by E. H. Lyon
Returning to the kitchen after checking my niece is asleep, my arms wrap around a waiting Avery. Kissing her properly without the watching eyes of my little niece, I pick Avery up and sit her on the kitchen counter so we can look into each other’s eyes at the same level.
“Ave. I just—I want us to get this right. I want you in my life. Even if it means we need to go slow and reconnect. I’ll do it,” I tell her as my thumb roams along her cheek.
“I’d like that a lot,” she whispers with worshiping eyes of admiration.
She lets out a sigh. “But I don’t know how to go slow with you. Our first chapter together was a whirlwind of intensity. Maybe we both need to breathe after having the shock of seeing each other again and all the deep conversations we seem to keep having. Isn’t slow the right thing to do?”
“You’re right. It was a rollercoaster of intensity last time around. It is logical what you’re saying, and again, I will respect that we go slow again if that’s what you want. But just know that you are kind of addictive,” I admit as my lips graze the base of her throat.
She kisses me again. “And you have a way of demanding what you want and getting it,” she reminds me softly as her fingers run through my hair.
“If I recall, you like it that way. And I haven’t always gotten what I wanted.”
Avery looks at me and her lip twitches because she understands what I mean. I had wanted her to stay back then, and she did not. She kisses my forehead tenderly.
There is a moment of silence.
“Spend the night? We can just sleep if you want.”
She lets out a laugh. “Not sure I should stay tonight. That would take Uncle J’s ‘special friend’ to a whole new meaning.” Avery uses air quotes on the special friend part.
“Since we’re going slow, we are two innocent souls,” I counter as I tuck some hair behind her ear.
“You are convincing. By the way, you are so good with her,” she reflects.
“I’m good with her because I can return her when needed.” I kiss her forehead.
“There’s something I didn’t tell you,” she admits, her eyes innocent and sweet.
“What didn’t you tell me?” I add, my eyes searching her face for an answer. Her head slowly turns to me with her mouth slightly open. I can see her mind is working overtime.
She nods and moves her hands to my face. “I didn’t tell you that I was more than crazy about you then, and I don’t think I told you that enough.”
“I was more than crazy about you too,” I repeat as our foreheads meet. Because I feel that is maybe her way of saying she loved me.
The voice in my head is screaming. This is a good moment to tell her. Tell her you love her, and you had mapped a life for us then, and we can map a life together now. Follow your Gramps’s advice.
“Avery, I need to be honest. It isn’t just crazy, it’s lo—”
I’m unable to finish as her mouth captures mine. It seems she got distracted.
Okay, that wild side of her is emerging quickly, because her mouth is devouring mine like I am her last supper.
A match is lit between us and our need overtakes us.
Picking her up, I carry her to the sofa, where she pulls me with her to lying as she wraps her legs around my waist. Her hands grab my t-shirt and she manages to pull it off in record time. The top buttons of her dress come undone with the flick of my fingers, as my mouth attacks her neck.
I can feel she wants this; I feel it because she raises her hips to mine as her dress crinkles at her waist and only a very thin line of sheer silky panties is her guard from any part of my body.
This is now all happening amazingly fast. I may even be getting whiplash from our back and forth the last few days. “Slow, right? Do you want to stop?” I mention it to her, but if she brushes it aside, then I am moving us quickly back on the direct line to my bed express.
She breaks away from kissing my body chaotically. “No, I don’t. Not with you. I had a horrible idea to go slow. That’s not us. We had five years, that’s slow enough. Unless you think we should go slow and wait on the sex part?” she asks, but then doubts it breathlessly.
Absolutely not. Oh wait, I have an unwanted house guest. “My niece,” I remind Avery against her lips.
A growl escapes her. “True. Okay. So, this is the universe telling us to go slow? Or maybe we do it quickly on your counter? The pantry? Your garage? Anywhere, as long as it’s now.” Her smile forms.
