“Well, I live on Birch Drive. Number 43. And yes, I guess it’s better he doesn’t think I’m on my own. But I can take care of myself, Taylan.” She puts Poupon down and he hops over onto the backseat to curl up.
“I can see that. But throwing a drink at him in a public place just makes his story more credible.”
“His story is garbage. I didn’t steal anything.”
“I know that.” I need to be careful here. I know a lot more than I’m telling her, but I don’t want to reveal too much too soon. She’s already worried and upset.
“My Dad left my sister and I money when he died. It was in an account that Silas accessed. He gambled it all away, I think. He was hurting Mom. I got us away by taking the cash in his safe. It was less than we were owed, but it was enough to start over here.”
I park outside her house. “I think you were very brave. He’s a nasty piece of work.”
“I hate him. And I’ve never hated anyone before in my life. I’m more of a lover than a fighter…” Her voice cracks and I take her hand. It’s soft in mine. We sit still as I stroke my thumb over her knuckles, the contact making my heart thud in my chest. She’s breathing faster as she looks up at me. My eyes lock on hers and I can’t look away.
I raise my hand to touch her cheek, leaning closer as I stroke her skin. I’ve wanted this for such a long time. To be this close to her, breathing in her scent.
I shouldn’t kiss her before I’ve told her everything, but I do. Our lips fit together perfectly, like they’re made for each other. My dick is rock hard as I explore her mouth with my tongue, running my fingers through her silky hair. She moans softly and I want to pull her onto my lap.
Poupon starts to bark and I reluctantly pull away. Her chest is heaving and we’re both breathing hard.
“I don’t know what I’m doing.” Her voice is soft.
“It’s okay. You need to get some rest. Shall I come inside?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “I have to process what Silas said. But thank you for looking out for me.”
Ava opens the door quickly and gets out. She runs up the path to her house, her hair fluttering in the breeze. I start up the car and park it in a more inconspicuous position down the street.
There’s no way I’m not keeping an eye on her with Silas around.
Looks like I’m here all night.
Chapter Five
AVA
I slept like a log last night.
I should have been tossing and turning, worrying about my stepfather. But I’m not. And it has to be my hormones because after Taylan kissed me last night I’m on a high all day. Silas said he was out of town, but I have no idea if I can trust him or not. At the same time, I have this strange sense of safety. Like someone’s looking out for me.
It’s got to be hormonal. I’ve never had a rush like that from one kiss. I practically skip to work.
I’m not the only one in a good mood. My colleague Iris got engaged to her boyfriend Maverick yesterday. Our boss insists that we all go to Friar’s Bar to celebrate after work. Since Maverick works at the firehouse, all the firefighters show up too.
Apart from one.
I try not to keep glancing around, checking if Taylan’s turned up. The evening is drawing to a close, with people starting to leave and shouting their farewells.
My sister notices I’m distracted. I texted her this morning to let her know Silas had shown up. “Are you worried about Silas? I thought he said he was out of town this weekend?”
I shrug. “I kind of think he does the opposite of what he says he’ll do. You know, he points one way to distract you and then runs the other way?”
She nods. “Brock’s put the word out. Every firefighter in town is looking out for us.”
The door of the bar opens and Taylan walks in. He’s so tall and broad-shouldered, his tattoos emphasizing the muscles in his arms, that I suck in my breath. Mila follows my line of sight.
“He’s a good one, Ava. Brock’s always talking about how smart Tay is.”
“Heissmart. He’s gorgeous and funny too. But I shouldn’t bring my problems to some unsuspecting firefighter’s broad shoulders. I’m sure there are plenty of girls in Snowflake Falls with less complicated lives.”
