“You have a right to do whatever you want with your life. Yeah, you’re finishing college in three years, which is impressive, and you’ve gotten accepted to medical school. But it’s still your life. If you want to take time off or not go at all, it’s your call. The adults are just going to have step back and let you be. So
what do you want to do after college?”
Avery closed her eyes and imagined the multitude of things she could be doing instead of gearing up for another round of education. Two things popped into her mind. Going to medical school and spending more time with Wyatt.
“Medical school and some breathing room.” Avery positioned herself and bowled another strike. “Yes!” she yelled. She turned
back and flashed a big smile at Parker.
“Wow.” Parker said. “You’re on a roll.”
“My dad would be so proud. He’s a bowling fanatic.” She sat down and sipped her soda. “You want to do something crazy?”
“How crazy? You talking about kidnapping or vandalism?” Parker’s cell phone began blaring away, but she didn’t answer it.
“I always wanted to try highlights. I was thinking
a blonde streak. We can do it ourselves. No fancy beauty salon for me.”
“You’re a madwoman.”
“It’s either a blonde streak or get a tattoo.” She wanted to do something out of character. Maybe it was time to stop being boring, predictable, bookworm Avery.
“Trust me, you don’t want to get a tattoo. I did. It was a regrettable decision. The hair streak is an act of rebellion that
will pass in a few weeks.”
“Where is your tattoo?”
“I’m not telling.” Parker pulled the phone out and looked at the display then put it back into her pocket.
“Is that your extreme sports guy?”
“Yeah. If he tells me one more time that he thinks I’m pretty and he had a good time I’m going to puke.”
“You are so brutal. It’s obvious he likes you.”
“You’re one to
talk. You’ve got poor Wyatt chasing after you.”
“That’s the problem. Whenever I stop to let him catch me, he disappears.”
“Men are jerks.” Parker shrugged. “I’m in the mood for some barbecue. You want to go to that new place near the bookstore before we put that streak in your hair?”
“Sounds good to me.”
CHAPTER SIX
Avery parked her car, retrieved Bingo from the backseat, and headed down the street. When her Uncle Jared called to see if she could take their prized pooch to the vet for a checkup while he and Autumn were on vacation, she was happy to do it. He’d given up his workaholic ways in favor of love and domestic bliss when he’d met
Autumn. They were two busy professionals, but they somehow managed to make their relationship work, despite living in separate states. Since Autumn already had a luxury condo across the hall from her twin sis, he’d moved in with her. Avery had missed seeing Uncle Jared around the ranch, but she was sure Aunt Morgan and Uncle Seth’s guesthouse wouldn’t be empty for long. They were always hosting
family from Philly when they visited.
She was pleased that her uncle had found happiness. He’d deserved it after being alone for so long after his divorce from Taylor. She still hadn’t mentioned Taylor’s congratulations e-mail about Avery’s decision to become a doctor. Her dad was right: it was an indirect way for Taylor to stay linked with Uncle Jared.
Thinking of her uncle made her
think about Wyatt. She missed him, but she knew she’d done the right thing with her ultimatum. Since then, she’d been doing her best to keep busy with classes, babysitting, and working part-time at the new bookstore. Anything that would keep her mind off her nonexistent love life.
She glanced at her watch. She still had plenty of time to sit with Bingo until Bo and Summer came home from
work. The pup was a little more hyper than usual today, and she didn’t want to leave him alone for a few hours and have him tear the place up. She tightened her hold on Bingo’s leash to slow him down, but he was so intent on going through the door as it opened that he lurched her forward as someone was coming out. She stumbled a bit to get her footing, knocked into the person, and ended up grabbing
onto well-defined, muscular arms. Bingo only made matters worse as he hopped around and encircled them. The leash got tighter and plastered her against the man. She didn’t look up, too embarrassed to face the man she’d just pawed in the lobby. She started to apologize, but before she could, she heard her name spoken.
“Avery.”
Great. He knew her. She had to look up now.
It was
Riley.
“What are you doing here?” she choked out.
“I live in the building on the twelfth floor. Your uncle Jared lives here, right? With his girlfriend, Autumn?” He grinned as he put his hands on her waist.
“Wow. Small world,” Avery said as she struggled to untangle her and Riley from Bingo’s leash. “Bingo, calm down.”
“Lucky for me.” He patted the pup on the head. “Hey
Bingo. You giving the pretty lady a hard time?”
“I wouldn’t do that. He’s not good with—” She looked on in amazement as Bingo responded to him and settled down. “You know him?”
He grinned. “Bingo and I are friends. We have great conversations at the ranch after your uncle works me to death.”
She froze when she found herself drawing closer to the alluring scent of his cologne.
He smelled good. “Oh. That’s right. You spend time on the ranch with Uncle Seth. How’s that working out?”
“I think he’s trying to kill me.”
“I find that hard to believe. He’s just trying to bring out the best in you on the field.” She almost stumbled as she nervously tried to put a safe distance between them.
