Page 39 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

David holds the door open and right before Scarlett scoots out, she turns around and looks back and forth between Ava and me. “I love you.”

“Love you too, Red.”

“I love you too, Scarlett,” Ava echoes. “See you when you get home from school.”

The door closes, and we hear David lecturing his daughter on meddling as they get into the car. Laughter fills the house at how our niece just played the room and a bit of pity at the handful David has to deal with.

“She reminds me of Fiona more and more every day,” Ava’s eyes have a wistful look, and a reflective smile crosses her lips. “She was always meddling.”

“She reminds me of you.” Ava’s blue eyes widen and slide over to mine, a question in them. “You were always larger than life.”

Her eyes soften and she takes a slow breath, glancing over my shoulder. “I never felt like it. I always second-guessed myself.”

“I know you did, but that’s not what everyone saw,” I say, looking down at the cup in my hand. The openness on her face and the flicker of hesitation in her eyes has me wanting to scoop her up in my arms and hold her close. Needing to get my mind off her warm body close to mine, I change the subject and sweep my hand over the table. “Do you want anything to eat before we head out?”

I watch her gaze skate across the table. “I’m good. I finished eating before you got here. Scarlett was the one who was a flurry of movement and couldn’t focus on breakfast.”

I nod then push out of my chair and reach into my pocket for the car keys. Holding them out to Ava, she looks at me with a question. “You’re driving.”

“We can take my car,” she responds, with narrowed eyes and a head tilt. But takes the keys when I place them in her hand.

“No, we can’t,” I shake my head and head out of the house. “First, your car is way too small. And second, my luggage is in my car.”

“Okay, but you can drive,” she says from behind me as she tries to give me the keys back.

“Ava, you’re going to need to drive home, and I want to make sure you feel comfortable doing it when I’m not with you.”

“Who’s going to pick you up when you get back?” Standing in front of the passenger side, I wait for her to unlock the door. Instead, she just stands by the front of the SUV, staring at me with confusion written all over her face.

“One of my teammates will bring me here, or David will come and get me.” Glancing in her direction, I see her still standing with her hand out. Moving back to her, I place my hands on her shoulders and say gruffly. “My girlfriend would drive my car, Ava. It’s not that big of a deal.”

As if those words snap her out of her trance, she giggles. “You’re right. Sorry. I know I’m acting weird.”

I give her a gentle squeeze and watch her walk toward the driver’s side. When she puts her hand on the handle, nothing happens.

“You have to unlock it first,” I tease; the corner of my lips lifts as a tinge of pink covers her cheeks. She hits the button and then opens the door. Sliding in next to her, I watch her and a grin crosses my lips. “Now do you see why I wanted you to drive?”

“Because you wanted to laugh at me?” At this response, my shoulders relax, and a laugh pushes past my lips. “I like my old stick-the-key-in-the-ignition-and-turn-to-start-the-engine car.”

“Not surprised; it usually takes the older folks longer to get on board with technology.” She gasps and smacks my arm, causing my grin to spread. “Step on the brakes and then push the start button.”

Her glare has me chuckling, but then she does as I say, and the engine roars to life.

“Welcome to the twenty-first century,” I say, adjusting the station from a sports talk show to one of the 80’s stations.

“Well, aren’t you just the comedian this morning?” She glares at me but her eyes are dancing. “Anything else you want to tell me before we head to the arena?”

Pressing my lips together, I turn my face forward. “Adjust the seat and mirrors before putting the car in reverse.”

“Duncan!” She yells, just as she pushes her arm out to shove me. My reflexes kick in, and I gently catch her hand to stop the forward movement.

Her breath catches at the contact and my eyes drop to her lips. My heart starts hammering against my ribcage, and I swallow hard.

“We should start heading over to the arena.” My voice comes out huskier than I intended, and I begrudgingly let go of her wrist. “We don’t want to be late for the press conference.”

“Right,” she says softly, dragging her eyes from mine and looking behind her as she shifts into reverse. Keeping my eyes on her profile, I watch her as she backs out of the driveway. “Are you going to be staring at me the entire trip?”

“Sorry.” I let my eyes linger for a second longer before turning and facing the street, my lips lifting at the corner. “Just making sure you know what you’re doing.”

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