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Chapter Five
Ava
Ava wasn’t convinced Wesley’s woo-woo ways were for her, but she sat with him over a lovely plated salad at lunch and listened while he elaborated on how the body responded to natural healing techniques. She came from a different school of thought. When emotions became too tough, she would jog it out or get in a great workout, pumping iron.
Since arriving yesterday, she had felt awkward, trying to fit in with a different tribe or caliber of people. The army family was all she knew, including growing up with a military father. And although Wesley had been nothing but friendly and helpful, she’d tried her hardest to avoid him at first, but it seemed impossible. He kept turning up, as if he sought her out.
Once they got talking last night, she’d realized she had misjudged him, thinking him arrogant and a guy who always got what he wanted. Turned out he didn’t come from money but was self-made. She appreciated dedication and hard work, a decent code to live by.
Ava jested and laughed with Wesley over lunch, enjoying his company. At one point, she wished this could be her life, sharing a meal with a gorgeous guy who looked at her as if she were the only desirable female on an estate full of rich and beautiful women. But just like this charming wedding event played out like a fairy tale, so was the idea of finding someone like Wesley to begin a relationship with.
“What’s next on your spa day list?” Wesley asked when the catering staff took away their empty salad plates.
“I only signed up for the massage this morning—which I couldn’t go through with since that’s how I found out about my new addition.”
“No! Really?” He secured his fist against his lips in an effort not to laugh.
She couldn’t help snickering at the craziness of it all and shook her head when they both laughed out loud.
“Did you sign up for anything else?” She wondered what his other interests might be. “Are you a golfer?”
“No, I don’t play. And I didn’t sign up for anything else because I wanted to get in a run.”
“That’s in my wheelhouse. Running. Since living civilian life these past few months, I’ve had to resort to using my mom’s old treadmill to get in my daily miles.”
“Rough,” he nodded, “but I know how you feel. I use the gym in my building more often than getting outside. Hey, would you like to join me for a run? We’ve sat here talking long enough that I think my salad is digested by now.”
Ava glanced at her phone.Wow! Had two hours really flown by?She should call home and check in. But a run would make her feel better. “Yeah, sure. It beats going to a meditation class.”
He grinned, his topaz-colored eyes dancing with amusement.
The attraction to him was so strong, she felt her core vibrating and the world seemed a bit brighter. Again, for the hundredth time since she’d woken up, she recalled the tantalizing kiss they’d shared in the parlor last night.What if he hadn’t stopped it?Would they be sitting here eating lunch, or would they have still been tangled in the sheets, spending hours exploring what the other liked?
Ava stood, needing to separate from him and get her head straight. She couldn’t go on like this—wanting to jump his bones—while at the same time tamping down her raging desires. He’d stopped her last night. That red flag should give her pause. Wesley might be giving her strong signals with his sexy glances and invading her personal space, but he was not acting on it.
“See you out front in fifteen minutes,” he said as he strolled away, not giving her the chance to change her mind.
Her thoughts whirled.It’s just a run. Don’t overthink it.
Ava returned to her room, made a quick call to check in with her mother and Jack, and picked out the best items she’d packed to run in. In a lengthy email sent out prior to this event, the hosts specified guests pack clothes comfortable and appropriate for the wellness and spa day as well as semi-formal wear for the evening gala dinners.
Ava admired Wesley’s lean, fit body as she approached him in the grand yard by the road. “Let’s do this,” she said, needing to expel her nervous energy.
After thirty minutes of her stomach churning with apprehension, she fell into a running groove alongside him. They didn’t say much to each other, only pointed out mansions or cars of special interest. And when they returned to Bluff House, they retreated to their rooms to shower and dress for the wedding rehearsal and dinner to follow.
Outfitted in a crimson wrap dress and gold hoops in her ears, Ava scampered outside toward the white wooden arch where Todd and Brock would be married tomorrow until she reached the wedding party. The officiant, who Todd told her was a shaman, seemed to be yacking it up with the group.
Todd stepped away, his eyes lighting up when she approached. “Where have you been hiding? I haven’t seen you all day.”
“I’ve been around. Where were you?” Ava countered, having been dying to tell him about last night and show him her tattoo. He would be overcome with laughter and make smartass comments, all of which she prepared herself for.
“My brother’s a big golfer, so we were on the course until two.”
“But he plays baseball, doesn’t he?” At twenty-six, Todd’s brother played for a minor league baseball team in one of those states along the Mason-Dixon line.
“Yeah, he still plays for that Maryland team. But golf has always been his second sport. I’ve mentioned to you before my grandfather owned a course when we were boys.”
She recalled that tidbit of info but picturing Todd playing the game didn’t make sense in her head after working alongside him in the army.
