Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
One of his brows arch. “About me? Tell him what exactly?”
“That we kissed.” My voice comes out all soft and feathery.
He looks pleased about this, but then his features darken. “Are you afraid of how he’ll respond?”
“No, I’m not afraid —”
“I’d better go with you. I’ll drive.” He pulls his keys from his pocket, ready to go.
“I’m not sure you should come. Brax invited me to dinner.”
“You don’t know him that well, right? I’ll just come along and make sure he’s a good guy.”
I start to protest, but then close my mouth. I know Brax is a good guy. Even though I am worried about how he’ll respond when I talk to him tonight, I have no doubts about my personal safety.
I can’t blame Erik for being concerned. He knows I’ve had very little experience dating, and essentially no experience dating outside the church. But I still trust Brax.
“I don’t think you coming is a good idea,” I say finally.
“I’m going to come, Ava. Just to make sure you’re safe.”
I sigh. “Please don’t act like you’re the boss of me. I get enough of that from the men in my family.”
“Sorry.” He’s immediately contrite, his tone softening. “But I care about you.”
“I know you do.” Even before our kiss, I knew I could count on Erik. Now there’s an extra dimension to the care he expresses. Something more than friendly concern. “It’s okay if you come. I just need to be honest with Brax about everything.”
“Great. Let’s go.” His hand rests gently on my lower back as he leads me to the elevator. Erik can be bossy, but I know he means well.
BRAX
I get to the restaurant early, and after talking to the hostess, I settle onto a bench in the small lobby area. Every time the door opens, I glance up from my phone, but it’s not until the third time that it’s Ava who’s arriving.
I check her face first, because I need to make sure that she’s okay, and not troubled, like she was when I last saw her. Then I notice her clothing. She never looks flashy or like she’s trying too hard to impress. She looks casual and comfortable, and naturally gorgeous.
Then I notice that the dude who came in behind her is standing much too close to her. The lobby might be small, but there’s plenty of room for him to back the fuck off.
I go over and reach for Ava’s hand and lead her off to the side. The man follows along, as if he’s magnetized to her back.
“Brax, I hope you don’t mind. This is my friend Erik.”
What the fuck?
“Erik, this is Brax.”
The man steps up beside her and extends his hand to shake mine. Working in security, I have plenty of experience sizing people up. If I set aside the fact that he’s standing too close to the woman I’m interested in, Erik looks okay. His face tells me that he’s a decent person, but I’ll definitely continue to form my own opinions.
I shake his hand, my mind spinning to find a reason why he’s here. It comes up empty.
“Good to meet you,” Erik says.
Ava looks uncomfortable as she glances between the two of us, so I decide not to question this unexpected development. I’m sure there’ll be an explanation soon enough.
“Want to get a table in the lounge?” Erik asks, his attention mostly on Ava, who nods and looks to me for confirmation.
“Sure.” I try out a smile, and am pleased when it visibly relaxes her. I haven’t been able to think of much else the past twenty-four hours besides the way she froze in my arms when I was kissing her.
I knew she wanted me to kiss her, and I’ve never received any complaints about that particular skill set, so I’ve been worried about her ever since.
“This feels awkward,” she says, as soon as we’re settled around a small table. “Erik has been my friend since we were kids. He was worried about me and wanted to come along.”
I let out a breath. That’s oddly overbearing behavior for a friend, no matter how long they’ve known each other, but I can deal with him if she considers him a friend. Even if he’s a dude who gets in her personal space.
I’d be happier if he were a gay friend, but his body language in relation to Ava tells me otherwise.
A waitress comes up and asks for our drink orders, interrupting the conversation. Ava looks to Erik when the server tries to take her order first, but she quickly turns back and requests a water, though she appears sheepish about doing so.
Erik asks what beer is on tap and names one from the list the waitress recites. I do the same.
“I’m sorry about running away yesterday,” Ava says, her focus now fully on me.