by Elise Faber
The woman running my card swore under her breath, and I glanced back to her, noting her attention was on Markus as well. I couldn’t blame her; the first few times I met him I’d been practically speechless. And the crazy part was that he’d had no clue, oblivious, like the girl who didn’t mature till after high school and was now drop-dead beautiful. He was the guy-version. It was annoying as hell and just as exasperating. But it kept his ego in check, or so Bryce said.
I plucked my card from the still-staring cashier’s hand and waved stiffly to Markus, not letting more than a slight bend of my lips alter my face. Just because I was here didn’t mean he was forgiven. It meant I was hungry.
Or so I told myself.
“I’ll be right back.” He nodded to the front cashier then turned his earnest gaze on me, and I felt the wall I had put up start to weaken. “Hey, thanks for coming.” He glanced to my bottled water and then back to me. “Did you already order?”
I lifted the bottle and gave another tight smile. “Yup, thanks.” I looked around until I found a table, one big enough to seat five, and then waited as he turned back to order his pizza.
Just as he was paying for his, mine was called out. Markus glanced to me, and when I nodded, he brought it over and set it in front of me. It was still sizzling, the crust slightly burned on the edge, my favorite. The toppings had cooked down a bit, but it was still impressive.
“Hungry?” Markus asked with a slight smirk.
“Starving.” I lifted a piece and blew across it, slowly taking a bite and closing my eyes as the salty taste of the gorgonzola balanced the caramelized onions in my first bite.
Markus cleared his throat, the sound anxious, as I glanced at him, curious. “Uh, do I need to leave you alone with that?”
“Sure.” I winked then took another bite.
“Yeah, you’re going to have to stop doing that, or else I’m not going to be able to have a coherent conversation with you.”
“Who said I’m here to talk?” I asked after I swallowed, arching a brow.
He lifted his hands in surrender. “Fine. Eat, and I’ll just enjoy the view.” He leaned back, crossed his arms and watched me with an intensity that had my stomach clenching — in a way that had nothing to do with dinner.
“Stop.” I glared, trying to muster some confidence in my tone.
“Nope. You don’t want to talk, so I’m just respecting that.” He grinned after first obviously trying to fight it, but then giving up. One of his dimples winked at me — if dimples could wink — and I had to glance away.
Damn those dimples!
“Fine. Talk. You win.” I groaned and took another bite.
His pizza was called out. “Hold that thought.” He returned with it and moved to sit, his chair scraping against the tile floor.
“Really? You’re here at MOD, and you only get one topping? Ugh! What a waste!” I pointed to his pepperoni pizza.
He sighed deeply as if pitying me.
I glared.
“You can’t improve on perfection. Although you would be interested to know that I have two kinds of pepperoni and three kinds of cheeses. So, I did mix it up.”
“Lame.”
“Yeah, well, at least my pizza didn’t require them to go out across the street and restock after making it.” He gave me a challenging grin as he picked up a piece and took a bite.
“You simply can’t appreciate diversity,” I replied.
“I love diversity. But why change something when you’ve found exactly what you want? What you love? Everything else will never compare.” He shrugged, but his words were heavy, and I had the suspicion that we weren’t talking about pizza anymore.
“Options are nice.”
“Nice. Good word. They are… but I’m not after nice. Nice is settling. Never settle.” He took a sip from his water bottle.
“But if you don’t try something new, then how do you know if you like it or not?” I challenged, even though I could guess what he’d say.
“I’m not against trying something. That’s what I do every day. It’s how you grow, learn, develop… but once you find what works, what you love, you stick with it.”
His gaze was intense, searing through me, and I couldn’t glance away. “What if you don’t know if you can trust what you like?”
“Life’s about risks. We take them every day and don’t even think about it. We drive to work— That’s a risk. We try a new therapy— That’s a risk. We meet someone for dinner who hates our guts—” He winked. “That’s a risk. But no risk, no reward.”
I glanced down to my half-demolished pizza. “You sound like Bryce.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Markus chuckled, and I glanced back at him.
