Always You

Chapter 18

{Layla}

{Eleven years earlier}

It's my seventeenth birthday and I'm having all my mates over my house for a little party. Personally, I would have tried to treat the day as any other but mum and Jas had other ideas. Hence this little soiree.

George, Amelia and of course Jas were already here along with my family. My sister-in-law was in the kitchen with my parents while my older brother, Owen, was meant to be watching my two nephews. Instead, they were climbing over Amelia, trying to show her their colouring books. At least my two-month-old niece was behaving, given the fact that she had been asleep since they arrived.

When the doorbell rings I jump to get it. I may be waiting for one person in particular to show up but I need to tamp down my response or I'm going to give the game away.

Today, the third of February, is not only my seventeenth birthday but it is also the four-month anniversary of Meg and I being in a relationship. That's right, I've had a girlfriend for four solid months.

Talking of which, I open the door to find Meg and Dan. They greet me with birthday well wishes. I think what the hell and give them both a hug. Having to remind myself that I need to release Meg quicker than I normally would.

"Everyone's just through here." I say motioning for Dan to go first.

As he walks into the living room Meg catches my arm. "I've got a present for you but I don't want to give it to you in front of everyone." She says quietly.

I know she means an actual physical present but I can't help but tease her. With a wiggle of the eyebrows and a half smile, I simply say, "Oh, yeah."

She gives me an eyeroll and the look I've come to know very well, stern but oh so cute. "Will you behave?" she says, with a little laugh, forgetting that we were whispering.

"That is a losing battle trying to get Layla to behave." Jas says from the doorway.

Meg jumps slightly but I'm confident that Jas only heard the end of the conversation. "You know you can't be mean to me today, right?"

"Says who?" Jas asks, quirking an eyebrow in the way she always does when we banter.

"I do, because it's my birthday so I also make the rules."

"Yeah, I call bull on that."

We have a silent stare off for a minute before we both break out in a smile. "Are you going to block the door all day or can we come in?" I ask.

"Oh, yeah, duh." Jas says with a laugh, moving out the way.

Before Meg can step into the room, I have an idea. "Ohh, while I remember, Meg, I have that book in my room that I was going to show you. Shall we go look at it now before everyone gets here?" I ask, coming up with the excuse to get Meg alone on the fly. I'm quite proud of myself but Meg just looks at me confused. After giving her a tight smile and widen eyes she cottons on.

"Yeah, okay."

The two of us head upstairs to my room, Meg leading the way. She's become a regular guest the past few months so knows where everything is.

"You really need to learn how to take a hint." I say with a smile. Closing the door behind me.

"Oh, shut up." She says, closing the distance between us and kissing me senseless.

Seriously, wowza.

"Mmmm. Now that is a good birthday present." I mumble against her lips.