Page 20 of Capturing Ava
“It’s nice to meet you, Mike,” I take his hand in mine and the warmth of his touch makes me smile. “I’m Ava.”
“Such a pretty name for a pretty girl.” And I’m blushing. Me? I’m fucking blushing. Could I be any more transparent?
“You don’t get compliments often either?” I shake my head, “well, that’s just a crime, pink suits you.” He smirks while looking at my now-flushed face. “Would you like to go out with me if you aren’t opposed to some real romance?” he asks.
“Oh,” my face must be showing the shock that I’m positive is clear.
“If you like, that is.” A crease of confusion forms across his brow. His hand still holds mine and I feel his thumb move in circles across my fingers and it is oddly soothing that I let out a contented sigh.
“I leave you for two minutes and you’ve already pulled.” Audrey shrieks and Mike quickly releases my hand, but doesn’t drop eye contact.
“Busted,” he whispers, so only I can hear, and a chuckle flies out of my mouth.
“Audrey, I thought you went to go make the drinks. You were gone that long.” She rolls her eyes and I look at her empty hands. “And you still have no drinks,” I smirk.
“Oh shoot, must have forgotten them.” She smiles, “I actually came to find you because I need to go home, so are you ready?”
We had just arrived. What was she talking about? Was I ready? On any other night, I would jump at the chance to race home because often I didn’t want to be out anyway, but right now, it was strange. I didn’t want to leave.
“You know, I think I might stay for a while.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I’m enjoying myself and a few drinks before I leave will do me good, I think.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince her or myself.
“I can’t leave you here all alone.”
“I’m not alone.” I nod my head towards the man who had invaded my peace. “I’m sure Mike can entertain me.”
“Oh, I’m sure he can.” She smirks. “You let me know when you’re on your way home, so I know you got home safe.” She commands.
“Of course.” I smile while letting her wrap me in a warm hug as she plants a kiss on my cheek.
“Oh, and you, look after my girl—,” Mike gives her an amused smile. “Or they’ll never find your body.” She warns.
I watch her walk back down the stairs and shake my head. As I turn my eyes towards Mike, he genuinely looks terrified, and rightfully so. Audrey never made an empty threat and as cute as she looked, she never made a threat she hadn’t followed through with.
“She’s a little—intense.” He finally breaks the silence.
“She’s just protective.” I laugh. “She means well.”
The night is more relaxed once Mike has gotten over the initial shock of being threatened by a woman that he probably thought he could squish. She may be small, but she was mighty.
The drinks flowed freely, and I was completely relaxed. Mike was an interesting man. Not only did he love to read books, but he also owned a library in the city. I was swooning right there and then. It was like he had fallen out of a romance novel—and I was getting ahead of myself.
Venturing out into the dark night air, the wind bites at my cheeks and he stands at the side of the curb, whistling and calling the cab. “Now, your friend can leave my body intact.” He winks.
“She sure can. Would you like a lift?” I politely ask.
“Not today, but your number would be nice—unless that’s crossing a line.” God, he was so polite and perfect. Did he have any flaws? I hand him my phone and watch as he punches in his number and when he passes me his phone, I do the same.
“Maybe we will both get the romance we have been missing.” He whispers in my ear as his enormous arms wrap around my body, cocooning me in his sweet warmth. God, he felt so perfect.
I feel his lips brush against my cheek and it has been that long since a man has touched me that shivers pulse through my body and a contented sigh passes my lips. “Goodnight, beautiful, Ava.”
“Goodnight, Mike.” I smile as I enter the cab and watch him watching me on the sidewalk as the cab pulls away from view.
Laying back, I smile, not a forced smile for my fans. Not a forced smile for Audrey so that she won’t worry, but an actual genuine smile that reaches to my eyes because it may turn into nothing. Though it may not be a happily ever after scenario, I’m grateful for what it is now. I appreciate the warmth.
