Layla's POV

I walked to the door and looked through the peep hole. "What the heck are you?!!"

"You, what are you doing here? And, how the heck did you get my address? You have 5 seconds to get off my property or I am calling the police!!!"

"I came to get my boyfriend, which you stole! Now, where is he?"

"See, I am going to need you to stop calling him that! You lost that title 2 months ago. Now, it is soon to be mine. So, like I said at the party, 'back off Ryan.'"

"This little thing you have with Ryan will not last. He will be coming back to me."

"Not even in your dreams would he go back to you. He has a real woman now. Now, promptly get off my property!"

I tried to close the door, but she stuck her foot in it. "I am not leaving until I see Ryan."

Ryan's POV

It had been a while since I saw Layla come back outside, so I came inside to see if she was okay. The oven was beeping, signaling that the mac and cheese was done. So, I took it out and turned the oven off.

"Layla, babe, where are you?" As I was about to go upstairs, I saw her standing at the front door. So, I snuck over to her and snaked my arms around her waist. Then, planted kisses all over her neck. "Here you are, baby. Who is at the.....?" "What is she doing here?"

"What in the hello are you doing here, Blake? How did you find me and get Layla's address? Are you stalking me?!!"

"What do you mean why am I here? I'm here to take what is mine. So, get your stuff and let's go!"

"Is this chick for real?"

"There is no way in the world I would ever get back with you! All you ever did was ask me for stuff! And, like a fool, I did it. 'Ryan, can you take me there?' Or 'Ryan, can you get this for me?' And then, come to find out you are cheating on me?! Those days are over Blake! Don't even try this crap now that you see that I am with Layla! YOU DO NOT OWN ME! I have known Layla for only 2 days, and I have already fallen for her."

"So, Blake, like I said, 'back off!' He's mine. You may have had him once, but I'll have him all the time." Layla told her. That is one thing I love about Layla - she will not back down from anyone. I have seen her do it twice.

"What do you mean you have 'fallen for her?' You can't fall for someone you have known for two days!"

"Show me the rule that says I can't. I am about to show you how much I have fallen for her. Layla, turn around and jump on me." She did and wrapped her legs around my waist and arms around my neck. Blake is going to see just how much I care about Layla. No, scratch that - how much I love Layla. I just hope Braelyn doesn't see it.

I gently leaned Layla against the wall and made my mark all over her body with my hands and lips. I stopped before it went any further and I would have had to carry her upstairs. Layla is special, and I want our first time to be special. Layla hopped down and them I turned her around and pulled her close to my chest.

"Layla, I don't just like you. I love you. I can't wait to show you just how much I love you."

"You never did anything like that with me!!"

"Why should I? You didn't deserve it. Blake, if I ever hear from Layla that you are stalking her or Braelyn, you are going to regret it!"

"I'll be right back." Layla walked away.

"Stay away from me, Braelyn, and Layla!!!"

"If anyone is going to regret it, it will be you and this thing you are with! I don't get dumped. I do the dumping."

"Whatever! Get out of my sight!"

Layla came back and wrapped my arms around her. All she said was, "I told you to get off my property, but, you wouldn't listen." Suddenly, we heard police sirens. Two police cars pulled up in front of her house.

"You thought I was joking? I do not joke when it comes to my daughter and my property." Two male police officers made their way towards the house.

"Excuse me, but we understand that someone is disturbing the peace?" The both of them was eyeing Layla up and down with lust in their eyes. I started clearing my throat. "Avert your eyes and do your job." She looked up at me, "Sorry, I forgot to change." Then, Layla went to stand behind me.

"This woman was told several times to leave the premises, but she didn't. We want her gone immediately!"

"Ma'am, we are going to need you to leave the premises now! Or else, we have no choice but to arrest you."

"Fine. This is not over, Ryan. And, whatever your name is, watch your back."

"Honey, you and Ryan were over 2 months ago. And, the name is Layla and Ryan is mine. Now, get off my property!"

She stormed off and finally left Layla's house. So, I closed the door.

"If she bothers you or Braelyn, please let me know. It was stupid of me to get into a relationship with her in the first place. My friends warned me not to, but I didn't listen."

"I promise I will tell you. Did you mean it when you said that you 'loved me?'"

