Ava scooted her chair away from the table and met him in the living room. After nursing her second glass of wine she was beyond relaxed. The wall of insecurity had disappeared and replaced with uninhibited confidence.
“Tell me something about yourself I don’t already know,” asked Justin, he sat shirtless facing her in only a pajama bottom. They were close enough for their legs to touch.
“What would you like to know?”
“Anything.” He shrugged. “Let’s start with your last relationship. How did it end?”
“That’s a loaded question.” She placed her empty glass on the table. “Only because I hurt him badly, and it’s not my proudest memory.”
“We don’t have to discuss it.”
“No, it’s fine.” Ava shared with him how she and Brandon were together for three years and she ended their relationship after he’d proposed. “What’s unique about our situation is we still see each other because we travel in the same circles. Every time I see him, it’s a reminder of how I hurt him.”
“Are you not over him?”
“No, I fell out of love with him long before he proposed.”
“And you never shared with him how you felt?”
“No, because I still loved him enough to try to make it work. I thought if we could work through our problems my feelings would return. Does that make sense?”
“I get it. Sometimes it’s difficult to walk away.” He had a distant look in his eyes as if he was referring to someone in particular. “How long has it been since the breakup?”
“Eight months.”
“And you haven’t dated since?”
She shook her head. “No one has caught my interest until now.” She stared into his eyes as he scooted closer.
“Eight months, huh?”
She nodded her head yes.
“It’s been eight months since anyone has done this.” He leaned forward and kissed the side of her face below her cheek. The brush of his lips against her skin felt more intoxicating than the wine she’d consumed. She closed her eyes and remained still as his lips trailed down her neck. A sensation of flutters stirred in her stomach. He pulled away and met her gaze. They locked their eyes onto one another. It was if he was waiting for a cue to kiss her. Instead of protesting she sat quietly anticipating the feel of his lips on hers. Justin moved his hands cupping the nape of her neck, leaning forward like a slow-motion movie. A warm sensation immersed her body as his teeth grazed her bottom lip. She parted her lips to allow their tongues to intertwine. The lingering taste of the Merlot was prevalent with the gentle strokes of his tongue. He firmly gripped the back of her head, causing her to deepen their kiss bringing them both into the throes of passion. She wrapped her arms around his neck, as he reclined her backward onto the couch. He pulled away to untie the robe she wore, revealing her naked body. Her breaths fastened underneath his gaze. “Stay the night,” he muttered.
She responded by pulling him forward into another kiss, meshing their bodies into one. She hadn’t realized how hungry she’s been for a man’s touch. They continued to devour each other until Justin stood and swept her into his arms. He carried her into the bedroom, placing her on the bed. Her insides throbbed as she watched him remove his clothes. He wasted not a minute entering her slowly. A moan escaped her lips as he thrust deeper inside of her. She stroked his back as he rocked back and forth until they both shuddered in satisfaction.
Ava laid on her back with her gaze towards the ceiling. A gratifying smile filled her face, still in disbelief of how the night had progressed. If someone would’ve told her she and Justin would have sex after one date she would have thought they’d lost their mind. She lived by a three-date rule. No sex before the third date. Justin has made her throw out her rulebook and all caution to the wind. And she’s not mad.
His kiss on her stomach brought her out of her thoughts. “Are you staying over, beautiful?”
She smiled. “There’s no place I would rather be.”
Chapter Ten
Ava dragged herself into work the following morning with oversized sunglasses, hiding the bags underneath her eyes and downing a tall mug of coffee. She and Justin were up to the wee hours of the night exploring each other bodies. He’d suggested she skipped work today, but she had too many pending files to deal with. Her plan was to exit the elevator and make a mad dash to her office unnoticed. Unfortunately, Nina had another idea. As soon as Ava hit the corner to turn down the hall, she approached from behind. “I need to speak with you. My office.”
Ava rolled her eyes and followed Nina.
“Close the door, please,” she said, sitting in her high back leather chair.
Ava sucked her teeth and expelled a heavy breath as she did as asked. Whenever Nina asked to speak with you with the door close, it’s never good. It’s always a lecture about productivity. Ava sat in a chair without removing her sunglasses and waited for the reprimand to begin.
“Late night?” asked Nina, pointing to her own eyes.
“Something like that. Will this take long? I have calls to return.”
“As nice as your spectacles are, do you mind removing them? It’s distracting.”
Ava removed her tortoise framed glasses, only to be blinded by the sunlight peeking through the blinds. She squinted her eyes in response to the bright light. “Can you close the blinds, please?”
“I hate to say this, but you look like shit.” She flipped the blinds upward with the cord.
“Thanks.”
“I understand you passed on handling Justin’s account. You never explained why?”
Really? She called me in here to talk about Justin. “I disclosed my reasons the day I passed it to Teresa. I told you he and I had become friendlier. It would’ve been a conflict.”
“I see.” She frowned. “Justin and I have known each other for years. Our families travel in the same social circles. You know, occasional gatherings, charity events, etcetera.”
