Layla's POV

"Look jerk, I have been trying to get out of here! You and I are stuck in here because the door is freaking locked!!!"

He came out the bathroom with no shirt on. For a jerk and player, dang, this boy has a nice body.  But, his attitude sucks. He caught me staring.

He started flexing his muscles and said to me, "Like what you see? You know you want to have some 'fun.' After he said that, he started walking towards me.

"Don't come any closer to me! Stay right where you are!" He ignored it and steadily walked towards me. I tried to get out of his grasp, but no such luck.

He reached for my arms and said, "Just where do you think you are going?" I tried to wiggle away from his grip. He then pushed me on the bed and then hovered over me.

"Come on, Layla. You know you want it. Just once let me in and then we can go back to hating each other."

"My body is a temple and I do not let anyone just come in. And might I add, you are not going to add me to your list of tramps. So, get off of me!" I tried pushing him off, but to no avail. This man has some rock-hard abs.

"You are saying no, but yet you keep touching my abs."

"Nolan, get off of me! Go use your muscles to get the door open."

"It's your lost. And, this will never happen again." He got up and went to try and open the door.

"Alicia! Dean!" No answer.

Even Nolan's rock-hard, sexy muscles could not open the door. "What good are you for?"

"One thing I am good at is......'

"Don't even think about answering that question." 

"Ugh, first Blake, now you. I can't catch a break."

"Wait, she was here?"

"Just like you, she spilled her drink on me. No, she actually threw it on me. That's why I had to change my clothes. Her ex and I have a date on Sunday."

For somebody I can't stand, I sure did get jealous hearing her say that. "With who?"

"Not that it is any of your business, but with Ryan. Unlike you, he is a gentleman and is really sweet."

"Whatever floats your boat." That Blair chick sure does get around.

Alicia's POV

We heard every word Layla and Nolan said, especially while laying down on the bed. But, so far they still can't stand each other.

"Don't you ever get tired of having a different woman almost every night? What if one of those women get pregnant?" Layla asked Nolan.

"Look, I already have one mother. My life is none of your business. You live your life the way you want to. And, I will live mine the way I want to. Not you or anyone else is going to stop me from having 'fun.'"

"I don't care about your life at all. I am concerned about my daughter seeing that stuff."

"Well, too bad. You and your daughter are just going to have to deal with it.

Yep, they still can't stand each other.

"Alicia, get me out of here, now!!!"

As soon as we made it downstairs, Dean asked me, "How long are we going to leave them in there?"

"Tomorrow. I'll go call Austin and check on Brae." Ryan came up to me and asked me where Layla was. "She wanted to apologize to you for not letting you know she left. She wasn't feeling good from something she ate."

"Okay. I'll call her tomorrow." Then, Ryan walked away. I certainly wasn't telling him where Layla really was. Then, I called Austin.

"Hey Austin, this is Layla's friend, Alicia. Layla doesn't feel so well at the moment from something she ate last night." It is after midnight. "So, she is staying at my place tonight. She said she will see you and Brae later today."

"Okay. Thanks for calling, Alicia." Then, Austin hung up the phone.

"Now, to go upstairs and check on Layla and Nolan."

"Alicia Michelle Jones, get me out of here!!!!"

Uh-oh, I guess we better get them out of there. So, I tried to unlock the door with the key Dean gave me and the door did not budge. "I'm trying Layla, um, but it is stuck. Be right back."

I went searching for Dean and he was talking to Michael, Eric and Jackson. "Um guys, little help upstairs. I tried to open the door to let Layla and Nolan out, but it was not budging. We have to get them out of there before they kill each other."

We all ran upstairs, and all three guys tried to open the door.

"Man, that is one tough door. What is it made of, steel?" Michael groaned.

Eric tried too, but to no avail. "Man, you are going to have to call somebody to open that door."

"It's almost 3 am in the morning. I can't call for maintenance at this hour."

"Looks like Layla and Nolan are stuck until then."

Layla is going to kill me. "Layla, my sister and best friend, the door is stuck, and we can't get it open. Dean has to wait until he can call maintenance. Sorry, boo."

