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I rolled my eyes at him in frustration.
“But I don't! No matter what kind of women throw themselves at me, I have always kept a professional attitude toward them. I have never taken advantage of anyone.”
“Taken advantage? From what I’ve gathered, because I have spent a lot of time with Ava, she is not someone who is taken advantage of. And you know that yourself. She is a survivor who has been through horrible shit. But she has never asked anyone to feel sorry for her. She is stronger than you give her credit for.”
“I know.”
“Then fix it.”
“I don’t know if I can.”
“Figure it out. She’s a grown woman, not a child. Shit, I have been hitting on Ava since we got here, and she wants nothing to do with me like that, so if she is giving you attention, you owe it to her and yourself to see if there is anything there.”
“What do I say?” I asked.
“Fuck if I know, Bro. I don’t understand women at all. They seem happy enough for me to fuck them, but Ava is nothing like those girls. She is different, and you know it.” Everett squeezed my shoulder. “Speaking of Ava.” He cleared his throat as a warning.
Everett's grip tightened on my shoulder with each word. “Speak of the devil...”
I spin to see Ava descending with her purse tightly strapped over her shoulder. Her dark jeans clung to every curve in her body, while her heathered grey long-sleeve shirt was loosely draped over her, making her look simply stunning. Her long chocolate tresses cascaded down one shoulder in an intricate, tight braid. She's done up with more makeup than usual, emphasizing her beauty and captivating my gaze.
"I'm going to open my shop for a bit today," she says without glancing at me, her voice laced with frigid anger.
"Agent Buchanan is on rotation," Everett interjects, gesturing to me reluctantly.
"No, thank you. I'd rather have you or Sarah." Her eyes are like arctic glaciers, challenging and unyielding.
"Uhm, okay." My heart sinks as Everett stutters and averts his gaze.
My rage boils inside when I realize she doesn't want anything to do with me, despite my efforts to make amends. I nod in acceptance as Ava strides out the front door, ready to face whatever lies ahead of her.
"Damn. Man, I am sorry." Everett apologizes as he slips into his coat and leaves me alone in The Brain.
SEVENTEEN
AVA
My heart thudded so loudly I was sure James could hear it. Every molecule in my body strained to turn and look at him, but I resisted, knowing that if I did, all my will would collapse like a house of cards.
I forced myself to keep my gaze firmly on Everett as I scurried to my car, finally releasing the breath I had been holding.
When Everett approached me, my face froze into a strained mask of politeness. Had James filled him in on what happened, or had my rebuff of allowing James to be my bodyguard told him enough?
Nevertheless, I engaged in the conversation with Everett as we drove to my shop, and it almost felt to me like he was intentionally trying to cheer me up. Time flew by as I tended to my plants and chatted with customers, but relief flooded over me when closing time arrived, and I could escape the oppressive presence of James in my mind.
"I'll wrap things up for you." Everett suddenly announced, jolting me out of my thoughts.
"Thank you," I replied, printing out the receipts and gathering the cash from the register – money I would spend tonight.
It had been ages since I'd gone to Duke's bar – usually, it was crowded with college students out enjoying their weekend - but this night promised no expectations other than loud music and wild dancing.
As I set the alarm, I brace myself, and Everett follows me out the front door. His confusion is palpable in the air when he notices I am not heading to the car.
“I'm not ready to go home yet.” I proclaim, my voice steady despite my nerves.
"Huh?" He questions me as if he hasn't heard correctly.
The darkness creeps around us as the laughter and chatter from Duke's nightlife patrons grow louder.