“I’m not sure that’s what I meant.” I grinned in spite of myself.
“I know.” He shook his head and took another bite.
I followed and picked up another piece, the silence heavy.
“Thanks.”
I glanced up, frowning in confusion at his random statement.
He shrugged. “I didn’t think you’d say yes.”
“I didn’t think I was going to say yes either,” I answered honestly.
“I’m glad you did.”
“Because you like to verbally spar with me or make fun of my pizza preference? Take your pick.”
“Ava, I’d think you’d catch on by now.” He shook his head once, a wry grin teasing his lips but not quite making it to his eyes. “Because I like you.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Markus
SO MUCH FOR taking it slow.
Ava didn’t as much as bat an eyelash; she simply picked up her trash and walked away. It wasn’t as if I’d told her I was in love with her… but it felt just as vulnerable. Bryce had been right; I was such a chick when it came to this. But part of me hated the pretense. I liked her— Hell, I loved that crazy woman, but that didn’t mean I needed to go and scare her off. She’d met with me for dinner, no less; it was a miracle, but then I’d pressed my luck.
And it looked like it had just run out.
I took a long drink of my water, trying to clear my head, trying to find a way to talk myself out of this. I should be able to think of something. This is my job, for shit sakes — talking, negotiating — and I’m coming up empty.
I could sit in a web call with the marketing CEO of Pepsi, Nike, or Under Armour and not break a sweat while I sold my client’s image to their advertising team. But one dinner alone with Ava? I was an idiot.
“You ready?”
Her voice sliced through everything, and I turned, watching as she popped a hip impatiently, apparently waiting for my answer.
“For?” I asked slowly getting up and collecting my own trash.
“To… go?” She drew out the words as if I were less-than-intelligent.
I grinned.
“With you? Nope,” I teased then tossed my trash, smiling back when she shook her head and rolled those caramel-brown eyes.
“Ass. Movie night. My house. Bring popcorn. Bryce ate the last of it, and it’s going to be a chick flick.” She arched a dark brow in an obvious challenge.
“I think I can manage that.” I took a slow step toward her till we were nearly close enough to touch.
She stepped into my personal space, making my body tight, permeating my air with her scent. “See you at seven. Don’t be late. I’m locking the door if you are.” With a wink, she reached up and traced my jaw with a feather light touch, and my body responded immediately. Then as quickly as she touched me, she walked around me toward the door.
“Ava?” I called out, turning to watch her. When she glanced over her shoulder, I grinned. “Don’t forget… Bryce gave me a key.”
With a quick roll of her eyes, she was gone.
And I was left grinning like a fool and far more aroused than anyone should be in a family-friendly restaurant. I had a half hour to pick up popcorn and make it to Bryce and Ava’s house. With a grin, I slid into my BM
W and accelerated down the street toward the nearest grocery store, then as an idea struck me, I made a quick left, detouring to the movie theater.
Less than twenty minutes later, I was letting myself in their door and balancing four large bags of theater popcorn —just in case Bryce had invited someone too — all rolled down to save their contents.
“Hello?” I called out, heading to the kitchen and opening the bags.
“Finally. Oh! Yes… I might cry.” Ava picked up a bag and inhaled deeply. “Bless you.”
She whimpered, and my body started to respond once again—damn it all. Bryce was going to kill me if he noticed.
“Where’s your brother?” I asked, glancing around.
“Out,” she answered simply and walked to the couch.
I blinked… then processed what she’d said again. “Should I be concerned?” I asked, walking around the couch and sitting down beside — but not too close — to her.
“Probably.” She winked. “Ready? I picked Jupiter Rising. Channing Tatum as a half werewolf. Oh baby, yes.” She flopped onto the couch and bit her lip.
“Does he have his shirt off the whole time? Because that’s just unfair,” I teased.
“Afraid of a little competition?”
“Yeah, there’s no competition.”
“Truth.”
“Not what I meant.” I rolled my eyes then grinned. I stood up and slowly stripped off my shirt then tossed it at Ava as she continued to ignore me.