Layla's POV

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT IS STUCK?!!! I AM STUCK IN HERE WITH HIM?!!

"Well, you aren't all that neither, Layla."

I walked over to the door and tried it again myself. And, it didn't open.

"Are you bright? You seriously tried to open the door again? Didn't you hear them? It's stuck." Nolan smartly replied.

I don't care how tall he is, so I marched over to him and slapped him in the face. "Nolan, I don't care who you are, if this door doesn't get open soon, I am going to go crazy and kill you!!! I am hungry, thirsty and I have a child that needs me!" I was about to slap him again, but he stopped my hand.

This time, he grabbed me and threw me on the bed and got on top of me. "Again, why do you keep doing this to me if you hate me? Get off of me!!!!"

He leaned in and kissed me. And this time it was different. I tried pushing him off me, but it didn't work. Dang, this boy is a good kisser. He tried to tongue kiss me, but I wasn't letting him in my mouth. 

"I don't appreciate you smacking me in my face! Your rambling on and on got on my nerves. I had to do something to shut you up! Just shut up and deal with it!!! I am not thrilled to be in here with you either!"

"But yet you have kissed me twice! Stop it! And, get off of me!!!! I miss my child!! Is that so hard for you to understand?! Just leave me alone!!! And, put on a shirt!!!"

"I am not putting on nothing. Deal with it!"

"GET OFF OF ME!!!" He did. I got up off the bed and slammed the bathroom door. I have never spent this much time away from Braelyn and it is killing me. I know Austin is taking great care of her, but I miss her so much. I just want to hear her little voice again. I just sat there and cried. I don't even know what time it is.

20 minutes later, Nolan is banging on the door. "Layla, can you get out of the bathroom?!! I need to use it!!"

I opened the door. "I have never used the word hate before, but it fits you. I HATE YOU, NOLAN!!" Then, I brushed passed him and flopped on the bed and cried.

Nolan's POV

After putting on my shirt and using the bathroom, I walked back into the bedroom. She was laying on the bed crying. "Maybe I took it too far. She really misses her daughter."

"Layla, I am sorry. At least while we are stuck in the room, can we be cordial with one another? I won't bother you again." So, I sat on the lounge chair that was in there and let her stay on the bed.

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Alicia's POV

I feel like a total jerk right now. Eric was right. We need to mind our own business and let Layla pick who she wants to be with. She is miserable being stuck in there with Nolan.

"Now that is a first. Nolan never has apologized to anyone. Let me go call maintenance." Dean left to go to his room and make the phone call.

"For him to kiss her twice like he did, he is starting to like her. But, he won't admit it." Michael said to Eric and me.

Dean came back, but the expression on his face said he didn't have good news. "Maintenance will not be able to come until noon."

"We have to get her out of there. I know Layla and she is miserable without Braelyn. One time when Braelyn had an asthma attack, they had to take her to the hospital. Layla threw a fit because she did not want to leave Braelyn. But, the hospital saw the hurt on her face and let Layla stay. Other than her parents, Braelyn is all she has."

"What is her address? Eric and I will drive out to get her daughter." Michael suggested.

"She is going to be furious when I tell her what happened, but I will deal with it. I'll call Austin while you guys are on the way." I gave Eric and Michael Layla's address. Then, I called Austin and told him what really happened. He was mad, but he said he would get Braelyn dressed to be ready to leave.

It was quiet in there now. I hope they haven't killed each other yet. "Alicia, go ahead and get something to eat and get some rest. This is also my fault as well. I'll stay here until they come back with her daughter."

"Thanks." So, I went to get something to eat and then take a nap.

Dean's POV

The guys left at 8:00 am. It is now 11:45 am and they still are not back. "They must be stuck in traffic." I called Ryan and told him what really happened. He was mad as well. He is on his way over. Eric called and said they are still stuck in traffic. "Just great. Stuck in Saturday afternoon NYC traffic." And, still no sight of maintenance. "What is the point of paying all that money a month in rent?!!"

The maintenance man came at 12:30 pm. By the time he got the door open, it was 1:00 pm. The scene in the room was quite surprising. "Nolan and Lay.....'' They were asleep on the bed in each other's arms. In the background, I could hear her daughter. I snapped a picture of them in each other's arms before they woke up.

