Had he lost his mind?
He’d been drawn to Ava after the wedding like a hungry man to a buffet table. In her red capris, long blue shirt, with a leather bag slung over her shoulder, she looked more like an islander than an outsider.
From their perch near the Lake Huron overlook, they could see a few sailboats bobbing on the water. Zach blinked at Ava a few times. Had he really just confessed to having a crush on her?
Maybe it was Dani’s and Ollie’s teasing from earlier, maybe it was the intimacy of this walk they were on, or maybe it was Pastor Arnie’s message tonight about trust, but something had shifted in him when she admitted to liking him. He couldn’t hold back the truth.
He was falling for Ava.
Across from him, Ava’s cheeks had pinked in a way that he found irresistible. The freckles scattered across her nose stood out even more. She gazed up at him from under her blonde lashes and gave two slow blinks.
“Why, Zach Sullivan.” She imitated a Southern belle. Badly. “Would you say you tolerate me?”
He squeezed her hand and laughed. Wait. He was still holding her hand? Her slim, cool fingers wrapped around his and squeezed back. “It looks like I do.”
He’d just outlined all the reasons not to have faith in people. But maybe it was time to try trusting someone again.
Around them, the light was fading fast.
“Should we walk back to the reception?” Zach let her hand go, then crossed his arms to keep from picking it up again.
“Sure,” she said. They fell into step again.
The words Dani had said about his arrogance toward Ava being in the competition popped into his mind. They brought a stone to his belly. Yeah, he could see how he’d been a jerk.
“Listen, Ava.” He cleared his throat. Good thing the light had faded. Easier to admit wrongdoing when Ava’s piercing gaze wasn’t drilling into his head.
“Mm-hmm?”
“I feel like I should apologize for my rudeness about you just being the helper for our charity team.” His hands felt slick.
Next to him, Ava gave a low chuckle. “Yeah, I guess you were kind of rude, but I wasn’t offended. If it makes you feel better, I forgive you. I’m well aware of what I bring to this team. Which is practically nothing.”
“That’s not true.” The stone in his belly dissolved at her absolution and admission. “You bring enthusiasm, and heart, and ideas. That’s not nothing. In fact, those are things that can’t be taught.” Her quiet thank-you sent a spear through his heart. “Seriously, Ava. You are pretty amazing.”
He didn’t realize she’d stopped until he was a few paces ahead. He looked back at her. Her gaze was soft. She blinked several times. “Ava?”
“Nobody’s ever told me I’m amazing before.” Ava clasped her hands in front of her.
“Well, it’s true. You’re not like anyone else, and you’re amazing. I’ll just have to keep reminding you. You did great in the class too.” He admired her ability to chat with anyone and to find something positive to say about even the most terrible chopping skills. “You had everyone almost literally eating out of your hands. I don’t know how you kept calm through all that chaos.”
Ava caught up with him, and they fell into an easy walking rhythm again. “It can’t be much different than a regular kitchen during the dinner rush.”
“Sure, but at least then everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing.” He held a finger in the air. “A well-run kitchen is a thing of beauty. A cooking class, that’s just controlled chaos.”
“You did pretty well too. Charming the ladies, building up the men.” She gave him a toothy grin. “I think you could grow to enjoy the classes.”
“Only if you’re there to tame the crazy ones.” They passed under a streetlight, and he glanced down at her. A pleased smile covered her lips.
If he stayed in Chicago, he could see that smile all the time.
“Have you heard anything back about your house?” They were nearing the beginning of the path. Maybe Ava would agree to another loop. He didn’t want this walk to end.
“No. I’m not too hopeful. Sounds like everyone who put in an offer also had the idea of submitting a personal letter. I’m trying to keep my expectations low.”
He could hear the defeat in her voice. “The right place is out there for you. I know it.”
“Mia helped me find the Bible verse Pastor Arnie mentioned tonight. About getting the desires of our hearts,” Ava said. “I told God I was leaving it in His hands, but I keep snatching it back.”
