Loose Ends (Magnolia Series Book 1) (13 page)

Ava stepped around him and walked to her chair. “I can’t leave. I have more appointments today.” She grabbed a tissue to dry her face.

“Put a note on the door and lock up. I’m not letting you work when you’re upset. This isn’t up for discussion.”

After what’d happened the night before, Ava wasn’t sure where she and Luke stood. Even though he’d swooped in to save the day, there was still this odd tension between them. Before she went anywhere with him, it was
necessary to clear the air. Having something like this hanging over their heads like a dark raincloud just wouldn’t do.

“Luke, we probably need to talk.” She turned to his now relaxed body and let out a sigh.

Luke rubbed a hand over the back of his neck and into his mussed hair. “You’re probably right.”

“I don’t know what happened last night, but the way you acted really hurt me.” She didn’t mean it to sound like she was being a whine bag about it, but it came out that way anyhow. 

“I never promised you anything beyond what we were doing, Ava,” he defended.

“And I never asked you for anything else. I don’t want a relationship. But I do want to be treated like a human being and not like a piece of convenient ass.” Her voice rose a bit and she regretted it. Being afraid of Luke wasn’t the problem; she was only scared that saying the wrong thing would push him away further.

“I would never think of you in that way, you have to know that.”

“But I
don’t
know that. You pulled a one-eighty last night. It was like you weren’t even the same person I’d
been spending time with all day. What the hell happened?”

Luke’s shoulders dropped like he was giving in, or maybe even giving up. Ava didn’t like that at all. No way was she letting him duck inside himself and throw up more walls. “I don’t know.”

“Don’t give me that line of bullshit. I’m pretty good at seeing through people and you’re as transparent as a piece of Saran Wrap.”

“The truth is I’m overwhelmed right now. I’m trying to work on this house and then I met you. Things got out of hand pretty damn quick.”

“So I’m the problem?” Ava questioned. 

“No. I didn’t say that. You’re not a problem, at least not to me.”

“Then tell me how I can help make things better for you. I enjoy spending time with you, Luke. I don’t want this to ruin what we have.” Desperation crept into her voice. She didn’t want to need him in her life, but after the mostly amazing weekend they’d shared, she wasn’t ready to let him just waltz right out the door.

“I enjoy spending time with you, too.” One side of his mouth kicked up and an adorable boyish grin then spread over his handsome face. Ava finally noticed the dark circles under his eyes and it hit her that he might’ve been up all night tossing and turning just as she had.

“It doesn’t matter how long this thing between us lasts. Days, hours or even months. I just want to be around you. If that’s asking too much then I’m sorry.”

“I don’t think you’re asking too much. Because I want that, too.”

“Then I say we put last night behind us and start over. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be able to spend time with you.” She felt like she was bargaining but she’d do just about anything at this point to ensure Luke would stay in her life for even a little bit longer.

“Just as long as you know I can’t and won’t make you any promises.” Regret crossed his face as he waited for her response. 

“Nothing in life offers a guarantee anyway.” 

“Then I think we have things settled. Now, grab your things, you’re coming home with me for a few days.”

Chapte
r
Te
n

For once Luke
didn’t question himself when he drove them back to his home. Like he’d told her at the salon, it wasn’t up for discussion. She was either going to come willingly, or he’d toss her over his shoulder and pull a caveman move to get her there. Hell, every Neanderthal instinct went into high gear when he’d walked into her shop and seen that dickweed latched onto her, trying to take advantage of her. That shit wasn’t going to fly. Knowing damn well he didn’t have any rights to her didn’t matter. What
did
matter was the clear fear and discomfort written all over her color-drained face. When he’d walked in and saw her like that, the primal urge to protect and keep her safe bubbled to the surface like a volcano full of molten magma. The only thing keeping him from dismembering that ginger prick was knowing that the police would’ve been called in. He didn’t need the Five-O on his ass. What he needed was to get her out of there to somewhere she felt safe. The only place he could think of was his house.

“I hate to ask, but can you take me to my house so I can grab some things, please?” Ava asked as he drove through town. “If you don’t want to turn around it’s okay. I can have Brandi bring a few things.”

Luke didn’t hesitate in pulling off the side of the road and doing a U-turn. Maybe that made him whipped or maybe that just made him a nice guy. But ‘
nice’
wasn’t what anyone would use to describe him at all. Trying not to think too much into it he grabbed her hand and pulled the back of it to his lips. He laid a light kiss on the baby-soft skin. “It’s not a problem.” Then he continued down the highway in the direction of the coastline.

“I won’t be long,” she assured him. 