"Mommy! Mommy!"

They woke up. Layla shot up out of Nolan's grasp. "Ugh, why am I wrapped in your arms?! GET YOUR ARMS OFF ME!!"

"Gladly."

Layla jumped off the bed when she heard her daughter. She ran out the room downstairs to her daughter.

Layla's POV

I have no idea how I ended up in Nolan's arms. But, as soon as I heard my baby girls' voice, I darted out of that room. "Hey, baby....." I felt myself getting dizzy. "Layla, you don't look so good." Ryan came over, took my hands, and helped me down the stairs to the couch.

"I missed you mommy!"

"I missed you too, Brae." Austin must have brought her here. I glanced over to where he was sitting. He was giving Ryan dirty looks because he was stroking my hair and stroking my back while I was in his arms.

"I didn't know you knew Austin, Layla." Ryan said to me.

"He is Braelyn's father. How do you know each other?"

"Ryan and I are best friends. You never met him when we were together. He came back to New York after you left."

"I'm potentially dating Austin's best friend?" It got so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. It would be awkward for them because they are friends. But, it won't be for me. Austin has no one but himself to blame as to why we are not together. Alicia brought me something to drink and to eat. "Brae, come here to mommy. I want you to meet mommy's friend."

Ryan's POV

"Brae baby, this is Ryan." Layla's daughter waved her hands to me. "Hi, Mr. Ryan."

"And, Ryan, this is my daughter, Braelyn." I unwrapped my arms from around Layla. She is just as beautiful as Layla. I stuck out my hand to her. "Hi, Braelyn. You are just as pretty as your mommy."

"What do you say, Brae?"

"Thank you."

"Mr. Ryan is going to spend Sunday with us at our house." Layla looked at me and said, "We have a pool, so bring some swimwear. Alicia, can you pass me my purse?" She did, and Layla looked in her purse for something. "Here is a business card with my address."

"Thanks. What time should I come?"

"You can come over around noon. We will have to stop at a store sometime today for food to fix because I don't know what you like."

"How about I cook for you and your daughter. What do you like?"

"Well, we have a grill. So, how about hamburgers? Braelyn loves burgers."

"Okay. Grilling is one of my favorite things to do. I can do that."

Austin is my friend and all, but what he did to Layla was wrong. He can give me dirty looks all he wants, but it is his own fault that him and Layla are not together. I really like her a lot and hope to be more than friends one day.

Austin's POV

Of all people Layla starts to date, it is Ryan. And, they look awfully cozy sitting on that couch, all cuddled up together. Ryan is a great friend and I know he would never hurt Layla. And, I could trust him with Braelyn. "Dang."

Alicia and Dean started explaining why they did what they did. I think that Nolan character left.

Alicia's POV

"Layla, I am so sorry for what happened. I wanted you and Nolan to become friends." Dean added, "It is not just her fault. I am to blame as well."

"Now that we are dating, we wanted you both to become friends and start dating each other. So, we concocted a plan to get you two together. We thought that by locking you both in that room, you would come friends by helping each other get out of the room. But, all we heard coming from the room was arguments. We realized that was not going to happen. When we tried to open the door, it was stuck.

Layla's POV

I was furious! Locked in a freaking room for 12 hours with him?!!! "You both did that knowing that I already asked Ryan out?!"

"Technically, you didn't really ask him out. And, no we already planned it before Ryan."

"That doesn't matter! He accepted it when I said it to his ex! So, he is coming over to my house. I finally find a guy that I am interested in after 4 freaking years!! Then, you guys want to set me up with someone whom I can't stand?!! 12 hours I was in that room with him!!!"

I saw Austin's face when I said that I liked Ryan. "Austin, I suggest you fix your face because your best friend and I could start dating soon. It's your own freaking fault we are not together!! None of you have a say in who I can or can't date!!! I know you both meant well, but in the end it hurts!! Ryan, take me home please?! Braelyn, let's go!! I hope you all are happy, because I am not!!!"

Nolan's POV

Are you kidding me?! They tried to set me up with her?! I ran into Layla, Ryan, and her daughter.

