Page 63 of Verdict

I hung back and eavesdropped.

Ava’s head tipped back on a laugh, bright and unguarded, her hand landing lightly on his forearm.

“That’s so true,” I heard her say.

Hudson’s grin spread wide across his face. His eyes lit up as he looked down at her like she’d just handed him a gift.

My hands fisted at my sides.

Why the hell is she touching him?

I noticed the way she was standing—open, relaxed, like she didn’t have a single wall up. I hadn’t seen that version of Ava in a long time, at least not with me. My jaw tightened as Hudson said something else, low enough I couldn’t hear. Whatever it was, it made her laugh again… like she liked him.

Something hot and sharp twisted inside me.

This was ridiculous. I was being ridiculous. She was single, and I’d made damn sure of that. I was the one who didn’t want a relationship, though lately it seemed neither did she.

Maybe she just didn't want one with me.

That realization hurt more than it should.

My eyes locked on him again. Taller than I remembered. Built. Confident. The kind of guy women noticed, the kind of guy Ava deserved.

That thought sat heavy in my gut because, for whatever reason, the idea of her choosing him didn’t sit right.

“I’ve got to get back down to the field,” I heard Hudson say. He reached out and squeezed her arm gently. “Remember. You owe me that coffee.” He winked.

And if I didn’t know any better, I could’ve sworn I saw a faint blush rise in her cheeks.

Motherfucker.

She smiled—soft, almost shy—and turned to walk away. Ava was never shy.

My jaw clenched so tight I was fairly certain I cracked a molar as I watched Hudson’s eyes trail slowly down her body, lingering on her ass.

Could I blame him?

Probably not.

She was wearing a fitted skirt that hugged every curve, professional but devastating. But goddammit, she was not his to look at like that.

She isn’t yours either, dipshit.

Hudson finally turned and spotted me. “Hey, Coh. What’s up?”

I crossed my arms over my chest and stepped fully into view. I still had an inch on him. I used it. “Checking on my daughter.”

He nodded. “That's right. You and Ava had a daughter together.”

Had. Like it was ancient history.

I gave him a tight nod.

His eyes widened slightly, hands lifting in mock surrender. “Shit. Are you two together?” He glanced down the hall to where Ava had disappeared. “Sorry, man. I thought I heard you weren’t.”

I dropped my arms, forcing my shoulders to relax.

Chill the fuck out, man.