“Unless she thinks you say that to all the ladies,” Alex added. “I mean, maybe she thinks you’re a little bit of a smooth operator.”
“Or a loser. She probably thinks I’m a loser. And after she meets Sierra, she will definitely think that. Sierra will never let my past sins stay in the past.” I leapt from my seat and paced the floor.
“Maybe she’s just a little nervous after whatever happened to her.” Ava lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug.
“Did you happen to get a picture of her?” Alex asked.
“When would I have done that? Like when I left her disappointed or before that?”
Alex shrugged. “Like when we left you alone forever. Maybe then? You know like, hey, let’s snap a selfie together…mark the occasion.”
I smacked a palm against my forehead. “Ugh, that’s so smooth. Why didn’t I think of that?”
“It’s fine,” Ava said with a shake of her head. “We’ll get one. I mean, she lives here now, so I’m sure one of us can snap one sometime.”
I tapped my fingertips together as I ambled back and forth. “Yeah, right. Try to get one tomorrow so we can get some information on her. I want to prove to you that she’s just this sweet girl who needs our help.”
Ava frowned. “Doc…I really think you should be careful. You’re smitten, and that’s awesome. This is one of the best parts of the relationship, but don’t forget you barely know her.”
I huffed out a breath, my nostrils flaring. “Yeah, and you think there’s something off about her.”
“Just…be careful until we know more.”
“Right, because no woman would ever actually like me unless there was something odd,” I murmured.
Ava shared a glance with Alex before she rose, scooping Gizmo into her arms. “Well, we’re heading to bed, too. I will make sure we get a picture tomorrow because I really want to be sure she’s the girl you deserve.”
I wanted to tell Ava that Nattie was the girl for me. I knew it was early, but the connection between us was just so strong. Hopefully, stronger than my stupidity.
Alex clapped me on the shoulder. “Get some sleep, bro. We’ll figure it out.”
“Thanks,” I said.
They left me behind, and I collapsed onto the armchair again, flicking my gaze outside at the dark ocean, illuminated by the crescent moon.
I let my head fall back against the cushion. I’d forgotten to tell Alex to turn on the security system. Pushing myself up from the chair, I meandered toward the panel near the front door.
My fingers hovered over theArmbutton when I dropped my hand. I shouldn’t turn it on in case someone accidentally set it off. I’d have to talk to Alex about it another day.
We should be safe tonight without it.
I climbed the stairs and headed for my room. But there was no way I could sleep. After slipping between the sheets, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the entire night, about this mysterious new woman in life, and about how I’d probably ruined my chances with her.
Finally, I couldn’t lay there anymore. I kicked back the covers, and leapt out of the bed. I paced the floor, my bare feet connecting with the cool hardwood.
I bit my thumbnail as I tried to calm the anxious thoughts racing through my mind, but before I knew it, they drove me right out of my room and down to her door.
I stood outside it, my fist hovering in the air. Before I could stop myself, I knocked. I slid my eyes closed, regretting this choice already. Why was I like this?
No one answered. Was she asleep? Was she upset?
I should check. My fingers lingered on the doorknob.
No!I couldn’t open this door and walk into a woman’s bedroom uninvited. I took a step away before I immediately returned.
I wouldn’t go inside, I’d just open the door a crack to make sure she was okay. That was responsible, right?
