Then he heard it as well and stood. I hurried toward the edge of the bluff and waved at Liam.
“Jesus, Ava,” he yelled. “I’ve been looking for you. Your chair and sunglasses are on the beach, your hat is in the water. You fucking scared me!”
“Sorry,” I called down. “I was returning the dog.” I patted Cash’s head when he appeared beside me. “Hunter gave me a glass of lemonade. I’ll be right there!” I added as he moved closer. This was not the right time for those two to meet. I glanced over my shoulder where Hunter stood, a fresh wave of desire hitting me.
“I have to go,” I said.
He nodded and called for Cash, who trotted over. I waited until they disappeared into the house, and I headed down the incline to join Liam on the beach.
“Sorry,” I panted. “I lost track of time.”
“You’re out of breath.”
“I was playing with the dog. Throwing the ball and such.”
Or playing with Hunter’s balls.
Same thing, really.
“So, we have a new neighbor?”
“Yes,” I said shortly.
“And the dog?” Liam questioned. “He biting your neck and mussing your hair, Ava?”
I tossed my head. “Shut up. Leave it alone, Liam.”
“Whatever. You fucking scared me. Don’t leave your stuff that close to the water and disappear.”
I tucked my arm into his and squeezed. “I’m sorry.”
He flung his arm over my shoulder and hugged me. “I’m glad you’re okay. And sorry if I, ah, interrupted anything.”
I couldn’t tell him what he had interrupted. Or that it was probably best that he had. Things had progressed fast with Hunter. Far too fast. It seemed as soon as we were close, we both lost whatever common sense we possessed.
Still, I felt a small quiver of sadness when I glanced back and saw him standing on the bluff, watching us walk away. I wondered if he was relieved or was feeling the same pang of regret that we were interrupted?
Would he finish what I started?
I had to cover my laugh with a cough.
I might have to ask him next time.
Chapter 6
Hunter
I picked up the building permit Tuesday morning. There was an older woman in the office now, and she was friendly, introducing herself as Milly and answering the few questions I had. I stopped at the pet store, selected a new collar, then bought a few groceries. I sat in my truck, using the information Milly had given me, and arranged for a disposal bin to be delivered by Thursday. I had to start cleaning out the house. It was going to take me a while to go through everything that my grandfather had squirreled away in the place. I hadn’t been kidding when I told Ava the house was a time capsule. I doubted much had changed since I had been there as a child. As fuzzy as my memories were, some things were very familiar as I walked through the house.
I grabbed lunch at the small diner in town. It was still early, and the place was quiet. I decided on the all-day breakfast, and I opened the folder with the lists I had made of everything I needed to do back at my grandfather’s house.
Or mine now, I supposed. It felt odd thinking of owning something. I wasn’t staying, but I had plans to renovate and use the property for income. I never stayed anywhere very long. I rubbed my eyes, not wanting to think too deeply on that subject today. I didn’t want to think about anything, especially not the one thing I couldn’t seem to get out of my mind.
Ava.
From the moment I had first seen her, she had fascinated me. Intrigued me. Our last two encounters had only cemented both sensations. Kissing her was dangerous. Having her close was an enticement I found too difficult to resist. That smart mouth of hers tempted. Her sexy laughter was an invitation to trouble. Even knowing she was part of the BAM family hadn’t diminished the draw I felt toward her. After what happened on Sunday, I knew I had to stay away from her. I had the feeling she could throw my entire world into chaos.
It didn’t stop her from popping into my head frequently, though.
I recalled the day I arrived in town and went to the lawyer’s office. He went over the will, explaining the house and property as well as a small inheritance that was involved. I had been shocked enough finding out about my grandfather, never mind that he’d left me some money.
“What are your plans?” he asked.
“Do I have a choice?”
“Many. Keep it, fix it up and rent it, sell it.” He shrugged. “It’s yours now to do with what you want. But there is an interested party.”
“Interested party?” I asked.
He only nodded, but I heard his secretary, Natasha, mutter something. She was younger than me, pretty, but there was a hard edge to her expression, as if she’d been wronged once too often.
Whatever she said, he ignored, and he handed me a copy of the will. “Your grandfather added a codicil not long ago, although it’s a moot addition now. You can read this over. I’ll make myself available for any questions you might have.”
I left, standing outside, unsure what to do next. Go see the property and decide, perhaps. That seemed the best course of action.
Natasha came out, handing me a card, distaste in her voice. “Mr. Daniels asked me to give this to you. This is the company that wants the property if you were interested.” She sniffed. “Your grandfather disliked them.”
I glanced at the logo on the card. BAM.
“Why?” I asked.
“They pressured him. Always snooping around the property, making up excuses to be on it. He complained to me more than once.” She leaned close. “Rich, entitled snobs, they are. Too good for any of us around here. Always throwing their weight around. They own all the land around yours, and they wanted more.” She shook her head. “They always want more. Your grandfather was sure they would ruin the entire landscape with their plans. He held firm.”
I hated high-handed tactics. I had seen them too often in the various jobs I had held. If that was how this company worked, I wanted no part of them.
Yet, Ava didn’t seem to be that way. But I didn’t really know her. And I never would.
I shook my head from my thoughts and returned to studying the lists on the table. Someone slid into the booth across from me, and I looked up, surprised to meet the beautiful eyes of none other than the woman herself. Ava Callaghan. She was in full business mode, a dark green suit hugging her torso, her hair swept into a knot at the base of her neck, the purple streaks barely visible. A silky-looking white blouse peeked out from under her jacket, and her makeup was minimal.
She was stunning.
“That seat is taken,” I said dryly.
Her eyes danced in the sunlight filtering through the windows. “It is now.”
My waitress came over and placed my meal in front of me. She smiled at Ava. “Coffee?”
“No,” I said at the same time Ava nodded.
“Please, Connie. And some rye toast.”
Good God, was there anyone this woman didn’t know?
Connie looked between us and shrugged, walking away.
“I don’t remember asking you to join me.”
She grinned, not at all put out by my tone. “I felt it. It’s one of my superhero talents. I can hear your inner voice.”