“Have you been to any of the games? I’ve been looking pretty good out
there.”
“I heard. Uncle J.J. said you’re on your way to being adequate.”
He winced. “I can’t catch a break.”
“When you tell the world you’re going to out-play Seth Blake, you’re going to be asked to back up those words. Why do you do that? All the bragging and showing off?”
Every time she saw him on television, he was flashing that smile and making outlandish, egotistical
statements. He was dating hot women and looked like he was reveling in his new lifestyle, but something in his eyes contradicted his actions.
“What bragging? I only speak the truth.”
She narrowed her eyes, not wanting to let him escape with a silly joke. “Why do you make all these grandiose statements in the media? Your face is all over the place, and you’re improving your game, but
there seems to be something in you that wants everyone to know you’re number one. But I can tell it’s all an act.”
“If I don’t have any haters, I’m not doing something right.” He reached up and touched the blonde streak of hair. “Nice.”
She swallowed hard. “Thanks.”
“From the sound of it, you think you have me all figured out.” He moved closer.
“I don’t think that’s really
you,” she said quickly. “Beneath the good looks and the charm, there’s something deeper that you don’t let many people see.” She stammered.
“Is that right?”
“Yes. I’m very perceptive. My great-grandma says so.”
“Well, if your great-grandma says it, it must be true.”
“That’s the general rule in the family.” She scrunched her nose.
“OK. If you’re so perceptive. What
am I thinking about now?”
“That Uncle Seth would make you pull a tractor with your teeth if he knew you were talking to me. So I’m going to get as far away as I can.”
“Or you could have dinner with me.”
“What?” Avery stumbled as Bingo decided to get hyper again and took off.
She didn’t get a chance to reply more than that. She was busy extending the leash length so she
could get her footing. The dog was headed for the door. She turned the corner to find Bingo happily jumping on Wyatt.
Wyatt’s heart skipped a beat when Avery turned the corner trying to catch up with Bingo. He’d been trying to get a glimpse of her all week, and now she was right in front of him. But that feeling faded when he saw Riley Sloane approaching.
“Bingo, sit,”
Wyatt said as he rubbed behind the pup’s ears. That usually calmed him down immediately. “Good boy.”
Avery rolled her eyes. “Of course he’d be good for you.”
“He just needs a firm but loving touch,” Wyatt replied and took the leash from her. “What did you do to your hair?”
“I got a highlight.” She smoothed it. “Do you like it?”
“It’s different.” He could tell that wasn’t
what she wanted to hear when she frowned. “What are you doing here?”
“Bingo had a vet appointment. I didn’t want to leave him alone so I thought I’d hang out with him until Bo and Summer came home.”
“And you needed help from Captain Jack Ass?” Wyatt motioned to Riley.
Riley stopped right next to her. “Avery, aren’t going to introduce us?”
“Riley, this is Wyatt Connelly.
Bo’s brother. Wyatt, this is Riley, the quarterback for the Tomcats. He lives in the building. Isn’t that a weird coincidence?”
“Very weird,” he muttered.
“Nice to meet you, man.” Riley held out his hand for a shake.
Wyatt reluctantly shook Riley’s hand. He noticed the quarterback was squeezing harder than he should have for a friendly exchange, so he squeezed back with equal
fervor to let him know he got the point.
“What are you doing here, Wyatt?” Avery eked out.
“I’m having dinner with Bo and Summer. I thought I’d stop by early to pick Bingo up from the dog sitter.”
“He had a checkup today,” she said talking suspiciously fast. “Bingo’s the picture of health. The vet said it wouldn’t kill him to lose a few pounds though.”
He nodded. “He’ll
work it off chasing Rowdy around this weekend.”
“That’s true.” She bit her lip as if unsure what to say next.
Wyatt glanced at Riley and tried to keep the hostility out of his voice. “Listen, we won’t hold you up. I’ll escort Avery upstairs.”
“Maybe I could stop by later,” Riley said to her.
“The eighth floor is private, for family only. I’m afraid you’re not allowed up
there.” Wyatt’s jaw was clenched.
“It’s not like he can’t go up there,” Avery replied. “He lives in the building too.”
“No. He needs one of these.” He reached in his pocket and held up the access card. “After Bo purchased the remaining units, the elevator access was reconfigured.”
Avery smiled uncertainly. “There’s that security I was talking about. My family’s obsessed with
it.”
“It sounds a bit stifling,” Riley replied, “but I can’t say that I blame them.”
“Exactly. You never know what idiot will wander off the street and try to take something that doesn’t belong to him.” Wyatt folded his arms over his chest.
Riley did the same. “Maybe that ‘something’ would be better off with someone who can appreciate it.”
“It would be a terrible idea for
any idiot to even try.”
