Ryder (Resisting Love #2.5)(7)

“I can’t believe you’re here! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“And miss this reception? I think not. I wanted to surprise you, baby sis,” Tee tells her with a grin. “Look at you; I can’t believe you’re a mummy! You don’t even look like you’ve had a kid!”

Layla rolls her eyes. “My ass is bigger, trust me.”

“Layla, this is my bestie, Lexi. Lexi, my baby sister, Layla.” Surprisingly, Layla gives me a warm hug.

“Lexi, of course. I’ve heard so much about you. Come in, both of you, I’m so rude making you stand in the door,” Layla says.

For some reason I don’t think she could ever be rude. She has a wholesome appearance about her.

“So? Where’s your man? You know, the father of my nephew,” Tee says as she sees the adorable baby boy in the bassinette. She instantly runs over to pick him up, kissing him on his soft cheek. “He’s so perfect, Layla!” she says in awe.

“I know,” Layla says proudly, before adding, with a scheming grin, “And I’m going to love him so much, no other woman is ever going to be good enough for him.”

“You are so beautiful! Yes you are! I’m going to spoil you like crazy,” Tee coos to the infant. He has a thick head of inky jet black hair and Layla’s deep brown eyes framed by the longest lashes I have ever seen. His tanned, olive complexion gives him an exotic look. He’s the cutest kid I’ve ever seen in my life, hands down.

“He'll be back from work soon. Can I get you something to drink, Lexi?” she offers kindly.

“No, thank you,” I decline, taking a seat on a soft blue couch. Tee puts the baby back down in his bassinette.

“Seriously, Layla, he’s incredible, and so lucky to have you as a mother,” Tee tells her sister softly.

“Tee,” Layla says fondly.

“Just don’t turn into a nag like mum,” Tee jokes, lightening the mood.

Layla bursts out laughing, and I can’t help it when my own lips curve into a smile.

“I’m gonna give Chase the old ‘what are your intentions with my sister’ lecture,” Tee says gleefully, taking a seat next to me and propping up her boots on the coffee table, making herself completely at home.

“Bit late for that,” Layla giggles. Ain’t that the truth.

“Oh, come on, Layla. Don’t ruin my fun, you’re my only sibling, after all,” Tee huffs.

Layla rolls her eyes, obviously used to her sister's drama.

“Why aren’t you staying with me?” she asks Tee with a scowl.

“I didn’t want to intrude. You have your man and a baby and you need your privacy. I thought we could crash with Ryder. His new place is awesome, and I like to annoy him. So really, it’s a win-win situation.”

“Poor Ryder,” Layla says, shaking her head in mock pity.

“Hey! I’m not that bad!” Tee replies indignantly. Layla and I both roll our eyes before she stands up.

“Well you're both always welcome here. I’m going to bring you some cupcakes and snacks. Hold on,” she says, walking into the kitchen.

“Looks like I’m living with the wrong sister,” I tease.

Tee nods in agreement. “This is true, Layla is like the perfect housewife.”

Layla walks back in with a tray full of delicious treats.

“This was for Kade, but I’ll make him another batch,” she says, placing the tray down.

“Who’s Kade?” Tee asks.

“Chase’s brother, you'll love him, Tee,” Layla beams.

“Is he hot?” Tee asks, waggling her eyebrows.

“Yeah, and taken. By Nikki,” Layla says with a smile.

“Nikki? Holy shit. You’re all being taken down one by one,” Tee complains.

Layla ignored her and looks at me. “Lexi, has anyone ever told you that you should be a model?” I choke on my chocolate frosted cupcake.

“Umm,” I blush.

“She gets it all the time,” Tee says, reaching for a cookie.

“You should,” Layla encourages.

“Let her be, you’re making her blush,” Tee adds with a chuckle. I shoot her an evil look.

Layla glances between the two of us and smirks. “Opposites attract, I guess.”

“Yeah, nothing makes Tee blush,” I say. It’s true, the woman never gets embarrassed.

“That’s not true! I remember this one time at band camp when...” Tee yelps when Layla throws a cookie at her.

“That’s a waste of a perfectly good baked treat, Layla!” Tee scolds. I burst out laughing when Tee picks it up from the ground and eats it.

“Did you bring me souvenirs?” Layla asks Tee excitedly.

“Yep. All kinds of shit. Shot glasses, magnets, post cards, and key rings. All the stuff you wanted,” Tee tells her, shoving the rest of the cookie in her mouth.

“Yay! Where are they?”

“At Ryder’s, I sort of forgot to bring them,” Tee says apologetically.

The front door opens and a deep voice says, “Layla?”

“In here, Chase!” Layla calls out. My mouth parts slightly as I take in the man who walks in. Tall, broad shouldered, with jet black hair, bright blue eyes, long thick black lashes, and sensual lips. Layla has hit the lottery. The man is delectable. I glance over at Tee and see her staring at me with a smirk. I blush. Well, hell, I am only a woman.