"Yes, I meant it. I can honestly say that I do. You don't have to say it yet, but I wanted to be upfront and tell you how I feel."

"Thank you. Before we go back outside, I want a kiss like that again!"

"Are you sure, Layla? You said, 'baby steps' remember?"

"Screw the baby steps. I don't want anybody else. You're addictive. Ryan, you are my fix."

"Okay, madam. Your wish is my command."

She already positioned herself against the wall. So, she pulled me over, jumped up, and let the kiss fest began.

Between kisses I told her, "Austin and Braelyn may get suspicious about where we are."

"Sorry, I couldn't help it. You have me spoiled with these kisses. Austin was the last guy that I was affectionate with."

"Mommy, where are you?" We heard Braelyn's voice in the background, so Layla got down and we stopped. "Near the front door, Braelyn!" She came skipping over to where we were standing.

"Mommy, why are you at the door?"

"Somebody rang the doorbell and I answered it. They are gone now. No more pool for tonight, Braelyn. Let's go change."

She did the pouty lips and gave Layla puppy dog eyes. "Nope, that is not going to work. Now, march. We'll be back outside in a few."

Layla and Braelyn made their way upstairs and I made my way out back.

Nolan's POV

"How can she talk about me with women rolling in and out of my house?" The nerve of her! She has Ryan and her daughter's father in the house! But, dang, she is hot in a bikini.

"Why are you looking at that woman across the street that was in a bikini?"

"Because I can, and I will do what I want. Whoever you are, no one dictates to Nolan Grant what I can do."

"My name is not whoever. It is Lisa. Now, how about having some more fun?"

"You're 'fun' time is over. Now, get your stuff out my house and go."

"I hope I never see you again, Nolan Grant." She grabbed her clothes, put them on, and left my house.

"The feeling is mutual." That was enough for tonight. So, I made my way to the bathroom for a shower. Then, watched some television.

About an hour later.

Layla's POV

We had all decided to come inside and watch television. So, the guys had turned off the grill and brought everything in the house.

Austin and Braelyn were on one couch. And, Ryan and I were on the other couch. "Braelyn, time to get ready for bed."

"Do I have to mommy?"

"Yes, baby girl."

"Okay. Daddy, can you read me a story?"

"Sure. Let's go Braelyn."

And, they walked up the stairs.

Ryan and I had our hands intertwined together. "I wish this weekend would never end. Minus being locked in that bedroom with him, it has been great. I haven't had a weekend like this, well, since Austin and I dated. I don't want you to feel like you always have to take me out somewhere. A lot of times, I like to stay at home for dinner and a movie."

He lifted my hand and kissed it. "That's why your different. Blake was always wanting me to take her out. It was never nothing simple like a dinner and movie at home."

"Another thing about me is that I like to pay for dates. I don't think a guy should always pay. I tried to date in the past 4 years. But, the guys were either jerks or freeloaders. This one guy told me I owed him sex because he took me out to a nice restaurant. I paid for both of us and told him to jump off a cliff. None of them cared about Braelyn. So, none of them was the right guy for me. Until now - you are different. You care about my daughter and that is important to me. There could never be an us if any guy did not care about my pride and joy."

Austin came back downstairs. "Braelyn's out like a light. Thank you both for letting me stay. And, I am sorry for ruining your date. I'll show myself out. See you tomorrow, Ryan. Good night, Layla."

Ryan said good night, but I got up, so I could lock the door and talk to him really quick.

"Before you leave, I need to say this. I really am sorry. I know you want me to put it in the past, but I can't right now. I messed up big time, Austin. I just can't forgive myself for it. I still don't understand why you are being nice to me."

"Layla, I'll sum it up in two words - maturity and Braelyn. We are grown-ups with a beautiful daughter to raise. Stop wasting time beating yourself up. And, I will do the same. I say that because I have accepted that you and Ryan are dating. The both of you deserve to be happy and I see how happy you are with each other. It is going to be hard seeing the two of you together. But, I am mature enough to realize the mistake I made. I want you to try really hard to let it go."

Austin gave me a hug. "Let it go, Layla. Good night." After our hug, I watched Austin get into his truck and drive off. I went back to laying on the couch, in Ryan's arms.

"I could get used to this. I love cuddling. Can we stay like this tonight? I have an alarm already set up on the tv. But, what time do you wake up in the morning?"