“Hey!” She flung it away and then glared, but her expression slowly melted into appreciation and then hunger.
“Told you there was no competition.”
Her gaze raked over me then snapped up to meet mine. “You’re still not half werewolf. Sorry. Channing, 1. Markus, 0.” And with a slight grin, she started the movie.
I smiled in spite of myself and sat beside her, stealing popcorn from her bag and snickering when she growled then smacked my hand, and when I didn’t stop, she elbowed me in the ribs.
“Violent. It’s my popcorn too.”
“Nope. It’s in my house… my popcorn. Besides, there’s more over there. Or do you just want to be a pain in the ass?” she retorted, her gaze riveted on the movie. “And put your shirt back on. It’s distracting. All that white is blinding.”
“Jealousy will get you nowhere. Plus, you’re not even looking in this direction. You’re fine.” I shrugged.
As the movie progressed, I noticed that when she didn’t think I was paying attention, her gaze would sweep over me and she’d inch closer. It might not have seemed like much to some, but it felt like a huge victory to me. Ava talking to me, sitting with me on the couch? Yeah, miraculous.
“I hate this part,” she whispered toward the end of the movie, just as a huge explosion rocketed through the surround sound.
Her body was tense beside me, and I reached over and offered my hand, giving her a choice. She glanced at it then me, her expression skeptical. So I wiggled my fingers. With an exasperated sigh, she laced her small hand through my much larger one, her touch icy-cold.
“What the hell, Ava! You’re like ice!” I pulled her in closer and released her hand so that I could wrap my arm around her. She gave a delicate shiver and snuggled into me, and even through the onslaught of cold, my body felt on fire.
“How are you so warm? You don’t even have a shirt on,” she mumbled, wiggling closer as her gaze was still fixated on the movie.
“What can I say? I’m just hot.” I flirted with a grin.
“Ass.” She giggled. “But I’m okay with it since you’re sharing.”
“Good.”
The credits rolled, but she didn’t make any move to pull away. I lowered my head to kiss hers, allowing my hand to trace up her arm then back down. “Ava.” I whispered her name, and as she turned her head to meet my gaze, I captured her soft lips. I waited, savoring her, giving her the chance to pull away, and when she didn’t, I went for broke.
Pulling my arm from behind Ava’s back, I used my other hand to turn her so that I could lift her onto my lap. Her ass settled on my legs, sending a furious amount of blood between them. But my focus was on the way her hands laced through my hair as I deepened the kiss, tracing my tongue over her lower lip. As she gasped, I dove in, tangling with her, branding her and taking everything she’d give, giving back everything she could take. Pushing into her soft frame and leaving her lips, I trailed kisses down her neck to her shoulder, slightly exposed from her loose gray shirt. I inhaled the deep and erotic scent of her caramel-colored skin, such a contrast to the red hue of her hair or the smattering of freckles across her nose, an exotic mix combined with her olive skin. And with each kiss, each touch, my hunger grew, needing more, knowing that I’d never be able to fully get enough but desperate to try anyway. She rocked against me, and my already tight self-control started to fray, I leaned into her, shifting so that she reclined against the couch, and I supported my weight as I followed her, our bodies aligning in a way I’d only fantasized about.
“Ava?” Bryce’s voice was like a bucket of ice water dousing me, just as Ava went to stone beneath me.
“Stay still,” she whispered against my lips as I slowly pulled up, memorizing her face.
I nodded, my gaze wandering over her features… the swollen plumpness of her lips… the drunken desire in her gaze…
“Ava?” Bryce’s voice was farther away now, and I could hear him take the stairs. We released a collective sigh of relief as I slowly inched off her, my body mourning the loss of its perfect position.
“You might want to put on your shirt.” Ava grinned. She picked up my discarded clothing and tossed it at my face.
“You might want to fix your lipstick,” I teased, wiggling my eyebrows at her.
Her fingers flew up to her face and traced her lips as her eyes widened in alarm.
