Page 43 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

I’ve always felt that there was a connection between us. I just never dared to hope she did, too. Especially after her reaction to my feelings for her.

She lifts a shoulder and glances at me before quickly looking back at the person who asked the question. “Duncan and I have always understood each other. There were moments when he seemed to know me better than any other person. Even my twin sister at times. I don’t know how else to describe it other than to say ‘connection’.”

People start calling Ava’s name, but Stacy cuts them off, letting everyone know that that was indeed the last question.

“Is that true?” I ask, holding my breath. My gaze pins hers as I wait for the answer.

A vulnerability crosses over her face, and my heart clenches. She blows out a breath, nodding her head, and softly says, “Yes.”

A rush of emotion runs through my body from this information. I reach out a hand to take hers just as Finn slaps me on the back.

“I think that went well! You both did a great job getting the focus away from the accusations made by Nathan.” His grin is mischievous, and he laughs. “But I think you made them more curious aboutyourhistory.”

“As long as it’s helpful and not hurtful to the Wolverines, I’m okay with that,” Ava responds, before throwing a thumb over her shoulder. “I’m gonna head to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

My eyes follow her as she asks Stacy where she can find the restroom. She glances in my direction and gives me a small smile, causing my pulse to quicken.

Is it possible that Ava feels what I feel? Has always felt it?

My stomach drops with a thud as doubt creeps in. Yes, it’spossible, but is it likely? The past rolls through my memory like a flash of images making up a movie. The moments we’ve shared. The ease with which we’ve always gotten along.

“You two keep looking at each other like that, and I will have an undefeated record,” Finn says for my ears only.

“Finn, she’s an actress,” I mumble. “A good one.”

“But you’re not. It’s obvious to anyone watching you that you’re in love with her,” he says, looking down at his phone and scrolling and placing an image in my line of vision. I see a photo of me and Ava. How do they get these up so fast? “Look at her expression. It’s not just you, Duncan.”

I let my eyes move over Ava’s face. What Finn says isn’t wrong. There’s a softness in her expression while watching me answer one of the many questions sent my way. The way her lips are curved up and a gleam in her eyes. My heart tugs, and hope washes through me.

How do I dismiss what I see?

“Exactly,” Finn says, taking back his phone. “No one is that good at pretending, especially without a script.”

I stare at him with an open mouth, no words forming to contradict what he’s saying or what I saw in the photo of the two of us.

Memories of our kiss after the game flood me. The feel of her pulled against me, my lips on hers, and how she responded to me. My heart jumps like a dead battery receiving a charge, and hope that I had buried years ago resurfaces.

At that exact moment, I’m surrounded by sandalwood, and a warm hand grabs mine. When I look down, I find blue eyes shining up at me. “So what’s the normal routine for the team leaving?”

“I have to run.” Finn grins, his eyes moving between me and Ava. “Duncan, come home with the win. Ava, I will talk to you soon, I’m sure.”

“Bye, Finn.” Ava gives him a smile just as Finn turns around and walks out. She brings her attention back toward me, wearing a shy expression. “What do girlfriends usually do? I know that press conferences aren’t normal, but what about players being dropped off by their significant others?”

I fight the smile my cheeks are working to make happen and shrug. “I don’t know. I’ve never paid attention to them. I’m not even sure if wives or girlfriends drop any of my teammates off.”

“Oh. Okay, ” she says, looking around. The sparkle in her eyes dimming a bit. “I guess I can just head out and let you do whatever you do before a game.”

“I’ll walk you to the car since I need to grab my bags.”

“You didn’t grab them when we came in?” She asks, with a tilted head and narrowed eyes.

“I forgot.” I start walking toward the parking lot, her hand still in mine. “But I don’t think I’d let you walk out alone anyway. Our lot is secure, but I want to personally make sure you get in the car safely.”

“Duncan, you don’t have to; I’ll be fine.” She tries to stop me from walking, but I nudge her forward.

“I know. Iwantto.”

A soft ‘oh’ falls from her lips as she falls in step next to me. She places her other hand on my forearm, and I feel the warmth of her body as she leans into me. My heart skips, answering a question that I’ve silently been asking.

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