"DON'T EVER touch me again!! And, leave me alone!!"

"Don't worry, I will never touch you again."

Ryan asked, "Wait, what did he do to you, Layla?"

"He pinned me down twice on the bed telling me that I wanted him, which I didn't. And, the second time, he kissed me and tried to force his tongue down my throat."

Ryan was hot! "Why, Nolan?! Why, if you hate Layla so much?! Or maybe, you are in denial because you actually like her?"

"Not even in her dreams."

"Don't play with me, Nolan. I really like Layla. If you ruin this for me, I will hurt you! Just leave Layla and her daughter alone!!" Then, they left out of the house.

After that, I went to Dean and let him have it.

"Are you serious, Dean?! You let your little girlfriend here talk you into doing something as stupid as that?! You, of all people, know that I do not do relationships!"

"Answer me this, jerk, why did you pin Layla down twice?!!! We heard it all, jack-. Oh, and his little girlfriend has a name - Alicia. Get used to it because I am not going anywhere."

Okay, okay, a part of me is attracted to her. But, I am not telling them that. "Because I came to the party looking for my 'fun' partner. She just happen to be in the room. And, you both know how I am, but you locked me in a bedroom of all places." 

Jackpot. They both were quiet. "Don't ever pull a stunt like that again. You all will know when I am ready to settle down. Now is not the time." And after that, I left Dean's place.

Layla's POV

I know she meant well, but why would she try to set me up with him? And lock me in a 'bedroom with him?' He is a sex addict for goodness sakes! Ryan snuck glances at me while he drove.

"Are you okay over there?"

"Still upset at what happened. I can't stay mad at Alicia for long because she is not only my best friend, but I call her my 'sister.' Of all people, they tried to set me up with him! Why couldn't they try to set me up with you? I meant what I said - I really do like you. Sometimes, I can be a little forward. So, you don't have to come tomorrow."

"It's okay, Layla. Trust me, I am coming. I am not going to miss this opportunity. I really like you too."

"Thank you taking us home. And, you are welcome to stay the night with us. We have plenty of room."

"I would have to stop at my place and grab some clothes. What about your daughter, is she hungry?"

"Layla turned around to her daughter and asked, "Braelyn, are you hungry?"

"Yes, mommy."

"On the way, we'll stop and get her something."

We stopped at Ryan's place. He lives in Brooklyn. We sat in his truck while he went in his place. It took him about 20 minutes and then he came back.

After that, we went to the grocery store and picked out what we wanted to eat for Sunday. We also got something for dinner for tonight.

McDonald's is Braelyn's favorite, so Ryan stopped there, and we got something to eat. I observed the way he was treating Braelyn. It is important to me because Braelyn is my heart and soul. Any man that dates me must also realize that I have a child. My child comes first in my life. I don't need a man.

Ryan treated Braelyn like a princess, and they just met each other. Whether it is with me or someone else, he will be a great father. So far, he is off to a great start with Braelyn.

After leaving McDonald's, we headed towards my house and it took almost 2 hours to get there. Darn NYC traffic. 

"Welcome to our home." I said to Ryan as he parked his truck and then, we got out.

"Why do guys stare at women's butts?" I asked myself as we walked to my front door. I knew he was staring because I could sense it. After we entered, I showed Ryan where the kitchen was, so we could put the groceries away.

"So, what would you like to do this evening? I have a game room down in my basement, and movie room with a mini kitchen, for snacks of course."

I was hoping he said movie because I was tired and wanted to cuddle with him. I know we just met at Dean's party, but I feel very comfortable with him. I hope we can work out to become more than just friends.

Ryan's POV

After the night she had being locked up with Nolan, I chose for us to watch a movie. Besides, I wanted to cuddle with her. We may have just met, but I am falling for her fast and hard.

"How about we just watch a movie?" I noticed Layla had a huge grin on her face when I mentioned that. I am guessing she wants the same thing I wanted to do. 

"Brae, go change into your night clothes."

"Okay, mommy."

"I'll show you to your room. And, I am going to change as well."

