The Magnolia Sisters (Magnolia Sisters #1) - Michelle Major Page 0,69

of people, unfortunately.” Avery traced a finger over the rim of his ear, sending a waterfall of sensation through his body. “Your job might have more inherent risk, but that’s no guarantee.”

“She doesn’t approve of the risks I take.” He wrapped his hand around her wrist, then laced his fingers with hers. As much as he enjoyed the way she was touching him, too much more of that and he’d end up making a fool of himself. “She also didn’t like Stacy so I’m sure the thought of my being hurt and Stacy getting custody of Violet kills her. Hell, it kills me.”

“Nothing is going to happen to you.” Her brow furrowed as she studied him. “Did your mom have some involvement with Niall?”

He shook his head. “Not as far as I know.”

“She looked at me like I was the enemy.”

“You remind her of Stacy,” he said, almost reluctantly.

He could tell by the way she tried to tug away her hand that the observation upset her. He didn’t release her.

“Clearly a mark against me,” she said with a bland smile.

“Also not true,” he added.

“I saw her the other day when she dropped off Violet. I was watching out the window of the carriage house. Your ex-wife looks like someone I would have been friends with back in my old life.”

“And now?”

Her full mouth thinned. “I’m not that person, or at least I don’t want to be. I didn’t even realize how much I’d grown to not like myself until I got here.”

“I like you.”

“You shouldn’t.”

“My daughter likes you. Your sisters like you.” He used his thumb to draw circles on the center of her palm. “Is it possible that you sell yourself short in the likability department?”

“I spent the night with you and then freaked out.” She arched a brow. “That’s not likable.”

He grinned. “It’s probably because you were overwhelmed by the best sex of your life.”

Her eyes widened a fraction before she purposely rolled them. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“I know I felt that way after being with you.” He brought her hand to his mouth and brushed a kiss over her knuckles. “Totally blown away.”

“Oh.”

He loved the color that bloomed in her cheeks. “So what next? If you don’t like who you were before, why not reinvent yourself here?” He held his breath as he waited for her response. Silently prayed for her to see things his way. He didn’t want to let her go. Not yet. And if she stayed, maybe he wouldn’t have to.

Instead of answering, she yanked her hand out of his grasp and stood. “I should go. You probably want to shower and rest.”

“I might need help bathing.”

“I...um...”

“I’m joking,” he told her, pushing himself up to a sitting position. “Unless you can’t resist me.”

“I can resist you.”

“We’ll see.”

She reached out and playfully swatted the side of his head. “Clearly the accident did nothing to affect your ego.”

“We can all be grateful.”

“I’ll be back in the morning,” she told him. “To drive Violet to school.”

“You don’t need to do that.” Reality came crashing back as he thought about how long a full recovery might take. He couldn’t push it even if he wanted to pretend like he was fine. If he didn’t give his body time to heal, he’d be of no use to anyone. “I can ask my mom to help.” He also hated relying on his mother but wouldn’t have much of a choice until he felt better.

“It’s no problem,” Avery said. “You actually saved me from falling through a floor. The least I can do is help out now. Are you sure there isn’t anything else you need tonight?”

You, he wanted to tell her. How could he ask her to stay when she’d already done so much? He couldn’t even explain to himself why her presence made such a difference. It all went back to the fact that he was a total idiot where women were concerned.