Chapter 16 : Layla POV The rest of the week is a mélange of school , shifts at the coff ee shop , studying , and trying to find the time to sleep . The teachers have dumped a shitload of work on us , and I have a day of studying planned at the library on Saturday in an attempt to get up to date with everything . The mansion is quiet with the happy couple still on honeymoon and Xavier questionably absent , but I prefer being in the library . Being among all those books , the hushed tones of fellow students trying to make hide or hair of whatever they are studying , and the soft tread of the librarian doing her rounds now and then to ensure no unruly teenagers are using the stacks as hook - up spots . Sadly , I haven't seen Cade or Hunter again . We have been texting , but our schedules just don't seem to line up . I'm hopeful that next week will be more fruitful in that department . I had to postpone my girl's night with Becca - she was not a happy chappy - but a promise to spend the whole Labor Day weekend with her appeased her somewhat . I'm thinking of applying for a scholarship for next year so I'm not indebted to Michael for longer than I have to be . My grades are good enough , and if I push myself , they can meet the scholarship criteria . Sitting in the back of the library next to one of the larger windows , I am in my own little bubble . I've packed some snacks and a whole thermos of liquid gold , so I have minimal excuse to leave my seat . Not getting distracted is key . My phone is on silent , making sure I don't get sidetracked unnecessarily - everyone who might be looking for me will text instead of call . I'll check my phone when I take my lunch break . Although , I don't see something major happening that needs my urgent attention before then . At around 1 pm I get up to stretch my legs , rub the kink from my neck , use the bathroom , and fill my water bottle at the fountain in the corridor by the bathrooms . As I approach the table I've camped out at , a blond head of floppy hair is waiting for me . The smile on my face is instantaneous as I walk up behind him and slide my hand over his shoulder and bicep as I pass him by on my way to the chair across from him . " Hey , stranger ! Crazy week ? " I ask him softly as I take my seat . Cade gives me a sheepish grin before nodding his head in confirmation . " Yeah , sorry about bailing on you earlier in the week . " " No worries , everything sorted at home though ? " Our shifts at the coffee shop haven't overlapped thus far so I wasn't able to check in with him about it yet . " Yes , thank you . I'm ready , willing , and able to be at your service again . " He winks at me , and I shake my 1/3 Chapter 16 : Layla POV head at his antics . " Well , I'm in the middle of a hectic study session , so our get - together will have to wait , unfortunately . " Cade looks around at all my textbooks , notebooks , and stationery that litter the table . " I can see that . Intelligent and dedicated - that's a lethal combination . " His soft smile settles something in me . He stands and rounds the table , coming to stand next to me . He slowly glides his finger over the back of my hand and up my bare arm . Goosebumps follow in his wake . " I'm having a small party at our place tonight . I'd like you to be there . " He doesn't give me a chance to reply , he just leans down and places a fleeting kiss on my cheek that is effective enough to make my breath hitch . As he saunters off , he says over his shoulder , " I'll text you the details . " I catch myself smiling , contemplating his offer in earnest . Maybe a night with a cute guy is just what I need before the new school week starts . To go to Cade's party guilt - free , I knuckled down and got through all the study material that was on my study list . Look at me , being all responsible and shit . As I'm packing up at around 5 pm , I check my phone , and true to his words , I have a text from Cade with a location to his house , a time , and asking what my drink of choice is . I reply quickly , swing my backpack over my shoulder , and step out of the library . I halt for a second , breathing in the fresh air while tipping my head backward , happy with the progress I made today . I start to descend the steps but movement off to my left catches my eye . A guy dressed in dark blue jeans , a black t - shirt , and a leather jacket is walking in my direction , but it's his gait that sparks recognition in me . When I get to the bottom of the steps , he is a couple of yards from me , not noticing me - completely engrossed in his phone . " AJ ? Is that you ? " His head snaps up and we both freeze in a moment of shocked surprise . " Layla ? " he asks incredulously but starts walking towards me again . 2/3 Chapter 16 : Layla POV The smile that blooms on my face makes my cheeks hurt . AJ comes to an abrupt stop a couple of feet in front of me , both of us silent , taking the other one in . cataloging the changes . The boy who was my neighbor and best friend for almost a decade , looks back at me . The only thing is , he can no longer be classified as a boy . He is all man ! Broad shoulders that tower over me , lean hips that are encased in a low - cut jean that allows a sliver of his lower stomach to peek out at me , long legs that look able to lift me if needs be , strong hands that are tanned and veiny a lethal combination . - His dark brown eyes look like molten chocolate now , his jaw is angular with a light dusting of stubble , his smile still makes my stomach feel all weird , and his light brown hair is long enough the curl around his ears . I'm not sure who moves first , but the next moment , my arms are wrapped around his neck , and his arms are around my waist . He lifts me so my feet aren't touching the ground , and I giggle like a besotted teenager . He leans his head into my neck , and I reciprocate in kind . The scent of citrus & smoke invades my senses . I am in the arms of AJ Rhodes - my long - lost best friend my first - ever secret crush . - Chapter Comments Visitor POST COMMENT I wondered when he would show up . im betting he is the newest roommate , what an interesting sinario that would be View 1 Comment > 12 SHARE 3/3