I feel Ava’s intention to stop and chat with the old boy. Not today. Our time together is precious. No sharing. Pulling her on, we make it outside, and I open the car and get her in, fastening her seatbelt for her. She doesn’t bat an eyelid, just smiles up at me.

Acceptance. It’s stunning on her.

Today is going to be a good day.

20

I spend the whole journey to Ava’s detailing my plan to get her to The Manor with me this afternoon. It’s simple. I’m going to tell her.

She slips out of my car when I park and rounds the front, joining me on the pavement. The way she’s looking up at me tells me I could just ask and she’d agree.

She walks into my chest, tilting her head back, and I remain where I am, my hands restrained in my pockets. I could take what she’s silently offering, but there’s so much more pleasure to be had when she gives it to me willingly. She comes closer, closing the space between our lips, and when they meet, I’m done for. I give in to the power and seize her, tumbling into my newfound euphoria, working her mouth firm and steady, the world as I know it disappearing around me. I don’t want this kiss to end, but I tear myself away, and she whimpers, her hands limply sliding from my shoulders. I’ve never seen a woman so deeply and obviously breathless. It’s fuel to my fire of need. She doesn’t want to leave me.

She walks up the path to the front door, unsteady on her feet, and I follow with a small smile.

She turns and finds me close behind. “What are you doing?” she asks.

“I’m coming in to wait for you.”

“Where am I going?”

“You’re coming to work with me,” I tell her candidly, and her sweet frown deepens.

“You just kissed me goodbye.”

“No, Ava.” I reach up and sweep aside the lock of hair falling across her brow. “I just kissed you.” She should get used to it. “Get ready.”

“Okay.”

Her easy agreement is promising. Let’s keep that up. She opens the front door, and I follow her into the lounge, my eyebrows jumping up when I find Sam looking a bit cozy with Kate. He stayed here? All night? I throw him a questioning look.

“Hey, my man.” He doesn’t seem to give two fucks about the fact he’s naked, hardly covered by the sheets. I cast a look across to Ava to see if she’s at all affected by my well-formed, younger mate.

“How are you feeling, Ava?” he asks with a cheeky smile, and Ava’s cheeks turn a fetching shade of pink. Embarrassed?