I wretch myself away, and she staggers forward a little, dazed, breathless, and flushed. I leave her exactly like that, grinning as I turn and flip on the shower. I’m fully aware I’m rushing, eager to get back to her and make the most of the time I have left with her today. Which isn’t fucking long. But I need to be patient. Don’t crowd her too much. I laugh at myself as I grab a towel and dry off, not bothering to trim my stubble. It’ll take up valuable time. I throw on some shorts, a Ralph polo, and flip the collar up as I assess myself in the mirror. I look younger. Fresher. Alive. It’s no wonder. Last night and this morning, minus that little blip, was the most incredible experience.

I fetch my phone and my mood dips in an instant when I see endless missed calls from Coral. I need to block her number. Maybe even get a restraining order. Fuck my life.

I go in search of Ava, finding her crouched on the floor in the kitchen. She looks up. Practically drools. My chest expands. I’m smug. Yeah, I thought I looked good today too. Younger. Hotter. It’s Ava. The effects of Ava.

I quickly pull my swelling head out of my arse when I realize what she’s doing.

“I need to go,” she says, her hands full of glass.

For fuck’s sake, has she no regard for her well-being? I inhale my annoyance, swallowing it back. The last thing I want to do is leave her on a bad note. No. I’ll be leaving her to wish all day that she hadn’t been a stubborn minx last night and refused to spend the day with me. “Here.” I dip and cup my hands for her to transfer the shards to me before I tip them in the sink. “You should have left it, Ava. You could’ve cut yourself.” I brush my hands off and grab my shades. “I’ll sort it later.” I take her hand, get my keys and her bags, and lead her out.

“Are you working today?” she asks, and I grimace.

“No, not much goes on at The Manor during the day,” I say, wiping away yet more annoyance and flipping her a cheeky wink. I don’t know where the fuck that came from. Why the fuck am I winking? Probably to stop myself from growling. I don’t want to go to The Manor. I want to spend the day with her.

I open the door and find the removal men outside. “Mr. Ward?”

I walk Ava past them. “The boxes in the spare room go first. My housekeeper will be here shortly to assist with the rest. Be careful with the ski and bike equipment.”

“You have a housekeeper?” Ava asks.