Controlled Chaos (Love & Lyrics #1)

by Nikki Ash

It should be me, kissing you, touching you, inside you But instead, it’s him, getting you, every fuckin’ piece of you Those pieces should be mine

“For the past three years, every time that girl looks at you, it’s as if you both are the only two people in the room.”

I’ve learned over the past year from getting to know Layla that when she gives you her heart, she’s all in. She’s loyal to a fault and probably the most forgiving person I’ve ever met. She’s also the best person I know.

at some point in the past year, I fell in love with Layla. I’ve waited for the day I can finally tell her and hopefully make her mine.

When it loads, I find a picture of Layla and David with smiling faces, but that’s not what has my attention. Because also in the picture is her hand, with a diamond ring on her left finger. The caption reads: He asked, and I said yes! And just like that, my entire world is blown apart.

“For the record, your mom isn’t the only one who missed you, Shutterbug. I’ve missed you too.”

His gaze meets mine. “Who said anything about flirting? I’m just catching up with my best friend.” He shrugs innocently. “Your best friend?” I scoff. “No. You lost that title five years ago when you moved to the West Coast without so much as a goodbye. We were best friends. Now…” I look at the older version of the boy I used to know, realizing I know nothing about him anymore. “Now, we’re strangers.”

“That boy… David… he hurt her, and I imagine her wall will be really high, but I have no doubt you’ll be able to knock it down.” She winks playfully. “And once you do, I bet your love will be just as beautiful.”

“Mommy! Look what I made for Daddy’s birthday.” Felix thrusts a card and a drawing at me. “It says Happy Birthday, Daddy. I love you, and I hope you have yummy cake and share it with me.” I look at the random letters that most definitely do not spell any of those words

“I let you go once, but I can’t do it again without telling you how I feel. I’m in love with you.

“You don’t need to know anything right now except that I’ll be waiting for you to be ready, and once you are, I want my chance with you.”

“I’m Camden Rocco Blackwood, lead singer of Raging Chaos. It’s nice to meet you.” I snort out a laugh at his introduction and accept his hand. “I’m Layla Isabella Kessler. Can I have your autograph?” I flip my hair playfully, making him laugh. “Oh, Shutterbug, you can have way more than that.” “Oh, yeah?” I play along. “Like what?” “Me,” he says, using my hand to tug me toward him. “You can have me.”

And if I couldn’t keep them satisfied and only wanting me, how the hell would I ever keep a man like Camden satisfied? He’s a rock star, for God’s sake. He has beautiful women throwing themselves at him every damn day. What do I possibly have to offer him that he can’t get from all those other women?”

“If I had you, I know I’d never look outside. Them fucking blinds would stay closed.” He smirks, and I find myself laughing. “You’re beautiful and smart and sexy as fuck, and if I’m ever lucky enough to get you inside my four walls, I will prove to you every damn day that you’re all I see… all I want. That there’s nothing worth looking outside for.

Layla stares outside the window, mesmerized, while I stare at her.

“This isn’t a one-time thing or just two friends reconnecting. I want you in every way that matters. I want all of your days and your nights. Your happiness and your sadness. I want your tears and your laughter. I want your body…and your heart.”

“I can’t help it, though. Every word, every lyric, is written with you in mind.”