Page 57 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

Chapter Twenty-Five

Duncan

Myheartispoundingas she looks at me, confusion evident in every nuance of her expression. I’m probably overreacting, but I can’t stop the thoughts that have been rising since Ava’s response to Susie about Nathan.

Doubt that what was happening between us was too good to be true is resurfacing. She told me a long time ago that we couldn’t work, and here I go, falling for her all over again.

“No,” Ava says, her brows pulling together. The corner of her lip dips as she searches my face. “I came here today because I want to spend time with you.”

My heart bounces in my chest, pounding like a sledgehammer—fear and desire battle in my heart. My mind races as memories from a decade ago compete with the last few days.

Which one do I believe?

“Duncan?” Questions fill her gaze, and at the same time, her eyes soften. She tries to step closer, but how close she can get is limited by the Tupperware containers. I’m grateful for my makeshift shield and full hands because I’m not sure I could keep my hands from reaching out to her.

“Yes?” A soft breeze surrounds me with the scent of sandalwood, making my chest squeeze.

“Can you tell me what I said that has you shutting me out?” I swallow hard and bite the inside of my cheek, feeling foolish.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I shift my gaze from her to the people all around, trying to keep my voice neutral.

“Sure you don’t.” Moving to my side, she slips her arm through mine, and I look down at her small hand resting on my bicep. The heat from her touch feels like a branding, and leaves my heart racing. I take a deep breath and force the corner of my lip up. “Let’s head to the office to drop these treats off. Shall we?”

“That smile of yours is going to need some work if we’re going to be convincing.” Gazing into her blue eyes, I see a bit of uncertainty behind the smile she’s confidently wearing. She nods slightly and then pulls me toward the main office.

“People don’t expect me to smile,” I grumble, glaring at the crowd. When I hear her laughter, I turn to her and glower.

“When you’re with me, they do.” Her eyes hold a mischievous glint, and I feel my lip tug. “And I have the pictures to prove it.”

Searching Ava’s gaze, the tension in my chest loosens, and I see her face relax as I watch her exhale slowly. The woman standing beside me is not the same one who rejected me.

I don’t know what will happen after things with Nathan die down, but for today, I’m going to enjoy the time I have with her at an event that I love participating in.

“There it is.” She nudges me with her body, making my gut clench and my heart squeeze. “Brooding fits you well and makes you seem mysterious to everyone else. But I like the version of you with teeth.”

I throw my head back and laugh, gaining the attention of everyone within a fifty-foot radius. The closer we get to the main office, the more I can feel the weight of people’s eyes watching us.

Worrying about Ava, I glance in her direction only to find her eyes on me. A warmth runs through me, and my heart beats faster.

As we walk into the main office, we’re greeted with barking.

“Duncan,” Jade, the head of Mile High Mutts Rescue, calls from behind the desk, with a wide smile lining her lips. When her eyes land on Ava, they widen for a moment before she schools her expression. Putting the containers on the counter, I pop the top, and Jade gasps. “These get better and better every time!”

“I had a little help from Scarlett and,” placing my hand around Ava’s back I gently guide her in front of me, so she’s facing Jade, her back to me. “Ava. Ava Norris, meet Jade Davis, the one who makes everything happen.”

A slight blush creeps up Jade’s face. “You know I’m just one cog in the machine that keeps all this together. It takes a village to keep things going.” She points to the containers as proof.

“I thought that you could try selling them this time. What if you asked people to donate a dollar so every pup could get one? That way, you can raise money for the rescue, too?”

“That’s a great fundraising idea!” Jade says, waving her hands animatedly and pointing to pictures of dogs on the walls. “I could print out all the dogs up for adoption and cross off one at a time when someone buys a treat.”

“I,” placing my hands on Ava’s arms and pulling her almost against my chest, “We,plus Scarlett,made extra so that you could sell them to anyone else that might be interested.”

“When will you set up your own little shop, Duncan?” Jade asks pointedly. Holding a finger in front of my mouth, I can feel Ava smirking at me.

“It’s a secret, remember?” I whisper, looking to see if anyone heard. Relief floods me when I see there isn’t anyone else in the office at the moment.“Right now, I’m just a hockey player who enjoyshelpingMile High Mutts Rescue bybringingdog treats.”

“Sorry, Duncan, I keep forgetting.” She chuckles before turning to Ava and asking hesitantly. “Would you mind taking a picture with one of our shelter dogs? It could really help them get more attention for adoption.”

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