Down By Contact (Virginia Valley University Book 4) by Jessica Ruddick

Author:Jessica Ruddick [Ruddick, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Peake Ink Press
Published: 2021-04-07T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

Justin

AFTER HER CONFRONTATION with her stepmother, Layla was quiet, seeming to disappear into herself. But before I could ask if she was okay, the wedding coordinator started barking orders. The doors to the sanctuary were flung open, and I followed as Vince escorted Layla to her seat.

When it was finally time for Vanessa to walk down the aisle, we stood. Layla’s chin quivered ever-so-slightly as she watched her father walk her half sister down the aisle. I couldn’t begin to imagine what was going through her mind. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her against my chest and pressed my lips to her temple. She exhaled and leaned into me. Perfect. We stayed like that for the entire ceremony, which was surprisingly short, sweet, and to the point.

Unfortunately, we had to stick around afterward for pictures. Obviously, I wasn’t in them, so I got to chill on the pew and watch Grace fuss over the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girls and throw a scowl Layla’s way every once in a while. If Grace’s antics didn’t upset Layla so much, I would have laughed. It was seriously pathetic.

“Are you doing okay?” I asked when we were finally alone in my truck, on the way to the hotel for the reception.

She took a moment to answer. “You know, I think I am. I finally don’t give a shit. Truly and honestly.”

“So is this your Durand farewell tour?”

“No, because I’m not like that. The only one I want to cut ties with is Grace, but I can’t do that without losing the others. But it’ll be what it is. She can work herself into a tizzy whenever she wants. I’m not wasting any more energy on it.”

“Not to be condescending, but I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks. I’m proud of me too.” She laughed. “Now, let’s see if I can follow through. It’s easier said than done.”

“You got this. You’re one of the strongest people I know.”

She fiddled with the tiny purse in her lap. “Thanks for being here. I know it sucks.”

I grinned. “What are you talking about? It’s been awesome. I met a turtle and dominated you on the dance floor yesterday.”

She laughed. “Uh, no, you did not.”

“Sure I did. You were there. He swam right past us.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s obviously not what I was referring to. I don’t think you understand the meaning of ‘dominate.’”

“Sure I do. It means you tried to show me up, and I shut you down.”

“You did not.”

“Did so. Ask that one bridesmaid. She was totally checking out my ass.” Layla gaped at me, and I grinned. “I guess you thought I didn’t notice.” I was a red-blooded male who always noticed when a hot girl was checking me out.

“Her looking at your ass doesn’t prove anything.”

I shrugged. “Was anyone looking at your ass?” Besides me, because I couldn’t keep my eyes off it. My bravado was a total ruse. Layla was hands down the better—and sexier—dancer. But I got a kick out of getting her all riled up.

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