Owen’s stomach swooped with discomfort as his heart dropped. His ears tingled with a staticky sensation. Why the hell was this guy looking for Ava?
“I know Ava. Is she expecting you?”
“Of course, I’m her boyfriend. I’d call her for directions, but her service has been poor since she got here. It’s been hard to reach her.”
The man spoke with confidence, like it was a fact of life he was dating the woman Owen couldn’t get out of his head. His every interactionwith Ava from the past month ran through his mind, looking for clues she was in a relationship. It certainly didn't seem like she was in the kitchen last night. Or earlier when she flirted with him inhiscafé.
"That's odd. I haven't had any trouble getting in touch with her since she's been in town."
Alec's smile dimmed the slightest bit, but he recovered quickly. He raised a brow.
"Must be a fluke, then. You talk to her often?"
Owen straightened even taller at Alec's tone.
"Like I said. I know most people around here."
"Including my girlfriend?"
"Apparently."
Alec eyed him more critically from across the counter, seeming to come to a decision.
“Any chance you can point me in the right direction?”
Owen swallowed down his hurt. Ava made a fool of him, getting close to him and Avery when she had someone waiting for her at home. But he wouldn’t let it get the better of him. He'd let go of Ava before. He could do it again, this time before he did something stupid. Like, actually kiss her.
“Yeah. Head left out of downtown and turn right at Teaberry Road. Turn off on the dirt road on your right about a quarter mile up the road.
The man typed the directions on his phone, nodding along. “Thanks, I appreciate the help. What was your name again?”
“Owen.”
“Alec Dolton.” Alec held out his hand toward Owen.
Despite his churning emotions, Owen grasped his hand and shook it. Bitterness tinged the back of his throat.
“Thanks again, Owen.” Alec tipped the coffee cup in Owen’s direction, then walked out the door.
Owen stalked to the entrance and locked the doors. The rest of the dining area had cleared out before Alec’s arrival. He went through the motions of closing, waving away the other staff when they tried to take the trash bag from his hands. Owen’s steps thundered as he stomped outside to the dumpster and threw the trash bag with more force than warranted.
I'm her boyfriend.
The words echoed through his mind on repeat. The sharpness of his earlier jealousy lessened, replaced with a sinking doubt.
Had he misread everything between them? The way she'd been turned on the night before. The way she'd leaned into him in the cabin's kitchen, just as eager and flustered to kiss him. Her disappointment today that he'd left without saying goodbye.
He made a fool of himself, almost falling for her again.
She didn't stay ten years ago because she had better things waiting for her in the city. It was still the same story. History repeating itself.
He wouldn't give her the chance to get any closer to him and Avery. He wouldn't risk his son getting attached to someone who would never stick around.
He pulled his phone out to make the call he’d put off all day.
“Owen, I’ve been waiting to hear from you,” Tori’s voice purred through the phone.
“I’ll do it.”
