Chapter Ninety Six: Longing for Purpose

Layla stirred awake, feeling the weight of the bed dip beneath someone's weight. She opened her eyes to see Canaan getting into bed with her. "Canaan." He smelled of an aftershave and fresh out of shower. "Morning, Layla." Canaan wrapped an arm around her waist, and Layla snuggled closer into his warmth. "Are you just coming home?" Layla asked, her words muffled against his chest. "Mmn." His chest rumbled against her forehead. "What's the time?" Canaan ran his fingers through her hair, patting her scalp. "Why are you asking?" They talked in low, hushed tones to avoid waking Derek up. "Do you want to chide me about night crawling?" Layla raised her head. Her gaze met his chin. "Do I have the privilege to do that?" "If you are nice about it." Layla hissed through her teeth. "How's that chiding you?" Canaan lowered his mouth Layla's and kissed her. "How about I make it up with a kiss?" Layla smiled against his mouth. "That's not a bad idea." She angled her chin to meld her