Page 91 of Power Play

“It explains a lot.” He chuckles dryly. “You rarely text me back. You barely have time to talk.”

“I’m just busy, Clay. Work takes a lot of my time, and often I’m so slumped with everything that I just come home and sleep.” It’s not exactly a lie, but it’s far from the truth. “Besides, we agreed a long time ago about not being exclusive. You’re in Chicago, and I’m in Detroit. So?—”

“I’m not seeing anyone,” he says. “I’m waiting for you.”

“And I promised to come to you next summer, didn’t I?”

“You did.”

“Then please, stop worrying. I’m having fun, okay? I finally don’t feel so lonely all the time.”

“If you stayed with me, you would’ve never felt lonely.”

I frown. “I know it’s my fault I felt this way. I was stupid, when I decided to sign the contract.”

“You’re not stupid, it’s never wrong to follow your dreams, and try new things. And I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything.” He heaves a sigh. “Any plans for tonight?”

“I’m with Eli now, actually. We met for dinner.”

“Oh…should I call you later?”

“I’ll call you later myself. Probably tomorrow.” I look over my shoulder, noticing a waitress talking to Eli. Her smile is bright as she bats her eyelashes at him. Jealousy like venom spreads through my veins, and I purse my lips. “I gotta go. Bye, Clay.”

“Bye, Layla.”

I hang up and strut into the pizza place, heading straight to the table. Instead of lowering myself on the chair, I come to a stop near Eli. An amused smile lifts his lips as I bend down and kiss him languidly. When I finally lean away, the waitress is gone.

“Someone is feeling a bit possessive,” Eli comments as I sit down across from him.

“Maybe.”

He arches an eyebrow, studying me in silence. Then he sets his elbows on the table.

“Your ex’s call made me think about something. With your job, my concerts and rehearsals, there are days when we don’t see each other, and I don’t like it.” Eli covers my palm with his, eyes never leaving mine. “Move in with me.”

A huge smile splits my lips. Butterflies in my stomach are going crazy.Isn’t it too soon?a voice in my head asks.

“I’d love to,” I tell him, deciding to ignore the doubts I have.

Eli moves forward and captures my lips with his in the sweetest kiss ever. I have a feeling that it’s the start of something amazing in my life.

I really hope so.

Chapter 31

Promise Me

LAYLA

2 years 9 months ago, August

Where the hell is Eli?I’ve been looking for him for the past fifteen minutes and still there’s no sign of my boyfriend. It’s like Colt and Ava’s house is a fucking castle, I swear.

Or is there another explanation, way simpler and less pleasant? He doesn’t want me to find him. Doesn’t want me to hear about his shitty friends banging groupies anytime they have a gig. Or?—

No. I shouldn’t think like that. Eli and I have been good the last month, not even a single argument or scandal. It could be something else. It has to be.

Then where is he, Layla?

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