I laugh. “Tempting on all counts. But no, we will do it right. I will cook you dinner this week, light a fire, nice music, and no timer, because I have many things I plan to do to you,” I explain between peppered kisses on her neck.
“In that sentence, I’ve learned that you can now apparently cook, you know how to light a fire, and you have become a sappy romantic. All you have to do is mention you’re playing lacrosse again like your high school days, and I swear I’ll marry you.” She’s sarcastic which makes my grin inerasable.
“Really? My do-many-things-to-you plan didn’t tip you over the edge?” I retort before letting my mouth collide with hers in a commandeering manner.
But she reluctantly puts her hand on my chest, pushing me away slightly to put space between us as she lets out a sigh. But then she quickly jerks up to sitting and brings her loose dress together again to cover herself.
“Oh, couldn’t sleep?” Avery asks, surprised. I follow her line of sight and my niece seems to have picked the perfect moment to ask for water. The kid is lucky that she is adorable standing there with a bear hanging from her hand, because she really just ruined our moment.
And I’m already bursting to move me and Avery forward since we can speed past the slow sign.
Chapter Seventeen
Jake
Avery didn’t end up spending the night, which was quite disappointing on all fronts, but maybe for the best, since I had to get Stella to school before heading to the office. It was a busy morning, but this afternoon I’m taking a few hours off to go see Gramps. I pull out and swipe my phone and wait for Avery to answer.
I’m already smiling to myself when she answers. “I heard from the guys that you won the local business award, a Sagey. How come you didn’t tell me? That’s a big accomplishment.”
Lucas mentioned it in the guys’ text group.
Avery gasps in surprise. “True, I found out literally 30 minutes ago. Geez, Abby and Lucas spread news fast. They were here when I found out. But I’m really not into that stuff. I mean, I get that it’s good publicity, so I’ll do it. I’m just not looking forward to doing a photoshoot and the interview. Not my scene. Just promise to be waiting for me with wine in hand after.”
I let out a short laugh. “You should be proud. But if me waiting with a bottle of wine will make you happy, then I will gladly do it. And we should celebrate.”
“Maybe grab lunch? I can get away from the bakery.”
I fumble with my phone as I grab the fob to my car. “I’d love to, but I’m going to see my grandfather. Oh crap, I forgot to pick up some of your brownies—he loves those.”
“He’s eaten my brownies?” she asks, slightly surprised.
“Yeah. I brought some the other week. The smart man figured out within two seconds that someone special made them.”
“Oh yeah?” I can hear the smile in her voice.
“Yeah. You’ll have to meet him soon,” I mention as I get into my car.
“Well… I actually have a fresh batch of brownies, and if you want company…”
This makes me smile. I love her suggestion. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Definitely.”
Ten minutes later, I’m picking Avery up from the bakery and she slides into the front seat with a box of brownies. I greet her with a kiss, and not that I care, but her outfit today is perfect for meeting Gramps. She has a simple dark green skirt to her knees, tights, hot as fuck boots, and I’m sure a sweater on under her winter coat. Her hair is down and slightly wavy.
/> “You’re going to drive the senior citizens crazy,” I compliment her.
She playfully hits my arm as I drive away.
“How was your morning?” she asks as she settles into her seat.
“I finally got the settlement for my client, so I can’t complain too much about today.”
Her face lights up and she looks like a child on Christmas Day. “That’s great you won the case. Isn’t that the case you’ve been working on for a while?”
Shrugging, I say, “Yeah, but I do win a lot of cases.” I realize that came out a little conceited.
“Ooh, someone woke up modest today,” she teases. Avery isn’t afraid to call me out, never has been.
“He’s 94, right, your grandfather?” she asks.
“94 going on 20. He was in good shape for someone his age up until about two months ago and is still chasing the nurses,” I reflect with a smile.
“Sounds like real trouble.” Avery smiles softly and glances to the side at me. “When did you see him last?”
