We're seated in a half - moon booth at the back of the diner . Layla is wedged between me and Hunter and AJ is on Hunter's other side . Hunter has his arm slung over the back of the seat behind her and my hand is nonchalantly resting on her thigh . AJ is eyeing our subtle possessive acts but chooses to say nothing , at least for now . When I met Layla at the coffee shop , I was immediately blown away by her beauty and matching personality . I've never really been good with girls but with Layla , everything felt natural - the friendship , the camaraderie , the flirting . I'm an introvert by nature but she unlocked something in me , a confidence in who I am as a person , that just feels right . Girls never really interested me ; not like they did Hunter and Xavier . Yes , they fawned over me because of my good looks , but when they realized I'm not another man whore who will sleep with a new girl every other night , or that I couldn't be persuaded to give them some inside information so they could get closer to my boys , they backed off quickly . I know it sounds sappy for a guy to say , but I've always wanted something deeper than a one - night stand . I want romantic dinner dates , long walks on the beach , and waking up to me spooning her . And all those things , I saw myself doing with Layla . That , and so much more . Yes , she is beautiful , but she also has the most unique personality - something I've never seen in other girls until now . She's kind , but not a pushover . She will help anyone in need but won't let anyone disrespect her . She has the most enchanting laugh , not fake , but so genuine that it draws you in to join her . I can only hope that my little sister will one day grow up to be like her . So , I really can't fault Hunter for falling for her as well . The way AJ's looking at her tells me he is just as smitten as we are . Even Xavier , who would probably eat his tongue first before admitting it , but I saw how he looked at her . And his visceral reaction to her being at the house was a dead giveaway . He doesn't want to feel something for her , but it's evident that he burns for her . I've never shared a girl with one or both of them , but I can't say I'm opposed to the idea . But ultimately , it will have to be her choice without any cajoling from any of us . I will , however , let her know down the line that the option is on the table from my side at least . - Xander , Hunter , and I grew up together on the same street . We were there for each other through the most horrific times in our lives - when Xavier's mom passed away , when Hunter got hooked on pain meds after he broke his arm two years ago , and when my twin brother and sister were diagnosed with cancer when 1/3 Chapter 21 Cade POV they were six years old . We've cried together , we've fought together , and we've laughed until our stomachs hurt , and through it all , I would never have wanted anyone else by my side . The same goes for now , if Layla will have us , I have no objection to sharing her . In whichever way she wants us , she can have us . I am just not willing to give her up . She has become my ray of sunlight , my fresh breeze , and my cool drink of water on a hot day , Jeez , waxing poetic much , Cade ? We order our milkshakes and a large portion of chili cheese fries from the friendly older waitress before she goes to the back to put our order in . The place is quiet for a Saturday night , but we're not complaining . Being able to talk softly enough so nobody overhears this awkward conversation will hopefully make things a little easier to wrap our heads around . Layla fidgets with the napkin in front of her before speaking up , " So … " she drags the word out , evidently not sure how to start this conversation . I decide to put her out of her misery and hope to the high heavens that I'm not putting my foot in it . " Sunshine , you know I like you . And you know I want to spend more time with you . But I also don't want to put you in an uncomfortable situation . If you would rather have me back off so you can explore your feelings with one of these two , I'll respect your wishes , even if it does pain me to do so . " We wait with bated breath , not sure what to expect . " Honestly , I'm not sure what I want at the moment . I have a different connection with each of you , but I can't expect you to stick around with the hope that I might choose one of you down the line . That would just be selfish and cruel . There's also Xavier to consider . You guys are friends with him and you guys saw for yourselves how he feels about me . I'm not comfortable getting in between you . " Her head is dipped low , her gaze glued to the tabletop . I meet their gaze over her head and a mutual understanding is reached without a word being said . Hunter crooks his pointer finger underneath her chin and draws her head up . " Beautiful , let us worry about Xavier . As far as your connection with each of us is concerned , why don't we just take it one day at a time ? You spend as much or as little time with whomever you want and then we see what happens . No pressure and no expectations . " A small spark of hope comes into her eyes , and I give ourselves a proverbial pat on the back . If we had made her choose , especially now when everything is so new between all of us and her , we all would have lost her . 2/3 Chapter 21 : Cade POV Layla is feisty with a passion for life and those she cares for . I am confident that not just one man would be enough to love her like she deserves . But ultimately , that is her decision , and I'll respect whomever she chooses . I smile to myself as the others confirm to her that we are all on the same page . I just hope she realizes that Cade Reynolds is a man who doesn't pull his punches and that the other two will have to bring their A - game if they want to steal her from me . The rest of the night is spent chatting and laughing . There is no outright competition between us because Layla makes sure to give each of us her undivided attention when we pull her into a conversation . I learn that Layla likes to dunk her fries in her milkshake before she eats them , and I give her a bit of good - natured grief about it . When she starts to sulk , I lean over and kiss her temple , whispering , " I think it's cute . " She blushes and I silently endeavor to make that blush pop up more often . AJ and she talk about the forts they built as kids in her living room , and the pure joy that shines in her eyes , makes it difficult for me to take my eyes off her . Hunter teases her about her losing his number , insinuating it was her way of ghosting him while still being polite about it . She looks shocked and we all break out in raucous laughter . She huffs in exasperation when she realizes we are making fun of her . The look of retribution in her eyes makes me shiver in anticipation of what she might be planning for us . At the end of the night , as she drops us off at home, we all lean in to give her a goodnight kiss , everyone behaving and keeping it PG . Her blush and adorable smile , as she drives off , make everything worthwhile . Stepping into the house , we notice Xavier is drunk off his ass , clinging to a bottle blond and holding court amongst our fellow teammates . But I know him better than he sometimes knows himself , and I can see he's struggling . I'm just not sure if it is because he feels bad about how he treated Layla , or because he's starting to realize he's got feelings for her. Maybe both . Only time will tell . Hunter , AJ , and I decide to head upstairs , not in the mood to mingle after how amazing the night turned out . A bunch of drunk guys and horny girls just won't do it for us . Tonight , I know exactly whose face and voice will be visiting me in my dreams . Chapter Comments Visitor well im thoroughly enjoying this book . it keeps you interested in all the chapters so far . View 1 Comment > 10 POST COMMENT 2 < SHARE