Chapter 5
FIVE
Kai
The way her eyes shimmer in the light is seared in my thoughts.
All I can think about are her pink, plump lips on mine.
When our pinkies joined, exchanging energy between us, it lit me up inside, my heart thudding in my ears.
I can’t shake it, not that I want to. I enjoyed every minute with her, and my thoughts kept looping back to those hazel eyes flecked with gold, the curve of her cheeks, her button nose, and her wavy hair framing her deep olive skin.
Logan sees I’m distracted, but he has me working my ass off.
I can’t figure out whether it’s because I stole his sister-in-law over the weekend or because he’s torn.
He knows I’m a nice guy, but I see it—the sympathy flickering in his eyes.
Every day, he mentions that Ava doesn’t stay in one place too long before she’s off on another adventure.
Why is she running?
I don’t know—I haven’t had more than a couple of hours with her last weekend, and then stolen glances at the courthouse when I’m running in and out.
Her van is there, parked at the curb. When I walk out the door, I can see her smile with those damn lips of hers.
My heart swells every time our eyes meet.
Today, I need my Ava fix. There’s a longer line than usual, but it’s worth it. Once I’m at the counter, her smile reaches her eyes. “I thought I’d see you more often down here.”
“Well, if your brother-in-law wasn’t holding me hostage in the office conference room, then I’d be here more than once a day,” I whisper, but it comes out louder than expected. “You’re beautiful.”
Pink rolls up her neck and tinges her cheeks. I may have a hold on her, like she does on me. She wipes her forehead, not letting her eyes off of me. “What can I get you?
“I’ll have a large hot French Vanilla coffee with four sugars, hold the cream.” I rattle it off, and she doesn’t miss a word. I reach into the window, wanting to connect with her. When she eyes my hand lying on her counter, she quickly places hers on top and squeezes.
Her touch sends a thrill through me. Once she drifts her eyes away, she says, “Not sweet enough, you need some extra sugar?”
Well, I’ll be damned. After a moment like that, she volleys it.
I toss it back. “A little extra sweetness never hurt anyone.”
She leans down and whispers, “I think you’re sweet enough; just keeping you on your toes.”
I watch as she twists and makes my coffee. The height of this truck frames her ass perfectly; you could bounce a quarter off of it in those jeans. She’s breathtaking. I discreetly adjust myself with a shit ton of people around.
The popularity of Pages I’ll be here for hours.
I grab a folder, and my phone vibrates in my pocket.
My jaw practically falls to the floor when I see a text from Ava.
If my heart pounds any harder, it will beat out of my chest.
Ava:
Sorry, it’s been really busy this week. It was nice to see you.
Kai:
This week has been insane for me, too. I’m glad I could get a glimpse of your smile for a few minutes.
Ava:
It was really nice to see a familiar face.
Well, now or never. It’s an opportunity to ask her out.
Kai:
Any chance you’re free for a dinner date?
I am hoping for an immediate answer as I stare at my phone. No dots. Sighing, I shove it into my pocket and try to focus on what I need to accomplish. Picking the folder back up and thumbing through it, my phone vibrates again.
Ava:
I am free. When were you thinking?
Kai:
Tomorrow night? I don’t have an exact time for you…But let me text you tomorrow with some details. If last-minute works for you?
Ava:
Last minute is my middle name. Sounds good.
Friday starts like any other day at work.
Busy. I’m finally getting home at 7 p.m. I walk through the kitchen door and drop my briefcase.
Not sure why I took it home, I have zero interest in doing any work this weekend.
My focus is on Ava and sweeping her off her feet with a dab of stay-longer-in-Saxville charm.
I’m hung up on Ava. She came in like a wrecking ball, leaving my carefully constructed world scattered, along with my thoughts. My fingers hover over the phone screen. I take a deep breath and type out the message.
Kai:
It’s late, and I’m sorry I haven’t texted until now. But I’m finally home, and I’d love to take you out to dinner, if it’s not too late.
Ava:
Lucky for you, I haven’t eaten yet.
Kai:
Phew…I thought you’d say no, or you’re in bed…I’ll pick you up in twenty.
Ava:
I’ll be ready…and who goes to bed before nine?
I chuckle because my usual bedtime is like midnight/one o’clock. Maybe she’s a night owl, too.
Looking at my reflection in the sliding door, there’s no way I’m showing up in a suit. I jog upstairs to throw on a polo and shorts. While I’m in the bathroom, I quickly throw on some cologne, shave, and fix my hair. One last peek, and I’m ready to pick her up.
When I pull into the driveway, my stomach knots up on me. I take a couple of deep breaths and knock on the door. Logan answers with a smirk. “Hey, man.”
“Hey, I’m here to pick up Ava for our date.”