Page 47 of Aussie
“So, what’ve you been up to?”
She raised her eyebrow. “Like you care?” she replied, wanting to roll her eyes.
“Come on, Ava. I’m trying here.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Look, I know I fucked up. I’m sorry. But I do really care about you. I hate the fact that we can’t even have a conversation.”
Ava sighed, deciding that maybe answering him would get him to leave. “Christian and I have been doing a lot of holiday stuff. Decorating, baking. Just keeping ourselves busy.”
She noticed his slight frown at the mention of Christian, but he quickly masked it. She knew he didn’t approve of her decision to foster the teenager, and a small part of her enjoyed his discomfort. Still, he seemed to weigh his next question carefully.
“How’s he doing?” Jarod asked, his voice neutral but curious. “What kind of activities does he like?”
Ava’s gaze narrowed. Jarod rarely showed interest in Christian, so his questions felt off. “He’s been doing great,” she said cautiously, wondering why he was suddenly so curious.
Jarod smiled but didn’t respond, letting silence linger between them. Ava tapped her fingers on her cup, growing increasingly uncomfortable. More than anything, she wanted to wrap her sub up, take it back to the office, and finish it there.
Then, unexpectedly, Jarod cleared his throat. “Listen, Ava, I was thinking…” He leaned forward, his expression almost apologetic. “Maybe we could go out again? I know our last date didn’t end well, but I’d like a chance to redeem myself.”
Ava blinked, taken aback. Before she could respond, a warm pressure settled on her shoulders, grounding her, and she felt a familiar strength radiate through her.
Turning her head, she found herself looking up into Aussie’s intense, hazel eyes. His facial expression was unreadable, but his presence was undeniable. Her heart skipped, and her emotions whirled between relief, shock, and an ache she didn’t want to acknowledge.
???
Aussie pulled his truck into a parking spot across from the deli and shut off the engine. He and Snow had just finished dropping off some gear at Dam Neck before heading back to the SEAL base.
Lunchtime had rolled around, and Aussie couldn’t stop thinking about the deli nearby that was famous for its Italian subs, the kind loaded with layers of meat and topped with a house-made dressing. Snow had readily agreed, and they were both hungry enough to stop for a quick bite.
The deli was bustling when they stepped inside. Aussie took in the familiar atmosphere. The walls were lined with old photos and quirky trinkets, and the scent of fresh bread and herbs filled the air.
They walked up to the counter and placed their orders, both of them going for the Italian subs. As they waited, Aussie’s gaze naturally drifted around the room, instinctively scanning exits and taking in every face in the place. It was an old habit from years of being a SEAL.
His eyes swept the room, pausing when they fell on a figure sitting near the back, her back to him. He didn’t need to see her face to recognize her.Ava.He’d know her anywhere. A wave of emotions hit him, surprising in its intensity.
He hadn’t seen her since the gala despite his attempts to reach out to her. The image of her at the Snowball, her hurt and confusion at seeing him with Agent Price, flashed in his mind.
Snow nudged him, catching Aussie’s look. “Is that Ava?” he asked, his eyes flicking between Aussie and Ava. “And who’s that guy with her? Looks like a lunch date.”
Aussie’s chest tightened. Was she moving on? He tried to push the thought away, but it lingered, sour and unwelcome. He leaned forward, studying the man across from her. That’s whenit clicked. He recognized the guy. The same guy she’d walked out on during a dinner date a few weeks ago.
He also recalled seeing him at the Snowball. He had been hovering around a few of the individuals the FBI was quickly investigating.
He watched the pair for a minute. It seemed like Ava might be giving him the cold shoulder, though Jarod’s expression looked somewhere between annoyed and desperate.
Over the past two weeks, Aussie had missed her more than he could admit, even to himself. He’d tried focusing on work, drowning himself in tasks and training to keep his mind off Ava. But it was impossible. She was everywhere in his thoughts. And not just her, but Christian too. A few days ago, he’d texted the kid, keeping it casual, and while Christian’s response had been brief, at least he’d replied.
But now, watching Jarod lean forward, his expression turning darker, Aussie felt a surge of protectiveness. Jarod’s face was tight, an edge of frustration in his posture, and Aussie couldn’t stand by and watch any longer.
Aussie strode forward, weaving through the tables until he was directly behind Ava. Gently, he placed his hands on her shoulders. He felt her startle, her muscles tensing at the unexpected contact, but as soon as she glanced up and met his gaze, he saw her relax. There was something in her eyes—relief, maybe even gratitude—that eased his own tension. She looked as surprised as he felt, and the flicker of warmth in her eyes made his pulse quicken. He barely registered Jarod’s glare. The only person he cared about here was Ava.
“Hey,” he said, his voice low. “Everything okay?”
Ava straightened, gathering her composure. “Yes,” she replied, but her voice was firmer than before. “Actually, I was just leaving.”
Jarod’s mouth tightened. “You’re really going?” he asked, his tone sharpening with irritation. It was clear he wasn’t expecting her to cut the lunch short.
“Yes, Jarod, I am.” She didn’t even hesitate.
Aussie hid his grin as he watched Jarod’s face redden with anger. This guy clearly had no idea when to back off. Ignoring Jarod’s glare, Aussie took Ava’s coat off the back of her chair, holding it out for her as she slipped her arms into the sleeves. He felt an unexpected sense of satisfaction when she didn’t argue or hesitate but accepted his presence as if she appreciated it.
