Chasing Ava: A Bachelor of Shell Cove Novel (The Bachelors of Shell Cove)

by London, Siera

  “Something has changed between us. I don’t like it.”

  “Logan please, let me move.” He released his hold. “I don’t want to let you go.” Not ever.

  She gently pushed against his body and he felt the loss as she moved away.

  “I know, but we both have a lot going on and the conversation will only make it worse.” She wouldn’t meet his eyes.

  “What is going on in your life? Exactly.” She wouldn’t look at him.

  “Ava look at me. I realize I can be a Neanderthal, but I have this need to remind you that you belong with me. The unanswered question is why it feels as if I am losing you?”

  Ave remained silent her eyes glued to a single spot on his chest.

  “Did I do something for you to doubt that I want you?”

  “It’s nothing you’ve done.”

  So, someone else caused the change.

  “If there is anything that needs to be handled, so that you feel secure, tell me.” He hated secrets. Especially when it was attached to his woman. “Commitment to us is my first priority.”

  “But it shouldn’t be.” He sat up then, brow furrowed. He reached for her, connecting them once again. He lifted her chin to meet his eyes.

  “You come first. Why should it be different?”

  There was no bright light at the end of the tunnel without Ava. The pot of gold was just a pot if she left. Logan wouldn’t accept it.

  “I know your grant funding is temporarily suspended. Not to mention the board position.”

  How could she know about the funding? He had just been informed last week. Sam Holbrook was playing hardball.

  “Who told you?”

  “It’s not important who told me. Only that I know.” Realization dawned. She thought the problems with the grant stemmed from them being together. That the funding cut was her fault.

  But Logan had a plan. In three weeks, he would present his research at the international pediatric medicine conference in Australia. His goal was to secure funding outside of the foundation’s control.

  “Ava, I will get the funding to continue my research. What I can’t get is another you.” He kissed her. She sank into his body and he tightened his hold. “I won’t let us fail. Do you hear me?”

  He pulled her arms around his waist securing her wrists in one of his large hands, effectively trapping her against his body. “Look at me.”

  She hesitated before meeting his gaze. He glimpsed something new behind her façade. Longing. But as quickly as it appeared it vanished.

  “I am your man. You are the woman whom I adore with everything I am. Why can’t you trust me?” Logan asked while cradling her face in his gentle caress. “I am willing to do whatever it takes for us to stay together. I’m not ever giving up what we have.”

  “We’re not failing Logan. I never said those words.”

  “You have not said let’s move forward. Am I the Titanic in an ocean of submerged icebergs?”

  “Moving forward in relationships is overrated. Moving forward in my experience means you’re that much closer to hitting the guardrail.”

  “Don’t give up on us. On me. We have a life together. You are more important to me than a board position or grant funding. Say you will stay with me.” She looked defeated. Lost.

  “I’m with you. Know that I am giving everything that I have to offer.”

  He felt consumed by possessiveness, an animalistic need to tie her to him.

  He also felt cornered. Sam Holbrook’s threat, the suspended funding, family loyalty and the patients depending on him weighed heavy on his mind. Without funding the research protocols and medications were unavailable to patients.

  He talked with his father about Ava. Robert Masters would support his son, alliances notwithstanding. He would introduce Ava to his father, then she would see everything was under control. There was no threat to their being together. After that asshole Holton propositioned her, Ava refused to attend any events with him. The plan for Ava to meet his family was not the best, but it would suffice.

  “It’s our six week anniversary. How should we celebrate?” She looked puzzled.

  “It’s too soon. There’s no back of the calendar gift guide for six week anniversaries.”

  It was not too soon for him. At the rate they were going, he should probably celebrate daily.

  “We can do whatever we want. There’s no guidelines, sweetheart.”

  “I don’t have anything in mind. Since you brought it up, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?”

  “I want you to have brunch with me and my father this Sunday. Darwin will meet us at the club.”

  “What about your mother?”

