Page 106 of Power Play

And he gave me the best idea

I take a screenshot of my ticket to Detroit.

Me:

Will you meet me?

A picture of Layla and Maya’s smiling faces pops up on my screen.

Layla:

Yes!

I’m about to slip my phone back into my pocket when I remember her text. And, like the little shit I am, I text her back.

Me:

And I could never freak you out. You love me too much

It takes her a good ten minutes to reply, and I’m more than sure it’s because she wanted to taunt me.

Layla:

You’re right. I love you too much

With that, I go find my friends to say goodbye because my flight is at another gate. There’s no place for secrets anymore, and soon I will be able to tell everyone how much I love her.

Chapter 36

Kiss and Tell

CLAY

Now, January

I glance at Layla,and my lips break into a wide grin. She’s so fucking beautiful tonight. Her hair is down, pinned to one side with her Tinker Bell hairpin that matches the ring on her finger. She’s wearing red lipstick and a little makeup on her eyes to emphasize their rich brown color. And her dress is immaculate: creamy white with long sleeves and a skirt that ends around her calves, paired with nude stilettos. I can’t take my eyes off her. Not that I try.

In all honesty, I’m reaching the point where I want to climb the tallest building, take a megaphone in my hand, and yell for everyone to hear that I love Layla Benson and don’t ever plan to let her go. The fact that Maya kinda caught us kissing yesterday morning still makes my skin warm—not only because it was embarrassing but also because she was so incredibly happy for her mommy. I couldn’t help but tear up.

My two girls make me so fucking emotional, it’s crazy.

Someone lowers himself beside me on a bench in Thompson’s backyard. I tear my gaze away from Layla andfocus on Roman. He’s in a white shirt and black pants, a little boutonniere with a pastel pink rose pinned to his chest. The happy groom himself.

“How do you feel?” I ask him.

“Good, I guess.” He crooks a smile at me. “Was kinda nervous, but I think I’m feeling better now. I still can’t believe you all helped me organize this ceremony on such short notice.”

“People will do a lot for those they care about.” I look at him. “You are my friend, Roman. I’d do anything to help you. Always.”

His gaze falls to his arm, where his tattoos are, and I know he’s thinking about his twin. Last week, on our flight from Colorado, he finally told me what happened to his brother. My heart broke for him, for the pain he endured and was still feeling. I’m glad he has Nevaeh by his side.

“Thank you, Clay. I hoped I’d meet friends when I moved to the US and signed with the Thunders.” He puts his hand on my knee. “But what I have now is a family. This little friend group is the best thing that could’ve happened to me. I have everything because of it…including my wife.”

“She’ll be so happy once she sees that you put all this together for her.”

“I hope so. My therapist says she’s noticed a lot of improvements in my behavior, in how I open up to her—slowly.” He chuckles. “My mom says it’s all because of Nevaeh.”

“I think so too. The guy I met a few years ago, when I flew out here for Michael’s birthday, and the guy sitting beside me now are two different people.”

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