dorms were already filled so staying on with us might be for the best - at least for now . Classes start in two days , but you can pop into the administration's office tomorrow to finalize your major and your minor and subsequently receive your class schedule . * * Your freshman year's tuition has been covered , and we can discuss sophomore year's tuition if , and when we get there . Welcome to the family . Micheal * The next few pages are my admissions letter , a campus map , a list of all the subjects that I can choose from , and a statement of account reflecting that the first year's tuition has been paid in full . My first reaction is astonishment . How did Michael have the time and resources to pull this off ? He's supposed to be on honeymoon . My second is fury . I am no one's charity case ! This will give Xavier even more ammunition against me in the gold - digging department . I'm in the process of picking up my phone to call my mom and ask to speak to Michael - until now I have not been inclined to find out his number , least of all save it on my phone . As I go to press dial on my mother's number , I hesitate . Maybe I should not be hasty in this . Maybe I can ask Michael if we can come to some kind of repayment arrangement because I have the niggling feeling that this favor will have strings attached to it in the long run . 1/5 Chapter 10 : Layla POV As I'm driving to work , I call Becca on Bluetooth . " You cow , why haven't I heard from you recently ? " her voice comes over the speaker . I immediately smile because I texted her yesterday , updating her about my run - in with Hunter . " So my texts from yesterday do not count ? " " No , texting and physically calling me are two completely different things . " I can hear the fake pout in her voice , and I have no choice but to laugh at her . " Well , in that case , will you accept my sincerest apologies for my lack of adhering to the terms of our friendship agreement ? " I sarcastically answer . " Only if we go out for drinks this weekend . It's been way too long since we got shitfaced together . " I roll my lips as I think this over . She is right , it has been a while , but with me trying to pick up as many shifts as possible to build up a nest egg for next year's tuition , it has been difficult . But now , with Michael's offer , I might just be able to take a small breather and spend some more time on the people who are important to me . " Let me just see if I can swap shifts with one of the other baristas , but otherwise you have yourself a deal . " Becca squeals over the line , forcing me to wince , but I smile as well - we both need a girl's night out . " Can I run something by you really quick ? " I ask her as soon as her whooping and hollering have died down to a decibel that will not shatter glass . " Always ! What's up ? " I give her a quick rundown of this morning's envelope and its contents . " In your honest opinion , should I swallow my pride and take him up on his offer - at least for the first year ? Or should I rather stick to my guns and politely decline ? " Becca is silent for a bit , and I know she is preparing to give me an honest , straightforward , levelheaded answer . " I know you hate taking hand - outs , but this is an amazing opportunity , babe . Yes , your mom screwed you over , and you planned to delay your studies for a year , but with this , you can start working towards securing your future . And , as you said , offer to pay him back to give yourself some peace of mind so you don't feel indebted to him . Screw Xavier and his snooty remarks , you know who you are and what you stand for . " I take a deep breath and contemplate her answer . She's right , Xavier's opinions do not influence me and my values . And taking a helping hand every now and then does not make me a lesser person , as long as I 2/5 Chapter 10 : Layla POV do it on my terms . " You're right , thanks Becca . " " You sound surprised that I'm always right ! " she jibes at me . " It seems I'll never learn . " I mockingly reply before we end our call , promising to arrange our girl's night before the weekend . There is a convention in town and it's all - hands - on - deck in the coffee shop . Tessa , Cade and I barely have a moment to go to the bathroom , and certainly not a moment to chat and catch up . As the day goes by , I gradually become more and more excited about the prospect of being an official college student in a few days . I want to share the news with Tessa and Cade , hoping they will join in my excitement . I'll also have to speak to Tessa about adjusting my shifts after I receive my class schedule . It's only when we are locking up and preparing for the next day that I get my first real chance to tell them my good news . Tessa runs over to me and gives me a bear hug , telling me how proud of me she is . She knows how down in the dumps I was when I found out my mom screwed me over . So , she is ecstatic on my behalf . Cade gives me a huge smile and congratulates me . I do get the distinct impression he would also like to hug me , but he has never not been professional at work . His cheeky remarks and subtle PDAs are left for when he walks me to my car or in our late - night texts . That night , as we are standing next to my car in the dimly lit parking lot , Cade leans into me and places his one hand next to my shoulder on the car's roof . " I am happy you get to go to college earlier than expected . I know how much it weighed on you to have postponed it . " His smile is tentative but sincere . " Thank you , that means a lot to me . I am sad about one thing though . " I dip my head and peer up at him through my lashes . " What's that ? " he tucks a strand of hair that escaped my messy bun , behind my ear , his fingertips lingering on my earlobe . " I won't be seeing you as much . " I can feel a slight blush creeping up my neck at the admission . " We can't have that , now can we ! How about you tell me which university you'll be attending so I can make sure I drive up every weekend so you can have your fill of me ? " he gives me a cheeky wink and I'm 3/5 Chapter 10 : Layla POV on the verge of turning into a puddle of goo . " Saxonsea University , it's basically right around the corner with a 30 - minute drive . " Cade's eyes visibly widen in shock and a slow but excited smile spreads across his face . " You're shitting me , right ? " " No , why ? Do you know something about the place that I don't know ? Should I not attend there ? " I am flustered and anxious , not knowing what to expect . Seeing my new future plans going up in flames before they even came into fruition . " No , nothing like that . I also attend Saxonsea U ! " Cade is bouncing on the balls of his feet , the excitement palpable around him . I have the biggest shit - eating grin on my face , and I can't help launching myself at him . My arms wrap around his neck and his arms pull me snugly to his body . I pull back slightly to make eye contact . " That is amazing news ! Maybe you could show me around campus if you're not too busy ? " Cade's gaze darts from my eyes to my mouth and back again . " I would be honored . " He whispers and I can feel his breath against my lips . We have been skating around the concept of sharing a kiss for weeks now ; either we get interrupted or one of us regretfully pulls away at the last second . It is at that moment that everything aligns and we both lean in . The kiss is like no other I've had before . His lips are soft but assertive , just like him . His one hand drifts up to tangle in the hair at the nape of my neck , the other one slides a fraction lower - his pinkie finger just grazing the swell of my ass , making his intentions known but still staying respectful as always . We both pull away slowly , not able to break eye contact , our breathing labored . Cade grabs the handle of my door and opens it , all while still holding my gaze . " Goodnight Sunshine , please drive safe . Let me know when you are home ? " I give him a nod and slip into my seat , my door shutting behind me . Since when am I speechless ? As I drive off , I peer into the rearview mirror , Cade is still standing there , hands tucked into his pockets , a wistful look on his face . My days at Saxonsea U just got considerably more appealing ! 4/5