Avery glared at them both. “We don’t have worry about that. The residents in this building are too sophisticated to go around pilfering each other’s apartments. That would imply a lack of respect, not to mention a stern conversation would have to be had about
ownership
.”
“Avery,” Riley said smoothly, with a bright smile. “It’s always nice seeing you. My invitation
is open. Any time.” Riley winked and walked out of the lobby.
Wyatt glared at her. “What was he talking about?”
“Nothing.” She waved if off. “Riley’s just doing some harmless flirting.”
“He’s always doing that, and it didn’t look harmless to me.”
She glared at him. “Not that it would be any of your business.”
“Don’t go changing the subject. Mr. Quarterback was told
to stay away from you. I’m calling Seth.”
“And tell him that Riley and I ran into each while Bingo was dragging me into the building?”
Wyatt whipped out his phone. “He planned this.”
“He’s not a dog whisperer. He didn’t communicate with Bingo via telepathy.”
“But if he could, a dog would be the perfect choice to pick up on his brain signals,” Wyatt huffed.
She squinted
at him. “At least one man would like to be in my company.”
“That’s no reason to go spending time with the first muscle-head idiot you see.” He looked her in the eye. “Unless you
want
to spend time with him?”
“Right now I’d rather spend time with Bingo than with either of you.” Avery thrust the leash into his hand. “Can you make sure he gets a treat when he goes upstairs? With the exception
of the pulling, he behaved very well at the vet today.”
Wyatt grasped her gently by the arm as she began to storm out. “Wait. I’ll walk you to your car.”
“I’m sure Riley’s long gone by now. You don’t have to escort me anywhere.”
“I want to. I always worry about you, whether or not that clown Riley is around.” He looked down at Bingo, who was whimpering. “Besides, I think Bingo
has to go to the bathroom.”
They walked outside and the blast of fresh air felt good against his face. The temperature had been dropping on the ride over and now it was cool outside. Avery didn’t have a jacket. She was always forgetting to bring one with her. So he took his off and put it around her shoulders. For a brief second she smiled at him. They reached her car in a matter of minutes.
He was prepared to say goodnight, but to his surprise, she didn’t.
“I can walk with you. I know all of Bingo’s favorite spots.”
“Thanks.” He knew them too, but if she wanted to stay, he wasn’t going to give her a reason to leave.
They walked for a few blocks until Bingo peed a few times, then they headed back to the building. Avery had stopped talking, but he was just glad to
be with her. The silence was deafening but nice at the same time. At least they weren’t fighting.
A few minutes later, she spoke again. “How’s Corbett?”
“He’s doing OK. He’s still unraveling the wedding stuff, but he’s almost done. He told me about the thoughtful text you sent him. It cheered him up.”
“I’m glad I do could something.”
“So…are you going back to your apartment?”
“No, I think I’ll stay over at the ranch tonight. I have to get some things together for my trip to Philadelphia this weekend. It was my mom’s birthday a few weeks ago, so I thought I’d go hang out with her.”
They walked back toward the building and stopped at her car. He opened her car door for her. “Have a good time. Will you text me and let me know you arrived safely?”
“I always
do. Even when I’m mad at you.” She smiled, started the car, and pulled out of the space.
Wyatt watched as she sped down the street and made a right turn at the corner. This wasn’t how he’d planned to spend the evening. Seeing Avery in the same vicinity as that jerk Riley was like a gut punch. He hated to admit it, but he could see the appeal a guy like that might have for her. He was in
danger of losing her.
His cell phone pinged. Bo and Summer were home. He dashed back to the building and hopped on the elevator. He was suddenly exhausted, but he knew if he bailed on Bo tonight, his brother would just make plans for another dinner date to discuss Wyatt’s future.
“Wyatt!” Summer hugged him as he soon as he came into the living room. “How’s my favorite college student?”
“Summer, you look beautiful. I see newlywed life has been good for both of you.” She positively glowed. Bo came into the room and had the same peaceful look about him.
“Very good.” Bo winked. “Babe, Wyatt and I will set the table.”
“OK. Wyatt, I hope you’re in the mood for beef ribs.”
“Do you have my special barbecue sauce?”
“The kind that makes your eyes bleed? Yes.”
Summer laughed and went into the kitchen.
Bo placed the silverware on the table. “I talked to Corbett today. He sounds like he’s holding up well under the circumstances.”
“For now.” Wyatt rubbed the back of his neck. “Corbett’s like a dormant volcano. One day all of this will come erupting out of the blue and there will be major collateral damage.”
“Ah. Well, we’re his brothers.
We’ll be there for him when it happens.”
“I know he’s in pain, but I won’t miss Courtney. She was a nightmare. I can’t believe she said those things to Anna Beth at the wedding reception.”
“It was a jealous knee jerk reaction,” Bo said.
Wyatt looked at him.
“She wanted Corbett’s undivided attention and she tolerated him being polite to the women in the family that were
hitched. There was no competition. But women like Anna Beth and Parker were another story.”