Layla Read online

  “So…did anything happen between you two?” Kyle asked without looking at me.

  “No, not a single thing.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank god.”

  “I punched him every time he tried.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  Kyle led me to my seat in the aisle and he joined the groomsmen for the wedding. I sat there quietly while everyone got seated. When the wedding started, Kyle walked a pretty bridesmaid down the aisle. When he saw me, he winked at me. I smiled back.

  Tommy was the ring bearer and he stumbled down the walkway, nervous by all the people staring at him. He was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. Ethan kneeled down and extended his arms so Tommy would know where to go. Ethan picked him up then kissed him on the brow.

  “Thanks, my man.”

  He nodded then walked to the side. His mother was sitting in the aisle and she placed him in her lap. Becky came next in a beautiful white dress. She threw flowers everywhere and giggled as she moved down the aisle. Ethan picked her up and gave her a kiss before he put her down.

  When Sadie came down the aisle, she looked beautiful. Her face was stretched in a smile and the thin veil obscured part of her face. Her father smiled at her as he walked her, enjoying the glow on his daughter’s face. Ethan stared at her with a heated expression, his eyes coating with tears. When Sadie reached him, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the pastor.

  I watched Kyle the entire time, watching him stare at his brother with pride. I knew how much he loved him even though they teased each other. Kyle looked at me for a moment and our eyes connected. He smiled at me then turned back.

  When the ceremony was over, we moved to the ballroom and took our seats at the tables. I waited for Kyle to join me.

  “That was a beautiful ceremony,” I said.

  “I think Becky and Tommy were the highlight.”

  “They were pretty cute.”

  “Not as cute as you,” he said as he kissed me on the cheek. “We should dance.”

  “You want to?”

  “Of course. I want to dance with my lady.” He pulled me to the dance floor and started to sway with me. His hands gripped my back tightly and held me close. When held me, he pressed his forehead against mine and closed his eyes.

  “May I cut in?” Jared asked.

  “This one is mine,” Kyle said.

  Jared smiled then grabbed my hand.

  Kyle nodded then stepped away.

  Jared looked at me. “You look nice.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It was a beautiful wedding, huh?”

  “It really was. I’m glad my sister found a great guy.”

  “Should you be dancing with me?” I asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Won’t Elisa be pissed?”

  He shook his head. “I talked some sense into her. And when Kyle told her you were moving in together, she finally let it go.”

  “When did he tell her that?”

  “Earlier today. He called.”

  “Oh.”

  “She knows how much Kyle loves you. She said she would make it work.”

  “Well, that’s a relief.”

  “I really hope you and I can be friends again.”

  “Of course, Jared.”

  “And I’m sorry that I hurt you before.”

  “It’s forgotten,” I said with a smile.

  “We’re going to be in-laws soon.”

  “We’re just moving in together,” I said. “We aren’t jumping the gun.”

  “I know the Benedicts pretty well. They usually get what they want.”

  I laughed. “That’s an understatement.”

  “Can I cut in?” Elisa asked.

  I stepped away so she could dance with Jared.

  Instead, she turned to me. “Hello, Layla.” She grabbed my waist and danced with me.

  I was not expecting that. “Hi…”

  “I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I’m sorry I went psycho on you. The pregnancy is really throwing me off, not that it’s an excuse.”

  “I’m just glad you don’t hate me. I’m in love with your brother and couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.”

  Elisa smiled. “He said the same thing.”

  “So, we’re okay?”

  “We’re more than okay,” she said.

  “Can I have my girlfriend back?” Kyle asked.

  Elisa rolled her eyes. “Fine.”

  Kyle took me and held me close. “I’m sorry my family is trying to steal you away.”

  “She just wanted to apologize.”

  “Good. And did you accept?”

  “Of course I did.”

  “I’m glad we got everything figured out.”

  “I really like your family.”

  He laughed. “I’m glad my bitchy sister didn’t scare you away.”

  “She isn’t bitchy.”

  “You’re being a lot nicer to her than she deserves.”

  “She apologized,” I said. “Let’s just forget about it.”

  He stared into my eyes, holding me close. “I can’t wait until you move in with me.”

  “Me neither.”

  “And I can’t wait until our day comes.”

  I smiled at him, feeling my heart flutter. “I’m so lucky I found you.”

  “I’m the lucky one, Layla,” he said. “And I’m going to track down John and kill him.”

  “No,” I said quickly. “Just let it go.”

  “No.”

  “Kyle, he said he would never talk to me again.”

  “We’ll see if he keeps his promise.” He spun me around and dipped me. “You’re so beautiful.”

  “You’re too sweet to me.”

  “It’s just because I’m in love with you and you give me sex.”

  “I guess my sex is good, then.”

  “It’s the best, actually.”

  Kyle held me close and pressed his forehead against mine. Now that I was back to where I belonged, I didn’t want to leave the moment. When I came to this city, I forced myself to be strong even if I didn’t want to be. Kyle broke down all those walls and made me weak again just so he could build me up. He was the happily ever after I never expected to find. He was everything I wanted in another person, and I was so grateful I found him.

  The story continues….

  Janet

  (Book Four in the Alpha Series)

  Available Now

  About the Author

  E. L. Todd was raised in California where she attended California State University, Stanislaus and received her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, then continued onto her master’s degree in education. While she considers science to be interesting, her true passion is writing. She works as an assistant editor at Final-Edits.com.

  By E. L. Todd

  Soul Catcher

  (Book One of the Soul Saga)

  Soul Binder

  (Book Two of the Soul Saga)

  Soul Relenter

  (Book Three of the Soul Saga)

  Only For You

  (Book One of the Forever and Always Series)

  Forever and Always

  (Book Two of the Forever and Always Series)

  Edge of Love

  (Book Three of the Forever and Always Series)

  Force of Love

  (Book Four in the Forever and Always Series)

  Fight for Love

  (Book Five in the Forever and Always Series)

  Lover’s Roulette

  (Book Six in the Forever and Always Series)

  Happily Ever After

  (Book Seven of the Forever and Always Series)

  Sadie

  (Book One of the Alpha Series

  Elisa

  (Book Two of the Alpha Series)

  Connected by the Sea

  (Book One of the Hawaiian Crush Series)

  Breaking Through the Waves

  (Book Two of the Hawaiian Crush Series)

>   Connected by the Tide

  (Book Three of the Hawaiian Crush Series)

  Taking the Plunge

  (Book Four of the Hawaiian Crush Series)