‘I have to collect Phoebe from her friend’s house. We’re having a movie night tonight.’ I’m just praying Teagan doesn’t crash it.
‘Oh, can I come?’ Ava darts forward in her seat beaming like a child. ‘I could bring the popcorn.’
An image of Ava, Phoebe and I snuggled on my couch under a fleecy blanket sends a strange sensation swirling in my chest. I dismiss the idea immediately. ‘Not appropriate.’
Her face falls. ‘Sorry. Of course.’
‘I’ve never introduced Phoebe to any female friend, other than Beth. I wouldn't want to confuse her.’ It’s only the truth. Phoebe knows Teagan has boyfriends. As young as she is, she seems to instinctively understand that they’re the reason Teagan isn't at home with us. I can’t have her worrying that I’m going to disappear on her too.
‘Absolutely. I totally get that. I’m sorry if I overstepped.’ Ava stands to see me out, her long toned thigh slipping out from between the folds of that black silky material. Every cell in my body begs me not to leave, screams at me to touch her smooth silky skin. The air is thick with tension. We’re one spark from a fire neither of us will be able to put out.
‘It’s fine. Everything is fine.’ Am I trying to convince her? Or myself?
She turns slowly, sashaying towards the front door with graceful, fluid movements. I follow her, her scent teasing my nostrils.
I linger, leaning on the doorframe. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow. Want me to pick you up?’
Ava nods, her gold-flecked eyes darting up to meet mine. ‘It would look better if we arrived together.’
‘Okay. What time shall I collect you?’ Her face is inches away. It would be so easy to press my lips to hers. To explore her mouth. To taste her. To devour her. Which is exactly why I need to leave right now.
I’m not due to collect Phoebe for another two hours but given the way my penis is a trigger-happy loaded pistol, it’s safer for both of us if I go.
My imagination is running riot with all the ways I’d like to take her. And every single one of them obliterates the safe little world I’ve created for myself. If being with Ava is even half as good as I imagined, my world as I know it would be gone forever.
‘Two p.m. Bring your thickest skin. And earmuffs. You’re going to need them.’ She leans up on her tip toes and drops a chaste kiss on my cheek. ‘Thanks for the pizza. And for last night. You know, I think you could be a lot of fun. If you’d let yourself.’
So do I. Which is half my problem.
ChapterEleven
AVA
Sunday 3rd December
Nerves spin in my stomach like a Ferris wheel, though it’s not like I’m taking a real boyfriend to meet my parents.
For the sake of my brother’s wedding, I want them to like Cillian.
But what I really want, is forhimto like them.
For him to grasp that some relationships do last.
To understand that not everyone is destined for divorce, or a life of misery.
Why?
That’s a question I’m not ready to answer. Not even to myself. I only met the guy six days ago. So why am I replaying every minute we’ve spent together over and over in my mind? It’s not healthy. It’s supposed to be fake, that’s the agreement.
I glance at my reflection in the mirror, smoothing down the coffee-coloured jumper dress I agonised for way too long over. The woollen material clings to my curves without revealing any skin. It’s sexy yet understated. Exactly what I need for today.
My phone vibrates with an incoming message.
It’s Cillian.
Outside.
I grab my coat, take a few deep breaths, and ride the lift down to the ground floor.