  “Uh. It will be the four of us.” The showdown with his mother could wait another week. “Can you convince Granny Lou to share you with the Masters family this Sunday? I promise to return you well-fed and unharmed.”

  “I’ll tell her tomorrow.”

  “Call your parents, too. When Granny Lou tells them you missed church, the fallout could be detrimental to my health. My father is looking forward to meeting my woman.”

  She looked away, uncomfortable with the reference. When would she be comfortable being connected to him? They ate and worked together. They slept in each other’s arms and pleasured one another, but he couldn’t escape the feeling of a limited connectivity. Like she could disappear from his life in a blink of an eye.

  “Look at me, sweetheart.”

  She wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Ava, please.”

  “You. Are. Mine. Get used to it. It will not change.” He would prove his words to be true.

  The opulence of the Reserves Country Club rendered her speechless. Logan’s father stood beside their table to greet Ava. She stood in the most lavish dining area she had ever seen. Panoramic views of the dense greens of the golf course, rippling waves and vivid blue sky was visible from every table. Waiters in black tie and jackets strategically placed at the ready to take orders. Soft notes from the pianist drifted across her ears and she sighed. This was Logan’s childhood home. She was not acquainted with one person that lived in the exclusive community. Here she was, at The Reserves, private country club with the Masters. Definitely moving forward by her standards even if Logan felt they were at an impasse.

  “I’m Robert Masters,” he said extending his hand. Ava looked up into welcoming green eyes, they were Logan’s eyes. He was tall, in great shape, by anyone’s standards, with gray at his temples. He looked distinguished and powerful.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Masters. I’m Ava Walters.”

  “Call me Robert Lee. I feel like I know you. Logan talks of little else.” Ava blushed under the knowing attention of the older man.

  Darwin stepped around his father pulling Ava into a sisterly embrace.

  “Hey Ava, it’s good to see you again.” Logan pulled a heavy mahogany wood upholstered chair from the table for her to sit.

  Together, the men of the Masters family were ruggedly handsome and charming. Secretly, she tooted her own horn for resisting Logan’s masculine appeal for all of seven days.

  The view of the manicured golf course overlooking Queens Bay to the north was spectacular. Ava choose an entree of roasted quail, braised carrots and asparagus, rather than a breakfast fare. The blend of flavors had her taste buds taking notes. She had a new recipe for the next family dinner. Everything was perfect. Logan’s business associates may not accept her, but his family did. Family connection meant more to her.

  “Logan honey, I thought that was you.” At the sound of that voice, the blood slowed in Ava’s veins.

  Commando Barbie was approaching the table draped in a pastel colored St. Johns outfit, with enough diamonds glittering to imitate a star filled night. Meticulously coiffed blonde hair and flawless make-up.

  “I didn’t know you were joining us for brunch at the club. What a pleasant surprise.” The woman settled into one of the two empty seats at the table and fixed her narrowed gaze on Ava.<
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  “Hello mother.”

  Commando Barbie was Logan’s mother.

  Bile rose in Ava’s throat. The quail took flight in Ava’s stomach. Closing her eyes she willed her stomach to stop pitching high and low. She was going to be sick.

  “If I didn’t know any better I would think you intentionally didn’t invite me.” She looked pointedly at Logan. “Logan, who is this with you?”

  “This is my girlfriend, Ava Walters.” Logan’s voice was tight. Ava looked up from her half eaten meal and came eye to eye with Logan’s mother. This was worse than bad. Horrible. And the increasing waves of nausea in her stomach said it was about to get worse.

  “We are finished with brunch,” Logan said. Ava darted a look, Logan’s face was unreadable. Half eaten meals were visible on the plate. Something wasn’t right.

  “Leaving so soon? I’ve just arrived.” Disapproval registered in his mother’s tone. “What mother wouldn’t want to spend time with her sons? My husband failed to mention that both my boys would be at brunch.”

  “Maribelle, it’s not what you’re making it out to be.” Robert Lee commented.

