“I have to run a few errands,” I tell Ava when she pops her head into the office. “I’ll be back before dark. How about I bring dinner? Are you having any cravings?”
She smiles. I know why. I’m acknowledging the pregnancy, and she likes it.
“Have you been to Donovan’s Pub yet?”
I chuckle. “No, but I’m pretty sure I just made plans to meet Jason there in the not-so-distant future. And maybe I’ll invite some of the other guys.”
Her smile grows. “Sounds like a good time. But about that craving… Donovan’s makes a French dip sandwich to die for. So if you’re offering…”
I cross the room and trap her against the wall. “I’m offering.” I lean down and not-so-subtly inhale her scent. Flowers, coffee beans, body wash. I kiss her supple neck just beneath her ear. “I’ll get your French dip sandwich.” I pull back and gaze into her alluring brown eyes. “But let’s be clear, dessert willnotbe coming from Donovan’s. And rest assured, it’ll be a veritable feast that will be leaving us both begging for more.”
Her breath hitches. Her chest rises. Her cheeks pink.
I have the urge to ask her if the old me would have said such a thing. Her reaction makes me think I wouldn’t have. So I resist the temptation to find out. Because just like she wanted, I’m showing her who I want to be, regardless of who I was. And based on the look in her eyes, she’s more than willing to accept this part of me.
Score one for Trevor 2.0
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Ava
I’m startled awake by the closing of the front door. My book lays on my chest as I must have fallen asleep reading.
Trevor looks over at me and smiles. He smiles the way he used to when he’d come through the door after a night out, or even just an errand. He smiles like he’s glad to be here, and he’s glad I’m here too. This smile, though, it’s a bit edgy. Dangerous. Like he wants to make good on his earlier promise ofdessert.
I squirm on the couch just thinking of it. Past the morning sickness now, I’ve entered the part of pregnancy Regan warned me about. The horny part. And the man who I can only explain as the one ogling me from the doorway, is exactly what I need to remedy my affliction.
“I’d love to know what you’re thinking right now,” he says with a cocky grin. “Because I could swear there might be a naughty thought or two running through that pretty little head.”
At least some things haven’t changed—the man can still read me like a book.
“Mmmm,” I tease. “Maybe.” I spring off the couch and swipe the bag of food from him. “But a girl’s gotta get up her strength first.”
He laughs and tosses his duffle bag on the chair next to the couch. Then he joins me at the table and places the box of letters between us.
I fish the sandwiches out of the bag, open the au jus, and inhale a heavenly whiff. I push his order across the table to him. “Be prepared to be wowed. You met Serenity, right? She’s Donny’s daughter. She and Cooper—he’s Jaxon’s younger brother—run the place along with Ren’s dad.”
“Seriously,” he says, unwrapping his Rueben, “you should make me a list. And maybe a family tree. From what I’ve heard, it seems everyone in this town is practically related in some way or another.”
I laugh. “You may be right. We’re some of the few who aren’t. It seems everyone is a Calloway, McQuaid, Cruz, Montana, or Ashford. If not directly, then by marriage, adoption, or even osmosis.” I giggle.
“Ashford?” Trevor cocks his head. “That’s a name I haven’t heard.”
“Wyatt Ashford is one of the richest men in town. He makes his money managing the money of all theotherwealthy families. His wife, Ginny, is super nice. We became friends with her after one of her kids had a terrible collision with Maddie’s daughter and sent her right into a plate glass window.”
“Ah, man. Is that why Gigi has those scars on her face?”
I nod sadly. “That amazing girl hasn’t let it define her, though, thanks to Maddie. Oh, and all of Ginny and Wyatt’s kids’ names are just initials. Pretty crazy. And they’re all related somehow to the Calloways, McQuaids, and Cruzes. Second cousins, third, fourth cousins twice removed…” I throw up my arms. “Who can keep track?”
“Yeah, I’m definitely going to need family trees.” He chuckles then takes a large bite of his sandwich, moaning hisappreciation. “Damn… this is good. How come we don’t go to Donovan’s for our late lunches?”
I shrug. “Goodwin’s is right across the street. Habit, I guess.”
He wipes crumbs from his scruff. “Well, this is amazing. We for sure need to eat at this place a whole lot more.”
“Okay. We’ll start going there if you want.”
He grins, like he’s happy I’m willing to change my habits for him. And of course I am. After all, he’s taking a big leap of faith here, committing to me and the baby.
