CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Ava was hunched over her desk. There was a faint crease in her brow as she scanned through reports, updating notes and timelines on her cases. It had been two weeks since the Snowball event, two weeks of dodging calls, texts, and every attempt Aussie made to reach her.
Several times, she almost answered. She missed him—a lot, and the connection they’d started to build. But every time her phone rang with his name flashing on the screen, a wall of bitterness, pride, and something raw kept her from picking up.
The memory of him with that woman still stung, and it brought her back to every betrayal she’d endured growing up. She’d sworn she wouldn’t allow herself to be fooled again—not by anyone, especially not by a man she was beginning to care about.
She hated how the situation with Aussie was affecting Christian, too. He was trying to hide it, but she could see his disappointment. He moped around the house, half-heartedly engaging in his usual routines, clearly missing the friendship he’d developed with Aussie. And while Christian never directly asked about him, she could feel his unspoken questions hanging in the air.
Ava swallowed the guilt building in her throat and sighed, focusing harder on her screen to push everything else out of her mind.
She heard the door to her office open, and when she looked up, she was surprised to see Clint standing in the doorway, holding a few files in his hands.
She hadn’t seen nor heard a peep from him since that time she saw him before the Snowball when he asked her to give Jarod that envelope.
“You’re back. We were all getting ready to send a search party out for you.”
Clint smirked. “Funny. I got tied up at my parent’s place. But I’m back now.”
She raised an eyebrow, giving him a pointed look. “What’s that?” she questioned, pointing to the files in his hand.
“We have three new kids,” he said matter-of-factly.
Ava blinked. “Three new kids?” she asked, incredulous. “Clint, we barely have space as it is. We don’t even have enough placements for the kids we already have.” She motioned to her own file cabinet, which was brimming with folders.
Clint’s eyes shifted, a flash of something unreadable crossing his face before his usual hard expression returned. “There’s nothing I can do. Just go over the files and work on finding placements. They’ll be arriving after the first of the year.”
Ava’s mouth dropped open. Clint could be brash, but this was a new level. She’d never seen him this edgy. He looked almost nervous.
But then, as if flipping a switch, he plastered on a smile. “Speaking of which, how’s Christian doing?”
The question caught her off guard. Clint had never shown interest in her personal life before. Ava regarded him suspiciously, still unsure what to make of this strange mood. “He’s good,” she said slowly. “Keeping busy with school and the holidays.”
“Good, good,” Clint replied, his demeanor unsettlingly cheerful. “So, where are you going for lunch?”
Ava blinked again, her side-eye probably sharper than she meant it to be. “Just the deli around the corner.”
He nodded, smiling a little too brightly as he headed toward the door. “Enjoy. See you when you get back.”
She watched him disappear down the hallway, suspicion simmering in her mind. Shaking her head, she grabbed her coat and purse.
The brisk walk to the deli gave her some clarity.She needed to finish shopping for Christian’s Christmas presents. She mentally cataloged what she still needed to buy. There was a pair of black Vans that he had his eye on, a few military books he saw when they were shopping the other day and a few other items.
By the time she reached the deli, her mind was buzzing with holiday lists. She ordered a turkey sub with a sweet tea and found a small table in the back corner. She was glad for a quiet moment away from everything.
Just as she unwrapped her sandwich and took a deep breath, she looked up to see Jarod standing in front of her, his expression one of mild surprise.
“Ava? Didn’t expect to see you here,” he said, pulling out the chair across from her before she could respond.
She clenched her jaw, irritation simmering beneath her polite smile. She’d been hoping for a quiet lunch alone, but apparently, that wasn’t going to happen.
“So,” he started, leaning back with a casual smile, “how have you been?”
“Fine,” she replied, picking up her sandwich in the hope that he’d get the hint.
“I haven’t seen you since the Snowball,” he continued, oblivious to her tone.
“I’ve been busy with work and Christian,” she said, biting into her sub.
“So, what’ve you been up to?”
She raised her eyebrow. “Like you care?” she replied, wanting to roll her eyes.
“Come on, Ava. I’m trying here.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Look, I know I fucked up. I’m sorry. But I do really care about you. I hate the fact that we can’t even have a conversation.”
Ava sighed, deciding that maybe answering him would get him to leave. “Christian and I have been doing a lot of holiday stuff. Decorating, baking. Just keeping ourselves busy.”
She noticed his slight frown at the mention of Christian, but he quickly masked it. She knew he didn’t approve of her decision to foster the teenager, and a small part of her enjoyed his discomfort. Still, he seemed to weigh his next question carefully.
“How’s he doing?” Jarod asked, his voice neutral but curious. “What kind of activities does he like?”
Ava’s gaze narrowed. Jarod rarely showed interest in Christian, so his questions felt off. “He’s been doing great,” she said cautiously, wondering why he was suddenly so curious.