  From the woman’s comment Ava knew this was going to be a challenging encounter for all.

  “Girlfriend? Is this the reason you are single handedly ruining your chances of securing the board position?” The woman had the audacity to point a finger at Ava.

  “My personal relationship with Ava has no bearing on the board selection process.”

  Ava didn’t look up, but she heard Logan’s anger.

  “Does Rebecca know of your connection to this woman?” She did look up at the mention of another woman. Who was Rebecca? Maribelle’s lips curled in distaste as she dissected Ava. “Tell me girlie, how is it that you met my son?” Another blow delivered.

  Girlie! She just referred to me as a girl! I don’t like your mother she wanted to scream. And she was sure her expression was as fierce as the one aimed at her. Logan’s mother wanted a scene, but Ava had been raised to respect her elders, so she mustered her inner chi and responded to the wicked witch of the south.

  “Logan and I met at work.”

  “Are you a surgeon?” Ava knew where this was going. The haves and the have-nots.

  “No, I’m not.”

  “A nurse then, or some sort of technician,” she said on a bitter laugh.

  “I am a pediatric nurse.” She was proud of what she had accomplished.

  “Mother, leave Ava alone. Whatever you have to say, say-it-to-me.” Logan’s voice was tight and brusque.

  “Maribelle, that’s enough.” Robert Lee said. The words were short and choppy. His face drawn, deep furrows marred his brow as he looked on at his sons and Ava.

  “I’m making small talk with the nurse.” Her tone dripped with venom. “You must be proud of yourself gaining the attention of a surgeon, but you have overextended your reach. The Masters family has a certain standard.”

  And so did Ava as she detected a faint scent of alcohol on Maribelle. She wasn’t so perfect after all.

  “Ah crap,” Darwin bellowed aloud. “Mom let me drive you home.”

  A gamut of emotions assailed Ava as she sat at the table with the Masters family flanking her shock, disbelief, anger, hurt and betrayal. She was ready to leave. To be away from this place, this disdainful woman. This was his family. His world. In the natural order of life they weren’t meant to be together. As much as it hurt to admit, she couldn’t stay here.

  “I won’t let you get your hooks in my son. The pediatric nurse that was too good to bring me a bottle of water. I almost didn’t recognize you out of your service clothes.” So she did remember their one encounter. Lucky Ava.

  “What are you talking about, mother?” The men at the table were confused by Maribelle’s comment.

  “I filed a complaint against her weeks ago.” Maribelle responded with a tone of superiority. “This is a dangerous game of retribution. Targeting my son was a mistake.”

  “Why did you file a complaint against Ava?” Logan had leaned his body protectively in front of Ava. Too bad, all the bombs were verbal.

  “I know the damage tainted women can cause. You lure them in for your own personal gain.” Another blow delivered.

  “Darwin, get her out of here. Get her away from Ava. I don’t care if you have to drag her out.” Logan was visibly shaking, his finger clenching and unclenching. Ava could hear the “pop” each time he curled and straightened his fingers.

  That’s when the full arsenal was unleashed. “No child of mine, will place a lesser before me. Don’t you dare touch me on account of her,” Maribelle hissed. “You will not send me away to keep company with another tramp, Logan Masters. This one is probably worse than Brooke. You are my son. I will never allow this to happen.”

  Nearby club patrons tossed disapproving glares in their direction. This was the family he’d pressed her to meet. Thinking how she had summoned her mom to spare him Granny Lou’s interrogation, she felt foolish. She tried to protect him from Granny Lou. She could not protect herself from his family. What would Lina do in her situation? Maybe if she kept chanting to herself she would arrive at the right answer, because Ava Elaine Walters was a millisecond away from sucker punching a well-to-do hag in the side of her head. She laughed at the violent thought.

  “He deserves better. You will never be enough for him.” Maribelle’s words cut with surgical precision. There you have it. What Ava already knew to be true, spoken for the universe to hear. Knockout blow, delivered.

