Page 4 of Bonding with the Beta

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KAYLEIGH

Ihave drunk four glasses of champagne, and I’m now realising this was a bad,badidea. I’m at a baby shower. What the hell am I thinking? The glass between my fingers makes my stomach churn.

Ava and Jaxon have been floating around the room, sharing their attention with all their guests. I despise not knowing anyone at a party. I’m incredibly out of my depth. But I’m here for my best friend, and that’s what matters.

The sound of tapping glass rings through the kitchen, and everyone’s heads turn in the direction of the noise. Jaxon stands at the front of the island counter with Ava by his side, an arm wrapped protectively around her waist.

They’re both beaming, ear to ear. It’s as if no one else exists in their world and it’s just them. I wish I could find a man who loves me as much as Jaxon loves Ava. He loves her boldly, fiercely, and he’s not afraid to show it.

Jaxon clears his throat. “Hi, everyone. We wanted to thank you all for coming today and for making it special for Ava and me and, of course, the baby.”

A blonde woman I said hello to earlier cheers over him, making a few people laugh.

“Thanks, Luce.” Jaxon smiles.

My eyes focus on Jaxon’s sister, Lucy, as she stands with her husband, Sebastian, and their son, Albie. Kayden is close beside them, all of their focus on Jaxon and Ava. I swallow to dampen my throat when I study Kayden’s face to find those captivating dimples on full display again.

Of course, he has dimples.

God really said,I know how to make a man hotter.

The alcohol lacing my body has my eyes glued to him like a woman obsessed, but all I’m doing is admiring the sight. What’s wrong with having a bit of eye candy?

“I cannot tell you how proud I am of this one.” Jaxon leans down to kiss Ava’s temple as he stares at her like she’s the only woman in the world. “She is going to be the best mother ever. And, boy, I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you. With our little family.”

My heart thumps in awe of the way he talks about her. It brings tears to my eyes because that’s the sort of love I’ve dreamed of—most girls dream of.

“I love you,” he murmurs to her so quietly I almost miss it.

He didn’t even have to say those three words. Anyone can see how in love he is with her.

All I’ve known is manipulative love—the type you don’t know is awful until you’re out of the relationship. When I fall for someone, I fall head over heels. It's a dangerous road, especially when people take my kindness for granted.

And now, I have no trust, no faith,nothing.

The thought of going back to dating makes me feel physically sick. I know not all guys are the same, but I don’t want to find another likehim.

The sound of cheering has me snapping back to reality. My hand taps my wrist as my fingers shake around my champagne flute. No more alcohol, or it’ll end badly for me and my unstable emotions.

I clear my throat and shuffle on my feet. My eyes roam the room, seeing everyone grinning at Ava and Jaxon with happiness and excitement, until my gaze lands on Kayden’s, and to my surprise, he’s already looking at me. I cannot ignore his stare. His brows are furrowed at me like he’s seen me completely blackout for a few seconds.

Tearing my eyes away, I walk to the back door and force my legs outside. I dump my flute on a nearby table, regretting the last two glasses. My stomach is swirling like a tsunami, and the last thing I need is to make a fool of myself.

The second fresh air hits my lungs, I lift my head to the sky. My fingers latch onto a chair on the patio to steady myself. I take in as much oxygen as possible before exhaling and allowing my shoulders to slump.

I hate overthinking. I hate the past. Ihatethe power it has over me.

“Hey.” A voice behind me makes me jump.

My head turns to the sound, and I tilt my head to meet Kayden’s dark eyes. I force a smile and pull up from the chair, wrapping my arms around myself instead.

“Hi.”

He watches me with concern.

“Are you okay?”

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