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Asher tries smiling but winces at the muscle movement of his already bruised faced. “Thanks, Avie.”
No sooner than Ava escapes the room does Asher light into me. “What the fuck is going on between you and my sister?”
I’m speechless at Asher’s quick switch in demeanor at Ava’s departure. “There’s nothing going on.”
Asher holds up his free arm that’s not in a cast. “Cut the shit, Brandon. You’ve never lied to me before, so don’t start now.”
Silence descends on the room. The soft squeaks of nurses and doctors walking by the open door are the only sounds. I don’t have any plausible answers for Asher.
“It’s not whatever you’re thinking,” I begin.
Asher doesn’t respond, but his lips press into a tight line. I take that as the go ahead and forge on.
“I just want to say that I didn’t intend for Ava and me to—” I can’t describe quite what is happening between us, but I’m certain her brother doesn’t want any sordid details. “I tried to maintain a strictly professional relationship with Ava, but I guess I can’t deny it anymore. Even to myself.”
Asher’s throat works before responding. “I trusted you.”
I move away from my spot by the window and stand inches from the bed, looking down at my friend’s angry face. “I know. I’m not going to apologize for anything that’s happened with Ava, but I know I betrayed your trust.”
“I knew something was up today,” Asher said. “You and Ava have never acted that way with each other before. My sister is a romantic. Much as she tried today, I could see it in the way she looked at you. What really confirmed my suspicions is the way your eyes follow Ava no matter where she may be in the room. Not as a protection agent. No, I recognize that look of yours.”
I didn’t realize my feelings for Ava were quite so obvious, but this was Asher. The one person who knew Ava and me the best.
“Just promise me one thing,” Asher says, looking up at me from the hospital bed. “I don’t want to lose our friendship if anything were to happen with you and Ava. End…whatever this is now.”
I can’t control the scoff that escapes. Of all the nerve, trying to dictate my life. “I care about Ava, and I would never do anything to intentionally hurt her.”
Asher’s gaze never wavers from mine when he says, “I know you, Brandon. You won’t intentionally hurt her, but I know you. Youwillend up hurting her. All the women that have ever entered your life, where are they now?”
Damnit, he was right, but I wouldn’t ever treat Ava in any way to hurt her.
“Maybe in the past I’ve acted horribly, and I admit that, but it’s different this time?—”
“What if it’s not?” Ash asks. “We’ve had many conversations about you not being the settling down type. When a job calls you away or you get that itch to pack up and work elsewhere for months at a time, you’ll despise the idea of being anchored to New York. To Ava.”
I knew Ava and I being together bothered her brother. I knew the consequences of my actions, but I didn’t care.
I couldn’t deny my feelings any longer. I loved Ava and not in the brotherly way I’d felt for her years ago.
What choice did I have?
Ruin the best and longest friendship I’ve ever had. Or give myself a chance at true happiness?
Ava and Madison appear in the doorway, ending my conversation with Asher. For the remaining time we’re allowed to visit, Ash’s words play on loop.
Youwillend up hurting her.
I look over at Ava. The lowering sunlight form the open windows is illuminating her lovely face, making her glow like an angel. The potential love of my life or my best friend, who nearly lost his life in an attack earlier today.
The idea of losing Asher has hit me twice today, and I know what I have to do next.
CHAPTER 15
Ava
Ever since I left Brandon and Asher alone, both men have been silent.
Almost brooding.