Ava gave an appropriate nodded, uncertain of the point.
“He’s done well for himself in California, and I suggested he venture this way.” She paused and stared at Ava as if she expected her to comment.
“He mentioned you two were good friends,” said Ava.
“Two years back he and his step-father had gone through a rough patch. He began drinking excessively…”
“Who Justin?”
“No, Phil, his step-father.”
“Nina, I don’t believe Justin would appreciate you discussing his personal business.”
She swayed back and forth in her chair. “Perhaps you’re right. Especially, with someone, he hardly knows.”
Ava turned her nose up at Nina’s jealous tone. She did not behave like a married woman with three kids. “I have to get to work.” Ava stood to exit.
“Before you go, I would like to give you a word of friendly advice. In the time I’ve known Justin he’s never settled with anyone. He’s a handsome and wealthy man who is accustomed to women throwing themselves at him. I’m sure you understand what I’m getting at.”
“Thanks for the warning,” she smirked. Ava bolted out the door before she could overstep even further. When she made it to her office, Meghan was retrieving files from off her desk. “Morning,” said Ava, before plopping down in her chair.
“Uh-oh, I know that tone. Nina?”
“Yep, she’s aggravating as hell. Her transfer can’t happen soon enough.”
“The West Coast office doesn’t know what’s coming their way.”
“They can have her.” Ava flicked her hand in a dismissive manner. “I say good riddance.”
“You should put your name in the hat as her replacement.”
“As Lending Director?”
“Yes!”
“Meghan, I’ve only been here a year.”
“But you’ve been in the industry longer. You know more than anyone here, that’s why we all come to you with our questions.”
“I appreciate your confidenc
e in my abilities, but I think I’ll pass. A director position is not a goal of mine.”
“It beats being a Processor any day.”
“Hey, we all have to begin somewhere. This company is big on rewarding loyal employees. Keep at it and soon you’ll go from Processor to Loan Officer.”
“Maybe,” she shrugged, before returning to her desk.
After spending the morning returning calls, Ava was ready for lunch. Luckily for her, Tess had texted her earlier asking to meet at their regular burger spot down the street. Tess operated her own business by selling gently used items online. Evidently, there’s a thrift store in the area that offered great finds.
Ava arrived at the restaurant before Tess. Instead of waiting, she ordered for the both of them. They’ve been friends long enough to know she only eats bacon cheeseburgers, fries, with a soda every time they come. Ava ordered the same, and Tess arrived right as the waitress brought over the food.
“Good, you didn’t wait to order,” she said, taking a bite of her burger.
“How did you make out at the thrift store?” asked Ava.
“Like a bandit. I found all sorts of designer jeans, baby clothes with the tags still on them, and a designer handbag. I left with three huge shopping bags of clothes and paid less than one hundred dollars. You can have more money in your pockets by shopping thrifty.”
Ava turned up her nose and stuffed a fry in her mouth. “No thanks. Maybe I’m a clothing snob. I can’t bring myself to wear clothes that’s been worn by others.”
“What’s up with you today? You don’t look like yourself.”
“Rough night.” She placed the straw between her lips and sipped her soda.
Tess narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?”
Ava turned as she tried to hide a smile. “I was with Justin.”
“Really? That’s two nights in a row. So, what did you guys do?”
“Oh, a little of this and a little of that.”
Tess shot her an intense stare and slowly widened her eyes. “Oh… my… did you sleep with him?!”
“Shh!!” Ava stifled a laugh. “Just announce it to the world, why don’t you?”
“Sorry.” Tess lowered her voice. “Okay, I gotta meet this guy. You have turned down my every offer to set you up with someone. Justin swoops into town and you’ve become a different person.”
“I like him a lot.” Her cheeks begun to hurt from her persistent smile. “He’s different, Tess. Unlike anyone I’ve been with.”
“I’m beginning to notice. I guess your three-date rule didn’t apply to him.”
“I burned that damn rulebook.” She laughed.
“Besides living in Cali, what else do you know about him?”
“Nina just gave me an earful about his inability to settle down.”
“You said they are friends,” she shrugged. “Maybe she knows something you don’t.”
“It doesn’t matter because there isn’t anything serious between us. We’re friends who spent the night together.”
Tess shot her a doubtful look. “Who do you think you’re talking to? You’re not the sexually free type of person. You’ll eventually want more from him. Now is the time to find out what you can before you fall too deep.”
She expelled a sigh because she knew Tess was right. “Should I grill Nina more about his past?”
“No,” said Tess, pulling her phone out of her purse. “We search the internet.” Ava watched as Tess typed Justin’s name into the search engine and a plethora of photos of him with other women filled her phone’s screen.
“I’m sure most of that is business-related. He’s an established hotel owner and developer.”
“Whoa, you’ve been holding back on me.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean. You never mentioned how good looking this guy is.”
“Calm down.” Ava laughed. “I never carried on about his looks because there’s more to him than his handsome face and money.”
