“I’ve narrowed down what I believe are the best lending options with favorable term lengths.” Ava’s eyes shifted from the papers and over at Justin. He sipped from his coffee mug with his gaze directly on her. She swallowed hard as flutters in the pit of her stomach developed. Why is he so damn handsome?
Ava quickly turned away and continued. “This one here is a construction loan with the required draw schedule. I understand another lender offered you a similar option with twenty-five percent down. Based on the preliminary numbers, we can offer the loan with ten percent down. Any thoughts?”
“The one with the shorter term length is more appealing.”
“Really? The interest is quite higher.” She began to punch numbers into her calculator, when Justin placed his hand over hers, halting her motion.
“Is it okay if we pause this for a moment?”
“Sure.” She turned in her chair to face him. He sat close enough she could smell the coffee on his breath. “I don’t know what Nina has told you, but I requested we work together.”
“You did?” There was no need in telling him she overheard their tense conversation in the parking garage.
He nodded his head. “She wanted to pass me off onto someone else, but I told her I would be more comfortable with you.”
Their eyes locked like neither wanted to turn away. She broke their gaze and fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. The meeting had veered off course, she had to get it back on track. “I can understand wanting to work with someone you’re comfortable with.” She removed another paper from her bag. “Here, I have a checklist of the required documentation needed to move forward.”
“Would you like to go out to lunch?”
“Justin…”
“Ava, it’s just lunch. Nothing more. If a drink between friends is more your speed, we can do that instead.”
“I can’t date a client or do anything with you that can be perceived as blurring any lines.”
“Haven’t we already blurred the lines? We’ve met several times for a coffee already.”
“I considered none of those times a date and that was before Nina insisted I handle your loan.”
“I understand,” he frowned.
“Going forward, there can no longer be anymore coffee breaks or anything of the nature.”
He continued to frown before bringing his mug to his lips. “Then we should get back to business.”
After completing the meeting with Justin, Ava stopped at the office to report to Nina, but her lights were out and the door locked. “Meghan, has Nina come in yet?”
She shook her head no. “I heard she’s taking a personal day.”
Ava twisted her lips into a frown.
“What’s the matter?”
“I need to talk to her about Justin’s account.”
“Why?” she asked, eyes narrowed.
Ava glanced around where they stood. There were too many ears, so she pulled Meghan into her office and shut the door. “What happened?”
“He asked me out.”
“A date?” she smiled.
“I believe it was more like lunch or a drink after work.”
“What did you tell him?”
“You know that I can’t because it’ll be a conflict of interest. The way everyone around here talk, even if it’s innocent they’ll assume it’s romantic. That’s why I keep everything above board with my clients.”
“So, don’t handle his account.” She shrugged. “Pass it on to someone else.”
“Nina insisted I work with him. She’ll go ballistic if I give up his account.”
“True. But, this is someone who you share more than platonic feelings for.”
“I never said that.”
“You didn’t have to. Anyway, he obviously wants to spend more time with you. If this guy is as great as he seems, I say go for it.”
Chapter Five
Ava does not consider herself to be a spontaneous woman or someone who normally throws caution to the wind. That’s why what she is about to do has caused her to become a nervous wreck, and it’s all Justin Harrington’s fault. Not really, but if it wasn’t for his good looks, charismatic personality, and his ability to make you feel as if you’re the only person in the room she wouldn’t have considered what she is about to do. It’s been a week since they’ve last seen each other. They’ve only communicated by email, and she missed him. So instead of allowing her job to interfere with fate, she has taken matters into her own hands. She’s surprising Justin at his office with an impromptu visit.
Before exiting her car, she checked her face in the mirror and reapplied her Brilliant Berry lipstick. Ava exited her vehicle, straightened the navy dress she wore, and exhaled a heavy breath before shutting the car door. She rested her hand on her abdomen hoping to calm the tinge of nerves that had developed. When she entered the quiet office space a woman with fiery red hair greeted her with a smile. “Hi, how may I help you?”
Ava returned her smile. “Yes, is Mr. Harrington available?”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“No, I do not. I’m sure if you tell him that Ava is…”
“I’m sorry, but Mr. Harrington is unavailable at the moment,” she said cutting her off.
Ava’s eyebrows furrowed over her narrowed eyes. “Can you at least announce that I’m here?”
The redhead smirked. “Have a seat and I’ll notify Mr. Harrington. Miss…”
“It’s Sinclair. Ava Sinclair.”
Ava frowned as she sat in one of the white plush chairs in the waiting area. Maybe this is a sign. She must be out of her mind to show up in the middle of the day at his job. They hadn’t spoken since the last time she was here. Their only communication has been strictly business through email. He hadn’t stopped by the office to see Nina as she had grown accustomed to. Was he offended she’d turned him down? Or was he doing as she’d requested by keeping his distance?
