Page 16 of Power Play

“I did.” She sneaks a glance at me and whispers, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say my son has a little crush on Nev.”

“Shut up,” I say, blinking at her in surprise. “I thought he liked Isla.”

“They are friends.” Ava confides in me, leaning closer. “Bella and I don’t expect that to change till they’re older. Though maybe even then they will still be just friends. Who knows? Trying to predict what other people do is an impossible task, in all honesty.”

“Yeah,” I mutter. My eyes involuntarily coast toward Clay. To make sure the trajectory of his movements won’t interfere with mine. And damn, I shouldn’t have done that.

Clay stands near the grill. He’s deep in conversation with Drake and Roman, and it would be fine if he wasn’t holding Maya in his arms. Why has she taken such a liking to him?

“Maya likes him,” Ava whispers in my ear. “She spent like twenty minutes with you, while you tried to make her eat, and then she’s either with other kids or with Clay.”

“I noticed that.”

“And I noticed that you two haven’t said a word to each other.”

“We have nothing to talk about.” I shrug, folding my arms over my chest. It’s a damn lie, but I’m not going to admit that.

Ava snorts so loudly that everyone turns their heads in our direction. My gaze clashes with Clay’s, and I look away, pretending to be interested in a magnolia tree.Fuck. This dance we’re doing doesn’t involve eye contact; it’s a forbidden move, and I’m not one to break the rules.

“You have a lot to talk about, Layla. He’s here, and he’s single. Just like you.”

“I overheard him telling Xander about his new neighbor. He said she’s hot.” I pout. In my chest, a little green monster rears its ugly head, making my skin itch. That old companion from my early days…can’t say I missed it.

“Did he say that? Or did he just answer Xander’s question?”

I mull it over for a moment, remembering what I heard, then sigh. “He just answered a question.”

“I shouldn’t tell you this, but…I don’t think he ever had a girlfriend after you.”

I know he didn’t. Well, at least I used to know. Three years is a long time for someone who thought I was moving on without him.

“Even if he didn’t, I’m sure he’s had plenty of girls in his bed.”

Ava leans back. Her eyebrows are pulled together as she stares at me intently. “And you didn’t have any boys in your bed?” she deadpans.

“Not after Eli,” I counter, knowing perfectly well my defense is weak. I have no right to judge Clay for sleeping around. I was doing the same thing after our breakup.

“It’s been two years.”

It’s been more considering Eli didn’t want to have sex with me after I found out I was pregnant, but I don’t dare to correct Ava. She’d pity me, and it’s the last thing I deserve.

I huff, pretending to be annoyed. “My little vibrating friend keeps me from feeling lonely. And, more importantly, its presence in my life doesn’t bring me any complications. My heart is safe.”

“How little are we talking?” The corners of her mouth are trembling as she tries to bottle up her laughter.

Rolling my eyes, I flip her the bird. “It’s none of your business.” Then I shrug and add, “Besides, after all this time, sex is not on my list of priorities for a partner. It might be a great bonus, but it’s definitely not the main ingredient for a happy relationship. Sex with Eli was wild, but he wasn’t suited for the role of husband, and it definitely didn’t make him a good father.”

“I don’t remember you ever complaining about Rodgers back in?—”

“Fuck off,” I grit through my teeth.

When I’m about to stand up, Maya appears in front of me. A gleeful smile blossoms on her lips as she climbs on my lap. Her little arms wrap around my neck, and she hides her face in my hair. I press her closer to me, inhaling the sweet scent of cotton candy.

“Everything all right?” I ask her quietly.

Maya rears back, her bright eyes shimmering with excitement. “Yes.” She nods and looks at Ava. “Happy birthday.”

“Aw, thank you, sweetie.” Ava reaches forward and brushes her fingertips over Maya’s cheek. “Did you have fun?”

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