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“Oh, Ava, this is wonderful news. When Patricia said she had seen a handsome boy following you around, I couldn’t figure out why you hadn’t introduced him yet. But I see now that you wanted to keep him to yourself. I mean, who wouldn’t? Look at him. Absolutely delicious. If I were a few years younger, I would climb that tree of a man like a bear.”
“Oh God, Sherrie, please.” My cheeks were on fire. I was caught off guard by her bold comment, and I knew if I looked at James, I would self-combust with embarrassment.
“Oh, Ava, relax. I am an old woman, and you know we don’t get handsome men like him in town. You've got to appreciate the art while you can. Anyway, it is lovely to meet you, James. We have all been wondering if Ava would ever settle down with a handsome fella such as yourself. It isn’t safe for a pretty girl like her to be alone in that big ole house in the forest. Well, since Colin, we have all been so worried about you.”
“I agree, Sherrie. Ava needs someone to protect her, especially with the murders that have been occurring lately.” James responded. I could feel his eyes on me, but I couldn't bring myself to look up at him.
“Yes, those poor girls. It is dreadful to be afraid in a town like this. I sure hope they find whoever is doing this soon. Although I don't have much faith in our local officers, I did hear that they brought the FBI in to help, so I am sure it won't be long before he is caught. I am glad that Ava has someone who can keep her safe too. She is so far away from town, and she’s one of the good girls in town, James. Don't get me wrong, I love our town, but some of these other girls are not on the same level as our beautiful Ava here.”
“On that, we agree again, Sherrie. No one holds a candle to her,” James stated while looking at me.
He was enjoying this.
Sherrie was absolutely enamored by James, and there was no turning back now. The whole town would know before I made it back to my shop.
Kill me now.My cheeks were on fire.
“Well, that’s neither here nor there. Colin is ancient history; well, with James now, I am sure you two lovebirds probably have things to do; I won’t keep you. Take the basil for free and make your stud of a man a nice dinner.”
“Thank you, Sherrie. I will see you next week.” I gave her a tight smile and all but ran away from her, back towards my shop.
James put the bags into my car and then hovered over me as I unlocked my shop. I keep my eyes on the ground as he heads in to make sure the shop is clear.
When he came back outside, I pushed past him and busied myself with organizing shelves. Anything to put distance between us and calm this raging storm inside me. My heart was beating so fast.I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. I knew that if I did, the floodgates of emotions would burst open, and I wasn't ready to confront them just yet. Instead, I focused on arranging the items on the shelves with trembling hands, desperately trying to regain control over my racing heart.
I can't explain the emotions that are washing over me, but I have to stay busy because every time he looks at me, all I want to do is pull him closer.
I felt him come up behind me.
“Ava, I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable out there. I shouldn’t have called myself your boyfriend. I was just trying to help get the attention off of you and keep people from knowing what I really am to you.”
I turned around to face him, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. "What do you mean, what you really are to me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. His eyes met mine, filled with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
God, his eyes were so gorgeous.
His eyes pulled me in, and his lips were fullof secrets waiting to be whispered. There was more to him than met the eye—a hidden depth that both intrigued and scared me.
My heart pounded when he moved toward me and reached out to touch my face. His touch was gentle yet electric, igniting a fire within me. As his fingers grazed my cheek, I couldn't help but lean into his touch, craving more of his intoxicating presence.
“Nothing makes sense in my life, but when I am around you, everything makes sense. You make sense to me, Ava. And I can’t explain it, and I am probably fucking this all up, but I need you to know that I feel something…for you."
I stared into his eyes for a couple of seconds as a wave of emotions washed over me, and I struggled to find the right words. Finally, I managed to whisper, "I'm not sorry."
“What?” His eyebrows raise as he looks at me with curiosity.
"I know this sounds stupid, but I am glad you told her you were my boyfriend. And you’re not fucking this all up."
"So, you’re not angry at me?" He replied, giving me a grin.
I stare into his cool eyes, and the air around us crackles. "No, not in the slightest. All I know is I can't think clearly around you. I don't know what is wrong with me. But when you called yourself my boyfriend, I can’t help but wish it were true."
His eyes darken, and he brings his face closer to mine. "Ava.” He growls my name.
The way he says my name has heat pooling between my legs.
“I really want to kiss you."
This man is sin and desire, power, and authority, wrapped up all into one and my heart throbs wildly in my chest as I whisper, "So, kiss me."