"I would love to stay like this. And, I usually get up at 7:00 in the morning. But, I will probably get up 6:30 to allow extra travel time into the city."

"Okay. That's the time I usually am up too. I'll be right back with a cover." I got up, turned the alarm on, and grabbed a cover. After I pulled the cover over us, Ryan apologized. "I'm sorry about Blake showing up at your house today. I have no clue as to how she got your address. I seriously need to get a restraining order against her. And, sorry for leaning you against the wall like that."

"Are you kidding me? You don't have to apologize for that. That was amazing! I loved every second of that - both times. Why do you think I call you 'Sugar Hot Lips?' My goodness man, you're good. I could get used to that. It was spontaneous and sexy."

"I will have to remember to do that more. Good night, Layla."

"Good night, Sugar Hot Lips."

********************************

Monday morning

"Rinnnggg"

Darn alarm clock. Seems like we just fell asleep. I got up off the couch to start getting ready. But, Ryan was still sleep. He must be one of those guys who hits the snooze button. So, I started planting kisses on his face. "Good morning, handsome. Time to wake up." Nothing. I wanted to touch his abs so bad. So, I got back on the couch, took my fingers and drew circles on his chest. "Handsome, it's time to wake up." He started stirring this time.

"I couldn't resist. It's a little after 6:30 am."

He looked at me and said, "I could get used to this view. Good morning, Layla."

"I can too. But, we need to get up, so we won't be late for work. I am going to check on Braelyn." After standing up, I heard crying. I turned around to see my baby girl crying.

"Mommy, tummy hurts." Then, she passed out.

I ran over to her. "Oh my goodness, Braelyn! Wake up baby!" Nothing. "Braelyn!" I felt her forehead and she was burning up. And, her clothes were drenched from sweating.

"Layla, you go get changed and I will call 119 for an ambulance!" Ryan picked up Braelyn and placed her on the couch. I ran upstairs and threw on a t-shirt and pair of jeans with sneakers. I then went to grab some fresh clothes for Braelyn. "Oh gosh, my baby threw up in the middle of the night." I didn't have time to clean it.

I ran back downstairs. Ryan had Braelyn in his arms, rocking her to see if she would wake up. "Sweetheart, wake up for mommy and me. Please, wake up!" I was hysterical. "She threw up, Ryan. My baby threw up in her room." He handed me Braelyn so I could change her clothes.

We heard the ambulance pull up, so he opened the door. The paramedics came into the living room with a stretcher. "Ms. Jordan, my name is Olivia. What is your daughter's name?"

"Her name is Braelyn Alexis Jordan. She came downstairs and said her tummy hurts. Then, she passed out. I also found throw up in her room when I went to get her some fresh clothes."

"Let's place her on the stretcher and take her immediately to the hospital."

While I placed Braelyn on the stretcher, Olivia tried waking her up. "Braelyn sweetie, can you wake up for your mommy and daddy?"

"Oh, he's not her father. But, he is my boyfriend." I know he hasn't asked me yet to be his girlfriend, but it feels like it.

"Layla, go ahead to the hospital. I'll bring your purse with me and lock up the house."

"Thank you." We got in the ambulance and made our way to the hospital.

***********************************

Nolan's POV

As I was leaving my house for work, I noticed there was an ambulance in front of Layla's house. I saw Layla and noticed her daughter was being taken to the hospital.

A few minutes later, I saw Ryan coming out of her house. So, I went over to him to see what happened. "It is too early in the morning for your shenanigans, Nolan. What do you want because I have to go?!?

"Good morning to you, too. I was just wondering what happened?"

"Layla's daughter fainted, so I called 119 to have her taken to the hospital. Goodbye, Nolan."

He got in his truck and drove off. "I HOPE SHE IS OKAY!" I yelled to him. Look, we may not like each other, but I actually like kids. I just don't want that responsibility yet.

Ryan's POV

I drove as fast as I could to get to the hospital. It took me about 15 minutes. Once I parked my truck in the parking lot, I called Austin.

"Austin, you need to come to the hospital in Long Island really quick! Layla had to rush Braelyn to the hospital after she fainted."

"I'm on my way right now!" He screamed into the phone.

After calling Austin, I made my way to the waiting room to be with Layla.

