Page 15 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

Ava tilts her head, and her eyebrows pull together.

“Has she said anything to you?”

“No, it’s just an impression I got.” This time Ava crosses her arms over her chest and glares at me. I have to press my lips together to stop the smirk that wants to pop. She has never liked people talking about her as if she wasn’t there. “Look, I’ll head over to your house, drop Ava off, and stop in for a bit. I have something for Scarlett.”

“Yay!” Scarlett’s cheer can be heard in the background. “It better be good.”

There’s no stopping the smirk that skates across my face at that. “See you in a bit.”

Sliding the phone back in my pocket I glance up to see Ava with her arms still crossed and a frown on her face.

“What was all that about?”

“David’s worried about you.” She snorts and shakes her head. “And I can see why.”

Her eyes widen, and her mouth falls open.

“Let’s go,” I say quickly, placing my hand beside her. Hoping the stubborn look I see in her eyes won’t hold. She reminds me of Scarlett when she sets her mind on something. “I’m tired, and I’d like to see my niece before it’s her bedtime.”

“It’s already past her bedtime.” I watch the tightness release as her shoulders drop and the lines around her mouth relax.

“Well, then, we better get moving.” I start walking toward the corridor, hoping to encourage Ava to follow me.

“Duncan,” she calls out softly. Tingles move through my stomach, and I turn back to look at her. The earnestness in her eyes squeezes my chest. “Thank you for your help. I wasn’t expecting any of that. The press, that is.”

“You’re welcome.” A rare smile slides across my lips. “Ready?”

I wait for Ava to reach me before I start walking toward the players' parking lot.

“This is mine,” I say a few minutes later, breaking the comfortable silence when we reach my Acadia. Ava lets herself in the passenger side, and I slide into the driver’s seat.

Neither one of us speaks on the way to David’s, but it’s not uncomfortable, and for the first time in over a decade, there is a sense of ease between us.

But it feels bigger, like we’re finally on an even playing field. That I’m no longer just her best friend’syoungerbrother, but Duncan. A man. Her equal.

The realization jolts me to my very core, and I can’t help but wonder: Who’s going to protectmefrom Ava?

Tea Time

HeyTeaLovers.

Thingshavegotten a bit spicier in Maple Ridge.

Last night, Ava Norris was seen in the arms of one Duncan James, the Wolverines' brooding yet irresistibly handsome, new goalie.

For those who aren’t aware, Duncan is the brother of David James, the Smokies’ Shortstop.

And Ava is the twin sister of David’s wife, Fiona, who sadly passed away a few years ago.

Even bigger?! They are the godparents of David’s daughter.

Talk about shared history! And tropes!

This has all the makings of a great Ava Norris, Sean O’Connell movie.

Speaking of Sean, I guess he’s out of the running.

Is it possible the story was never about Sean and Ava but Ava and Duncan? Did she come to Maple Ridge for him specifically?

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