Jarod smiled but didn’t respond, letting silence linger between them. Ava tapped her fingers on her cup, growing increasingly uncomfortable. More than anything, she wanted to wrap her sub up, take it back to the office, and finish it there.
Then, unexpectedly, Jarod cleared his throat. “Listen, Ava, I was thinking…” He leaned forward, his expression almost apologetic. “Maybe we could go out again? I know our last date didn’t end well, but I’d like a chance to redeem myself.”
Ava blinked, taken aback. Before she could respond, a warm pressure settled on her shoulders, grounding her, and she felt a familiar strength radiate through her.
Turning her head, she found herself looking up into Aussie’s intense, hazel eyes. His facial expression was unreadable, but his presence was undeniable. Her heart skipped, and her emotions whirled between relief, shock, and an ache she didn’t want to acknowledge.
◆◆◆
Aussie pulled his truck into a parking spot across from the deli and shut off the engine. He and Snow had just finished dropping off some gear at Dam Neck before heading back to the SEAL base.
Lunchtime had rolled around, and Aussie couldn’t stop thinking about the deli nearby that was famous for its Italian subs, the kind loaded with layers of meat and topped with a house-made dressing. Snow had readily agreed, and they were both hungry enough to stop for a quick bite.
The deli was bustling when they stepped inside. Aussie took in the familiar atmosphere. The walls were lined with old photos and quirky trinkets, and the scent of fresh bread and herbs filled the air.
They walked up to the counter and placed their orders, both of them going for the Italian subs. As they waited, Aussie’s gaze naturally drifted around the room, instinctively scanning exits and taking in every face in the place. It was an old habit from years of being a SEAL.
His eyes swept the room, pausing when they fell on a figure sitting near the back, her back to him. He didn’t need to see her face to recognize her. Ava. He’d know her anywhere. A wave of emotions hit him, surprising in its intensity.
He hadn’t seen her since the gala despite his attempts to reach out to her. The image of her at the Snowball, her hurt and confusion at seeing him with Agent Price, flashed in his mind.
Snow nudged him, catching Aussie’s look. “Is that Ava?” he asked, his eyes flicking between Aussie and Ava. “And who’s that guy with her? Looks like a lunch date.”
Aussie’s chest tightened. Was she moving on? He tried to push the thought away, but it lingered, sour and unwelcome. He leaned forward, studying the man across from her. That’s when it clicked. He recognized the guy. The same guy she’d walked out on during a dinner date a few weeks ago.
He also recalled seeing him at the Snowball. He had been hovering around a few of the individuals the FBI was quickly investigating.
He watched the pair for a minute. It seemed like Ava might be giving him the cold shoulder, though Jarod’s expression looked somewhere between annoyed and desperate.
Over the past two weeks, Aussie had missed her more than he could admit, even to himself. He’d tried focusing on work, drowning himself in tasks and training to keep his mind off Ava. But it was impossible. She was everywhere in his thoughts. And not just her, but Christian too. A few days ago, he’d texted the kid, keeping it casual, and while Christian’s response had been brief, at least he’d replied.
But now, watching Jarod lean forward, his expression turning darker, Aussie felt a surge of protectiveness. Jarod’s face was tight, an edge of frustration in his posture, and Aussie couldn’t stand by and watch any longer.
Aussie strode forward, weaving through the tables until he was directly behind Ava. Gently, he placed his hands on her shoulders. He felt her startle, her muscles tensing at the unexpected contact, but as soon as she glanced up and met his gaze, he saw her relax. There was something in her eyes—relief, maybe even gratitude—that eased his own tension. She looked as surprised as he felt, and the flicker of warmth in her eyes made his pulse quicken. He barely registered Jarod’s glare. The only person he cared about here was Ava.
“Hey,” he said, his voice low. “Everything okay?”
Ava straightened, gathering her composure. “Yes,” she replied, but her voice was firmer than before. “Actually, I was just leaving.”
Jarod’s mouth tightened. “You’re really going?” he asked, his tone sharpening with irritation. It was clear he wasn’t expecting her to cut the lunch short.
“Yes, Jarod, I am.” She didn’t even hesitate.
Aussie hid his grin as he watched Jarod’s face redden with anger. This guy clearly had no idea when to back off. Ignoring Jarod’s glare, Aussie took Ava’s coat off the back of her chair, holding it out for her as she slipped her arms into the sleeves. He felt an unexpected sense of satisfaction when she didn’t argue or hesitate but accepted his presence as if she appreciated it.
“I’ll walk you out,” he offered, his voice steady.
Ava gave him a small nod, and her expression softened. “Thanks.”
“Go on,” Snow called from the counter, waving him off. “I’ll grab the food.”
With Ava by his side, Aussie led her toward the door. Even as they walked away, he could feel Jarod’s eyes boring into his back, but he didn’t care. The world could fall apart around them, but right now, his focus was on the woman next to him.
