Loves Deception

Chapter 25

Layla was standing in the kitchen chatting with one of the bridesmaids when Xavier walked in. Her back was to him but she could feel his eyes on her, even smell him from across the room. She exhaled deeply. Will I ever be able to forget this man? “Oh girl. I think I see my future husband!”  The bridesmaid perked up instantly, pushing her already firm breasts up further. “How do I look? Are my teeth ok?” she asked smiling fakely at her. “Oh girl, he can get it! They say you’ll find your husband if you attend a wedding. Jackpot!” Layla tried not to laugh in her face but this chick was crazy. She turned to see who the unlucky guy was.

Turning, she locked eyes with Xavier. He was talking with a group of friends but was eyeing her intensely. She turned back around abruptly. “Mm. I found my after dinner entertainment.” She kept talking but Layla had already tuned her out. “Oh girl, here he comes!”

As Xavier watched Layla talk with one of the women who had tried pushing up on him all night, he decided now was a good as time as any for them to break the ice. Everyone was relaxing and enjoying themselves and Conversations were flowing throughout the house. Somehow she had managed to disappear when it came time for the women to hold up their end of the bet and cater to the men. He knew it was intentional. As he approached her he noticed the other woman’s eyes gleam. She was sorely mistaken if she thought he was coming for her.

Xavier stopped behind Layla and the hair on the back of her neck stood up. “So, yeah girl” The barbie bridesmaid said striking up a fake conversation. “You really shouldn't eat those cupcakes. You know with all those calories. And your dress was fitting a little too tight.” She smiled sweetly, knowing Xavier had overheard her. Layla blinked. Really? This chick threw me under the bus that quickly. And even if I was thinking about the cupcakes I'd have as many as I damned well pleased. But the audacity of this fake, anorexic bitch! Her hand flexed. She was itching to slap the words back into her mouth but she wouldn't cause a scene in her bestfriend's home.“In my opinion, she looked absolutely beautiful in her dress.” Xavier spoke close to her but loud enough for the other woman to hear. She laughed loudly as if he had told a joke. “Oh you are so funny! Hi, I'm Jessica Daniels. Cousin of the groom. I’ve seen you around before but we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting. Yet. You looked amazing in your suit today." She gushed, reaching out a slim manicured hand to him. Xavier reached around Layla and shook her hand quickly, letting it fall. “Xavier McCoy. Friend of the bride and groom.” “Well, hello to you.” she purred,  openly flirting with him. She was about to speak again until Xavier touched Layla's shoulder. “Hello again, Layla.” Her skin blazed as his fingers caressed her bare skin and his breath fanned her neck. She swallowed hard and turned slightly. Her lips twitched upwards nervously and she gave him a small wave.

Jessica stood silently, assessing them. She figured Layla wasn't a threat so she dismissed her. “So Xav. Can I call you that?”  "Only my closet friends and family call me that." Jessica plowed ahead. “Well Xav. Hopefully we'll become great friends too.” She hinted boldly and pushed her breasts out, showing off her hardened nipples. Layla had heard and seen enough and that was her cue to exit stage left. “Um yeah. It was nice chatting with you Jessica. Xavier.” She nodded to him and excused herself, walking out of the kitchen silently seething.

She wandered into the living room which was only occupied by a couple of people chatting intimately and found a seat on the plush sofa near the fireplace. As she stared blankly into the fire she allowed her mind to imagine all of the dirty things that, that mutt was probably saying to Xavier and wondered was he liking it. She mentally shook herself. Why do you care! Remember all those awful things he said to you? He's fair game so get over it! Her conscious chided her. As she argued back and forth with herself she didn't notice the person who sat down next to her. “Layla?”