CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Ava stood by the window in the living room, nervously twisting the hem of her red sweater as she glanced at the clock, waiting for Aussie to arrive.
Her thoughts drifted to the news he’d shared the day before and the shocking update about Chase and Barrett. It was a grim reminder of the chaos that had invaded her life.
But tonight wasn’t about that, she thought to herself. Like Aussie had told her last night, there’s nothing they can do about it right now.
So, she was determined that she wasn’t going to let the darkness of yesterday cast a shadow over her first date with Aussie. For once, she was allowing herself to embrace something good, something worth smiling about.
Pushing all the negative thoughts aside, she let her mind wander back to earlier in the day. Her lips curved into a soft smile. She and Aussie had spent the morning in town shopping for Christmas gifts.
She could still feel his hand wrapped around hers as they walked through the bustling streets, snow falling gently around them. Every time he introduced her to someone he knew, he’d say, “This is Ava, my girlfriend,” with so much pride it made her heart flutter. And he didn’t just say it. He showed it. The way he would lean closer, brush a strand of hair out of her face, or hold her tighter when the crowd pressed too close made her feel cherished.
Her phone buzzed, breaking her reverie. It was a text from Aussie.
Aussie: Grab your coat and meet me on the front porch.
Her heart leaped with excitement. She grabbed her coat, slipped it on, and checked her reflection quickly in the hallway mirror. She’d kept her outfit simple but warm. She wore black jeans and a soft red sweater that she had picked out while they were shopping. She opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. The air was crisp, and the snow glistened under the soft glow of the porch lights and Christmas lights.
A minute passed, and then she heard the faint jingle of bells. Her breath caught as a horse-drawn sleigh came into view, gliding up the driveway. A beautiful white horse pulled it. The sleigh was adorned with garlands and red bows. Ava’s eyes widened in awe as her gaze drifted to the sleigh’s seat, where Aussie was sitting, grinning at her.
He hopped off gracefully, his boots crunching against the snow as he approached. He was dressed in jeans and a cream-colored sweater that hugged his frame just right. God, he was freaking gorgeous, and he is all mine, she thought to herself.
“You look beautiful,” he said softly when he reached her. He leaned in and brushed a quick kiss against her lips, making her heart skip a beat.
“Aussie,” she started, still stunned by the sleigh, “this is amazing.”
“Just wait,” he said, his grin widening as he took her hand.
Ava let him lead her down the porch steps, her excitement bubbling over as they approached the sleigh. She recognized the driver immediately. It was a gentleman who Aussie had introduced her to earlier in town. “Hi again,” Ava said, smiling, and the driver tipped his hat with a chuckle.
Aussie helped her into the sleigh, his hands firm but gentle as he guided her up. Once they were seated, he pulled her close, draping a thick blanket over both of them. From beneath the seat, he pulled out a thermos.
“Hot chocolate?” he offered, winking at her.
She laughed, her cheeks warming despite the cold. “You thought of everything.”
The sleigh began to move, and the bells jingled softly as they glided over the snow. The world around them was quiet, the woods blanketed in white.
Ava leaned into Aussie, her head resting on his shoulder. Every now and then, she’d steal a kiss, and he’d laugh softly before kissing her back.
It was peaceful and magical, and for the first time in a long time, Ava felt completely at ease.
After about an hour, the sleigh slowed to a stop. Ava lifted her head, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. One of the barns on Aussie’s parents’ property was glowing with warm Christmas lights strung up along the roofline and windows. The scene was straight out of a Christmas movie. It looked romantic and breathtaking.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
Aussie jumped down first, then turned to help her. His hands were warm as they steadied her on the snowy ground.
“Thank you,” she said softly to the driver, who nodded with a kind smile before steering the horse away.
Aussie retook her hand and led her to the barn’s front door. “My parents had this barn renovated a few months ago,” he explained. “It’s basically a second home now. I thought it’d be the perfect spot for the second part of our date.”
When he pushed open the door, the smell of spices and roasted meat wafted out, making Ava’s mouth water. Inside, the barn was transformed into a cozy haven. A Christmas tree stood in the corner, decorated with twinkling lights and ornaments, and the dining table was set for two, illuminated by candlelight.
Ava’s throat tightened as emotion welled up. “Aussie, this is incredible. You didn’t have to do all this.”
“I wanted to,” he said simply, watching her reaction. “I know you’re not a fan of big, flashy dates, and I wanted this to be special. Something you’d enjoy and remember.”
Tears prickled her eyes, but she blinked them back, laughing softly instead. “You’re going to make me cry.” She reached up, pulling his face to hers for a kiss.
The kiss started soft and tender but quickly deepened, heat sparking between them. Ava’s hands slid into his hair as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. With a low growl, Aussie lifted her effortlessly, her legs wrapping around his waist as he pressed her against the wall.