Over the years, she’s conducted business with men of every caliber. From a small landscaping company seeking to borrow a few thousand dollars to a CEO seeking a multi-million dollar loan. Many had asked her out and she never gave it a second thought. Some had hoped to get something beneficial out of the deal and others probably had a genuine interest in her. Still, none had caught her attention or stirred a desire within her like Justin.
“Ava!”
She jumped out of her thoughts and glanced upward to find Justin towering over her with a grin. All her internal self-doubt suddenly dissipated. “Hi, I hope you don’t mind that I stopped by without calling.” She stood to meet his gorgeous blue eyes.
“I’m glad you did because it saved me a phone call.”
“Oh…”
“Yes, let’s step into my office.”
She followed him down the hall and waited for him to shut the door before sitting on his office couch. He sat across from her with a small table between them.
“I’ve been meaning to call you because I have a question about the last email you sent concerning my taxes. There’s been a delay from my accountant, but I can get it to you by the end of next week. Is it possible you can stretch the deadline out some?”
She twisted her bottom lip as she moved her gaze downward. This was definitely a bad idea.
“Matter of fact, I can get him on the phone now. Between the three of us, we can work out a reasonable timetable…,” he continued.
“I can’t,” she blurted.
Justin furrowed his brow. “Can’t what?”
She shifted her eyes towards the gray tiled floor. “You’ve been assigned to another specialist. I’m sure you’ll soon be notified of the change.”
“Why was I reassigned?”
“It’s best if I explain why I’m here first.”
He sat back in his chair. “Go on.”
Ava expelled a breath, her nerves had made a sudden return. “We haven’t known each other long, so you wouldn’t know it’s difficult for me to open up to people. Yet, the times we�
�ve spent together I’ve sensed a connection between us.” She paused to read his expression and noted the confusion on his face. “It didn’t matter what I felt because I had a job to do. Looking back, I should have declined Nina’s request.”
“Why is that?” He leaned forward and looked her dead in her eyes.
“For starters, I’ve always kept a definite line between personal and professional with my clients. By accepting Nina’s request, I had no choice but to nix what’s developed between us.” She pinched her lips together in frustration because nothing she’d said had come out as she rehearsed. “I’ve missed our friendly coffee breaks. Haven’t you?”
“Perhaps.”
She chuckled underneath her breath. “You don’t plan to make this easy.”
He shook his head and grinned.
“Okay, fine.” She took a deep breath. “I’m here to ask if you would like to go on a real date? Not lunch, coffee, or drinks after work.”
His grin widened revealing his perfect teeth. “I would love to.”
“You would?” She eyed him with a hint of surprise and delight.
“Yes.” He stood. “And I would love to discuss it further, but I’m afraid I have a conference call I must join.”
“I’ll give you have my number.” He handed her his phone, and she entered her digits. “Call me whenever you’re free, and we’ll select a time and place.”
Justin led her to the door and paused as he placed his hand over the knob. “Thanks for coming by. It’s been a pleasure seeing you.”
“Same here.” She touched his arm and smiled.
“And you weren’t wrong. There is something between us.”
Chapter Six
“What do you think about this one?” Ava held a black bandage dress against her body. She and her best friend Tess Delaney were shopping for the perfect date outfit.
Tess turned up her nose in a disapproving manner. “Black is depressing. A nice fitting pair of jeans and a sexy top would do just fine.”
“I agree.” Ava placed the dress back on the rack and moved on to the shoe store next door. There she didn’t have to second guess any choices. She knew exactly what she wanted. A pair of strappy black heels she’s had her eye on but couldn’t afford. They were on sale for half off and it was her opportunity to strike. After paying for her purchase the ladies sat for a light lunch at a deli on the far end of the shopping center. They both opted for a breaded chicken breast salad and ice tea.
Ava and Tess met six years ago in the hair salon. Ava wanted a simple trim of her long black hair, and Tess needed highlights in her copper red tresses. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, one hairstylist had abruptly quit which caused a backup in the waiting area. With nothing better to do, they struck up a conversation. They hit it off right away. Days later they met up for a night of drinking and partying. Now they were inseparable.
“Are you excited about tonight?” asked Tess.
“More like anxious.”
“That’s normal. It’s been some time since you put yourself back out there. Your breakup with Brandon ended on a bitter note.”
“Does he know about my date?”
“Why would I tell him your business?”
“Because you’re dating his best friend, which means you and Brandon are still friends. I thought, maybe, you had mentioned it.”
“I won’t be the one to stick the knife in his heart. He hasn’t said the words, but I know he’s not over you.”
“I know he isn’t. That’s why I’m considering changing my number.”
“Why?”
“He keeps calling and sending texts. Do you know what that’s about?”
She pursed her ruby red lips. “Why would I? Just return his call. It might be important.”
Ava rolled her eyes and stared off into the distance. She thought of her friend’s words about her breakup with her ex-boyfriend Brandon Porter. It was never her intention to hurt him and for the longest time she blamed herself for how their relationship ended.
