She leaned into him, sighing with contentment when he cupped her jaw once more and met her for a kiss. She gripped the front of his shirt, wanting to touch him everywhere she could reach. They were so lost in their kiss, Ava didn’t hear the quiet footsteps down the stairs and into the kitchen.
“Uhhh…” Avery’s voice pulled them apart.
Ava’s face heated at being caught by Avery, unsure of how to react.
Owen pivoted much more quickly, turning fully on the stool to look at Avery. “Why aren’t you in bed, bud?”
“I was thirsty,” Avery said.
Owen stood, squeezing her shoulder. Then his lips were at her ear. “I’ll get him squared away. Be back,” Owen said, pressing a kiss to her hairline.
Ava remained seated at the island and took a big gulp of wine to calm her embarrassment. Owen and Avery bustled around the kitchen before Owen guided him toward the stairs and back to bed.
“Good night, Ava,” Avery said.
Ava put her glass down and turned on the stool to look at them. Avery looked so small next to his dad, his hair a mess from being in bed. But he didn’t seem upset. Curious, maybe, from his wide-eyed expression. Ava’s chest tightened. “Night, Avery,” she said with a wave.
Owen exchanged a look with her and led him from the kitchen. Ava threw back the rest of her wine and brought the glass to the sink. She rinsed it out and put it in the dishwasher while she waited for Owen to come back.
Her phone vibrated with a new message.
Lucifer (Lucas): I’m here.
Ava: Be out in a few.
Lucifer (Lucas): You have five minutes, and then I’m leaving your ass.
Ava rolled her eyes but didn’t respond. She considered testing his patience, so she had an excuse to spend the night. But even though Avery seemed OK with her presence, she didn’t want to take things too far. She gathered up her things, finding her purse and pulling on her sweater she’d left on the couch.
Owen came downstairs, meeting her in the living room. “I take it the date is over?”
Ava nodded. “Lucas texted he’s here. So much for a warning. Walk me outside?”
Owen took her hand to walk her out. He pulled them to a stop before opening the front door, releasing her hand to grab her hips. Ava’s hands tangled in his hair, messing up his bun even more.
“Don’t stress about Avery catching us.”
“I wasn’t–”
“I know you, Birdie. It’s going to be fine. Yeah?”
Ava pressed a kiss to his lips. “Yeah,” she whispered back.
Not content with a small peck, Owen drew her into a goodnight kiss that had her toes curling and left her uncomfortably turned on, considering she was about to get in a car with her brother.
When her phone vibrated in her pocket, Ava had a feeling that was a final warning from Lucas.
Owen led them outside and walked her all the way to the Subaru. Tori’s red SUV was nowhere to be found, thankfully. He opened the passenger door for her and Ava climbed inside.
“Thanks again for tonight, Lucas. I owe you one,” Owen said.
“You both owe me many favors,” Lucas responded.
Ava shared a look with Owen, both of them hiding back their amusement. Laughing would only rile Lucas up more.
“Text me when you’re home,” Owen said to her. At Ava’s agreement, he straightened and shut the door.
Lucas threw the car in reverse without a word. Ava gave him a few minutes until she couldn’t take it anymore.
