And my eyes fall back onto her, starving for more. Jesus. I shake my head to myself, searching for some direction. A seat. Offer her a seat. I motion toward the couches as I head for my drinks cabinet. “Can I get you a drink?” I stare at the endless bottles of spirits, my head totally bent. A drink? Did I just offer her an alcoholic drink in a midday meeting? I frown to myself and turn to find her.

She’s looking at the cabinet too, her own frown in place. “No, thank you.”

“Water?” I ask, unable to stop laughing on the inside at my own stupidity.

“Please.” She smiles mildly, still standing where I left her. Is she experiencing the same level of uselessness as me? Shaky legs, brain malfunction?

I pull two bottles of water from the fridge as she finally makes her way to the couch, giving me the perfect view of the perfect silhouette of a perfect body in that perfect dress. Good Lord, help me.

I collect a glass. “Ava?”

She pauses. Looks back. And my cock, the one that usually only responds under the influence, twitches behind my boxers.

It’s alarming. Unsettling. How old is she? I’m frowning to myself again. Actually, how old am I? I haven’t celebrated a birthday since I lost Jake.

“Yes?” she asks, turning to face me.

“Glass?”

“Yes, please.” She smiles and my dick very nearly fucking explodes. I work to talk it down as she settles and pulls something from her bag, setting it on the table before her with her phone, shaking her hands subtly as I wander over and sit opposite her. Right now, it’s the best seat in the house, and there are some fucking amazing seats around here. I put the waters on the table and relax as she scribbles notes on a pad. I can’t help but think she’s distracting herself.

“So, where do we start?” I ask, trying to kill the awkward silence that’s fallen. She looks up as I take a swig of water, her eyes falling to my lips. I smile, and she startles, distracting herself once again by pouring some water. I should have done that. Poured her water. What kind of gentleman are you, Ward?

“I guess you should tell me why I’m here.” She braves facing me.

“Oh?” Yes, why is she here? My thoughts are all over the place, and she is dominating them. Just her. Nothing else. No shitty past. No guilt. No shame. No pain. Just her.

“You requested me by name?” she murmurs.