I saw her sitting down, so I made my way over to her. I wrapped my arms around her. "Braelyn will be fine, Layla. Think positive, okay?"

"But, what if she isn't? I can't lose her, Ryan! I can't lose her!"

"I called Austin and he is on his way."

"Thank you. I'm sorry about earlier when I said boyfriend."

"Don't be. It sounded good to hear it. But, let's not think about that now. Focus on Braelyn, okay?"

"Okay."

I was glad she said that. But, I want to officially call her my girlfriend.

20 minutes later, Austin came rushing in the waiting room.

"Have you heard anything yet?"

"No, we haven't heard anything yet."

"What happened?"

"I was about to go upstairs to check on her. But, she came downstairs crying and said her tummy hurt. Next, thing I knew, Braelyn passed out."

About an hour later, a doctor came over. "Excuse me, I am looking for the parents of Braelyn Jordan."

"I am her mother, Layla. And, to my left is her father, Austin."

"Mr. & Mrs. Jordan, Braelyn is going to be okay."

"Um, Austin and I are not married."

"Sorry for the mistake. Braelyn is going to be okay. She had Salmonella poisoning from what she ate. What types of food did she eat yesterday?"

The three of us looked at each other, "Salmonella?!" Then, Layla mentioned, "We did have burgers yesterday. If she has it, why don't we have it as well?"

The doctor explained, "Children are more susceptible to an infection more than adults. How old is your daughter?"

"Braelyn will be 5 years old in August."

"Her age is a factor as well. For Braelyn, because her immune system is relatively healthy, we will let the infection run its course. But, because of her high fever, I will suggest that you give her children's Tylenol. And, also give her plenty of water to drink."

"Can we see her now?"

"Of course. And, I will need a signature for her release papers. You are able to take her home when you are ready."

Layla's POV

Austin and I looked at each other. "You can sign them, Austin. What room is Braelyn in?"

"I will have a nurse take you."

The nurse took me to Braelyn's room. When I walked in, my baby girl was knocked out. I am so glad she is okay. But, it hurts every time I bring her to the hospital. Her little eyes opened. I am glad I was the first face she saw.

"Mommy?"

"It's me, baby girl. And guess what? Daddy is here too. He is coming soon." I couldn't help but cry. I love her so much. She means the world to me.

Ryan and Austin came in the room.

"Hey, baby girl. You scared your mom and me. And, Mr. Ryan was scared too. We are all glad you are going to be okay."

"I need to check and see if there was a recall on that meat. My baby could have died. I can't lose her."

"She is okay, Layla. That's all that matters. Stop beating yourself up."

"I need to call into work. I am taking care of my baby girl. I am not coming in until she is well."

'I'll take care of it, Layla. What number should I call?"

"I'll give you Jamala's number." I gave Ryan her number and he called her to tell her what happened. I gave him her number because I am still mad at Alicia and Dean for what they did.

"You ready to go home, baby?"

"Yes, mommy."

"Oh, goodness, I have to clean up that throw up."

"I cleaned it before I came here."

"Thank you handsome. Let's get you dressed, Braelyn. And, thank you Ryan for being there for me and Braelyn. I love you so much for that."

**********************************

Nolan's POV

Ms. Williams was on good behavior today. No winking or flirting. She finally got the hint that I would never be interested. Don't get me wrong. She is a hot woman. But, she is my employee and that is a no-no.

Once I stepped in my office, I was greeted by my parents.

Now, this is my new office. Major upgrade over my father's office. Am I right?

"Good morning, mom and dad."

"Good morning, son. We stopped by to drop an idea that we want you to at least think about."

So, I placed my case down on my desk and sat in my chair. "I'm listening."

My mom says, "What are your thoughts on adding women's business attire and evening wear?"

"Mom, are you serious? Why would we do that? We have been successful without it, so why start now?"

"Looking at surveys and reviews from consumers online and in our locations, quite a few women shop for their husband or boyfriend. And, of course, it would bring in more sales."

My mother passed me some of the reviews and suggestions from our store locations, as well as from our website.

"Okay, so if we launch the women's attire, how would we accomplish this?"

My dad then says, " We would accomplish it through a merger."

"Did I hear you correctly? Through a what?!!"

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Thank you all for reading chapter 7. The pictures and videos are courtesy of Pixabay, You-Tube, and Can Stock Photos. And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘😘