Page 69 of Aussie
As they loaded a tray with an assortment of cookies, Aussie’s mom placed a hand on Ava’s shoulder. “Everything will work out, Ava. I have a good feeling about this.”
Ava smiled, her heart feeling a little lighter. “Thanks. I hope so.”
Together, they carried the trays of cookies into the study, where Aussie and his dad were seated, deep in conversation.
???
Aussie leaned back in the worn leather armchair in his dad’s study. He had a steaming mug of coffee in his hands. The room smelled of pine from the crackling fireplace. Across from him, his dad sat in a matching chair, his hands resting on the arms, his gray eyebrows slightly furrowed.
Aussie had just finished giving his dad the cliff notes version of the situation back in Virginia Beach.
“You’re sure this situation isn’t going to follow you here?” his dad asked, his tone low and serious.
Aussie sighed, shaking his head. “As sure as I can be. Derek and the FBI agent are the only ones who know we’re here.” He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. “But it’s serious, Dad. These people who have threatened Ava and Christian are believed to be behind the three murders in our town over the last few months.”
His dad nodded, his expression thoughtful. “You’re doing the right thing. Protecting them is what matters. But it’s a hell of a responsibility, son.”
“I know,” Aussie admitted, his gaze falling to the flickering flames. “But they mean a lot to me. Ava is incredible, Dad. She’s strong, kind, and smart. And Christian? That kid’s been through so much, but he’s still got this huge heart. I’d do anything for them.”
The older man studied him for a moment before his lips curled into a small smile. “Sounds like you’ve got it bad for her.”
Aussie chuckled softly. “Yeah, I guess I do.” He paused, his expression turning serious. “It’s only been a little over a month, but it feels like I’ve known her a lifetime. She’s just different. She makes me think about things I’ve never really thought about before. About a future.”
His dad leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I’ve never seen you like this. And that’s saying something, considering I raised you.”
Aussie laughed. “It’s different with Ava. She’s not just some passing thing. I want this to last.”
“I’m happy for you,” his dad said sincerely. “And for what it’s worth, I like her. She’s got a good head on her shoulders, and the way she looks at you, well, you’d be an idiot to let her go.”
Aussie felt a rare warmth spread through his chest at his dad’s words. “Thanks, Dad. That means a lot.”
“And that boy,” his dad added, nodding toward the TV room where Christian was sitting, talking on the phone to Katy. “He’s a good kid. And I can tell you, after spending time with him earlier while we were horseback riding, that kid looks up to you. He respects you.”
Aussie’s chest tightened, his thoughts turning to Christian. “He’s special. I don’t know what his future holds, but if there’s a way to keep at least him and Ava together, I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.”
Before his dad could respond, the door to the study opened, and Ava and his mom stepped in, balancing a tray of cookies.
“Cookie delivery!” Ava announced as she set a tray of sugar cookies on the table between him and his dad.
Aussie grinned up at Ava. “ I see that you survived Mom’s baking boot camp, huh?”
“Just barely,” Ava teased, making everyone laugh.
Christian walked into the room carrying a tray of mugs. “I made us hot chocolate,” he said as he carefully placed the tray down on another table.
“Thank you, Christian. That was very sweet of you,” Aussie’s mom told him, and Aussie smiled.
Christian turned toward Aussie’s dad. “Thank you again for taking me horseback riding today. I had fun.”
“You’re more than welcome, son.” his dad replied warmly, patting Christian on the back as he sat on the edge of the couch.
“Okay, the moment of truth,” Ava said as she picked up a star-shaped sugar cookie and handed it to Aussie. “These are the first cookies that I ever made from scratch.”
“So, you want me to be your guinea pig?” Aussie asked with a grin.
Ava rolled her eyes playfully. “Just eat it!”
Aussie bit into the cookie, and he had to suppress the moan that wanted to escape his mouth. The buttery sweetness of thecookie melted in his mouth. It was, without question, the best fucking sugar cookie he’d ever tasted. Though he would never tell his mom that.
