Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
Ava
I’m not a fan of the way River is trying to boss me around.
I’m even less of a fan of the way I keep giving in to him.
What I am a fan of, though, is the way he woke me with his cock this morning.
Now, that is something a girl could get used to; probably has something to do with the way he knows how to use it, that and he’s huge.
Ava: River kidnapped me this weekend and last night
Mia: No. You’re just drunk on good dick and doing what your body tells you. Nothing wrong with that
Harper: Bahaha. Also she’s right, Ava
Bella: That man loves you. There’s nothing wrong with exploring what’s going on, but if he hurts you…
Mia: … we help each other hide the body
I look up from my desk to see Donna standing at my door.
“How can you be absolutely glowing, but also look like you didn’t get much sleep? It’s an impressive combination.”
I smirk at her. “It’s called great sex.”
“Oh, yeah, that’ll do it,” she laughs. “It’s been a while since I had that. After twenty years of marriage things change.”
I can’t imagine River would ever change. I think after twenty years with that man, he’d still be insatiable. Something about River just screams sex.
“Anyway, as pleased as I am for you, I didn’t stop by to discuss your love life.”
“Sex life,” I correct her. It’s definitely not love. I’m going to keep telling myself that until I believe it.
“Sure thing, sweetie. But I stopped by to see what you needed from me for the event next week.”
Next weekend we’re hosting a beach party reunion for our rehomed children and families, it’s also a time for potential parents to meet our current foster kids. I’m hoping it’ll be our most successful event to date.
“Just need you to sign these forms.” I hand over a bunch of paperwork I’d been holding on to.
“I’ll get these back to you this afternoon.” She turns to leave my office but spins back around at the door. “Oh, I heard back from our mystery donor. They won’t be attending this event either, not that it’s any surprise.”
She’s right, it’s not a surprise, but I’m still disappointed.
I really want to meet our secret donor. I love that they don’t want everyone to know who they are, but I’d still like to thank them, even if it is in secret.
I’d hoped they’d attend as a guest without ever having to be recognized for what they do for our charity. Apparently not.
***
I return from a meeting that afternoon to see two missed calls and a text from River.
River: Call me when you can x
Rather than just calling him straight back when he could be in a meeting, I drop him a text instead.
Ava: You free?
My cell rings in my hand immediately. Was he just sitting there staring at it?
“Hi.” My voice is breathy, excited. This is ridiculous, I can’t lose my head around him.
“Hey, pipsqueak.” His deep gravel tone sends a shiver down my body as it meets my ears. “How’s your day going?”
“Productive, even if I am sleep deprived.” I hear his chuckle and can imagine the creases that appear at the corners of his eyes.
“You’ll have to get used to little sleep. I can’t see a time when I don’t spend half the night inside you.”
Despite being sore, my damn pussy clenches at the thought of being filled with him again.
“You’re insatiable,” I mutter.
“Only for you, baby.”
“What is it you’re calling for, River?” I can’t handle him being romantic; I still don’t fully trust it to be real.
“You mean despite wanting to speak to my girlfriend? I’ve got a work event this Thursday. It’s an awards dinner, black tie, and I’d like you to come with me.”
That’s a big step. That means meeting his co-workers, I’m not sure we’re there yet, or if we ever will be.
“I don’t know, River, that’s a lot.” He sighs down the line, and I can imagine him running a hand through his thick, dark hair.
“Pipsqueak, I’ve told you I’m in love with you. How is taking you to a work event a lot?”
“Because then it’s not just us, you’ll be introducing me to people.”
“Damn right I will. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
I don’t know how to respond to that, and he obviously takes my silence for exactly what it is. Fear.
“Look, don’t view it as a date or whatever the hell it is that’s got you spooked. See it as a night that you get to get dressed up. I know you love an excuse to go all glam on us, and I’ve just handed you a reason on a silver platter.”
He’s right, I do love an excuse to wear a pretty dress, and a black tie event? Ultimate dress up opportunity.
“Please,” he whispers down the line and the rawness of his voice is my decision maker.
“Fine,” I sigh. “But no introducing me to everyone as your girlfriend, okay? We’re just friends.”
“Nope. I don’t lie to people. Love you, pipsqueak.” With that the line goes dead.
He hung up on me.