Page 41 of Power Play

I’m never going to win this competition. I’m too simple. The moment he realizes it, he’s going to dump me.

Our relationship will never survive long distance.

We aren’t meant to be.

I need to break up with him first. I need to protect my heart.

The memory is fleeting; the pain it causes me isn’t. I was such a fool to think that way about Clay. When we got together, he was all in. He did everything for me, went above and beyond. He didn’t so much as look at other girls, let alone flirt with them. He was into me, loved me, cared about me…while I let my insecurities rule my life and my decisions.

I closed myself off. I didn’t even talk to Ava about my doubts, never confided in her about my plans. She was too busy figuring out her future with Colton after she found out she was pregnant, and I didn’t want to trouble her with my nonsense. I hid myself away. I was with him for weeks and weeks after I first had that thought, knowing I was going to break up with him the moment he graduated.

He had no idea. I perfected my act so well, I almost fooled myself.

I’m a terrible person. My ugly soul has finally matched with my ugly looks. And I’m destined to be alone after all the hurt I inflicted upon Clay.

A knock on the door startles me. I clamp a hand over my mouth and stare at my teary-eyed reflection in the mirror, when I hear his voice. “Layla, is everything all right?”

“Yeah, one minute,” I call out.

I turn the faucet on, quickly wet the pads of my fingers, and tap them under my eyes. Then I grab a paper towel and dry my face. When I open the door, I find myself face-to-face with Clay. His white T-shirt is tightly wrapped around his muscular chest and broad shoulders. His hands are hidden in his pockets, the veins on his forearms bulging. He looks so fucking good, my mouth waters.

“You okay?” he asks, his yellowish-green eyes doing a really bad job of hiding his worried state. Or maybe he simply doesn’t want to hide his emotions.

I nod, then immediately frown. “Where’s Maya?” Panic slashes through me; my chest constricts with sudden pain. “Did you leave her all alone?”

Clay shakes his head. “Of course not.” His eyebrows pull together as he studies me. “Angie’s here. She came over to say hi, and I asked her to look after Maya while I check on you.”

A whoosh of air springs out of my parted lips, and relief spreads over my body from head to toe. I lean my side against the doorframe. “Thank God. You almost gave me a heart attack.”

One corner of his mouth tips up. “I would never leave her alone. If it weren’t for Angie, Maya and I would probably be knocking on this door together.” I smile, wide and open. Warmth settles in the pit of my stomach. His eyes hold mine, and I don’t want to look away. Don’t want to hide from him or avoid him. I want him to see me. “There they are,” Clay murmurs, lifting his hand. His palm cradles my cheek ever so gently, and I forget how to breathe. “My favorite dimples.”

I continue smiling, while all I want is to cry. He’s too good for me. I don’t deserve his kindness.

“You really okay?” Clay asks.

“Just didn’t feel well,” I croak hoarsely.

“Do you want me to take you home?” His thumb caresses my skin almost absentmindedly, and his eyes don’t leave mine.

“No. Maya’s been waiting for a chance to see you. I don’t want to cut it short.”

“Do you want something to eat? My cupcake was delicious.” He lowers his head slightly so our eyes are level. “Let me treat you to something sweet. Please.”

I bite my lip. His body so close, the warmth of his skin on mine—it’s all intoxicating. Maddening. Unreasonable. “Maybe you’re right. I should eat something.”

Clay slowly takes a step back, his fingers lingering on my cheek before he drops his hand. “Cheesecake?” He cocks an eyebrow as we walk down the hallway.

“Maybe. I’ll see what else they have.”

“Place an order, Mama, and I’ll pay for it.”

I stop, and he stops too. I turn to face him, and he does the same. Narrowing my eyes, I pierce my eyebrows together. “Stop calling me that, okay? I don’t like it.”

“ButIlike it.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re still as impossible as ever.”

His smile broadens, and he steps into me. I have to restrain myself from backing away from him to put some distance between us.

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