She had met Brandon one morning on her way to work. They had collided into each other at Java Cafe. He was on his way in and she had rushed out the door with her phone in one hand and a hot coffee in the other. It mortified her when her lid popped off and coffee spilled all over his clothes. He was unexpectedly kind when she apologized and handed him her extra napkins. Ava had offered to pay for his choice of drink, but he declined. Coincidently, they saw each other again the following morning, and he asked her to join him at a table. As she sat across from him, she’d hung onto his every word. With every syllable she’d become mesmerized by his rugged good looks from his almond-shaped brown eyes to the sexy dimple in his chin. She then drifted her attention to his six foot two lean frame. It had the perfect amount of muscles to complement his athletic physique. They dated for three years and towards the end, they’d drifted apart.
“Hello? Ava!” Tess waved her hands back and forth.
“Oh, sorry…I spaced. My mind drifted to Brandon.”
“I shouldn’t have brought him up.”
“No, it’s okay.”
“Have you guys run into each other, lately?”
“I see him every once in a while.” She frowned before biting into her sandwich. “There are times when he’ll intentionally ignore me.”
“Can you blame him? It devastated him when you guys ended.”
Ava sighed. “We were never meant to be.”
“Because of his job?”
“That and more. No one knows how hard it is to be involved with a police officer. He made a vow to protect and serve and Brandon takes that vow seriously. You know what I mean. You’re in the same predicament with Scott.”
“Yeah, but, our relationship is different because I can handle the stress.”
“For me it was the anxiety I felt every time he walked out the door. It had become too much to handle. I never understood why he chose such a dangerous job.”
“Some people enjoy serving their community.” Tess stuck a forkful of salad in her mouth.
“Honestly, it had more to do with my goals in life were bigger than his.”
“What do you mean?”
“Brandon was content with living a country life on his acres of land. Sitting on the porch with a wife and a boatload of kids. There’s nothing wrong with that.” She shrugged. “It’s not for me.”
“No white picket fence in your future?”
“Not at all! I dream of being a self-made millionaire and vacations on a yacht in Mediterranean.” She closed her eyes briefly allowing that image to float through her mind.
“Nothing wrong with dreaming.”
“It’s not a dream, Tess. The salary I earn is decent, but I still find it hard to pay my bills. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with a mountain of debt.”
“I’m in the same boat. Just thinking about my student loan balance keeps me up at night.”
“Same here. I have two degrees, a good job, and still don’t make enough to put a dent in them. If Brandon and I had married our combined salary wouldn’t have been enough to sustain the life I envision for myself.”
“So, Justin is the answer to your prayers?”
Ava felt her cheeks flush at the sound of his name. “No. I don’t care about his money because it isn’t mine.”
“Are you blushing?” Tess chuckled. “He must be something special for you to miss out on a fat commission check.”
“Don’t think for a moment I didn’t crunch the numbers in my head. But in the end, it would have been a conflict of interest to oversee his account. I can’t have a single sign of impropriety.”
“Where is he taking you tonight?”
“We’re meeting at a rooftop restaurant in the city.”
“Still not comfortable giving out your home address?”
She shook her head. “After what happened, I don’t see that changing.”
“Do what makes you feel the most comfortable.” Tess held up her ice-co
ld glass of raspberry ice tea. “Here’s to a fantastic night with Justin.”
∞∞∞
Two years ago
Ava eyed the shattered glass all over her tiled floors. In the center of the floor a white piece of paper laid attached to a brick tied with rope. She knelt and extended her arm to reach for it.
“Don’t touch it!”
Her eyes peered upward, and relief washed over her. She ran into his arms. “I’m so happy to see you.” She held him tight, not wanting to let go.
“Are you okay?” asked Brandon.
She nodded her head and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Did you see him? Is he outside?” she asked.
“No, he must’ve left before I arrived.”
He removed two white gloves from his jacket pocket and a plastic bag from the other. Brandon placed the brick in the bag. “I’ll have it dusted for prints and maybe this time we’ll have enough to arrest the bastard.”
Ava frowned. “No offense, but your buddies haven’t helped so far. They keep saying they don’t have enough evidence to intervene.”
“That’s because he’s smart and knows how to tether the line. But this time he’s made a mistake.”
Ava leaned against the wall. Tears streamed down her face like a flowing river. She felt helpless and trapped inside her home. This person has stalked and tormented her for months. Nothing she has done has stopped him. Her legs gave way, and she crumpled to the floor, allowing all the pain and anguish to come to the surface. Brandon knelt beside her and pulled her into an embrace. “You’re moving in with me,” he said.
She wiped her eyes and looked at him. “I can’t drag you into this. He’ll come after you too.”
Brandon smirked. “After today, that bastard will never get near you again. You have two things in your favor.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m your boyfriend and a cop. That makes me fiercely protective of you. I’ll find that asshole and beat the living shit out of him.”
“Brandon, no! Let’s do this the right way.”
He stood and extended his arm. “Come on, get up.” He helped her off the floor. “Pack a bag, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”
Betrayed by You Page 3
