Heartache and Hope (Heartache Duet #1) - Jay McLean Page 0,61
and Rhys were my saviors, and that you didn’t deserve to be punished for it. Vincit qui se vincit.”
“What does that mean? The last part?”
“It’s the school motto. It means He conquers who conquers himself.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“Well,” she says, mocking. “How the hell is Brown supposed to let you conquer the world if you’re on the sidelines for being chivalrous?”
“I can’t believe you managed to work that in there.”
“Your girl can be quite convincing, Connor.”
I smile into the phone, let the silence fill the space between us.
“I wish I were there,” she says quietly, reading my mind.
“I know. Me too.”
Dad knocks on my door, enters.
I lower the phone to my lap.
“I’m heading off,” he says, smiling. “You did real good tonight, Connor. I’m proud of you. You’re one step closer.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I reply, genuine. “And thanks for being there. I would’ve been a nervous wreck if you weren’t.”
His smile widens. “Anytime, son. We’ll call Ross tomorrow and fill him in on what happened.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t stay up too late, all right? You’ve had a long day.”
“Yes, sir.”
I wait until he’s out of my room and out of the house before lifting the phone to my ear again. “Hey, sorry.”
“You and your dad are talking again?” Ava asks.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“That’s good,” she says, but I can hear the uncertainty in her voice.
“Look, about what my dad said about you…” I sigh. “It’s not as if he has something personal against you. It’s just, he’s being protective, you know? And it’s not like he knows you, because if he did…” I trail off, not knowing what to say.
“You don’t need to explain,” she assures. “It’s okay. I know what we are—my family—and I know how it seems from the outside looking in. But just... if it ever gets too much for you—being with me—just say so.”
“Ava, stop.” I flop down on the bed, cover my eyes with my forearm. “We don’t need to be having this conversation.”
She’s silent a beat too long.
“Ava?” I sit up.
“Sorry,” she says. “Someone’s just uploaded the game, and I’m trying to download it as fast as I can. Oh, my God, I’m so giddy. Hurry up!”
“I can probably get you a copy tomorrow.”
“Guh! Tomorrow’s too late. I need it now!”
“You’re not—”
“It’s here,” she cuts in. “Blah blah blah, people I don’t care about! Hey, it’s you! Okay, I’m going to watch it. Bye!”
She hangs up before I get a chance to respond. But no more than five minutes later, she sends me a text.
Ava: Damn, Connor. You look good on camera.
Connor: Stop it.
Ava: You think I’m joking? *unzips*
Connor: Hey. No unzipping unless I’m with you.
Ava: Hmm. The thought of you unzipping me… *unzips twice*
Connor: You could come here… if you want to. I can leave my window open. Dad doesn’t get back until morning.
Ava: I wish I could, but the doctors came by today and changed Mom’s meds. I have to be here in case she has a reaction.
Connor: How is she?
Ava: She’s doing much better. She just had a few bad days, that’s all. Thanks for asking.
Connor: Of course.
Ava: Okay, I’m going to go watch now. Bye, boy, bye!
An hour passes, and I’m already in bed when the next message comes through.
Ava: Welp. It’s decided. Sorry to tell you, but you kind of suck, #3.
Connor: I know.
Ava: Feel like giving me a goodnight kiss?
Connor: …
Ava: ?
Connor: Sorry, I didn’t realize that was a question. How? When? Where?
Ava: Now. Left side of the house. Second window.
I’m out of bed and into sweats and out the door in less than ten seconds. I smile when I see Ava waiting for me, half leaning out her window. She brings her finger to her lips in a shushing motion, and I slow my steps, go lighter on my bare feet.
“You’re crazy fast,” she whispers.
“I wasn’t sure how long the offer would stand.”
She rolls her eyes, leaning farther forward to grasp my shoulders. Pulling me as close as I can get, she kisses my forehead. “Goodnight, boyfriend.”
“That’s it?” I deadpan. “You made me come over—”
Her lips meet mine, soft and warm, while her arms wrap around my neck. I reach up, fingers threading through her curls, and hold her to me. She tilts her head, her tongue swiping against mine, and I let out a guttural moan. Then she gently bites down on my bottom lip, and no joke, my knees give out beneath me. I catch myself, one hand on her window ledge, the other grasping her