Luke could still see she was shaken up from the ordeal earlier and that pissed him off. How could some dipshit come in and try to take advantage of a woman who clearly couldn’t protect herself. That was a sobering thought. Wasn’t he basically doing the same shit? Wasn’t he here to keep an eye on her and invade her privacy by planting a listening device in her home? Yet again he’d come to the realization that he was indeed a
special
kind of bastard
and
a hypocrite.

“Do you want me to wait here?” Luke pulled his truck into the driveway and parked a few feet from the garage door.

“Um, you can wait here. I’ll just be a few minutes.” Ava’s exhausted attempt at a smile had his chest hurting.

“If you need anything I’ll be right here,” he offered.

He watched her hop down from the cab of his truck and walk around to the side entrance of the garage. Once she was out of sight he flipped open the console and removed the false bottom he’d installed. The black receiver was still sitting in there nondescriptly so he grabbed it and switched it on. The frequency was already set to match the one in Ava’s home. He wasn’t sure what sort of information he expected to hear since she wasn’t going to be in there long, but any info at all could help him keep an eye on her as his employer had requested. Scratch that…demanded.

At first there wasn’t much noise except for some rustling around; more than likely Ava packing some things in a bag. But after about two minutes he heard the familiar ringing of a cell phone. Luke turned up the volume so he could eavesdrop on what would be a one-sided conversation on his end.

“Hey,” Ava answered. “Yeah, something happened with a client.” He heard her take a deep breath. “No, I’m fine. Just shaken up.” A few moments went by before she spoke again, “Brandi, really, I’m okay. Stop worrying about me.” It sounded like she’d plopped down on the sofa which was extremely close to the end table where he’d planted the bug. He could now pick up Brandi’s voice well enough to decipher the entire conversation.

“I don’t like this, Ava.”

“I’m going to stay with Luke for a few days. I need some time off.”

“I don’t know if I trust him, though. Especially after what’d happened last night,” Brandi huffed.

“We talked about it and worked it out. I think things are fine now.”

“You think? Or you know? Those are two completely different things, Ava.”

“Look, I like him. We’re really good together. I don’t want to analyze it too much.”

“But you know what they say: ‘if it seems too good to be true…’”

Ava finished the saying, “’It probably is.’ But what if it just
is
good? Shouldn’t I take a chance on it? Wouldn’t I be stupid
not
to?”

“You have more balls than I do. And as your best friend it’s my job to warn you and tell you you’re being a dumbass.” Luke heard Brandi laugh.

“And as
your
best friend I’m supposed to tell you to back off bitch.” Ava snorted which had Luke smiling. He’d never heard her snort when she laughed. It was kind of cute.

“Well, I’ve done enough warning you away from the sexy beast. I guess I’ll let you get your freak on now,” Brandi hooted.

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know how things are going.”

“Sounds fab. Love ya, babe.”

“Love you, too.” Luke heard Ava sit something down near the bug. Must’ve been her phone was his best guess.

Suddenly he felt himself being swamped with guilt over what he’d been doing. Even deep beneath his twisted heap of a soul, he knew there was some sort of good guy lurking. He’d not seen hide or hair of that guy for what seemed like forever, but wrong was wrong. It didn’t matter how you tried to justify it. Switching off the receiver, Luke crammed it— with a little more force than usual— in its hiding spot.

“Damn it!” he cursed as he pounded the heels of his hands into the leather cover of the steering wheel. Things were way off track. He wasn’t supposed to be as close to Ava as he’d gotten, but backing off now would cause suspicion. He couldn’t risk it. Seeing things through was the only option.

Leaning forward, Luke curled his arms around the steering wheel and rested his head. “What the hell am I gonna do?” he muttered.

“About what?” Ava’s silky voice startled him. He hadn’t realized she’d opened the passenger door. 

He needed an answer and quick. Ava stood there beseeching him with her beautiful amber irises. “Oh, I was sitting here thinking about a couple of projects I need to get done. Probably stressing myself out over nothing.” He smiled.

“Okay. Do you want me to put my stuff up here or in the back?” She stood there looking so innocent and lovely that it almost hurt physically to look at her. 

“In the back.” He unbuckled his seatbelt and threw open the door. “I’ll help you.”

“Why do men always think we’re helpless?” Ava laughed.

Once he made his way around to her side of the truck he noticed the four bags at her feet. He looked from them to her face. “Moving in already?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Well that one,” she pointed a slim finger to a hot-pink medium-sized duffle, “Is nothing but underwear. I figured since you like trophies, I’d need extra to keep up.”

