“Did you want that instead?” I ask, looking around for our server.
“Oh, no, not tonight, but maybe next time.” She smiles and winks while pressing her hands on mine.
Is this the moment she lowers her wall a little further for me to see over it—see more of her?
I’ll buy all the flights of tequila; all she has to do is say the word, and it’s done. As for anything else, it’s hers, including me.
Gazing at our hands connected, a warmth spreads through my body, knowing her smile is all for me. When I bring my eyes back to hers, I smirk. “Spending time with you is like having a bright light shining on us.” I signal with my finger for her to come closer; my eyes fall onto her lips. Her soft smile hits my chest like a ton of bricks, and I lose the air in my lungs. I move my body over the table just enough to reach her lips to kiss her, light and meaningfully, transferring all the words I want to say to her with one kiss. Only until I know she won’t run if I keep telling her we are meant to be together.
She presses further into my lips until we separate back to our sides of the table. “This table is getting in the way of kissing and touching you.”
Her laugh is contagious. We’re both laughing as the server comes back with our drinks and lobster guacamole, diving into it first thing.
“Do you two need a few minutes before ordering?” He looks between the two of us. I have a mouth full of a chip and guac.
I swallow and say, “No, we’re ready. You first.” I gesture to Ava.
“I’ll have the salmon Puebla.” She hands the menu to the server.
I scratch my jaw, trying to decide between the chicken enchiladas and fish tacos. They both sound good. “I’ll have the…chicken enchiladas with extra napkins.”
The server walks away, and Ava’s eyes land on me. My insides ignite. “Did you talk to Joan again?”
“Funny you should ask, I was waiting until tonight to let you know…”
Her mouth drops to indifference, and her eyes aren’t sparkling.Oh shit, is she leaving again?I’m uncertain my heart could take it. Please,not yet. I haven’t been able to convince her to stay. This is just one date closer to stacking the odds in my favor. A sigh escapes, and I try to cover it with a cough—no dice. A tiny pull at the corner of her lip gives it away.
“And…” Most of the time, I have patience, but right now I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, awaiting her explanation.
“Well, after deep conversations, I’ve decided to pursue buying the coffeehouse.”
My body slams back in the chair like I’ve been blasted to another planet. I’m vibrating with excitement. I jump out of my chair, pull her up, wrap my arms around her, and lift her off the ground. “You’re staying then?!”
“Well, we’ll see, but it’s in the works.” Her arms wrap tightly around the neck.
“I may be just a little excited about it,” I say, placing her feet back on the floor.
TWENTY-FIVE
Ava
Standing here in the middle of the patio with people staring. He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t move; he doesn’t care who’s around. His blue eyes remain locked on me while his arms hold on to me tightly, like I might vanish if he lets go. His care seeps into my body. I’m floating on cloud nine. I finally decided, and now the chips will fall where they may. Kai’s excitement spreads through me, a thrill running down my spine…or is that because he has his hands all over my body?
The fortress I’ve spent years maintaining around my heart crumbles a little bit more every time we’re together, every time he sees me for me. He brings me joy, comfort, and safety. I want to be the first person he tells when something amazing happens, the one he whispers secrets to across the sheets at midnight. I imagine walking through his door after the worst day imaginable, his arms opening before I can even speak, and the scent of him envelopes me like a warm blanket.
“My sister is over the moon about it. She’s already talking about redecorating her guest room into my official room. I haven’t had the heart to tell her that I’ll be finding my own place soon. The commercial loan documents are with the bank.”
He steeples his fingers and says, “You’ve accomplished a lot since we saw each other a couple of days ago, and you didn’t even text me about all this good news.”
“Seeing your face was priceless and worth the wait.” I tap his cheek with my hand. “I loved your reaction. I wouldn’t have seen it if I just texted the news.”
“You’re right. And I wouldn’t have been able to hold you like I just did, and that’s priceless.” His lopsided smirk has my belly doing somersaults.
“You can’t steal my word…” I squint at him.
“I just did, sweetheart.” He waves at me, flapping his fingers against the palm of his hand.
“Have you thought about what you’re doing with the Pages & Brew van?” Staring, awaiting my answer, he’s patient, not rushing me or offering me solutions. He’s just listening.