Her heart raced the warmth of his body against hers, chasing away any lingering chill from the sleigh ride. She could feel the strength in his arms, the controlled intensity in his kiss, and it left her breathless.
When he finally pulled back, both of them were breathing heavily. His grin was lopsided and teasing. “We better eat before the food gets cold,” he said, his voice husky.
Ava laughed, her head resting against his shoulder for a moment before he set her back on her feet. “Fine,” she said, brushing her lips against his one last time. “But only because you worked so hard to put this together.”
As he led her to the table, she couldn’t stop smiling. This wasn’t just a date. It was a memory she’d treasure forever.
◆◆◆
A while later, the plates were empty, and Ava leaned back in her chair with a content smile on her face. “That was amazing, Aussie,” she said, her voice warm with appreciation. “I had no idea you were such a great cook.”
Aussie’s cheeks flushed slightly as he ducked his head. “Well, I had a little help.” He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. “An elf may or may not have given me some tips.”
Ava laughed, the sound light and carefree. “An elf, huh? Does your mom know that you call her an elf?”
“She’d probably take it as a compliment,” he said with a chuckle. “But don’t tell her. She’ll start wearing one of those pointy hats and claim she’s Santa’s favorite.”
Their laughter filled the room, and Ava couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this light, this genuinely happy, yet even as she savored the playful banter, a warmth stirred inside her that had little to do with the food or the ambiance. Her mind wandered back to earlier and the way Aussie had kissed her against the wall, how his hands had felt on her, strong yet gentle, possessive yet tender.
She caught herself staring at him. He was standing now, holding out his hand to her with a boyish smile that sent her heart fluttering.
“Dance with me,” he said.
She didn’t hesitate, slipping her hand into his. He led her to the living room, where soft Christmas music played from a speaker. The lights from the Christmas tree twinkled, casting a warm glow around them. Aussie turned to face her, pulling her close as they began to sway to the music.
Ava melted into his embrace, her hands resting lightly on his chest as his arms wrapped securely around her waist. The moment felt timeless, as though the world beyond the barn didn’t exist. The gentle notes of the music blended with the quiet hum of their breathing, and for a while, they simply moved together, wrapped in one another’s presence.
Breaking the silence, Ava tilted her head back to look at him. “Thank you,” she said softly.
“For what?”
“For everything.” Her voice wavered slightly, but she held his gaze. “For tonight, for making Christian and me feel safe, for just being you.”
His expression softened, and she could see the emotion swirling in his eyes. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she continued. “I care about you so much, Aussie.”
Before he could respond, she rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him, surprising them both.
At first, the kiss was gentle, but it quickly turned wild, the pent-up emotion and desire between them igniting like a spark to dry kindling. His arms tightened around her, pulling her impossibly closer while her fingers threaded through his hair.
Ava broke away just enough to whisper against his lips, her voice breathless. “I want you, Aussie.”
His eyes darkened, a mixture of hunger and restraint flickering across his face. “Ava,” he began, but she silenced him with another kiss, making her conviction clear.
This wasn’t just about desire. It was about trust, connection, and the overwhelming need to be close to him in every possible way. Ava knew what she wanted, and for the first time in a long time, she wasn’t afraid to reach for it.
◆◆◆
Aussie couldn’t look away from Ava. She stood in front of him, the glow of the Christmas lights casting a soft halo around her as if she were something out of a dream. Her lips curved in a way that made his chest tighten, and the words she’d just spoken echoed in his mind.
“I want you,” she said. Her eyes had locked with his. They were unflinching and sure.
Her kiss lingered on his lips, searing and soft all at once. It was a promise and a plea, and Aussie felt something inside him give way. She had him completely.
He cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek as he searched her eyes for any hint of hesitation. “Ava,” he said, his voice low, rough with restraint. “If you want to stop, you better tell me now. Because once we start, I’m not going to be able to stop. You’re too damn tempting.”
She smiled, “I don’t want to stop, Aussie. I want this. I want you.”
The last thread of his restraint snapped. He claimed her lips in a kiss that was deep and consuming. It was one that left no question about how much he wanted her. Without breaking their kiss, he slid an arm under her legs and the other around her back, lifting her as if she weighed nothing.
Ava gasped softly, her arms looping around his neck as he carried her toward the bedroom. When he nudged the door open with his foot, the warm, inviting space welcomed them. A king-size bed sat against one wall, dressed in soft, neutral linens, while a small Christmas tree in the corner twinkled with tiny white lights. The festive charm of the room was intimate and magical, a perfect reflection of the moment.
Aussie set her down on her feet. His heart was racing.