“The other day, actually.”
“Was it a good meeting?”
I contemplate what to tell her. “Yeah. His usual grumpiness, his usual questions.”
She touches the outside of my hand. “Did he win at checkers?”
I let out a sigh. “We didn’t manage to play; we set the board out, but we didn’t finish the game.”
“Why was that?” she innocently asks, and I know her eyes have not left me as I focus on the road.
“We talked about you.” My eyes quickly meet hers before looking ahead again. She is taken aback.
“W-What do you mean?”
“I told him a bit about us; our history, meeting again.”
She takes it all in, but her face is neutral. She looks out the side window.
“Okay.” It manages to escape her mouth. “Did it help?”
“Yeah, he gave me some good advice. I’ll tell you about it one day.”
Maybe today. This all has to be a sign. Reconnect with Avery when my grandfather is weakening, as if she re-entered my life just when I need her.
Our hands interlace on the middle console of the car.
“Thanks for coming. I know he wants to meet you and I’m not sure how much time he has left.”
She squeezes my hand. “My pleasure.”
The look on Gramps’s face when Avery walks into his room by my side is an unexpected gift. Gramps suddenly looks about ten years younger, and he has a glow about him.
“Is this the magical woman who bakes brownies and puts a smile on your face?” he asks, and I swear the man is giving Avery a thorough once-over that has me slightly concerned.
Avery smiles and holds the box of brownies out.
“Magical she is, and this is Avery,” I confirm.
“Hi, and you are the man who gives Jake a run for his money in checkers,” she answers. Her face is light and slightly elated. She genuinely wanted to come with me and that means a lot.
I pull up a chair for Avery near my grandfather’s bed, and a chair for myself. We take our coats off and get settled.
“How are you feeling? You’re looking good today,” I comment.
“The same,” he responds simply.
“Still refusing medication? Chasing the nurses? Drinking from your private stash?” I ask, knowing my stubborn Gramps very well.
“Why do you ask such questions? You’re a smart man,” he confirms, which makes me grin. “He is a smart man, isn’t he, Avery?”
“He is, and not bad-looking either,” Avery replies, giving me a glance.
“True. He gets that from me,” Gramps quips.
Avery looks at me with a wide smile. “I bet he does. Did he get your charm too?”
“Is he working that on you? He learned only from the best,” Gramps replies, and I can see he’s happy.
“Are you both done comparing notes on me?” I ask as I pour some water for everyone.
“I don’t know, this could be fun.” Avery nudges my arm.
“Don’t listen to her, Gramps, she can be just as much trouble as you.”
“Tell me, Avery, do you enjoy living in Sage Creek now? Jake told me you’re not from these parts.” He crosses his arms.
“Not from here, no, but I’ve always had family here. It’s beautiful scenery. I’m very lucky to have my bakery in such a perfect little town,” Avery answers.
“You want to stay here the rest of your life? Have a family?” he asks.
Avery takes a moment, but then smiles. “Yeah, I do. It feels like the signs are telling me this is where I was supposed to end up,” she reflects.
“I think so too.” I admire her idea as I interlace our fingers hanging between the chairs, which makes her look at our joined hands with a soft smile.
“Funny how you both ended up in the same place. It’ll be a good story for your grandkids one day.” Gramps doesn’t hesitate to be bold.
“Maybe so.” Avery brushes it off to be polite, I’m sure.
“Is my grandson charming you with flowers? A man should always bring flowers once a week,” he instructs.
I let my head sink into my hand that is propped up on the arm of the chair.
“Uh, no, actually,” Avery answers.
“Jacob, you need to buy her flowers,” my grandfather berates me. “Your grandmother got fresh roses every week on Friday. It kept me out of the doghouse.”
Avery’s smile grows and she seems to be smitten with my Gramps.
“Duly noted.” I’m short and simple.
There is a calming moment in the room. But I feel eyes studying Avery and me.
