Page 53 of Bonding with the Beta (Fated Souls #2)

53

KAYLEIGH

One month later

A s I stand outside Kayden’s house, I tremble. I’m not here to see Kayden. I’m here because Ava invited me over. I’ve been putting it off for over a month, but I want to be active in Aurora’s life.

I suck in a breath and brush my knuckles against the door. It takes a moment for Ava to appear with a bright expression and her hair tied back in a bun. “Ah, Kayleigh,” she squeals before bringing me into a hug. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I told you I’d come.” I laugh softly as I wrap my arms around her.

“I know, I know,” she murmurs. “But after everything…I wasn’t sure if you’d want to come here.”

My throat tenses at her insinuation. “I’m not going to let that stop me from seeing you and Aurora. I don’t want to miss a thing.”

Ava’s expression crumbles into adoration. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I’ve mentally accepted the fact that Kayden lives here. Ava hasn’t told me anything since I was last here, but I didn’t ask. I don’t want to know.

That hasn’t stopped Kayden from messaging me. I don’t reply. I’m not ready. I’ve been focusing on myself for once, including therapy and finding peace in my own company.

“Come in,” she beckons, and I follow her into the house.

We bypass the kitchen, which holds haunting memories, and we walk straight into the living room where Aurora lays on her baby play mat with pretty mobiles hanging over her head.

“Oh my goodness,” I gush as I beeline straight towards her, dropping onto my knees. “Look at this little lady. She’s already grown so much.”

I take Aurora into my arms as she stares back at me with pretty blue eyes and a gummy smile. “I know. I wish time would slow down,” Ava says as she perches beside me and strokes back her dark hair.

“She’s perfect,” I whisper as I admire her all over again.

“How have you been?” Ava asks.

“I’ve been coping. Trying to focus on myself and my happiness.”

Ava beams softly. “I’m so glad. You deserve so much happiness.”

I might be happier, but there is still a gaping hole in my chest.

“I-I don’t want to bring him up if you really don’t want to talk about him, but does Kayden know you're here?”

“No, he doesn't.”

Ava purses her lips and clears her throat. “Oh.”

“How is he?” I ask without thinking.

She pulls back and pauses for a long moment. “Honestly? Not great.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t want to speak for him, but I know he misses you.”

I miss him, too.

“Maybe I needed this,” I admit. “I thought he would break me like Josh did, but this time, I know my worth. I refused to let myself slip back down that hole and fester in self-pity. I had to do better because I knew I’d never get myself back up again.”

Ava’s eyes glisten. “I’m proud of you, Kay.”

“Me, too.” I smile.

“I’m gonna go grab some snacks and drinks.” Ava stands up.

“Okay.”

My eyes flick down to the little beauty in my arms. She yawns and closes her eyes, snuggling a little closer to my chest. My heart almost bursts at the small action, and I melt.

“Kayleigh?”

That voice. That goddamn voice.

My shoulders tense like stone as his raspy voice washes over my body.

I slowly glance up to find Kayden standing in the doorway. My lips part, and I release a silent breath at his handsome face. I’ve always been attracted to him, but right now? His shoulders are broader and firmer, his arms thicker and full of defined muscle.

My eyes shamelessly flick over his whole body, noticing how his shirt looks like it’s about to rip open any second. A cast of light stubble grazes his cheeks and jaw, with his dark hair rough and tousled.

“Hi,” I squeak in surprise.

“You’re here,” he states.

I hum. “Yeah. I’m here.”

“You look—” He pauses, as if he’s trying to settle on the right word. “Good.”

His eyes tell me that’s definitely not what he wanted to say, and that makes my head spin like a damn tornado. I might not be good at reading people, but I can read him like a book.

“Okay, we’ve got crisps, dip, and—” Ava walks into the living room. “Oh.”

My eyes dart to Ava, but Kayden’s gaze is firmly on mine.

“Sorry,” he rasps after a minute. “I’ll uh…I’ll leave you guys to it.”

I swallow and look back down at Aurora.

The sound of feet shuffling echoes around the room, and I glance up to see Kayden leaving, but not before he looks over his shoulder, and our eyes collide with force.

Ava dumps the food down on the coffee table. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” I plaster a fake smile on my face.

“You don’t need to lie to me,” she whispers.

I chew on my lip. “Then no.” I laugh. “I knew I’d probably see him, but now I’m feeling everything.”

Ava gently rests her arm on mine as I hold Aurora. “It’s okay. We don’t have to talk about it. We can have our girly day and talk rubbish.”

“Yeah.” I purse my lips to push away the ache in my throat. “Sure.”