Luke’s voice dipped lower as lustful thoughts invaded his body and brain. “What if I don’t let you wear
anything
while you’re staying with me?”

“Is that a threat? Or a promise?” Ava stepped closer, her sugary floral scent enveloping him like a blanket of blissful sensations.

“Which do you want it to be?” Damn he needed to touch her. To reach out and feel her creamy silken skin beneath his fingers.

“I want you to choose.” Her voice shook as she moved in and her chest brushed his. It didn’t matter if she was standing ten feet away or mere millimeters, his body recognized hers and knew the promises it held. Even though it was like opening Pandora’s Box every time he touched her, he craved it like he’d die if he didn’t have just one more touch.

“How about we take this to my place?” Luke wanted nothing more than to act out every vehicular sexual fantasy at the moment but Ava deserved better than a quick fuck in a truck cab.

Her facial expression went from extremely heated to lax in a matter of seconds. “That’s probably a good idea.” He could tell she was filled with disappointment but she’d have to get over it. His plans for the evening would perk her right up.

***

“Did you get any work done on the house today?” Ava began what she hoped was neutral conversation as they drove to Luke’s house.

“No. I was up most of the night so I slept in.”

“I was, too. Well, not the sleeping in part, but the insomnia issue.” She tried to make it known that he wasn’t the only one having trouble sleeping after what’d happened between them the night before.

“Then tonight we’ll work on a good night’s rest.” Luke grabbed her hand and twined their fingers together. His promise of sleep was a bit of a letdown though. There were far too many things she’d rather be doing with him than sleeping.

Since it was early afternoon Ava decided to take in the visual splendor of the landscape around her. Mississippi wasn’t so bad. The heat was more than excessive, and the weather—being so close to the Gulf—was somewhat bi-polar at times, but all in all, it was a beautiful state to live in. She only hoped her past didn’t rear its disgusting head and ruin everything she’d built over the past two years. She knew better than to get too comfortable, but there was always that tiny part of her that wished this was the place she could permanently plant her roots.

Luke turned the truck onto the long gravel driveway leading to the plantation home. Ava became concerned when he stopped and yanked the gear shifter on the steering column into the ‘park’ position. “What’s going on?” She looked around and then to Luke.

“I’d like to show you something,” he said as he opened his door. She watched him round the front of the truck and come to the passenger side where she sat with her door closed. He opened it for her and offered his hand to help her down.

“You’re starting to worry me.” Ava tried to put humor in her voice but trepidation seeped through.

“Then stop worrying and come with me.” Luke grabbed her hand and began to pull her along with him across the expanse of lush grass. Soon though he stopped in front of a tree. “My ancestors planted this tree right before the war.” He pointed at the towering slice of nature. “Come here.”

Ava followed and soon she was standing in the cool shade of the most magnificent weeping willow tree she’d ever seen. The flexible branches draped over each other like a cascading waterfall spilling green onto the earth below. Each branch was covered in tiny leaves that caused a bushy effect and almost made it seem as if the outside world didn’t exist. The rough textured trunk was thick and sturdy, telling her that it had indeed been rooted in its home for many years. She envisioned Luke’s family digging a hole for what was once just a sapling needing love and attention to make it grow. Ava fluttered her eyes closed and thought of the many picnics that might’ve been had here on days-gone-by. The laughter of children circling around the base as they played hide-and-go-seek in the sweltering Mississippi summer months. And the stolen affections of a couple who sought shelter under this tree from prying eyes while locked in a passionate embrace. This wasn’t just a tree; no, it was a symbol of the history on this property. A reminder of good times and trying times.

“Want to see the best part?” Luke’s question pulled Ava from her dreams. She nodded and trailed him as he wound around the other side. “Look,” he motioned to a carving about eye-level.

“What is that?” She stepped closer.

“My great-great-grandparents were married here. After the ceremony, they carved their initials in the trunk.”

Ava lifted her hand and ran a finger through the ancient grooves. “This is…I don’t even have words to describe this, Luke.” She turned to see him watching her, some sort of strange emotion playing on his face.

“You’re the first person I’ve shown it to.”

“Really?” She couldn’t believe he hadn’t brought anyone else here to share something this special with. Stepping toward him, she wrapped her arms around his midsection and hugged him tightly. “Thank you.”

“I knew you’d appreciate it. You seem to find beauty in the smallest of things.” His arms encircled her body, returning the gesture she’d given him.

“In life I like to see the smaller parts that make up the picture. The things most people miss because they’re too busy trying to see everything as a whole. If they’d only slow down and appreciate the little things, they’d find so much more joy around them.”