CHAPTER ELEVEN
The warm, familiar chaos of Bear and Jocelyn’s house was in full swing as Aussie lounged on the oversized couch with a beer in his hand, his legs stretched out toward the coffee table.
His mouth was already watering from the smell of the roasting turkey in the oven. He had been looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner and was thankful they were stateside and able to enjoy the holiday.
He shifted restlessly, unable to stop glancing at the clock on the wall. He had received a text from Ava about fifteen minutes ago saying that she and Christian were on their way.
Even though Christian sort of met his team during the college and career day event, this would be the first time they’d meet everyone officially. And while Aussie was confident in his choice to invite them, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nerves. He was proud to introduce Ava to his team. Hell, he wanted them to see what he saw in her. But he also wanted it to go perfectly.
“Man, you’ve been checking that clock like it owes you money,” Nails teased, grinning from where he leaned against the arm of the couch.
“Shut up, Nails,” Aussie shot back, though he couldn’t keep the grin off his face.
Of course, Nails couldn’t leave well enough alone. He leaned over and poked Aussie in the ribs. “Seriously, when is Ava getting here? I’m curious to meet her.”
Aussie groaned, trying to swat Nails away. “You’ll meet her when she gets here. And let me be clear. I want you to stay far away from her.”
Nails feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. “Me? Far away? Why? I’m a charmer. Women love me. Maybe you’re just afraid that she’ll realize she’s with the wrong SEAL when she meets me.”
Jay Bird, the quietest on the team, chimed in from his spot in the recliner. “Let’s be real. Nails has been in more relationships this year than I’ve been to the gym, and that’s saying something.”
The room erupted in laughter as Nails threw his hands up. “Hey, hey! Let’s not throw stones.”
Snow chuckled, leaning against the wall. “Nails, you couldn’t hold onto a woman if your life depended on it. Pretty sure Ava would run screaming the moment you said, ‘Hello.’”
“She wouldn’t get the chance,” Aussie interjected with a grin. “Because I’d drag you out of here by your collar before you could get a single word out.”
Nails laughed, clapping Aussie on the shoulder. “In all seriousness, I really can’t wait to meet her. She must be special to have you acting like a lovesick puppy.”
Aussie shook his head, unable to hide his smile. “Yeah, she is. Which is why you’ll be admiring her from a very safe distance.”
Duke, who was sitting next to Aussie, raised his beer in a mock salute. “To Nails. An admirer of all women, keeper of none.”
The room roared with laughter, and even Nails couldn’t help but join in, shaking his head. “You guys are just jealous.”
Aussie leaned back in his seat, laughing along with the rest. “Yeah, Nails. Jealous of how much money you spend on flowers and apologies every week.”
That sent the team into another round of ribbing, leaving Nails rolling his eyes and Aussie grinning ear to ear.
As they all settled in to watch the football pre-game show, the front door swung open, and Playboy and Gabby strolled in. The room erupted with cheers and groans.
“About time you two showed up!” Jay Bird hollered from the recliner.
“Last ones to arrive—no surprise there,” Snow added, grinning.
Gabby rolled her eyes, but there was a sparkle in them as she held up her left hand, the light catching on a dazzling ring that sat on a very important ring finger. “Well, maybe we were a little late because someone decided to propose!”
The room froze for half a beat before erupting into chaos. Jocelyn, Hannah, and Clover rushed over, gasping and squealing as they examined the ring.
“Oh my gosh, Gabby, it’s beautiful!” Jocelyn exclaimed, her hands clasped in excitement.
Playboy grinned like the cat that ate the canary as the guys clapped him on the back, congratulating him one by one.
“Congratulations, man,” Aussie said, shaking Playboy’s hand.
In the middle of the commotion, Snow nudged Aussie and motioned toward the window with his chin. “Look who finally made it.”
Aussie turned his head, and his heart skipped a beat as Ava’s little SUV pulled up along the curb in front of the house. His stomach flipped, a sudden wave of nervous energy surging through him.
This was it.
Pushing himself off the couch, he ran a hand through his hair and strode toward the front door, his pulse quickening. By the time he stepped onto the porch, Ava and Christian were climbing out of the car. The crisp autumn air hit him, but he barely noticed.
Ava looked radiant, her long black hair catching the sun, and Christian, despite his usual guarded expression, seemed comfortable at her side.
Aussie smiled, his nerves melting away as excitement took over. “Hey, you two,” he called out, stepping down to meet them on the walkway.
◆◆◆
Ava adjusted her sweater as she and Christian made their way up the walkway to Bear and Jocelyn’s house. The fall air was crisp, a slight chill biting at her cheeks, but she felt warm enough in her orange and yellow sweater, her favorite pair of jeans, and brown ankle boots. Christian, looking sharp in his jeans and a green button-up shirt, shot her a teasing grin. She knew that look. It was the “I know you’re nervous” grin he’d given her before when she had been in Aussie’s presence.
“Oh, you think you’re so clever, don’t you?” she nudged him, smirking.
