Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
I whip my head to the side. “What? Why didn’t you say anything?” It’s one thing to have pictures taken, but for them to go after her. Fuck no.
“I honestly forgot. I got stuck on the train, and then we met Declan for dinner. It slipped my mind.”
“What did they do? Say?”
“They were just asking questions about us, but now, seeing that photo, it makes sense. I had to set all my social media stuff to private because women started sending me messages threatening me.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal when it’s a damn big deal. “Apparently, they don’t like that the notorious playboy Braxton Lutz is off the market.” She rolls her eyes playfully, not taking it seriously.
“From now on, until I hire a guard for you, Justin goes where you go.”
“What?” she gasps. “Why? I can handle some nosy-ass paps.”
“You don’t get it because you haven’t seen it, but they can be crazy. Especially the fans. For the most part, when we’re in New York, they leave us alone, but since shit is new, they’re out for dirt. I’m not taking any chances.” She opens her mouth to argue, but I keep going. “Even Layla has a guard, so I don’t want to hear it.”
“Only because they’re married, and she has a kid.”
“Because Camden wants to make sure they’re safe, and I’m going to do the same. Shit will calm down, but for now, Justin goes with you when you go out.”
“And what about you?”
“I’m fine. I’m here or at the studio for the most part, and I’m usually with one of the other guys who has security with them anyway.”
I can tell she’s about to continue arguing, but I give her a look that says I’m dead serious about this, and she sighs, knowing I’m not going to bend. She wants to be independent? Great. But I will not risk her safety, ever.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
KAYLEE
“This place is amazing!” Layla waddles her cute behind through my newly furnished apartment, checking it out. It’s been nearly a month since I signed the lease, and I’ve used the spare time I’m not working to decorate and furnish it. I love it, and for the first time, it’s mine. All freaking mine.
The only downfall is that Braxton isn’t living here. Because I was stubborn. I had it in my head that I needed to do it myself, and after giving me a little bit of shit, he respected that. But now I’m regretting it. I’ve quickly realized a home, a real home, is the place filled with the people you love. It’s not about the dwelling, but who’s inside it.
It hit me last night. Since the day I moved in, Braxton’s spent every night with me, having dinner together at the dining room table, watching our nightly show we’re currently bingeing while making out, showering in my shower, and sleeping in my bed, wrapped around me. Then last night, he had to fly to California for a business meeting for a couple of days that Camden asked him to handle since Layla is about to pop any day, and my home felt empty. And that’s when I realized that I don’t care about being independent and proving myself—about saying the place is mine—because without the person I love here, it means nothing.
“I’m going to ask Braxton to move in with me,” I blurt out to Layla, who’s checking out the gorgeous state-of-the-art kitchen.
“Yeah?” She glances back at me.
“Yeah. It might be too soon—”
“Stop.” She walks over and presses her hands to my shoulders. “We only get one life. How we spend it is up to us. It doesn’t matter what you choose to do as long as you’re doing what makes you happy.” Her voice cracks, and I know she’s speaking from experience. “You deserve to be happy, Kaylee. Fuck anyone who thinks or says otherwise.”
I hug her tightly—albeit a bit awkwardly since her big belly is in the way. “Thank you for being my best friend,” I choke out.
“Always.” She pulls back. “Now, what do you say we go out tonight? I know Braxton is gone for the night. Camden’s at home with Felix, and Bailey, Cynthia, and Kendall are all on board. I can’t drink obviously, but with me due soon, I want one night with my besties before things get crazy.”
“Before you’re a mom of two.” I grin because despite her sounding like her life is about to be over, I know she’s excited... just nervous.
“I’m a little scared,” she admits, just as I thought. “The last time...”
“Camden is not him,” I say, referring to her ex-husband.
“I know, but what if having a kid changes Camden?”
“That’s not going to happen. What that asshole did and how he behaved is not normal. And you know better than to compare them to each other. Camden is amazing with Felix. He treats him like he’s his own son. And he loves you more than I’ve seen any man love someone. You’re just super pregnant and even more hormonal. You’re right. We need to go out. You need yourself a virgin something and to relax because your life is damn near as perfect as it gets, and you’re just having a moment. One that will pass.”