Page 82 of Second Chance Mates

Kayden scoffs. “I am not discussing this with you.”

“Holy shit, you are.”

My lips curl into a smile at their exchange.

“Whatever,” Kayden deadpans.

“Don’t lose faith,” Jaxon says again. “Like I said, I’m sure she’ll come when you least expect it.”

Then he winks in my direction, and my cheeks flush.

If I could remember my friends, that would be a good start, but I can’t.

Jaxon takes my hand as he sits opposite me. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” I flash him a small smile. “Just needed five minutes.”

“Want to get some fresh air again?”

I nod. “Sure.”

28

AVA

As I lay in my bed, looking up at the white ceiling, I can't stop thinking about what happened tonight. I raise my fingers to my lips and brush the delicate skin. Jax kissed me. I kissed him back.

I thought I’d be reeling in shame and discomfort, but if anything, I’m proud of my self-confidence. For claiming my right to my body and what I want.

And boy…did it make me feel things.

A childish squeal rushes through my throat, and a giant smile creeps up on my face. I’m giddy. My head is spinning with a thousand different positive emotions. God, I can’t stop thinking about him.

I close my eyes again for the hundredth time and pray I fall asleep. But deep down in my bones, I know I’m far too ecstatic to even think about it. I’m on cloud nine. Tonight was perfect in so many different ways, and I’m growing in my own skin.

I might not ever be the woman I was before, but I like who I’m turning into. It’s refreshing and relieving, all wrapped into one.

My stomach growls from hunger and pure excitement. Ugh. I toss and turn, and nothing seems to help me drift off. I release an annoyed sigh and slap my arms down on the bed.

What’s wrong? Jax’s sleepy voice echoes through my mind.

Nothing, sorry. I frown. Did I wake you?

My fingers rub against my eyes gently. They’re heavy, but my mind is working a thousand miles a second.

You feel distressed. What’s the matter?

Another sigh escapes my lips. I can’t sleep, that’s all. It’s okay. Go back to sleep. I don’t want to disturb you.

Why can’t you sleep?

Do I tell him I’ve been internally screaming over our kiss? Hell no. I’ve been trying my absolute hardest to block out my thoughts so he can’t hear them. From the two lessons he’s given me, I’m trying my hardest, but I’m yet to perfect it.

I’m a little hungry.

Meet me downstairs in the kitchen. I’ll make you something.

I don’t fight it. My heart pounds with the desire to see him. Okay.

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