Tess opened the app to a popular social media page and searched for his name. They scrolled through images of him on vacation with bikini-clad women, some were at his hotels, and others were at various places. When they reached one with him kissing a brunette, Ava turned away. “Close it, Tess. I don’t feel right invading his privacy.”
“It proves Nina was partly right. At least, that’s what the pictures show.”
“We don’t know the context of those pictures. Besides, we all have past romantic relationships.”
“You’re right.” She nodded her head in agreement. “But you have to at least give me the chance to grill him.”
“How many times do I have to say we are in a very casual relationship?”
“Keep telling yourself that.” She took the last bite of her burger. “Anyway, when everyone’s schedule is clear, I’ll arrange a small dinner party and you have to bring him.”
“I don’t know, Tess. I don’t want to run into Brandon, especially not with Justin.”
“I won’t invite him.”
“What about Scott? They’re best friends, and he invites Brandon to everything.”
“If I tell him you plan to bring a date, he won’t ask Brandon to attend.”
“Let me know when and I’ll see if Justin is free. Now that’s out of the way. How are you and Scott?”
“We’re fine, why?”
“Well, lately all we’ve talked about is my relationship, and you have conveniently avoided your issues with the man in your life.”
“Let’s just say, he’s been on good behavior so far. I don’t think he wants to risk losing me again.”
“All you have to do is give a man a taste of being without you. That’s enough for him to straighten up.”
“That’s why I left and spent a week at my mother’s. I had to go all the way to South Carolina for him to promise to remain faithful.”
“Hopefully, he learned his lesson.”
The women spent the rest of lunch catching up. After they said their goodbyes, Ava opted not to return to the office. She decided to finish her work from home and rest before her date with Justin. Last night took her by surprise. She had no intention of sleeping with him or spending the night. For once, it felt good to step outside of her comfort zone.
∞∞∞
Ava exited her car and scanned the parking lot of Calhoun’s. Justin’s car was nowhere in sight. After her lunch with Tess, Ava had intended to work from home, but she didn’t do a single thing that resembled work. Instead, she laid in bed replaying the many ways Justin had made love to her body. Not only was he easy on the eyes, but his lovemaking skills were spectacular. He was exactly what she needed to cure her eight-month drought. In the middle of reminiscing, he’d texted her stating he had been stuck in meetings all day. He’d suggested they meet at the bar to save time.
Maybe he’s on his way. She shut her car door and proceeded towards the entrance. Her phone rang, she glanced down and smiled at the name across the screen. “Hey, I just arrived. How far away are you?”
There was a short pause. “I can’t make it. I’m on a plane back home.”
She halted her stride with her phone to her ear. “What?”
“There’s an emergency I must deal with. I’ll be back in Atlanta tomorrow.”
Her heart sank into her stomach. “I wished you would’ve called. I’m already here.”
“Sorry,” he said with a slight detachment in his voice.
“Well, there’s no point in staying. Just call me when you return.”
“Don’t waste an evening alone because I can’t be there. Go in and unwind. It’ll give you the opportunity to meet other people. I’m sure someone there wouldn’t mind buying a drink for a beautiful woman.”
Ava pulled the phone away from her ear. She stared at the screen with her face construed in confusion. He sounded nothing like the man she had spent the night with. “Enjoy your trip. I’ll talk to you later.” She hit the end button before he could r
espond and entered the doors of Calhoun’s.
She ordered a plate of fries and a margarita from the bar. Ava occupied a booth facing a flat-screen television on the wall. After stuffing two fries in her mouth, she called Meghan. She answered on the second ring. “Hey, what are you doing?”
“Just left the gym. What’s up?” asked Meghan.
“He stood me up.”
“Who?”
“Justin.”
“Where are you?”
“Calhoun’s.”
“I’m fifteen minutes away. I can keep you company.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Really, I don’t mind. See you soon.”
Twenty-minutes later Meghan arrived wearing a pair of Nike tights and a crop top. As she passed the bar, two men nursing a beer ogled her ass.
“Aren’t you cold? It’s forty-degrees outside,” said Ava, as her friend slid into the booth.
“My sweater is in my bag.” She revealed a purple hoodie stuffed inside her purse before setting it aside. “So, spill. What happened with Justin?”
Ava frowned. “I already told you. He stood me up.”
Meghan gave her a doubtful look. “What exactly did he say?”
Ava stuffed another fry in her mouth and push the plate towards Meghan. “Want some?”
“Sure.” She squirted a pool of ketchup on the parchment paper and dipped a fry. “Do you mind if I have your glass of water?”
“I’m ordering another margarita. Would you like one?”
“No, but I’ll take a coke,” said Meghan.
Ava waved over the waitress and within minutes she returned with their drinks. “Justin and I had planned to meet here after he left work.”
“It’s sweet you picked the place where you guys met.”
“I thought so too. Anyway, he called right when I was about to walk in and said he was on a plane to San Diego.”
Meghan narrowed her eyes as she sipped her soda. “For good?”
“No, he’s returning tomorrow. He just sounded weird.”
“What do you mean?”
Betrayed by You Page 6