As we walked up the spiral staircase, I couldn't help but notice Layla's 'assets' - she had a great body, from head to toe. I had to block out the dirty thoughts that popped in my head. "Me and her, our bodies intertwined in her bedroom. I hope that becomes a reality. Me, making her scream my name at the top of her lungs." 

I was snapped out of my thoughts quick. "This is your room. You are more than welcome to stay tomorrow night as well. Sorry if it seems girly, but it is just me and Brae. So, I designed it the way I wanted."

"Oh, it doesn't seem girly at all. And, thanks for letting me stay."

"You're welcome. See you down in the basement when you are ready."

As soon as she left, I ran into the bathroom to take a cold shower.

After my shower, I changed into my night clothes. Typically, I sleep without a shirt on. But, since I am staying in Layla's house this weekend, I brought with me a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. Then, I made my way down to the basement.

"This basement is huge!"

Layla has a laundry room, a full-size bathroom with shower, office, game room and movie room.

Layla has all kinds of movies - kids, family, action, comedy, sci-fi, romance and drama. But, she doesn't have any horror films. Since her daughter is watching too, I picked something we all could watch - The Minions Movie.

I heard Layla and Braelyn coming towards the room. "Oh my! This woman is going to be the death of me." She had on a pair of booty shorts and white tank top. And, her hair was in a pony tail.

"Brae, since Mr. Ryan is our guest, let him pick a movie for us to watch."

"I chose The Minions Movie. Is that okay?"

"Yay!"

"It is one of her favorites. You both get comfy and I will make us some popcorn."

Braelyn sat in her chair. Layla has reclining chairs, but I sat on the couch because I wanted to cuddle. She came back over with a small tub for Braelyn and one for us to share.

"Lay back." She ordered me to do. I did, then she laid down in front of me. I turned on the movie with the remote.

"Someone's 'friend' is happy." She whispered to me.

"I can't help it. Your booty is positioned right in front of my 'friend.'" 

"Baby steps, mister. Baby steps."

Layla's POV

It felt good to be in a man's arms again. The last time was Austin almost 5 years ago. I looked over to see my baby girl asleep. So, I unwrapped Ryan's arms and went to carry Braelyn to her room. Then, I grabbed a blanket and went back downstairs to the movie room. By the time I had come back, he had fallen asleep. So, I turned off the movie, put the cover over him, laid down, and wrapped the cover and his arms over me.

Sunday morning

I woke up to Ryan playing in my hair and caressing my cheeks.

"Good morning, Layla. "Gosh, can I kiss your beautiful, luscious lips? I have been dying to since yesterday afternoon."

"Before you do, it can only be a kiss. I don't just give lovin' to anybody. I have too much respect for my body. I am going to tell you just like I told Nolan - I treat my body like a temple and I do not let just anybody in. And plus, we just met. I am not the kind of girl who does that the first time I meet a guy. So, you will just have to be patient and wait."

"That will not be a problem. For you, I am willing to wait however long it takes. You are special, Layla. I mean it."

He scooted up off the couch so that now he was over me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down to kiss me. "Oh my goodness!" This grown man assaulted me with his kisses. I couldn't help but moan his name. "Ryan!" I came pretty close to letting him in my temple and he could sense it. So, he got up and took his t-shirt off. And, I was about to take my tank top off. Until,

"Mommy! Mommy!" Braelyn came running in the room. He quickly put his shirt back on and I put mine down.

"Mommy, I'm hungry."

"Okay baby girl. Go upstairs to the kitchen and I will be right up."

"You found a weak spot that I never knew I had and I was tempted. But, I am not ready for us to do that yet. Sorry."

"You don't have to apologize, Layla. Like I said, I will wait until you are ready. Now, let's go get some breakfast."

As Ryan and I were walking upstairs, I heard someone talking to Braelyn. We looked at each other and ran up the stairs.

"Braelyn Alexis Jordan, what did I tell you about opening doors?!" 

"Mommy, daddy is here!"

"I am going to strangle Austin!!" 

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Thank you all for reading chapter 5. 

The pictures are courtesy of Pixabay and Can Stock Photos:

1. opening picture - © Can Stock Photo / Imphot

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘😘