Page 157 of Second Chance Mates

My cheeks bleed with a blush. “I already have everything I need.”

“Me, too,” he whispers against my jaw, trailing up to my lips. “But it’s my goal to make you happy every day for the rest of my life.”

“I forgot what happiness was until I met you.”

He smiles, and I lean in to kiss him this time. “And you’re never going to forget again.”

53

AVA

Kayleigh invited me up to her university to spend some time together. As much as I love the pack, I definitely needed some time away.

Jaxon drops me off and reminds me the guards would be following discreetly for my safety. He wants to give me my own space, but I can see the fear in his eyes. He almost lost me once; he doesn’t want to lose me again.

The kiss he gives me in his car is like no other. Every ounce of emotion pours from his mouth to mine. I smile against him and remind him I'll be coming home to him.

When I step out of the car and meet Kayleigh, we throw ourselves at each other and embrace for a few minutes. “Ah, I can’t believe you’re here,” she mumbles into my hair. “It’s so good to see you again. How are you?”

I nod with a smile so big my eyes water. “It’s so good to see you too. I’m good. How are you?”

Kayleigh pulls back and holds my shoulders at arm’s length. Her eyes roam my face, and I do the same. “I’m amazing. I can’t wait to show you around campus!”

“It’s nice to get out,” I admit before linking my arm through hers.

“Jaxon didn’t want to come?”

I shake my head. “He said he wanted to give us some girl time. He’ll pick me up later.”

“Well, you definitely scored with him. He’s a very beautiful man,” she admits, and I laugh at her statement.

“I know.” I brush my hair over my shoulder. “But he’s beautiful on the inside, too.”

Kayleigh turns to look at me with hearts in her eyes. “Oh my gosh, you are so totally in love with him.”

“Yeah. He’s helped me a lot with my trauma and my recovery.” I raise my shoulders. “He’s been like a rock to me. Patient. Understanding. Loving. Everything I needed to face things I didn’t want to. He’s a saint.”

Her gaze glitters as she listens to me speak. “I’m glad, Ava. You deserve happiness—always. I’m glad you’ve found it.”

“Me, too.”

We lighten up the conversation as Kayleigh takes me on a tour to see some historic educational buildings, along with the library and other facilities that make this university so incredibly breathtaking. A twang in my heart makes me frown. I missed out on this. I missed out on going to university like I always wanted.

We pause by a fountain and perch on the ledge as the sun beats down on us. “So, you go here with Danny, huh?”

She scoffs. “No. I’ve always wanted to come here. Danny just so happened to rock up. We don’t see each other often if that’s what you think. I feel like he followed me here so he could find out information about you from me, which he did. I’m sorry. I never intended to do that.”

“I know, I know,” I reassure her. “It’s fine. I don’t mind. How are your parents?”

Kayleigh’s eyes drop to the pebbled floor. “They’re not together anymore.”

“Oh.” I frown. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t–”

“No, they loved you. They treated you like their own. It’s okay to bring them up. They miss you so much.” Her eyes crinkle at the sides.

My chest warms. “I’d love to see them soon.”

“They’d love that, too.”

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