Chapter 13
THIRTEEN
Kai
Ikeep replaying the conversation with Ava last night and reading her morning text message.
Surprised at the way my body sinks into the bed and how my chest aches for her to be lying in bed with me.
Holding her, my hands gliding over her smooth skin and inhaling her intoxicating scent of cinnamon and espresso beans.
This was so unexpected when she floated into my life. And I thought time with her was fleeting. After all our texts, we are tied a little tighter together than I imagined.
Yearning for her in a way that I’ve never experienced, but will she ever stay in Saxville?
The way I heard her choke up last night has me booking a last-minute flight to Norfolk to surprise her. I’m able to board my flight at 9:50 a.m., which will put me down on the strip she mentioned right after lunchtime.
This is out of character for me, but I want to brighten her day the way she brightens mine.
Once I land, I’ll grab an Uber to the strip, and he can drop me off.
I’ve packed light because I’ll be back on the red eye home tonight.
These next few hours will be worth every penny and every moment when I see her face in a few brief minutes.
My heart is pounding, and my palms are sweating as I try to wipe them on my shorts to clear the clamminess.
I never thought she’d be anything but happy to see me, but now I’m doubting if this was a good idea.
Too late, pal. The Uber driver pulls up to the curb, I say thank you, and get out of the car.
It’s surreal down here. The sun is high in the sky, with people and trucks lining the streets. Will I find her in all this chaos?
I sling my backpack over my shoulder and trudge through the crowd.
Trying to remember the exterior details of Pages she’s not that strong.
I grab her wrist and tug her to me. “I’m really here. I thought since you were missing your sister, that maybe a friendly face would cheer you up.”
“Well, you sure surprised me. Did I scream when I saw you because I was in my head?” She laughs and takes my hand in hers. “How long are you here for?”
I glance at the time. “I have to be at the airport at eleven…so we have four hours.”