Page 79 of Only Ever Yours

So, I pull out the only defense I have against her and continue being an asshole.

Ellie

I hear Haleigh's voice right before we step into the kitchen, “I’m dropping it for now, but you will tell me later, Jay.”

Hmm, sounds like she’s pissed at her brother.

Ryan gestures for me to go ahead of him. Just as we enter the kitchen, I catch Jaydon's gaze. His face tense, with his mouth gaped open, staring at Haleigh, and it’s clear he’s backing down—not wanting to piss her off even further.

I can't resist. I make my presence known with a little snark.

“Hmm… Sounds like someone is in trouble.” My gaze flicks to Jaydon, and he scrubs his hands down his jeans, avoiding eye contact with anyone. “How are you feeling, bestie?” Without waiting for her to answer, I step beside her and wrap her in a hug.

I focus on Haleigh, trying my best to block out the man I shouldn’t be around.

But then I hear Jaydon huffing under his breath and Ryan chuckling behind us. Even though mixed emotions spark inside me, I try my best to ignore him and focus on the reason I’m here.

Her eyes tell me she’s exhausted.

“I’m feeling okay. Just super tired from being up all throughout the night, and we had tons of visitors today.”

“Aww, Hales, I should have double-checked to make sure you felt like having company.”

“No, you know you are always welcome here.” Her words come out so apologetic.

Jaydon uses that as his chance to speak at the same time as Haleigh, only to further piss me off. “Well, it seems like Haleigh is tired. So, you can go ahead and leave if you want,” He says, full of spite.

I can't stand him right now.

He looks at me with the most infuriating smirk on his stupid, handsome face.

Asshole.

I’m in his face so fast, “What the hell is your problem with me, Jay?” I snap a little too loud, before reminding myself that he’s just trying to agitate me even further.

He’s sitting at the bar with his tatted arms crossed, studying every inch of me, but his damn smirk doesn’t fade. He's trying to get under my skin, seeing just how far he can take this, but I refuse to give him any more of my time.

“You know what? I’m not doing this.” I spin on my heels back to Haleigh. “Take me to that sweet baby girl so I can get my snuggles in.”

Haleigh looks at Jaydon, shaking her head, and I step ahead of her.

She ushers me towards the living room, “Come on, she’s sleeping in the living room. It’s almost time for her feeding anyway.”

I waste no time leaving the kitchen—because the man sitting at the bar, looking fine as fuck, pisses me off like no other man ever has.

Ellie

Oh my goodness, I can’t take the cuteness. She’s lying wrapped up so tight in her pink blanket, the pink and blue-lined hat only revealing the tiniest hint of her dark brown hair. Walking closer to the bassinet, I reach for her without even asking—but I know my bestie, and she won’t care one bit.

“Sorry, Hales, but I need to hold this sweet little girl. Oh my goodness, Ryleigh Grace is the most precious babyever. When she cries, she’s all yours, though.” I laugh and pull her into my arms, inhaling her fresh baby scent.

Haleigh giggles. “You're fine. She will let us know when she wants food.”

I pout, looking at her. “I’m so sorry we never got to do your shower.”

“It's fine. Little miss was determined to arrive early. Everyone has just been dropping the gifts off, so it all worked out.”

I cradle her head in my hand and feel the warmth of her tiny body in my other. “Oh my gosh, I still can't believe my bestie is a mom now!”

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