“Kidding.”
“Mature.”
Laughing, we quickly arranged the couch back to normal, picking up pillows I didn’t remember having tossed out of the way, when Bryce’s voice boomed again. “Ava! I saw your car, and I saw Markus’ too. So help me, if you don’t both show yourselves fully clothed in the next thirty seconds—”
“Chill, Bryce! We’re down here!” I called out, watching as Ava sighed, grinning at her brother’s threats. Not that he was far off.
“What? How in the hell…” Bryce’s face was a mask of confusion as he glanced over while walking down the stairs and saw us sitting on the couch, albeit farther apart than we had been.
“We’ve been here the whole time. We were wondering how long it would take you to figure it out.” Ava popped another piece of popcorn in her mouth and grinned. “We just finished Jupiter Rising. You missed out.”
Bryce still was skeptical, based on his expression as he walked over to the couch. “You were here the whole time?”
“Yup,” I answered and stole a piece of popcorn from Ava again.
She glared.
”Dude, I knew practice kicked my butt… but whoa. Okay, I have a killer headache, so I’m heading to bed.” He shook his head then walked back to the stairs.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ava stood, taking a few steps toward him, her expression concerned.
“Yeah, yeah. Just dehydrated, I think. I’m going to take some ibuprofen with some Gatorade then hit the sack.” He shook his head then gave me a hard glare. “You. Shouldn’t you be getting home?”
“Ava invited me to stay over in her room,” I answered, ducking when I saw her grab a pillow and chuck it at me.
“Did not. He was just leaving.” She arched a brow, placing her hands on her hips in a challenge.
Bryce gave me a deeper glare.
“Kidding. I was just going. I have an early appointment tomorrow. You get some rest. And I’ll hopefully have the final numbers from Sprite in the morning, okay? Seriously, dude, get some rest. You don’t look too well.” I noticed a sheen of sweat across Bryce’s forehead, and I glanced to Ava. She seemed t
o have noticed it too, by the frown on her face.
“Whatever. I can take it. Night.” He trudged up the stairs and disappeared.
“Keep an eye on him.” I turned to Ava. “He didn’t look good.”
“I know…” She bit her lip, her focus still on the hallway where Bryce had disappeared.
“Ava… thanks for tonight.” I walked closer, not hesitating as I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her in tight. She fit exactly as I’d always imagined — like she belonged.
“Yeah, it wasn’t the worst night ever…” She grinned then reached up and slowly nipped at my lower lip.
I returned the favor, slowly at first then building, allowing my hands to roam her back and clench her hips, losing myself to every sensation that she gave me, from the slight tug to my hair to the way her skin felt under my palms as I lifted her shirt slightly and caressed her back.
“Go. Before my brother breaks out the shotgun,” she murmured against my lips.
“Totally worth it,” I whispered, nipping back and kissing her deeply, unable to get enough.
“For you, but I’m the one that would have to clean up the blood.” She giggled as I tickled her side.
“Fine. I know when I’m being dismissed.” I gave her another searing kiss and backed away, slipping my hands from her back then grasping her hands.
“Night.” She spoke softly.
“Night.” I gave her one more quick kiss, simply because I could, then walked to the door.
And for the first time in what seemed like forever, I had hope.
CHAPTER FIVE
Ava
THE WEEK WENT by in a blur. Bryce had come down with a sinus infection, so I played his personal nurse — meaning I told him to buck up and take drugs. Markus had delivered a Walgreen’s bag full of sinus meds, and I had to keep my eye on Bryce, making sure he didn’t mix the wrong ones. Finally, I gave up and threw out everything but a safe combination, just to be on the nontoxic side.
The time seemed to slow only when I’d get a text, a phone call, or one of the few evenings Markus would stop by and hang out. Life moved on, yet when I was with him, it seemed to stand still. I’d never experienced that before, and it scared the hell out of me. I mean, what if this wasn’t real, or lasting? What if I was only a distraction, or what if something happened, and this fragile truce we’d made shattered, breaking me in the process?
