Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Nobody in the SUV believes a word he’s saying—not even himself—but until the guys do something, there’s nothing any of us can say. Gage is functioning and performing, but he needs help. Unfortunately, until he hits rock bottom, I don’t think the guys will interfere. Damn men... so stubborn.
“Okay, spill,” Layla says, glancing over at me with a dopey smile on her face.
We’ve spent the day at the theme park, riding every ride with Felix until that cute little Energizer Bunny’s batteries finally died. He passed out in the stroller, not waking when he was put in the vehicle or when Camden carried him up to the room. We’re all sunburned and exhausted, but it was a great day.
After everyone got settled in their rooms, Layla dragged me down to the hotel spa for some pedis and “girl talk”—her words, not mine—leaving Camden and the guys to keep an eye on a sleeping Felix.
“That sounds messy,” I joke, inwardly moaning at how good it feels to have my calves massaged.
When she glares my way, I laugh. “I don’t know what to say.”
“How about starting with how the hell Braxton went from hating you to acting like you two are in high school all over again?”
I flinch, hating that Layla isn’t caught up to speed. I wanted to tell her everything, but I felt like it would be best explained in person since Braxton wasn’t the only person I lied to. I thought maybe Camden would tell her, and I was half expecting a pissed-off phone call, but I should’ve known he’d leave that to me. Camden is the least gossipy person I know.
“Kaylee, talk to me,” she says softly, her voice laced with hurt.
“I never cheated on Braxton.”
Her brows dip in confusion.
“I lied to push him away so he would go to LA.”
Her eyes go wide. “Kaylee...”
“While Tori was...” I swallow thickly, unable to finish my sentence. Even all these years later, I get emotional just thinking about her—we all do. “I was pretending to cheat on Braxton.”
“Oh, Kay...” She sets her hand on mine. “I get it, I do. But...” She releases a harsh breath. “So he found out the truth?”
“Yeah, he overheard his dad and me talking. I was threatening to tell him the truth.”
“His dad?”
“It was his idea. He has this issue with women. I guess he gave up a huge opportunity for Braxton’s mom, and she ended up leaving him. He doesn’t really talk about her, but his dad didn’t want him messing up his future for a woman.”
“So where do you guys stand? It’s clear, you guys are...” She waggles her brows playfully, making me laugh.
“We are,” I admit. “We’re taking things slow.”
She quirks a brow.
“I mean, not slow... I don’t know. We’re just seeing where things go. We’re on this tour, and I think it’s easy to get lost in each other while we’re sharing a space. But once we’re back at home, we’ll be able to figure things out. For now, I’m just enjoying reconnecting with him.”
“You’ve always loved him.”
“Yeah, but I never thought I’d be given this second chance, so honestly, I’m just going with the flow. Getting to know him all over again.”
“I’m happy for you.” Layla squeezes my hand. “Look at us finding love. Did you hear the news about Camden’s sister?”
“Kendall?”
“Nope, Bailey.” She grins. “She’s getting married to her fiancée, Cynthia, at the beach.”
“Stop! That’s awesome.”
We spend the rest of our pedicures catching up, and it feels good to be able to relax and talk with Layla. For years, before she was with Camden, she was married to a grade A asshole who didn’t let her do shit, so it’s nice getting to spend time with her again.
“When I get home from the tour, we need to make this a weekly thing.”
“I agree.” Layla smiles. “I’ve missed you. Maybe we can go on a double date.”
“We’ll see. Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.”
“Ahead of ourselves?” she says. “I was watching you guys all day. Braxton is just as obsessed with you as he was all those years ago.”
“Maybe.” I shrug, not wanting to get my hopes up because I feel the same way about him, which scares the hell out of me. I already lost him once—completely my fault—and I don’t know if I could go through that again.
After our toes are pretty and our feet are soft, we head back up to our rooms for the night. The guys have a show tomorrow, and then we’re heading to Orlando for a show, spending the day at Disney, and then driving down to Miami for their final show before their much-needed break.
When I step into the room I’m unofficially sharing with Braxton, I find him sitting outside on the balcony, scribbling words into the journal I gave him years ago.