“Come on, you’re practically blushing already, and we haven’t even seen Aussie yet,” Christian teased, his grin widening. “I bet he’s waiting on the porch right now.”
Ava rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t deny the flutter in her stomach. She was both eager and nervous to see Aussie, but more than that, she was relieved to see Christian acting like himself again.
When they reached the porch, her heart skipped a beat as she saw Aussie stepping off the porch sporting that easy, inviting smile of his. He looked ruggedly handsome, his jeans fitting him just right, and the navy long-sleeve T-shirt he wore accentuated his broad shoulders.
“Hey, you two!” he called out, meeting them at the bottom of the steps.
Ava smiled back. “Hi there. Sorry, we’re a few minutes late.” She held up a pan that was covered in aluminum foil. “I know you said that I didn’t need to bring anything, but I felt weird not bringing anything. So, I decided at the last minute to bake a cake.”
He grinned. “I love cake. I can’t wait to try it.” He then turned his attention to Christian. “How are you doing, man?”
Christian grinned. “Pretty good.”
“Good to hear. Come on in, and I’ll introduce you guys to everyone.”
As they started up the steps, Aussie looked at her. “You look great, by the way,” he said, his gaze warm and appreciative. She felt her cheeks heat up. She heard Christian snicker under his breath.
“Thanks,” she managed, trying to keep her composure.
Christian leaned in, whispering, “Ava, you’re turning red.”
Ava swatted his arm, but Aussie caught the exchange, grinning. “What’s going on with this one?” he asked, nodding toward Christian.
Ava hesitated, a little embarrassed. Oh, shit! How was she going to explain this? She nibbled her lip again, and she tried to think of something to tell him. But she couldn’t think of a damn thing. Plus, she was always preaching honesty to people.
She cleared the huge knot that had suddenly lodged in her throat as she mustered up the courage to tell him the truth.
“Errr…Well, Christian seems to think that we,” she gestured between her and Aussie, “are, um, maybe interested in each other.”
Oh, sweet baby Jesus. She couldn’t believe she blurted that out. She could feel the heat burning her cheeks.
Aussie raised an eyebrow, smirking as he glanced down at Christian, who was now thoroughly enjoying Ava’s discomfort. “Smart kid. Seems like he’s got a good read on things,” Aussie replied, his eyes twinkling. “I think he’s on the right track.”
Christian laughed, sending Ava a look that clearly said, “See? Told you so.” Ava couldn’t help but laugh, too, her earlier nerves slipping away.
Once inside, they were greeted by a lively chaos of voices, laughter, and the delicious smell of Thanksgiving dinner.
Aussie led Ava and Christian through the bustling house, introducing them to everyone. He started with Bear and Jocelyn, a warm and welcoming couple with two young kids, Amira and Max, who were chasing each other around. Then he introduced her to Joker and Clover, explaining that Clover was Bear’s sister.
“It’s a big, happy family here,” Aussie chuckled as they moved through the crowd, “which brings us to Duke and Hannah.” Duke and Hannah were beaming, clearly overjoyed with their adorable baby girl, Isadora, who cooed happily in Hannah’s arms.
Finally, they met Playboy and Gabby. Gabby smiled warmly as she shook Ava’s hand, her warmth and strength evident.
“And here’s the rest of the team,” Aussie continued, nodding toward Snow, Jay Bird, and Nails. “Just don’t let Nails get too close,” he added with a smirk. “The man’s got a terrible weakness for pretty ladies.”
Nails laughed, unabashed. “What can I say? It’s a gift.”
Ava chuckled, instantly feeling at ease. Everyone welcomed her and Christian with open arms, and Christian quickly gravitated toward the guys, talking excitedly with them about his own dreams of joining the Navy one day. She caught sight of him animatedly explaining something to Jay Bird, his eyes bright and the tension in his posture gone, if only for the evening.
While Christian was occupied, Ava found herself drawn into the kitchen, where Jocelyn, Clover, Hannah, and Gabby were preparing some last-minute dishes. Jocelyn offered her a glass of wine, which she gladly accepted.
“So,” Jocelyn began, a knowing smile on her face, “what’s the story with you and Aussie?”
Ava laughed, feeling her cheeks warm again. She sighed. “We’re just…Well, I really don’t know,” she said, glancing down at her glass. “But, I won’t lie, I am attracted to him.”
“That’s how it started for Tanner and me,” Gabby said, chuckling.
Ava gave her a confused look. “I thought you were engaged to Playboy?” she asked, and Gabby laughed again.
“Oh, I am. And Tanner is Playboy. I just can’t find it in myself to call my future husband Playboy. So, I choose to call him by his birth name.
Ava grinned. “I think I would do the same.”
“Now, getting back to Aussie. He’s a sweet guy. And it’s obvious he thinks the world of you and Christian,” Clover piped in as she set out a tray of cookies.
The women shared their stories with Ava, drawing her into their tight-knit circle. Jocelyn explained that she and Bear had been high school sweethearts but had drifted apart over the years. “But then, earlier this year, I was working in Chad, and the team was sent to protect me. It was like fate, pulling us back together.” She smiled, her voice laced with nostalgia.
