Their eyes connected, and Ava’s body suddenly felt warm. A blush crept its way up her chest, and she could feel it warming her face. His head dipped, but before their lips could connect, the office door opened and they jumped apart.
Katie’s eyes widened, and she looked at them guiltily. “I’m sorry. I was just grabbing my purse.” She rushed in and grabbed her bag from the corner before rushing back out of the office, uttering another apology as she shut the door.
Ava giggled nervously and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I just wanted to tell you the good news, but I’m going to let you get back to work. I have a lot of photos to edit too.
He nodded slowly. “Okay. Yeah, I should get back to work too.”
She rushed to the door and gave him a hesitant smile before leaving the office. She couldn’t bear to look at Cole’s siblings as she passed through the bookstore. It wasn’t until she was in her car that she allowed herself to scrub her face and take a deep breath.
She and Cole had only kissed the night everything had blown up. Since then they had kept their distance, but it surprised her how much she wanted it.
Damn, how she wanted it.
She pulled out her phone and shot off a text.
Ava: I want your brother.
It took only a few minutes before the dots were dancing across the screen.
Kelly: Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. It’s about damn time!
It tookCole far too long to gather himself after Ava left. He wanted to chase after her and finish what had almost started. After taking several deep breaths to calm himself, he adjusted his pants before he could sit down at his computer.
Thank God he was alone. The last thing he needed was one of his siblings watching everything unfold. Keeping his hands to himself around Ava was pure torture, but they needed to keep things platonic until the guardianship was settled. Ruby was both their number one priority, and they didn’t need any distractions.
He forced himself to take a deep breath and focus on work. Several minutes passed before the office door opened and both Michelle and Katie walked in. Katie was carrying a coffee cup on a saucer, which she set down in front of Cole.
“It’s a latte. I thought you could use it.”
“Wow! You’re getting good at that. Thank you,” he said. Katie had been practicing her art with the milk on hot drinks. His had a heart with several zigzags across the top to form it.
“You’re welcome.”
Michelle sat down at the desk on the other side of the room, but didn’t get to work. Her laptop remained closed as she rested her elbows on the desk and clasped her hands in front of her. Katie leaned against the desk and crossed her arms over her chest. They both stared at him.
“What?” he asked.
“What’s going on between you and Ava?” Michelle asked. “And don’t say nothing. Everyone can see the chemistry.”
He leaned back in his chair and swiveled to face them. “We’re working on getting Ava custody of Ruby. Once that’s complete, I’m going to ask her out.”
“Yes,” Michelle said while throwing a fist into the air.
Katie smiled. “It’s about time. You should take her out on a nice date once all this is over. Maybe to the resort and get a couples massage.”
Michelle’s eyes widened. “Yeah, and then hang out at the hot springs. I’m sure she could use the rest after all the stress her family has caused her since… well, since birth.”
He nodded. “That sounds awesome, but it won’t be very romantic with an eight-year-old tagging along. If everything goes the way we want, she’ll be responsible for her sister. We can’t exactly leave her at home alone.”
Katie looked at Michelle. “Um, what are we? Chopped liver?”
“Apparently,” Michelle said.
Cole raised his eyebrows. “Does this mean you’re willing to watch Ruby, so I can take Ava on an overnight date?”
“Of course we are. She’s as much our little sister as she is Ava’s. We’ve watched that girl grow up,” Katie said.
Michelle nodded. “We could do a sleepover at one of our places, and Ruby can come spend the night. We’ll make it a special girls’ night.”
“That sounds amazing, and I know Ruby would love it,” Cole said.
“She would. We would make it a blast for her. Just let us know when,” Katie said.
“Thank you. Thank you both so much. I really appreciate it,” he said.
“It’s what sisters are for,” Michelle said. “We’ve got your back.”
