Page 11 of Bonding with the Beta (Fated Souls #2)

11

KAYLEIGH

T oday, I woke up in a somewhat better mood.

Confiding in Evie made me realise that these thoughts I’m having need to be voiced. I hate that I stopped seeing my therapist, but I don’t know if I have the confidence to go back.

After putting on a mindfulness and positive-thinking podcast, I catch up on the rest of the lecture I missed in the comfort of my room. I might study my ass off, but that doesn’t mean I always get the grades I want.

Being a perfectionist sucks.

When I’m up-to-date with my classes, I fall back onto my bed and exhale a long breath. I grab my phone and scroll endlessly before I fall onto my contacts, finding Kayden’s name staring back at me. I chew on my lip.

He said it would be fun. I could do with fun …that doesn’t end up in either of our beds.

I didn’t want to admit it before, but there is something about Kayden that has me intrigued. He’s a flirt, that’s a given, but he’s happy and positive, and that’s everything I need in my life right now. Anything to get my mind off university and…Josh.

Kayleigh:

I hate to admit this, but I might be ready for some fun now

My stomach flips as the message is sent, and then my phone pings a second later.

Kayden:

Who is this?

Kayleigh:

Haha, good one

Kayden:

Do I have a stalker now?

Kayleigh:

You wish

Kayden:

Yeah, blondie. I do.

Kayleigh:

This isn’t a date. I wanna get off campus

Kayden:

So you’re using me?

Kayleigh:

Precisely

Kayden:

Then use away.

I’ve got things to do tomorrow morning, but I can come by in the afternoon.

Kayleigh:

Oh, I can come to you

Kayden:

I’ll come to you, Kayleigh.

Kayleigh:

Fine

Kayden:

I’ll text you when I’m on my way.

Looking forward to annoying the fuck out of you.

Kayleigh:

I’m already regretting this

Kayden:

Na, you like me too much.

See you tomorrow, stalker

Kayden texts me he’s downstairs in the carpark as I stare at myself in the mirror and adjust my red sundress over a white T- shirt. I grab my bag and head downstairs despite there being a slight shake in my step.

I press my hand to the door and step outside. Kayden leans against his black Jeep Wrangler, and I’m relieved we’re not going for a ride in my beaten-up old Fiat. He’s leaning against the edge of his car, biceps bulging out of his black T-shirt as usual.

His eyes drag down my attire as I approach him, his mouth lifting at the side. “Damn, blondie, you look–”

“Don’t,” I say loudly, pointing my finger at him. Kayden’s lips pause mid-sentence. “Don’t say it.”

He exhales a smooth laugh and shrugs me off with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “I was going to say you look like crap,” he says playfully, pushing off his car and opening the passenger side.

I smile at his statement and shake my head. “You look like crap, too,” I say as I step around the car door.

It’s a lie. The world’s biggest lie.

He looks incredible as ever.

Kayden smirks at me when I slip into the passenger side. “Good.” He shoots me a subtle wink. “We can look like crap together.”

Then he shuts the door for me, and the butterflies in my stomach explode.

This isn’t a date. This isn’t a date. This isn’t a date.

As he slips into the driver's seat beside me, I rest my hands on my lap and stare ahead. “Ready to go?” he says as he puts the keys into the ignition.

I hum softly. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” He grins as I turn to look at him. “But first, I need you to put your seatbelt on for me.”

“Oh–” I shake my head and reach for the belt before clicking it into place.

Kayden watches me before nodding. “Let’s go.”

We leave campus and start heading into the countryside. I haven’t ventured much outside of the university. I’ve been too busy being neck-deep in work, but I’ve heard Stonebridge is beautiful.

“Where are we going?” I ask curiously.

“I’m not going to murder you.” He chuckles. “That would be way too cliché.”

He drives a little further until we approach a stream that stretches into a large lake with small paddle boats. “I hope you can swim,” he teases.

“Swim?”

I undo my seatbelt as he parks up. “Yeah, for when I push you in.”

“Don’t you dare.” I shoot him a glance to which he chuckles. “Do you come to Stonebridge much?”

Kayden hums. “I used to. This place is the most peaceful, though.”

“It’s nice,” I admit as I pop the car door open and climb out.

We walk towards the lakefront, where people climb into their boats and float across the water. My eyes narrow as I fold my arms over my chest. “This seems awfully romantic for a friend's day out,” I drawl.

Kayden laughs. “Friends can’t be romantic?”

“No,” I deadpan. “They can’t.”

He steps towards me, his height looming over me, and I gulp suddenly. “What a shame,” he sighs. “If only I hadn’t already had my fingers deep inside your pussy.”

My mouth falls open in shock as I stare up at him and his gleaming brown eyes. “You did not just say that,” I huff, checking over my shoulder to make sure no one heard. “What is wrong with you?”

“Just stating facts,” he says as he crosses his arms over his chest, staring down at me with a stupid, smug expression.

I scowl deeply at him. “Yeah, well, friends can still do that shit and only be friends.”

“Okay,” he responds. “If that’s what you think, then sure.” My jaw tightens as I stare up at him under hooded eyes. “Come on.” He beckons his head. “These boats aren’t going to ride themselves.”

I mutter something under my breath as he begins to walk away. I walk to the small wooden ramp where the boats are held. “They are tiny,” I comment. “Are you sure we’re not going to go overboard?”

Kayden’s brows hang. “Overboard? Seriously? The lake is about ten feet deep.”

“Still deeper than me.” I place a hand on my hip.

His eyes roll as he fights a smile, and then he slings his arm over my shoulder. I get a whiff of his mouth-watering aftershave that would make most women feral. “Don’t worry, blondie. I’ve got you.”

I keep my eyes on Kayden as he climbs into one of the boats and then holds his hand out towards me. “Come on,” he encourages.

My stomach flips, and not in a good way. I release a silent shriek as I reach for his hand and jump into the boat, causing it to rock slightly. He grabs my wrists, steading me before we manage to perch on the wooden seats.

“You good?” he asks, studying my petrified expression.

I flash him a wobbly smile. “Mhmm. Just peachy.”

“Lighten up,” he says. “Can you say you’ve been on a friend's date like this before?”

“Should have stayed at home,” I mumble under my breath, half-joking, half not. “Most of my friends don’t try to kill me.”

Kayden’s head tilts as we row further into the lake. “Ouch. That's really how you feel about my efforts? I’m wounded.”

“I doubt your ego could get wounded,” I state dryly.

He chuckles. “You’re mean, and it’s dangerous for me.”

“Dangerous, how?”

“Because it’s only going to make me like you more.”

Before I have the chance to think through his words, he rocks the boat, and I bellow in surprise. “No. No. No. Please. Stop.” I grip onto the sides for dear life. “Kayden, please. I’m sorry. Stop rocking the boat.”

Kayden’s laugh becomes louder and louder until he stops, and the water around us splashes up the side of the boat. I press a hand to the centre of my chest and suck in a breath. “It’s safe,” he promises me, but I don’t believe it.

“You wouldn’t jump in after me if I fell.” I glare at him.

“Course I would,” he says simply. “The last thing I need is Ava kicking my ass.”

My lips twitch. “Yeah, well. That’s fair.”

Kayden watches me for a long moment as we calmly begin to row.

I take a breath of the fresh air and allow myself to have this moment of chaotic peace.