Tell me how the fúck I have Layla Stevens sitting across from me at my dinner table? How is she here, talking and getting along with my family? How is she laughing with my siblings and complementing my mom's cooking and asking about my dad's shop?

How does this feel so normal in a way? This has never happened before and yet it feels like it could happen a million times again.

And why the hell do I keep calling her Sunshine? That needs to stop real fast because it makes it seem like I'm warming up to her. I don't warm up to people. I keep them at a distance so that I can keep me and my family from getting hurt.

"Thank you so much for dinner, Novah, it was amazing." Layla smiles at my mother once everyone seems to have finished their meals.

Mom smiles, "You're welcome, sweetheart. I'm glad you could join us."

"I've got the dishes." I murmur, starting to pick up everyone's plates.

Mom kisses my cheek as she stands up from her seat beside me, "Thanks, love."

Everyone slowly makes their way into the living room as I start gathering up the empty dishes, but I frown when I notice Layla helping me. I walk towards her and take the stack of dishes from her arms. "Go join the rest of my family. I've got this."

She looks up at me and huffs defiantly, her lips forming a small pout, "I want to help."

I force my eyes not to linger on the adorable pout settled on her lips and head for the kitchen. "You're our guest. Go watch a movie with my siblings."

Walking into the kitchen, I set the dishes down next to the sink. I start rinsing them but stop when Layla comes up beside me, carrying the last of the plates from the table. I sigh, turning to her, "Seriously?"

She smiles up at me as she sets the plates down on the countertop. "Did you really think I was going to let you do the dishes all by yourself?"

"I was hoping so, yes." I reply, shaking my head, "You You're really stubborn, you know that?"

She nods with a grin, "Actually, I have been told that once. It was by some weird, probably insane guy that I saw laying in the middle of the road."

I can't stop the small smile that lifts my lips, "Sounds like an interesting guy." I comment.

"Mmm, he is, actually." She replies, playing along.

I quirk an eyebrow, not turning to face her, "Oh really?"

"Yeah. He acts like this scary, dark bad boy, but I know he's not."

I smirk. "And how do you know that?"

I can almost hear her grinning as she replies, "Because I've seen the way he acts with his siblings. It's cute."

I wince, turning to look at her, "I'm not 'cute'."

That infectious grin is plastered on her face once again. "You kinda are."

I roll my eyes, continuing to wash the dishes as she starts to dry them, "I don't think so, Sunshine."

"See! That right there proves it! How bad can you be if you go around giving people nicknames like that?"

"I don't just go around giving people nicknames."

"Then what about mine?"

I only shrug, "It fits."

Layla shakes her head, smiling to herself, "You are too cute, Reece Carter."

"Cute isn't the word I'd use to describe myself." I mutter.

"Oh yeah? How would you describe yourself then?"

I smirk, "I dunno... Hot? Sexy? Badáss?"

She laughs before nodding her head with a fake-serious expression, "Oh, yeah, you're definitely all those things as well."

"Reecey, help us!" A high-pitched squeal breaks through the air making both Layla and I turn towards the direction the sound came from.

Macy and Sophie both run into the kitchen giggling and squealing. They hide behind Layla and me, telling us to be quiet. I turn my head to look at Layla and she just shrugs, shaking with silent laughter as she looks down at the twins hiding behind us.

Another pair of footsteps follow theirs only a moment later and Cody runs into the room, looking around hurriedly. He is quick to spot the twins, a grin lifting his lips before he runs forward and tags Sophie, who is closest to him.

"Tag!" He exclaims before running back out of the room. Sophie and Macy then start tagging each other back and forth over and over again.

This is getting nowhere.

Suddenly they both turn to me and Layla. Macy quickly shoots her hand out yelling "Tag!" and hitting my leg lightly before they both run out of the room.

I sigh and hang my head before turning to Layla, "You might wanna run, Sunshine." Her eyes widen and she quickly drops the towel she is holding, immediately running out of the room.

I laugh quietly, shaking my head to myself as I run after her.

~

Mondays are probably my favorite out of the five days a week I have to go to school. I know, everyone usually hates Mondays, but my first period every Monday is a free period. Hence why it's my favorite. I get to sleep in. I also don't have to deal with people before school starts and when I arrive, there aren't many people around because everyone is in class. Perfect.

I turn my car into a free parking space and put it in park before turning off the engine. It takes me a few minutes just sitting there, contemplating if I should just ditch before I actually get out of the car. I can't ditch today, no matter how much I want to. I ditched a couple classes on Friday so I should at least try to last the whole day today.

After I step out of the car, I shut the door behind me and begin walking towards the school building, shoving my keys into my pocket. I pause when my eyes land on a familiar blonde stepping out of her car across from me.

"You're a little late today, Sunshine." I comment when I'm close enough to her, stopping a few meters from her car.

She looks up quickly, turning her head in my direction with a smile pulling up her lips. "Looks like I'm not the only one."

I suppress a smile at her comment as she starts walking towards me. "I have a spare first period."

