Page 114 of Second Chance Mates

“She’s here.” He kisses the back of my head. “Guards have informed me.”

I jump from Jaxon’s arms and start shaking out my limbs. My throat tenses, but I force a gulp of air down anyway. He gives me one firm nod before I make my way to the front door. I take hold of the handle and swing it open. My eyes immediately fall on my best friend. Her expression is weary, but as soon as she sees me, her mouth bursts into a grin. Then, I glance to the right of her, not having noticed a second person.

“Danny?”

Holy hell. What is he doing here?

Danny doesn’t say anything for a few moments. Instead, he watches me with sadness and relief in his eyes. My heart aches at the expression. “Hi, gorgeous.” His lips tremble as he speaks. “I’ve missed you so much.”

He steps forward to wrap me up in a hug, but it doesn’t even compare to an embrace from Jaxon. I tilt my head and return it gently. “Hi,” I exhale.

When he lets me go, I turn back to Kayleigh, who has tears in her eyes, but her smile hasn’t faltered. “Hey, Av,” she murmurs before bundling me into an embrace that almost knocks me over.

I chuckle and hold her tight. “Hi, Kayleigh. It’s so good to see you.”

We stay like this for a few seconds, and I close my eyes and savour our reunion. The bones in my body begin to relax, and I can’t stop the pressure behind my lids. Nothing beats this moment—especially now I’m coming to terms with who I am.

I pull back and hold her at arm's length. Goodness, she’s still as beautiful as ever. Blonde wavy hair hangs around her shoulders and pale blue eyes are sparkling at me with joy. I glance down at her signature nose ring she’s had since we were sixteen.

“Come in,” I say before guiding them down to the kitchen.

Kayleigh and Danny’s eyes glance around the grand hall in awe. “So, this is what you left us for then, huh?” Danny laughs hesitantly.

I flick my gaze to Kayleigh, who is beaming along. I didn’t tell her where I had been on our phone call. They think I left Russell Vale by choice.

“Not quite,” I admit and step into the kitchen. “I want you to meet someone first.”

Jaxon is leaning against the counter with his arms folded over his chest and biceps bulging out of his black T-shirt. His head turns towards us as soon as he notices we’re in company.

“Kayleigh, Danny, this is my…” I glance between them. “My boyfriend, Jax.”

Danny’s brows pinch together at my words, and it makes me wince inside.

“It’s Jaxon, actually,” he clarifies.

Kayleigh takes a few confident strides towards him and holds out her hand. “Nice to meet you.” She grins, and Jax shakes her hand.

“Likewise, Kayleigh.”

Then Jaxon’s eyes instantly move to Danny. His expression hardens like stone.

Please don’t tell me that’s who I think it is? he says through our mindlink.

Guilt churns my stomach, but I had no clue. I didn’t specify to Kayleigh not to tell anyone, so that’s my fault.

I hold his stare. I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was coming.

Danny scratches the back of his head before reluctantly holding his hand out to Jaxon. “Nice to meet you, man,” he says with a struggle.

“Yeah. You, too, Dale.”

“Danny,” he corrects him with an edge to his tone.

Jaxon looks unphased. “Right…that’s it.”

I squirm at their exchange and how long they awkwardly shake hands for. Kayleigh clears her throat, sensing the tension. “So, how did you guys meet? What’s the story?”

I urge them both to sit down at the kitchen counter. Danny sits down beside me and Jax narrows his eyes at the action. “Uh, well,” I say with a shallow breath. “I didn’t choose to leave Russell Vale. Things happened to me over two years that I cannot quite vocalise yet, it’s too painful. I’m getting help for it. I’ve got a therapist, and I found Jaxon. I’m happy here, and that’s what matters.”

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