Page 89 of Avery's Hero

I try not to let my pout show. “I’ll miss you tonight.”

“Or I can come over as a late night caller. You can sneak me in the window.”

I laugh and he kisses my lips quickly one more time like he can’t get enough of me. “You don’t have to hide. I’m a grown woman. Gunnar knows I date.”

“But he doesn’t know you’re involved… This is a little more serious than just dating. I’d be moving you into my house if you’d agree. But I know this is an important time for you to reconnect with him.”

“Also important time for you and Linc, too.”

“It is. He really likes you, by the way. He thinks you're a badass. He wants you to meet Belle soon. He thinks you two will hit itoff.”

“I’m sure we will. From what he’s told me, she sounds great. I mean, did he tell you that she’s been riding her bike all over town trying to find job postings for her mom?”

“No, but he said her mom lost her job.”

“She worked at the restaurant that burned.”

“Damn. That’s tough. It sounds like they are barely making it.”

“He’s worried they might have to move. Their uncle is helping them with a place to stay, but they need money for living expenses. I guess this is the second time she’s lost her job in two months.”

It’s obvious that Brock cares deeply about what happens to people. He has genuine concern and it shows. “Where did she work before the restaurant?”

“I’m not sure exactly. I think Linc said it was a warehouse of some kind is all he said. I guess she’s had to bounce around a bit.”

“It’s hard to make it around here if you don’t have good job security. I guess it’s pretty much that way in any tourist destination. The cost of living is high.”

I glance around at the luxurious space. “How much does this place rent for, normally?”

He holds my gaze for a few seconds, then sighs. His stubborn expression says this conversation isn’t happening. “I’d rather not say.”

I poke him in the chest. “You. I wish you hadn’t done this. It’s too much. At least let me pay something. It would make me feel much better. Once Gunnar gets on his feet, he can contribute.”

Instead of letting me go, Brock nuzzles his nose against my ear. “I’m having a hard time letting you go.”

You aren’t the only one, buddy. Breathless, I laugh against his chest. “I can tell. But… the clock is ticking.”

“Have you told your brother about me?"

I scrunch my nose, feeling guilty. “I haven’t said anything yet. We don’t get to talk regularly. Well, except when I go to visitations. But I haven’t gone in two weeks. I’ll try to talk to him on the way home.”

“Whenever the time is right, but just saying… I’m thinking I’d like to spend tonight in that new bed of yours with you.”

I peek around Brock’s shoulder to make sure we’re alone still. “What about Linc?”

“He’s going to Mick’s house for the night.”

My grin feels naughty. “Convenient. Did you plan that?”

“Mick’s dad offered. I didn’t say no.”

Things inside of me start to hum to life. “Handy.”

“Yes, I am.”

Gah. I lean into him, pressing my ear against his strong, steady heart. “I’d like to sleep next to you tonight.” I don’t say what else I’d like to do.

Is it terrible that I’ve gotten used to his big body being draped over me? In me. Around me.

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