the shit going on inside your head. I just want you to know that Dad would be proud of you right now. He’d be proud to see you stepping up to the plate. I know I am.” His words are sincere, and I know he is thankful to have me here to run the ship while he’s gone.
Unfortunately, I know I’m not worthy. I’ve done nothing to make him proud of me. I’m grief-stricken and taking out my pain on everyone around me. I need to find the one woman that makes all the noise inside my head shut up. Maybe then I can stop treating everyone around me like shit.
“Thank you, Reed. I mean it.” I grimace at the words, feeling like this talk with him has ripped the Band-Aid off my wounds.
It’s not until Reed turns to leave that I notice a red high heel peeking out right outside the door, and I know just who it belongs to. I start grinning at the thought of having the sassy blonde in my office again.
“You might as well come in, Ava.” A gasp meets my ears before she pops out, blonde curls bouncing and dark amber-colored eyes locking onto my blue ones as Reed slips through the doorway, barely pausing to give her a curt nod.
When she comes view I notice the heat in her normally creamy white cheeks. Is she embarrassed to be discovered eavesdropping?
“I’m… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt anything.” She’s speaking so fast I can tell without a doubt that she’s anxious, maybe even scared, and that’s the kick to the balls I need. I know taunting her the other day pushed things too far.
I wave off her apology. “Don’t be. I’m the one who should be sorry. If I made you uncomfortable in any way, I apologize. I have a lot of shit going on, but none of that is your fault. Taking it out on you was wrong.” She looks up at me, her pretty eyes wide with shock, and I feel the need to explain, even though I’m sure she heard plenty while she was listening to my conversation with Reed.
“It’s been a rough couple of weeks, and I’ve been pushing everyone around me away. All I wanted was to be an asshole in peace, but I’m sure you’ve noticed that my brothers have this wonderful ability where they dig into whatever is bothering you so the wound can never scab over.” I try to smile at her, but it falls flat.
Sympathy crosses her features, and while I would normally hate anyone feeling sorry for me, I’m hoping it means she’ll forgive me for being such an ass, so I’ll take whatever I can get.
Her hand comes up to rest on my arm, and she steps just a little closer. She’s near enough for me to smell her light perfume, and I’m hit once again with the feeling of déjà vu. Something about her scent is familiar, but I can’t place where or why.
“It’s okay, Ryker.” Her soft voice soothes me in a way I don’t understand, and I find myself leaning closer to her. The way her body stiffens when I do, though, is like a bucket of cold water being thrown on me.
Ava doesn’t trust me or my motivations at all. I’m going to have to work hard if I want to earn her trust, and deciding whether or not I should is a decision I won’t be taking lightly. I’m not sure what to say or if I should say anything at all, but before I can decide, she removes her hand and takes a step back.
“It’s getting late. I should probably head home.” She’s looking up at me like she’s half hoping I’ll ask her to stay, but that’s not what either one of us needs right now.
As much as I want to ask her, to offer to feed her or do just about anything so she’s still here, I don’t. “Yeah.” I have to clear my throat in order to continue. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” It comes out more like a question than a statement, and I cringe inwardly, not wanting to show any weakness where she’s concerned.
Ava’s face falls as disappointment fills her eyes, and I almost take it back. I hate seeing that expression on her beautiful face. She should always be smiling, laughing, and happy. Thankfully, she doesn’t give me the chance, and without another word, she leaves my office, taking