She looked up at him. Her dark blue eyes shimmered with a blend of anticipation and vulnerability that hit him straight in the chest.
He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice husky, filled with awe.
Ava’s lips curved into a shy smile, her gaze never leaving his. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
“Not so bad?” he teased, leaning in closer. “I was going for devastatingly handsome, but I’ll take it.”
She rolled her eyes, but the grin tugging at her lips gave her away. “Devastatingly handsome is a little much,” she said, her voice light and teasing.
“Well, let me work on convincing you,” Aussie murmured, slipping his hands beneath the hem of her sweater. Her breath hitched as his knuckles grazed the smooth skin of her back.
“Your hands are cold,” she said, laughing softly.
“Sorry,” he said, grinning as he leaned in to kiss her shoulder. “Don’t worry, things will heat up soon.”
Ava giggled, swatting at him playfully, but she didn’t pull away. As he lifted her sweater over her head, her hair tumbled free, and she looked at him with a vulnerability that tugged at his heart.
“Your turn,” she said as she reached for his sweater and started lifting it up. But she could only lift it so far because of her height. Laughing, Aussie bent down, and she pulled off the rest of the way.
She stared at his chest. “You’ve been hiding this all day,” she said, her voice soft but teasing as her hands brushed over his chest.
“You should’ve said something sooner,” he replied, his grin widening. “I’d have walked around shirtless just for you.”
She laughed, her cheeks flushing deeper, and he leaned in, his lips brushing hers. “I love that sound,” he murmured against her mouth.
“What sound?” she asked, her breath warm against his lips.
“Your laugh. It’s one of my favorite sounds,” he said, his tone soft but sincere.
Her gaze softened, and she cupped his face, pulling him into a deeper kiss. The rest of the world faded as their laughter quieted, replaced by the growing intensity between them.
Piece by piece, they undressed each other, their movements unhurried, as though savoring every second. Her laugh was soft and breathless when his hand brushed her side, and he couldn’t help but grin, leaning in to kiss the corner of her mouth.
When they finally stood bare before each other, the air around them felt electric. Every glance and touch was charged with anticipation. Aussie guided her to the bed, lowering her gently onto the soft covers.
“I’ve never been this nervous,” Ava admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Me either,” Aussie confessed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “But it’s the good kind of nervous.”
She smiled, her hand slipping to rest on his chest. “Yeah. It is.”
Aussie covered her body with his. He leaned down and cradled her face with his hands as he kissed her deeply. He poured all the unspoken words and emotions into the moment. Every movement felt like a declaration, every touch a vow to cherish and protect her.
Pulling from her mouth, he moved his lips slowly down her body. He made sure to worship each and every inch of her delectable body. Hearing her soft moans and gasps of pleasure fueled his drive.
“Aussie, please…” she pleaded as he started to make another pass down her body.
He could hear the need in her voice, which made his cock even harder.
But he ignored her pleas as he continued southward until his lips met the prize he was seeking.
As soon as his lips made contact with her pussy, he couldn’t hold back. As his tongue lapped at her folds, it wasn’t long before he felt her legs start to tremble, and he knew that she was just seconds from detonating. He applied pressure to her clit with his thumb and began rubbing it.
“Oh, fuck! I’m so close!” she panted.
Knowing that he wouldn’t last long either, Aussie quickly moved back up her body and settled his body between her thighs.
“Fuck, you are so beautiful,” he told her, leaning down and kissing her. He made love to her mouth, giving her a preview of what was to come.
Ava gripped his shoulders and pulled her mouth from his.
“Please, Aussie. I need you inside of me.”
He grinned. “Your wish is my command.”
Lining up his cock, he slowly entered her. Her walls felt like a vise was gripping him. She was so fucking tight. He pulled out, then pushed in a little further. He repeated that again, but then Ava shocked him when she bucked her hips, causing him to slide all the way in her.
The way she stilled and the small hiss she elicited, Aussie thought that he had hurt her.
“Fuck, Ava. Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” he asked. The panic was evident in his tone.
But then she cupped his cheek and stared into his eyes. She smiled.
“I’m fine, Aussie. Make love to me.”
Those were the only words that he needed to hear. He kissed her again as he started to move again.
Ava’s hands moved over him, her touch igniting a warmth that spread through him like fire.
Their movements became a rhythm, a dance that was equal parts passion and tenderness. Every sensation was heightened, every whispered word and soft moan a testament to how deeply they felt for one another. The only thing that existed was this moment, this connection, and the love that flowed between them in waves.
As the room filled with sounds of their lovemaking, the sensation soon became too overwhelming, and Aussie started to feel the familiar tension building inside of him. He was close.
As his thrusts became quicker and more urgent, he felt Ava’s vaginal walls clench down on his cock, signaling that she was close too.