  Ava was numb. The words pierced her soul. She felt the blood seeping through the wound, stealing the warmth from her body, leaving icy darkness in its place. Her second emotional hemorrhage. The first time she felt this soul wrenching pain a man she thought loved her had inflicted it. This time was far worse, because Logan was the man she knew she could love. She refused to allow these people to see how they had injured her.

  It was time to go home. She was stupid to believe the outcome would be better with Logan. Men were bad medicine. Logan was a different class of drug compared to Marcus, but the side effect was the same. Pain and humiliation. She needed her safe haven. The home she’d neglected since her relationship with Logan began. Home was where she felt safe and protected.

  Get up. Home is waiting.

  Ava reached for her clutch. It was Prada, a loaner from Lina because she wanted to look her best for Logan’s family. The joke was on her. These people would never accept her. Ava stood, stretching her spine tall with every ounce of grace she could muster. Taking a deep breath, she raised her head, stiffened her chin, and settled her eyes on the occupants at the table. The numbness was taking hold, but this had to be done first.

  “Words cannot express how grateful I am to have met the entire Masters family.” She emphasized entire, because not inviting his mother was a purposeful act of deception. With a deliberate slow motion her focus shifted to Maribelle Masters. Ava narrowed her eyes focusing on the cold glare just for her.

  “You have nothing to worry about regarding your son and I,” Ava stated flatly, the numbness in her eyes mirrored in her voice. She looked at Logan, there was only one thing left to say. “You broke your promise.” Without another glance at the Masters family, Ava walked away.

  He had said no harm would come to her. He was wrong.

  A thousand bee stings would hurt less. Oh God, he had hurt her. Ava walked away from him. Her glare could have splintered steel. His body didn’t want to work. The agony he felt looking into her eyes nearly crippled him. He forced his body to move.

  “Ava wait!” Logan jumped to his feet, his chair nearly falling over.

  “Son,” Robert Lee said in a strained voice.

  “I am ashamed to be your son. How did you let that happen? You know what’s at stake. That’s my woman,” he said pointing in the direction Ava had gone. “Not Rebecca. I’m not a Masters family stock holding. I can’t give any more to this family, than I already have.”

  Ava nee
ded him. And he needed her. Logan away from his family unconcerned with the damage his words may have caused, his only thought was he had to get to Ava.

  She was under the portico of the country club by the time Logan reached her. She was looking straight ahead. He came to stand in front of her, it was then he saw the tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

  “Sweetheart,” he said cautiously. “Come here.”

  He opened his arms needing to feel her goodness and warmth around him.

  “Don’t tell me what to do. I hate it when you try to control me.” He jerked as her words slammed into him.

  “This is not about control. You are hurting. I am here for you.” She looked at him then. And what he saw in her eyes chilled his blood. Lower lip trapped between her teeth. That was never a good sign.

  “I don’t want your hands on me. You think I want to see your face, hear your words after what happened back there.” His heart was hammering in his ears. She was rejecting his comfort. His everything. Think, Logan. But, the words were all wrong.

  “Sweetheart please, I want to hold you.”

  “Go hold Rebecca. Take me home. To my house,” Ava said, with a growl.

  “I have no interest in Rebecca Holbrook. My mother wants me to be with her, but I only want you. We can talk about some of the things she said to you.” If he took her home, she may never open the door to him again. His only hope was to speak reason to her.

  “There is nothing that was said that requires clarification. I’m a worthless tramp who will never be good enough for you or your family.” She was looking at him, but she held her purse like she wanted to hit him with it. He took a cautionary step toward her. This was getting out of hand. Ava was eyeing him with disgust.

  “Get away. Do not put your hands on me.” She was snarling at him, but he would risk her bite. Talk, don’t touch. He could do that for her. Anything to be able to hold her. Comfort her.

  “I didn’t know she would say those things to you.” She had to know he would never subject her to a known threat. He had no idea Ava had met his mother.

  “You must think I’m a stupid girl too,” she said, with contempt.