Page 9 of Unexpected Love

I shake myself from my trance and answer with a partial truth. “Sorry, you look familiar, but I can’t figure out why. I wouldn’t forget meeting you.”

“Does that line normally work for you?” She holds her hand up, stopping me from responding. “Wait, I already know the answer to that.” Her eyes track down my body slowly before coming back up to mine. “Of course it does. I mean, look at you—attractive and in law enforcement—who wouldn’t fall to their knees for your attention?”

I hear the sarcasm in her voice but decide to run with it, a smirk forming on my lips. “You think I’m attractive?”

“Of course, that’s what you focus on.”

“What man ignores when a beautiful woman calls him attractive? That’s not very smart, and I like to consider myself a smart man.”

“Is that so?” Her tone suggests she thinks I’m the farthest thing from smart, but I see her shoulders drop from her ears, her body relaxing the slightest amount. Even if she never gives methe time of day, knowing I gave her a moment’s reprieve from whatever is troubling her will be a win.

“Well, Ididgraduate high school a year early and at the top of my class, so that’s gotta count for something.”

“Book smarts don’t always equal street smarts.”

“That’s true. But life experience typically brings street smarts, and I think I’ve had my fair share of life experience.” I lean closer to her, lowering my voice. “You never pass up an opportunity to talk to a beautiful woman, even if she turns you down. You only regret the opportunities you never even try to take.” I stand straight again, giving her back the space I invaded. Though, I note she never backed away from me, leading me to believe she might not have minded me invading her space too much.

“A Lewis Carroll fan?”

“I don’t think that’s exactly what he said, but I’m a fan of anyone who offers a positive way to look at the hard moments in life.” I can’t be sure, but she seems a little impressed I know who Lewis Carroll was and that I misquoted him. I’m honestly a little impressed she knew my words resembled the famous quote. Most people might recognize it, but I don’t think they would know exactly who said it.

We both stand there studying the other, and I’m sure we would have continued to if it weren’t for Reid walking up to us.

“Gage, man, we’re gonna be late for court.” Reid offers a polite smile to the woman in front of me. “Sorry, ma’am.”

I ignore Reid, and reach my hand out toward the woman. “I’m Gage Flynn.”

She hesitates, her eyes bouncing between my offered hand, my face, and Reid behind me, but it’s only a moment before she places her hand in mine. “Ava Day. You might know my brother, Declan. Maybe that’s why I look familiar.”

It’s a peace offering, her giving me that information, and I gladly take it, a genuine smile forming on my lips as I squeeze her hand lightly. “Nice to meet you, Ava.” I pause momentarily before offering her my help again, “Can I help point you in the right direction?”

I don’t release her hand from mine, but I loosen my grip so she can retract her hand if she wants.

“I’m looking for the county clerk’s office.” Even though she has to tilt her head, she looks me straight in the eye, leaving her hand in mine.

I gesture to our left with my free hand. “It’s straight through that doorway there. You can’t miss it.”

“Thank you.” I hear the genuine gratitude in her voice and offer her a small smile in return.

“I hope to see you around, Ava.” I squeeze her hand once more, giving her a slight head tilt, before releasing her and walking away. I want to glance over my shoulder, but I keep my focus straight ahead.

“What was that?” Reid whispers at my side.

I don’t answer him right away, trying to figure that same thing out for myself.

It started as me wanting to talk to a gorgeous woman but quickly morphed into something else. What that something was, I don’t know. That haunted look in her eye and that stiff posture stood out to me. Maybe it reminded me a little of myself when I was first discharged from the army, and I wouldn’t wish those feelings on anyone.

I remember feeling lost and alone when I first came home. People constantly tried to reach me, but I never wanted to burden anyone with my problems. So I kept it all inside, burying it deep, until I couldn’t ignore it anymore, and it all came crashing down around me.

“Gage?” Reid places a hand on my shoulder, bringing my attention back to him. “You good?”

“Yeah, I’m good.” I offer him a small smile, reaching over and squeezing his shoulder in return. “Just got caught up talking to a beautiful woman. You know how that is?” I joke, brightening my tone to prove everything is good.

Reid chuckles, patting me on the back before heading into the courtroom. I glance back the way we came. I can’t see the atrium from where I stand and I know I won’t be able to see if Ava’s still standing there, but I hope, more than anything, I see her again.

I shake myself from my thoughts and enter the courtroom. Now isn’t the time to focus on any of that, now is the time to focus on the job.

five

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