Page 120 of Finding Redemption

“It’s brilliant. Thank you.” I kiss him, lingering until we must pull away. “I love you, Walker Ian.”

His eyes sparkle as he breaks into a smile. “I love it when you call me Walker Ian.”

“You do? I’ll do it more often.”

He smiles. “Let’s haul ass. Ava’s gonna blow an artery.”

The rush through the doors is met with a round of applause. To which, I full-on turn blood-red. “Walker, the girl needs a break.” Riley laughs.

“You know good and damn well we were getting my tux,” Walker sneers at him. I don’t know, but suddenly, I turn brave.

“Besides, Riley, Walker’s in it to win. He’s no minute man.” I stick my tongue out at him when the room fills with catcalls.

“The hell you say! Ava, darlin’, you gonna defend me?” Riley laughs.

“You got served, babe. Slay, girl!” Ava fist bumps me.

The dinner goes off without a hitch and we dance the night away. I’m a nervous wreck as I dress for the big night. The champagne silk lays under a blue lace mid-length gown. I step through the bedroom door and Walker turns around.

“Damn.” His eyes burn a path down my body. He fists his cock through his pants. “You’re getting fucked tonight.”

“Really? I guess the romance is gone, huh?” I say with my hands on my hips.

He beats a path to me, taking me in his arms. His lips are on mine before I can protest the fate of my lipstick. He pulls away, gazing into my eyes. “Oh, hell, no. There’s not a man alive who wouldn’t answer the way I did. You’re fucking gorgeous and I’m taking you to bed.”

“What am I going to do with you?” I shake my head.

“I just told you, baby.” He holds his arm out for me to take it. “Let’s hit the road. I can’t wait for everyone to see you.”

We arrive early at the Convention Center. It’s decorated in light blue with a winter theme. As we enter the building, Riley’s pacing the floor. “Where have you been? I think she’s backing out. Please talk to her,” he pleads with Walker.

“She’s not backing out. She loves you,” Walker assures him.

“You stay with Riley. I’ll go check on Ava.” Walker nods, and I turn to the dressing rooms. Several women stand outside of the door, talking through it. My eyes dart around. “Hi, is Ava in there?”

“She is. Are you going in?” Maisyn says when I find her in the crowd.

“I’m gonna try.” I knock on the door, waiting. When she doesn’t answer, I do it again. “Ava, it’s Reese. Let me in. I have a message from Riley.” After a minute, the door unlocks, and she whisks me in.

“I’m okay,” she says, pacing.

“Good.” I walk over to a chair, placing my bag on it. “What has you locked in here?”

She stands in front of me, lip trembling. “What if I fuck up? I love him more than my life but if I hurt him.” She falls into the chair.

I sit across from her, on the edge of the seat. “Ava, there’s no way you’ll fuck this up.”

Her eyes dart to mine, filled with tears. “How do you know?”

“First,” I hand her the tissue box next to us, “no crying. I’ll tell you why in a minute. Second, your family. They’re extremely proud of you considering what you faced as a child. Each one considers you family, their family. You’re badass or have you forgotten what trouble you are? Riley will be by your side the entire time. What he can’t do, you will. What you can’t, he will. That’s who y’all are. It’s the way y’all work.”

“We do, don’t we? We work, Riley and I.” She nods, dabbing her eyes.

“I hope Walker and I will be as good as y’all are together one day.”

“Keep doing what you did about the birthday hijinks and you will be.” She giggles.

“Most importantly, Ava. You both love each other. I’ve never seen two people more in love.”