Page 57 of Rough Ride with the Grumpy Cowboy
Convincing Ava to keep teaching Daisy’s music class came at a personal cost—becoming her personal chauffeur and bodyguard. As someone who has loathed going into town since the accident because of all the pity looks and questions, this is quite literally my worst nightmare.
But Daisy loves her classes, and watching her sulk over them being canceled doesn’t sit right with me. Ava is also too scared to go to town now because of her family, and I don’t trust anyone else with her safety, so the task falls onto me.
Oh, the things I’m doing for this woman.
Speaking of the two beauties, the front door opens and they walk out.
“Uncle Zane!!!” Daisy screams excitedly at the sight of me.
I bend over to her level and pick her up in my arms. “Hi, sweetheart,” I smile, kissing her cheek.
I open the back passenger seat, set her down in her car seat before turning to focus my attention on Ava, who is already looking at me.
“Good morning,” she grins.
I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her closer, her intoxicating scent driving all my senses wild. “Morning, gorgeous. You look beautiful,” I compliment, rubbing my nose on her neck.
Fuck, she smells good.
If only we didn’t have to go to the rec center, I’d carry her back to my cabin and indulge myself in her all day long.
“Thank you. And you look... the same as usual,” she replies with a giggle.
“I ain’t looking to impress anyone. Besides, you and I already have you.”
“Cocky bastard.”
“You knew what I was when you slipped into my bed.”
“Zane!” she exclaims, hitting my arm.
I chuckle and lift my gaze to meet her eyes when an aggravating voice speaks up behind me, interrupting our moment.
“Hey, lovebirds, stop flirting and let’s go,” Ella calls out from the backseat of the double cabin where she’s seated next to Daisy.
I didn’t even notice her arrive and get in, too engrossed in her best friend.
“What are you doing here?” I inquire as I unlock the front passenger seat door for Ava.
“I’m coming with you,” she grins as if it’s the most obvious thing.
“Why?”
“Because this is my best friend and niece. This was our thing before you butted your nose in,” she retorts.
“Butted my nose in? You think I’m enjoying this?” I bite back.
Ella is about to respond when Ava interrupts us. “Enough bickering, you two. We need to go or we’ll be late.”
I narrow my eyes at Ella, who sticks her tongue out at me and fastens her seatbelt. It looks like she’s coming with us, against my wishes. I reluctantly give in and get behind the wheel.
The drive to the rec center is dominated by girl talk that Ella makes sure to keep me excluded from. I don’t mind it much, plus Ava makes up for it by holding my hand the whole time.
Her hold gets tighter the closer we get to our destination, her eyes darting around everywhere in fear. It breaks my heart to see her like this because of people who are supposed to love and protect her.
“It’s okay. I’m here,” I assure her as I park outside the rec center.
She turns to me with a smile. “I know. Thank you.”