Two more hard thrusts and Ava cried out. Aussie quickly followed with his own release.
Aussie held her close, his forehead resting against hers as they caught their breath.
He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, his voice a hushed confession. “I’m falling in love with you, Ava.”
Her eyes glistened as she smiled, her hands framing his face. “I already fell in love with you,” she admitted, her voice trembling with emotion. “The moment you stood up for Christian and me, you had my heart.”
Their lips met again, a kiss full of promises for the future, and as they held each other in the quiet glow of the Christmas lights, Aussie knew that he would do whatever it took to protect her and the life they were beginning to build together.
◆◆◆
Ava lay in Aussie’s arms, her head resting on his chest as his steady heartbeat filled her ears. His arm wrapped securely around her waist, anchoring her to him, and she couldn’t remember a time when she had felt so safe, so loved.
She traced light patterns on his skin, her mind swirling with emotions she couldn’t quite put into words. Gratefulness swelled in her chest as she thought about how much her life had changed since Aussie walked into it. Everything with him felt right, as if he had been meant to find her and be a part of Christian’s and her life.
Her thoughts were interrupted by his voice, soft but full of concern. “You okay?”
Ava tilted her head to look at him. His soft, hazel eyes searched hers, and his brow furrowed slightly.
She smiled, running her fingers through his hair. “Everything is perfect,” she assured him. “I was just thinking about how grateful I am for you. For us. For all of this.”
His hand shifted to cradle her cheek, his thumb grazing her skin. “I’m grateful for you, too,” he murmured.
She hesitated, then began to share her thoughts. “I’ve been thinking about how things will be when we get back home. I don’t want this to change.”
“It won’t,” he said firmly. “In fact, I was going to talk to you about that. I want to stay with you and Christian when we get back home. Not to rush anything between us but with the threat still out there…” He trailed off, his expression serious. “I don’t want to take any chances.”
Ava’s heart warmed at his protectiveness. “I was going to ask you the same thing,” she admitted, her voice soft. “I want you to move in with us, Aussie. Not just because of the threat, but because it feels right.”
He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering there. “Then it’s settled.”
She sighed, her smile fading slightly. “I still don’t know what will happen with Christian’s case after the holidays. I don’t want to lose him, Aussie. He’s already been through so much.”
Her voice cracked, and he tightened his hold on her, pressing a reassuring kiss to her temple. “You won’t lose him,” he said with conviction. “If there’s anything I can do, anything at all, to help convince the court and the state that he belongs with you, I will. I promise.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and she tilted her head to kiss him, her lips soft and full of gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered against his lips. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”
They shared a few tender kisses, their connection growing deeper with every touch. When Ava pulled back slightly, a mischievous smile played on her lips.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
She tilted her head, curiosity lighting her expression. “What’s your real name? And how did you get the nickname Aussie?”
A faint blush crept up his cheeks, and Ava raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s so embarrassing about that?” she teased.
He chuckled, the sound deep and rich. “My real name is Ty Mitchell.”
“Ty,” she repeated, testing the name on her tongue. “I like it. But I like Aussie too.”
He smirked. “Aussie has a bit of a backstory.”
“Do tell,” she urged, snuggling closer.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Before I joined the Navy, I had a pretty bad stutter. To the point where I wasn’t sure the SEALs would even accept me. But I was determined to make it.”
Her heart ached for him as he spoke. She could hear the vulnerability in his voice, and it only made her love him more.
“I tried everything,” he continued. “Techniques, exercises, the whole nine yards, but nothing really worked. It was frustrating, to say the least. But then I discovered something. When I spoke in a slight accent, I didn’t stutter. It was like flipping a switch.”
Her eyes widened. “Really? And that’s where Aussie came from?”
He nodded, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. “Yep. It stuck during training because I used it so often. At first, it was just to avoid blocks, but then it became part of who I am.”
Ava placed a hand on his cheek. “Thank you for sharing that with me,” she said sincerely. “I can’t imagine how hard that must have been. But I think it’s amazing that you found a way to overcome it. It’s just another reason to admire you.”
His smile softened, and he leaned in to kiss her, his lips brushing hers in a gesture of gratitude and affection.
They talked a little longer, discussing his work in the Navy as much as he was allowed to share. Ava assured him that she was okay with his job and that she would be proud to stand by him no matter what.
When he kissed her again, it was searing and full of promise. Without a word, he rolled her onto her back, his hands framing her face as he deepened the kiss.
“Round two?” he teased, his voice low and full of warmth.
She laughed softly, her eyes sparkling as she pulled him closer. “Absolutely.”
And as the night unfolded, their love grew stronger, solidifying the bond they had both been searching for.