“It’s nice, isn’t it? Letting the past be the past and living in the present,” he remarks.
His sage advice hits a chord in me, and when my eyes side-glance at Avery, I know she is sinking into the words too.
“Is that what you’re doing?” Avery asks my grandfather.
He laughs. “I’m too old, my dear young lady. I have quite a bit of past to remember and not so much in the present. But if I were your age, then I would live in the moment, no time to waste stuck in the past. Soon you will wake up at 94, and a whole life will be behind you that you can dredge through.”
I can’t decide if that is a morbid thought or peacefully true.
“You’re really throwing out some philosophical advice today, Gramps.” I let a half-smile form as I adjust my legs.
“Well, it’s not every day you bring a beautiful woman to see me. I need to ensure we lock her in, so she comes back.”
Avery laughs, and it’s a beautiful sound.
Gramps reaches out and touches Avery’s arm. She moves her hand closer to him, so it’s easier for him to touch.
“I’ve been trying to get him married for years. He’s a real catch, no?” My grandfather speaks to her and clearly ignores that I’m in the room.
“That is our cue to head out and let you get some rest.” I guide us away from this conversation that is getting deep again.
“Well, it was nice meeting you,” Avery says with a bright smile.
“You too. I hope to see more of you,” he replies, then looks at me. “She’s a looker and a keeper. Don’t let this one get away, young man,” he warns me with a stern look while waving a pointed finger at me.
“That’s the plan,” I remind him.
Getting back in the car, there is a brief moment as we both breathe and look at one another. I lean over the middle console and let my fingertips brush a few strands of her hair behind her ear. She hums a breath as we stare at one another.
“Thanks for coming.”
“My pleasure, really, I enjoyed it. I can see why he has a special place in your heart.”
My hand reaches behind her head and my mouth slants and plants on her bottom lip to kiss, before moving into a deeper kiss, and she makes that sweet sound, deep in the back of her throat that I love so much.
Pulling away, my thumb brushes her lip. I sigh that I have to break away fro
m her, but I need to get this car moving.
As we drive away and head onto the road back to Sage Creek, I ponder over the conversation with Gramps and Avery.
“So, you and Gramps mapped out your life, it seems.” I smile to myself.
Avery rolls her head against the headrest in my direction. “Seems so.”
“Was any of it true, or were you humoring him?”
An audible exhale escapes her. “I think it’s true. I mean, at least the part about kids and marriage, plus being happy where I ended up.” She shifts in her seat to turn in an angle towards me. “I guess… we never actually talked about that stuff last time around. We didn’t talk about wanting kids, we were just unexpectedly pregnant. And we didn’t talk about marriage. We were having a fun summer, and then our focus was on the pregnancy.”
An ache in my heart feels like now is the time to tell her that it was very much on my mind.
Instead, I suggest, “How about tonight, we have a night in. Order in some food, talk, and see where the night takes us…” I glance over at her with my best charming look.
She chortles and smiles. “You really are a romantic. And I would love to, but I’m meeting the girls to talk wedding preparation for Harper.”
“Why do I have a feeling wine is involved in that meeting?”
She shrugs. “There could be a glass or two. But what about a rain check for tomorrow night?”
I turn on the road. “I will most likely be home late. Have to head up north with Leo for a meeting.”
She gently strokes my hand on the middle console. “It’s okay. We have time.”
I nod and we both focus on the scenery of snow-covered pine trees passing by.
Her breath catches before she speaks. “It’s what you want eventually, right? Kids and all of that?” I feel like she is double-checking that we are both on the same wavelength of where version 2.0 of us could lead.
“Yeah, I think so.” I know so. And I want it to be with her.
I continue to drive for what feels like minutes in silence.
“Live in the present,” she mumbles my grandfather’s words as she looks out the window to the side. I have a strong feeling her mind is heavy with everything she’s trying to figure out. I’m not sure what, but for some reason I understand her.