Her smile widens, "Same."

The faint sound of the bell ringing from inside school has us both walking in the direction of school, her a little quicker than me. She obviously doesn't want to be late.

I look down at her as she walks next to me and I let my gaze run over her body for a brief second. She looks good in yellow.

"So what class do you have first?" She asks happily, turning around, and walking backwards so that she can face me as we talk. I have to force myself not to smile again.

"English. You?" I ask, shoving my hands into the pockets of my jeans.

She grins, perfectly straight, white teeth on display. "Music.

I raise my eyebrows in slight surprise. "I didn't have you pinned as a musician, Sunshine."

She nods happily. "Uh huh. I've been singing and playing the guitar since I was six. I also picked up piano in seventh grade."

"Wow."

Her grin widens, "Do you play any instruments?"

"I used to play the piano. I haven't for a while though."

"Why not?" She asks with a frown.

I shrug, "I guess I just lost interest."

There is short pause where we both just walk and study each other in silence. But that moment is short-lived as I realize that a couple feet behind her is a metal lamppost and she is about to walk straight into it. My eyes widen as I take a large step forward and close the distance between us. I wrap my arm around her small waist firmly and gently pull her into my chest, stopping her before she can get hurt. Her hands fly to my chest at the sudden movement and I hope she can't feel my quickening heartbeat beneath the palm of her hand.

For one heart-stopping moment, her eyes lock with mine. Neither of us move a muscle. She is pressed right against my chest and the warmth of her body against mine feels unfamiliar but heavenly. Something about the way she seems to fit so perfectly against me makes me want to never let her go.

I do though, of course, blinking a few times and coming to my senses. I take a step back from her as I clear my throat, digging my hands into the pockets of my jeans. "Sorry, you were about to walk straight into the lamppost."

Her eyes widen and she turns her head, seeing how close she is to the metal pole. "Thanks." She murmurs as I take a moment to try slowing down the rapid beating of my heart in my chest. I open my mouth to reply, but I'm cut off by the bell ringing once more, telling us we are now officially late for class. Layla sighs dejectedly, "Well, shít."

~

"So, you know how there's that party on Friday...?" Anna leans against the locker beside mine, shooting me an innocent grin as I swap my textbooks.

I glance at her with narrowed eyes, "You better not say what I think you're about to say."

"And what would that be?"

"That you want to go to the party."

"I don't want to go to the party," She says, and I let out a sigh of relief, "I need to go to the party."

I slam my locker door shut and turn to glare at her. "You're not going."

Anna sighs exasperatedly, "But Liam said he would go with me! I'll be fine!"

"How the hell did you get Liam to agree to that?"

She only shrugs, "Doesn't matter. I'm going."

"Like hell you are." I grumble and when she takes off running down the hall, I quickly run after her. I dodge past people, keeping my eyes locked on my sister the whole time. She finally stops when she reaches a certain blonde standing at her locker.

"Layla!" I hear her call and the blonde turns her head at the sound of her name being called. Her eyebrows furrow adorably as she speaks to Anna.

Wait, did I just call her adorable? What the hell is wrong with me?

Anna scurries behind Layla as I come to a stop in front of them with a sigh. "Anna, I'm not blind. I can still see you." She only hides away further from my view. I sigh and switch my gaze to Layla.

"What did she do?" She asks curiously, her bright green eyes staring up into mine.

"Nothing good." I mutter, "Anna, you're not going."

She huffs and moves out from behind Layla, glaring at me. "Why not?"

"Because Tyler's going to be there, and I'm not going to be there to protect you."

"Liam will."

I roll my eyes, "How'd you convince him?"

Anna shrugs, biting back a small smile, "It doesn't take much."

"Liam's one of the most stubborn people I know." I argue, my lips quirking up for a brief moment as I move my gaze back to Layla, "Only second to you, Sunshine."

My eyes drop to her lips as her teeth sink into her bottom lip, biting down on it softly to hold back a smile. I have to force myself to look away.

"I guess he has a sweet spot for me," Anna shrugs nonchalantly, bringing me back to the current situation.

"You're still not going."

"It's just a party, Reece!"

I roll my eyes, "And what happened last time?"

Anna glares at me, "Alright, I get it. I was stupid. But come on, I'll be fine. Liam's not gonna leave my side the entire night. How'd you get that out of him, by the way?"

I smirk, "Let's just say he's gonna have a few bruises tomorrow."

Layla's eyes widen, "You punched your best friend?"

I shake my head, "Nah. Well, I did, but not hard enough to leave a bruise."

"I'm going to that party, Reece. Liam's gonna be there. And Layla will too, right?" Anna asks, turning to Layla now.

Her eyes widen as she flickers her gaze between Anna and I, "Uh... yes?"

Anna squeals excitedly, jumping up and down happily, "See? I'll be fine."

I huff, looking between Anna and Layla a few times before finally settling my gaze on Anna, "Fine. I'll try and get there after training as well."

Anna groans, "Oh my god! I'm not a kid, Reece. I can take care of myself."

