Page 33 of Finding Redemption

Oh, fuck.

I wake the next morning with a throbbing headache. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol or the pungent chemical smell invading my senses. Fuck.

“Ava!” I leap from the bed, running to the bathroom. “Fuck! Ava!” I stare at my face in the mirror. I have a half-shaven face. She’s tore me a new one. I knew she was vindictive, but damn.

I stomp downstairs, pissed as hell and ready for war. Ava stands across the counter, smirking. My brother and niece hold their hands over their mouths to keep from laughing their asses off.

“Next time, I take a brow.” She cocks hers.

I narrow my eyes. “I’m supposed to be grateful?”

“Damn straight. It’s half a beard shave. Or would you rather I shaved your brow to match the other?” She takes a drink from her cup, glaring at me. I’m scared. I admit it.

“You gonna sit there and let her do this to me?” Of course he is, but I have to ask.

“You know it.” He laughs.

I grab a cup of coffee and find a seat. “I need some clothes.”

“T-shirt and sweats in the bathroom, the adjoining bathroom you forgot to lock last night.” He chuckles.

“Thanks.” I stand. “Razors?”

Ava shakes her head with a smirk plastered on her face. “We’re out.”

I leer at her. “I gotcha.” I back away. You never know what could happen.

A ten-minute shower and I’m ready to get on the road. I need to check on the apartment and work on a few things. After I shave, of course.

“I’m out, people.”

Andi runs to me. I pick her up for a hug, although Ava says she’s too big to do that now. “I love you. Thank you for the game.” She wraps her arms around my neck, and I squeeze her tight.

“You’re welcome. I love you too.”

“Come back in two weeks, please,” she asks into my neck, holding on with a death grip.

“I promise.” I sit her down, and Ava strides toward me. “Nope. No way. You stay over there.”

“Shut up.” She hugs me anyway. “I love you.”

“Until it’s time for payback.” I raise my brows with a grin.

“Y’all, stop. This war could go on forever with you two,” Riley butts in. “Give me my girl.” He drags Ava to him.

“Call me later.” We shake, and I turn to the door. “Shit.” I drop my head back.

“What?” Riley asks.

“I need gas.” The laughter echoes as I walk out the door. Yeah, this is war.

I coast through town, praying it’s early enough that I don’t run into a soul. I pull up to the first empty pump I see and hurry to get gas. I slide the card and squeeze the nozzle. My stomach drops when I hear the one voice I didn’t need to.

“Walker?” Reese steps between the pumps. I eye her out of the corner of my eye, hoping to keep her there. And to keep from turning my head.

“Reese.” My blood pounds in my ears. Why does she make me nervous?

“I didn’t think anyone would be out this early. I’m on my way to work out.” Is she trying to make small talk?