Page 2 of Bonding with the Beta

Ava hums with an eager nod. “We have a few possible names, but we aren’t one hundred percent sure ye–”

I glance over my shoulder to find Jaxon approaching us. “Hey,” he calls and kisses away the red strawberry juice from her lips. She hums in surprise. “Sorry to interrupt, but can I steal you for two seconds?”

“Everything okay?”

Jaxon kisses her cheek again to reassure her. If I know anything about Ava, she’s a born worrier–words of affirmation are her love language. “Course, baby. I just need you to help me with something real quick.”

His hand slides around her waist as she turns her attention back to me. “Sorry, Kay. I’ll be right back.”

“Sure, no worries.” I lift my champagne flute to them as they walk away.

I turn around to the kitchen, and chatter echoes around me. The glass sits against my lips as I take slow sips before refilling with more champagne. Ava’s life changed when she met Jaxon, which includes a whole new group of friends I don’t know.

A voice in my head tells me to go say hello and introduce myself, but I’m not the confident girl I once was. I sigh and glance out the window. I should go and touch up my makeup in the bathroom to stall time until Ava comes back.

I nod to myself and turn sharply. My body collides into something incredibly hard and warm. My eyes clamp together in shock. Liquid dribbles down the side of my hand as my champagne spills over. I open my mouth to apologise to whoever I’ve bumped into, but instead, I look up into a pair of mesmerising deep brown eyes.

My voice is trapped in my throat. If anything, it’s like the first time I met him—for all of five seconds—when I came to visit Ava after not seeing her for two years. I was in awe then. I’m still in awe now.

He’s not gorgeous. He’sstupidlygorgeous.

The tips of my fingers begin to tingle, and before I know it, my glass has slipped from my grip altogether, shattering against the floor. Liquid splashes my bare legs, and I jump back instantly.

My face burns.Why am I like this?

We both glance down at the mess I’ve made. I resist the urge to press a hand to my forehead, but I’m distracted by my thundering heart.

“Ahh, crap.”

I quickly grab some paper towels from the side and bend down to the floor.

“I’m so sorry,” I mutter with shaky hands.

The towels soak up the alcohol, and I start picking up the smashed flute. Kayden sinks to my level, wrapping his hand around my wrist.

I look up into his eyes, merely inches apart. I shouldn’t, but I take a moment to admire his face—from his plump pink lips to his messy brunette hair falling onto his forehead slightly to his defined jaw that would make statues want to scream in envy.

“Kayleigh?” I’m snapped out of my trance like a bucket of ice.

“Huh?” I blink.

Then he smiles, showing two dimples on his cheeks.Fuck me.

“I said you’ll cut yourself,” he says, and all I can manage is a nod.

Kayden’s fingers are still wrapped around my wrist, and I eventually pull away. I clear my throat and avert my gaze. “Have you got a broom or a brush or something?”

The words are a jumbled mess in my mouth, and I scold myself for sounding so jittery. I’m intimidated by his attractiveness. That’s all. Who wouldn’t be?

“Uh, yeah,” he stands and opens one of the cupboards.

He rummages inside, and the dark navy fitted T-shirt clings to his devastating biceps. The muscles flex and stretch with his subtle movements. Looking at him makes me feel like an excited schoolgirl admiring their crush.

After a few moments, he pulls out a dustpan and brush. “Thanks,” I say, reaching to take it.

He shakes his head quickly. “I’ve got the glass. You get the champagne.”

“Sure.” I nod and clean up the rest of the spillage.

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