I shrug, starting to walk away, "I know. But it's fun to treat you like one."

~

"Hey, Reece." My head immediately shoots up at the sound of my name, my eyes being forced to leave my phone and find the person in front of me. I immediately recognize the smiling blonde now sitting beside me.

"Oh, hey, Sunshine." I can't seem to stop that nickname from slipping out.

Layla smiles, resting her elbow on the desk and her head in the palm of her hand. Glancing down at my phone which is sitting on the desk, she bites back a smile. "I think you lost the game."

I roll my eyes as I turn off my phone which has been displaying the game of Eight Ball I have been playing against Liam on GamePigeon. I shove my phone into my pocket along with my headphones. "Don't you usually sit a couple seats forward?"

She nods with a grin, "Do you watch me, Reece?"

Scoffing, I shake my head, "You wish, Sunshine. I've just noticed where people sit."

Our conversation is cut short when the teacher walks into the room. "Good morning everyone. Or is it afternoon now? I don't know. Hello students," He drops his briefcase on the ground with a thud before slouching down into his chair and rolling back a little. "Right. Um, today we're doing a couple experiments, testing the pH level of different substances. Instructions are on the board. Don't burn a hole in anything with acids." With that, he slouches down in his desk chair, closing his eyes.

Layla turns to me with a smile, tilting her head to the side slightly as she watches me. "Do you wanna be my partner?"

I let my lips pull up into a small smile as I nod. "Sure thing, Sunshine."

And that's what we do for the rest of the class. Testing pH levels. Fun.

Eventually the bell rings, signaling the end of the period and the start of our lunch break. Everyone in the class instantly shoots out of their seats and heads out the door. I pick up my bag and sling it over my shoulders before heading out of the classroom. Lunch is my favorite period of the day.

A second later, Layla falls into step beside me. She straightens out her shirt, instantly drawing my attention to what she is wearing. It's a cropped white collared shirt with a pair of blue jeans. How does she look good every day? Maybe it's just her.

With a small smile playing on my lips, I look down at her. "You're so slow."

She gasps dramatically, placing a hand over her heart as she quickly side-steps someone who is about to ram straight into her. I refrain from turning and drilling holes into the guy's head. "I am not!" She exclaims, moving to walk in step with me once again.

A small chuckle escapes my lips, "Sure you aren't."

Scoffing, she rolls her eyes, "I'm not! You're just freakishly fast. And you have really long legs. It's hard for someone with short legs like me to keep up with you."

"You aren't that short."

We come to a stop just outside the cafeteria and she turns to face me, tilting her head back to look up at me with raised eyebrows. She barely reaches my shoulders. "You sure about that?"

"Okay, never mind. You're short."

"That's what I thought." She nods and when I open the cafeteria doors for her, she steps in, me following after her. We walk over to cafeteria line and join the back of it.

"Layla!" A voice calls over the loud chatter of the cafeteria.

I turn my head to the sound of the voice and see Anna walking over to me and Layla. Layla smiles, "Hey, Anna."

She stands in line with us and huffs, "All my friends just ditched me to go study."

"And you're not studying why?" I raise my eyebrows at her in question.

Anna only rolls her eyes. "They're studying for a history test. I don't take history."

"You can sit with me if you like." Layla offers, picking up a tray from the stack.

Anna takes a tray as well, a grin lighting up her features, "Really!?"

Layla nods with another laugh, "Yeah, of course."

"Yay! Reece, you're sitting with us." She states, turning to me with a smirk.

My eyes widen as I switch my gaze between the two of them. "Uh, why?"

"Because you always sit around the back of the school with Liam. Come sit with us! We can meet Layla's friends."

"I've already met her best friend." I reply nonchalantly, grabbing an apple, and putting it on my tray.

"What!?" Anna exclaims.

My eyes widen as I stare at my little sister, "What?"

Anna just sighs, shaking her head, "Of course."

"Uh, I don't get it either." Layla interjects before replying to the lunch lady as she asks what she wants.

Anna rolls her eyes with a smile, "Of course you don't."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask, moving up to answer the lunch lady as Layla moves off to the side and out of the lunch line.

Anna grins, moving to stand beside Layla, "Oh, nothing. Now, where are we sitting?"

Layla leads Anna and I over to her lunch table where two people are already sitting. The first is Amanda, Layla's best friend, and there is also Mark who I have gym class with. Now that I think of it, I have heard him mention his girlfriend Amanda before.

"This is my best friend, Amanda and her boyfriend, Mark," Layla tells Anna and I as she sits down next to Amanda, "You guys already know Reece. This is his younger sister, Anna."

Amanda smiles, about to reply when another loud voice cuts her off before she can. "Hey, Blondie!"

I roll my eyes and turn around, spotting Liam running over to us, a grin plastered on his face. I turn to Layla and lean down to speak softly beside her ear, "So, he's allowed to call you Blondie and I'm not?"

She shrugs her shoulders, turning to me with a smile, "I like Sunshine better."