◆◆◆
As Ava stepped outside the deli with Aussie, a wave of relief washed over her. She couldn’t help but be thankful he’d shown up when he did. Jarod had been grating on her nerves, not taking a hint that their dating stint was over.She’d been seconds away from saying something she’d regret, and Aussie had saved her from it. Now, having him by her side brought back a flurry of emotions she’d been trying to bury. Seeing him again felt a little overwhelming.
Once they stopped on the sidewalk, Ava turned to face him. She caught her breath, hesitating, before softly saying, “Thank you, Aussie. Really.”
He chuckled. That familiar, warm sound made her chest ache. “Anytime, Ava. You looked like you needed the rescue,” he teased, a grin lifting the corners of his mouth.
They both went quiet, the air between them thick with things unsaid. It was as if both of them were weighing what to say, and both were afraid to be the first to speak. Finally, Aussie cleared his throat, his expression turning serious.
“Do you have a few minutes?” he asked, his voice low. “I’d like to talk.”
Ava nodded, even as a pang of nerves stirred in her stomach. “Yeah, of course.”
Aussie took a deep breath, glancing away before meeting her gaze with a look so earnest it almost hurt to see. “I’ve missed you, Ava,” he began, his voice rough around the edges. “I’ve missed you and Christian more than I thought was possible. If I could go back to the night of the Snowball, I would’ve followed you out right then and told you the truth.” He paused for a moment and then continued. “I can’t go into detail because it’s classified. But I swear to you, Ava, I would never betray you or Christian. I was there that night because of my job—nothing more, nothing less. And these last two weeks…” He shook his head as if searching for the right words. “I’ve been miserable without you.”
Ava felt her throat tighten, her heart dipping as she realized that Christian and Clover were right. She hadn’t even given him the chance to explain. All the missed calls, the messages she’d ignored, letting her past fears get the best of her.
He laughed softly. “Even Clover showed up at my place to give me hell about it all.”
Ava managed a small smile, feeling foolish for shutting him out so completely. “I’m sorry, Aussie. I should’ve taken your calls and given you a chance to explain.”
But before she could continue, Aussie gently shook his head and pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in a hug so comforting, so steady, that she melted against him. She could feel the tension from the last two weeks slip away, the hurt and confusion fading in the warmth of his embrace. She let herself relax, breathing in his familiar scent, allowing herself a moment of peace she’d been denying for days.
When she finally looked up at him, their eyes met, and a quiet happiness bloomed inside her. Aussie’s gaze softened, his hands resting at her waist, and without a second thought, she leaned up and kissed him, letting all the feelings she’d been holding back pour into that single, gentle moment.
◆◆◆
Jarod clenched his fists, watching through the deli’s front window as Ava walked away with that man. She’d barely glanced back, leaving him in the middle of the deli like he was nothing.
His jaw clenched as he seethed, eyes fixed on the two of them, now standing close on the sidewalk. Of course, he couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but Jarod didn’t need to know what they were saying to feel the betrayal burn.
Jarod wondered if this was the guy Ava said she was seeing. Judging from the uniform, Jarod knew he was in the military. That surprised him. He never saw Ava as someone who was interested in military men. Though the guy probably used his charm and muscles to make her turn her head. Jarod bristled as his lips curled in disdain. Ava deserved more than that. She deserved someone with power and influence. She needed someone who could actually protect her and who knew how to move in her world.
And yet, here she was, leaning into this stranger. It was infuriating to watch. Every little laugh, every glance they exchanged twisted something deep inside him. But then he saw her turn toward the guy, her hand resting gently on his shoulder as she looked up at him, and a spark of anger jolted through him. They were too close, far too close. He could see the softness in her expression, the warmth she was giving this man that she should have been giving him.
Then, he saw her tip her face toward the man’s, and his stomach dropped. She was kissing him. Right there on the street.
A flash of red clouded his vision as he watched them, his fists clenching harder until his nails bit into his palms. He was barely aware of the people passing him, their curious glances as he stood like a statue in the deli, his eyes fixed on Ava and that man.
Ava is mine, he thought fiercely. She’s always been mine.
The military guy was nothing. He was just a passing phase, someone who’d vanish when he had to ship out for duty again. Meanwhile, Jarod was stable, someone she could actually count on. He had a reputation, respect, and a place in this town that would last. What did this man have that Jarod didn’t? Sure, he had the good looks and the swagger, but that was just surface stuff. Eventually, Ava would see through that. She would realize what she was missing with him, and by then, this man would be long gone.
But even so, the sight of them together felt like a slap. He could almost hear her laughing at him, dismissing him as if he were no one. His blood simmered. No. No one was going to stand in his way. Not this guy. Not anyone.
When Ava and the man finally broke apart and turned to walk down the sidewalk together, Jarod’s eyes tracked them, his mind spinning with a new determination. He’d have to find out more about this military guy. He needed to figure out his weaknesses, how he’d gotten so close to Ava so quickly. This wasn’t over. He wasn’t about to lose Ava to anyone, least of all a man who wouldn’t last.