Clover, in her relaxed yet confident way, shared that she’d been a Marine helicopter pilot until a serious injury led her to join Rockwell Security, where she worked with Gabby. “Life takes you where you’re supposed to go, one way or another,” she said.
Then Hannah chimed in, her eyes lighting up as she talked about meeting Duke. “We met in Hawaii while I was visiting Pearl Harbor. I thought it’d be a vacation fling, but we both fell hard. Now here we are, with little Isadora.” She beamed, glancing at her baby girl with pride.
Finally, Gabby spoke up, her gaze steady as she talked about how she’d recently started dating Playboy.
“We’ve known each other a while, but it wasn’t until recently that things fell into place.” Her voice softened when she explained her injury, sharing that she’d lost part of her leg while working for the Coast Guard’s MSRT team. “But as Clover said, I work at Rockwell and life’s good.”
Ava listened, captivated by each story. She felt honored to be in the presence of such a close, supportive group of women. For the next hour or so, they all laughed and told stories.
When dinner was finally ready, everyone gathered around the table, filling seats with laughter and conversation. Ava took her place between Christian and Aussie. She was grateful to be surrounded by warmth, acceptance, and a sense of belonging that she hadn’t felt in a long time.
As everyone started to eat and continued with their conversations, Ava felt a warmth blossom in her chest as she watched Christian, relaxed and animated, laughing with Bear and Jocelyn’s kids even though they were a few years younger.
She glanced at Aussie next to her, and she felt a flutter of hope. Maybe she’d found a place for her and Christian here. And as her gaze met Aussie’s, he winked, and she knew that this Thanksgiving would be one to remember.
Just as she was reaching for a dish, Nails, who was sitting across from her, leaned back in his chair with a mischievous glint in his eye and directed a comment at Gabby. “Hey, Gabby, did you hear the news about Vice Admiral Alley?”
Gabby’s nose wrinkled in distaste at the name, and Ava’s curiosity piqued instantly. She turned to Gabby. “Who’s Vice Admiral Alley?”
Gabby rolled her eyes, leaning in conspiratorially. “He’s the guy who tried to get me kicked out of the Coast Guard after I was injured. He’s one of those egotistical men who think women don’t belong in high-profile positions.”
Ava frowned. “What happened?”
“Oh, his little plan backfired, big time,” Gabby said with a smirk. “The Homeland Secretary stepped in and made it clear it wasn’t his call to make. He called him out in front of everyone during my Medical Review Board hearing. He also ordered an investigation into Alley’s action. And I hear that they uncovered a little scheme Alley and his cronies who were in other positions within the Coast Guard were involved in getting people they had a beef with transferred to lower-level jobs or, like in my case, forced them into retiring. Rumor has it that he’ll be retiring at the end of the year. Well, either he retires, or he’s getting the boot. Oh! And they demoted him one rank.”
The whole table broke into laughter, each of Aussie’s teammates jumping in with their sarcastic remarks.
Bear leaned back, shaking his head. “Serves the shithead right. Good riddance.”
With a laugh, Gabby raised her glass. “Here’s to Alley taking an early retirement. The first real thing he’s contributed to the Coast Guard.”
Everyone cheered, raising their glasses in agreement.
While the conversation flowed, Ava noticed Aussie leaning in closer from where he sat beside her. His voice was low, just for her to hear. “I’m really glad you and Christian came tonight, Ava.”
The warmth in his tone gave her butterflies, and her pulse quickened. She looked at him, her face softening with a smile. “Thank you for inviting us. I’m glad we came, too.”
Their eyes met, and Ava felt herself get lost in his gaze, her surroundings fading into the background. She knew that if they hadn’t been at the dinner table, surrounded by Aussie's family and friends, she would’ve closed the distance between them right then. She could almost feel the pull as they gazed at each other.
But before she could do anything about it, she noticed Gabby and Clover across the table. They were watching her and sharing amused glances. Blushing, Ava cleared her throat and stood up. “I’ll start clearing the dishes,” she said, giving herself a reason to escape for a moment.
Aussie was up before she could take a step, grabbing a few dishes and following her to the kitchen. As they set the plates by the sink, Ava felt Aussie’s hand snake around her waist. He gently pulled her close, his touch firm yet tender, and she felt her breath catch.
She looked up at him, her heart pounding as his gaze softened, and he spoke in a low voice. “I can’t wait any longer.”
Then he leaned down, his lips brushing hers, and Ava’s mind went blissfully blank. Caught off guard, she froze for a second, but deep down, she knew this was exactly what she wanted. She kissed him back, warmth and electricity flooding her senses.
But just as quickly as the moment started, it was over. She heard voices in the hallway as others started bringing in their dishes. Aussie released her, stepping back smoothly before anyone noticed, but not before he shot her a grin, his gorgeous hazel eyes glinting with mischief. He winked and leaned in close one last time, whispering, “This isn’t the last kiss. Not by a long shot.”
Ava bit her lip to hold back a smile, her face flushed as she returned to the table. And as she settled back into her seat, she realized with certainty that she couldn’t wait for that next kiss.