One arm folded behind his head, his eyes hooded with desire, the sheet low on his pelvis, his chest and stomach bare. I wanted to place light kisses on his skin, lower the sheet, inch by inch. Heat flooded my core.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” To get any more personal than we already had. My cheeks burned at the thought of Griffin knowing everything there was to know about me. If he knew, he might think less of me.
“You’re an intriguing mix, Avery. When we first met, you fought me at every turn, yet you want me to believe you’re uncomfortable in social events. You’re a strong woman, educated, you stand up for yourself.”
“You’re different.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. I wanted to groan out loud in frustration. I’d admitted my attraction to him.
He chuckled, low and deep. “How so?”
My mind raced with ideas on how to backtrack, to erase that comment from our conversation, or even excuse it somehow.
When I didn’t answer, he continued, “Avery, how am I different?”
Remembering Lorelai on his arm in a designer dress at a charity function, I said, “I bet you’re used to women falling at your feet.”
I wanted to remind myself he led a different life in California. He might seem different here, but that didn’t mean he was.
“That’s definitely not the case. I dated one woman for years, thought she was my forever, proposed, and two weeks later found out she was sleeping with my friend and partner.” His tone was flat.
I felt bad for bringing up his ex when it was clearly so painful for him, but it was nice to hear he was capable of commitment. It made him more attractive, not less. “I’m sorry.”
“People said it was good I found out before I married her but—”
“It still hurts.”
“It doesn’t lessen the sting of betrayal.”
“Were you more betrayed by her or your partner?” I moved from my small couch to my bedroom so I could lay back on the bed.
“That’s a good question.” He was quiet for a few seconds as if he was thinking. “We met as roommates in college. We worked together to create the software, build the company. We had no plans of stopping or selling. After, I wanted nothing to do with either of them, so I got out. I’m sure you know all of that.”
“I didn’t until Dylan mentioned it.” I wanted to say I wasn’t one to search online for dirt but I had looked him up.
“I’m not a celebrity by any means, but the breakup felt public. I couldn’t get away from it, the publicity, the questions, my ex-fiancée and her new boyfriend’s relationship.”
“So, you moved here.”
“I did. I used a local realtor, Juliana Breslin, to purchase a few buildings in the area months before, thinking I’d eventually come back because Julian and Declan lived here. I didn’t think it would be so soon.” His tone was full of regret. “Now I’m wishing I’d come back sooner so that I’d had more time with Julian.”
I wanted to ask if his fiancée hadn’t cheated on him would he have moved back to care for his nephew. I didn’t. It was too personal.
“I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this.”
“I’m easy to talk to,” I teased.
“You are. I’m not sure why that is.”
Was he saying he liked me? I was quiet, not sure what to say. I’d called for a professional reason, but it quickly turned personal. I liked it but the idea that he wanted more or was expecting me to say something sent panic rising through me. “I’d better go. It’s late.”
He was quiet at my abrupt change in conversation.
“I’ll talk to you later.”
“’Night, Avery.” Was the last thing he said before I hung up.
I stared at the phone for a few seconds wondering what just happened. I was drawn to him too. Despite my initial impression of him, I liked him. I wanted to get to know him, but I wasn’t ready for anything that would disrupt my life.
I rarely went out or tried new things. I dated occasionally but nothing serious since law school. I wanted the comfort of the sameness, the predictability of a routine.
Ever since I started the firm, I’d been thrown out of my comfort zone. I had to meet new clients, work closely on Kids Speak. I didn’t mind if I could stay behind the scenes, but Dylan kept pushing me to do more.
Then there was Griffin. He challenged me. He pushed every one of my buttons. He wasn’t routine. He wasn’t comfortable. He was new and exciting. Everything I avoided. So, why did his words settle deep into my conscience, making me want more, things I shouldn’t want?
From the beginning, my emotions were intensified around him. If I allowed myself to give into this attraction, it would be a slippery slope of feelings I didn’t need in my life.
Chapter Six
Griffin
All week, the memory of that Friday night call with Avery played on repeat in my head. She was unlike anyone I’d ever met. Women usually threw themselves at me when they found out I’d started my own successful company. It was one of the reasons I think I’d held on so tightly to Lorelai when I found her. She hadn’t seemed to care about my success.
After the public breakup and the media reporting the sale of the business for millions, it was worse. Suddenly, I was a bachelor.
Avery didn’t need to know it was no big deal for me to call in a favor and get signed sports memorabilia. Advocating for the organization didn’t come naturally to her but her rambling explanation about the fundraiser was endearing. It prompted me to ask if she was asking me on a date. I liked her flustered.
I hadn’t expected her to agree. Maybe she thought of the date as a thank you for helping with the silent auction. For me, it was more.
I wanted to go to get to know Avery. I had no business starting a relationship after my last one failed so miserably, but I wanted to be around her.
I wanted to know why Avery claimed she was so reserved and awkward when she was the opposite with me. Maybe she was right. I brought it out in her. That intrigued me even more.
I tugged on my bow tie, taking a deep breath before entering. Charity functions were a regular occurrence in my old life, but this was the first time I’d gone to one since I’d moved. Entering the large room with panoramic windows showcasing the Annapolis Harbor, I scanned the room for Avery. Music came from a string quartet in the corner adding to the ambiance.
She had to be at the fundraiser early to set up, so I said I’d meet her. Not seeing her, I stepped to the side, when a hand curled around my elbow.
“Hey.” Avery’s voice was soft.
I looked down at her, my body flooded with warmth. Her face was tilted up at me, her hair half up and the rest curled around her bare shoulders. My gaze leisurely traveled down, taking in her sparkling black dress and heels. “You look beautiful.”
Compared to the suits she usually wore, her current look was soft, seductive, her blue eyes somehow more prominent. It would have been easy to let my eyes drift down again, but I kept them on her face.
Her eyes widened as if surprised by my compliment. “Thank you. You look handsome yourself.”