After a few seconds of waiting patiently for her to acknowledge me, I accept she isn’t going to budge. Because she’s a stubborn sod. So I slowly circle her until I’m looking at her exquisite face. I have to force myself not to reach out and touch her. “You look stunning,” I say quietly, running my eyes over every perfect inch of her features. I’ve tasted those lips. I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t get to again.

“You said I wouldn’t have to see you again.”

“I didn’t know you would be here,” I lie, nibbling my lip. I wouldn’t blame her if she took out a restraining order on me. I’m tempted to have one slapped on myself.

Ava looks at me like I’m stupid. She might be right. “You sent me flowers.”

I fight to keep the cheeky—guilty—smile from my face. “Oh, so I did.”

“Please, excuse me.” She goes to pass me, and I panic, quickly moving to stop her.

“I was hoping for a tour,” I blurt, laughing privately at my own audacity. I know this place inside out.

“I’ll get Victoria. She’ll be happy to show you around.”

“I would prefer you.”

“You don’t get a fuck with a tour,” she retorts harshly, making me recoil. She’s standing in front of me, looking like she’s literally fallen from the heavens, and she’s using vulgar language like that?

“Will you watch your mouth?”

I expect her to tell me where to go, but she doesn’t. “Sorry,” she mutters instead. “And put my seat back when you drive my car.”

Now, I really can’t help my smile, and I’m filled with immense satisfaction when she starts shifting uncomfortably.

“And leave my music alone.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. I bet she loved my joke. I watch her awkwardly shifting from heel to heel, her eyes working hard not to look at me. A hunch is telling me it’s because if she looks at me, she’ll fold. Look at me. “Are you okay? You look a little shaky.” I lift my arm, desperate to feel that smooth skin again. “Is something affecting you?”

She pulls back, and my fortitude takes a kick in the nuts. “Not at all,” she murmurs, looking away. She’s lying. I can see her hand twitching by her side. Her tell. “Did you want a tour?”