Page 32 of Imperfections Seduced
“Yes, it was. I learned how to make my own decisions and to do some things on my own. It was a good experience, and I’m glad I made the decision to leave, but I’m glad I’m back. I missed New York, my family and my friends.” She looks at Ava when she says the last.
“I have no doubt that they missed you as much as you missed them, maybe even more.” He reaches over and puts his hand on top of hers with an intense look in his eyes. She looks back at him and smiles a soft smile that reaches her eyes. What the hell is going on here with all the looks and the touching? Clearly I shouldn’t be worried about all the men in here looking at her. I should be worried about Matt,who can’t seem to keep his freaking hands off her.
“Baby girl, do you want a drink?”
What the fuck is up with the “baby girl?” Is that her new name? They knew each other before, but he didn’t know her well enough to be calling her baby girl. He even remembers what she was wearing the day she moved away.Why was he even there that day? Wait a minute—is this the fucking so-called friend of her brother’s? He better not be.
“Yes, thanks, Long Island iced tea.”
“Ava, Nick, can I get you something?”
Ava says she’ll have the same as Cat, and I knock back my Patrón because Idefinitelyneed another drink.
“Scotch on the rocks.” When he leaves, Ava turns to me.
“Scotch already? I hope you’re not planning on driving home?”
“No. My driver’s outside.”
“Then get your drink on. I won’t say another word.”
“You have a driver now?” Cat asks me.
“I only use him for business purposes or times like this, when I know I’m going to drink and I don’t want to drive. I didn’t know you and Matt were so close.”
“We’re friends; you and Chris used to spend a fair amount of time with him.”
“Yeah, we did.” I look her directly in her eyes, and she turns to Ava like she’s asking her for help. I turn my attention to Ava, daring her to say something. She’s surprisingly quiet, and I know she knows what I’m thinking about Matt and Cat. Chris walks up to the table before I can ask my next question.
“What’s up, sis? You finally showed up. I thought maybe you changed your mind.”
“We couldn’t decide what to wear, but we figured it out.”
“I see. Did you bring a shawl with that…dress?”
“Not you too, Chris. I already got an earful from your buddy over here.”
“She’s not an old lady,” Ava says to him.
He turns to Ava like he notices her for the first time.She licks her lips and smiles at him, dimple flashing and he returns her smile.
“Ava, I didn’t know you were coming, you look…very nice.”
Now I know he’s tipsy. Ava’s eyes light up at his compliment, and I know she’s going to take full advantage of it.
“Thank you. I think this is the first time you’ve ever given me a genuine compliment.”
“You sure about that?” He looks at her with a crooked smile, like he’s trying to remember.
“Trust me, I would have remembered one of those from you.”
He stops looking at Ava and turns back to Cat. “Hmm. What were you saying, Cat?”
“Nothing.”
Ava and Cat exchange glances. My cousin’s practically glowing—this is probably the first time Chris has ever given her a compliment. She’s going to be the happiest person in here tonight.
He looks around scanning the room. “Where did Matt go?”
