“I’msorry that it didn’t work out for you. What an asshole,” I remarked as she met my eyes.
“Sometimes,I think that about me with how giving I was in the relationship. Looking back, I know I acted stupid. It’ll be different when I go back there. I just want to focus on the holidays right now.”
She looked sad,and I longed to touch her face and make her feel better.
Hell,I wanted to do a lot more than just touch her face. Avery was like a magnet and charmed me even further over lunch.
I knewI needed to make my move with her.
“What madeyou stay at the lodge?” Avery asked, seeming to want to change the subject.
“I mean, you went to college and everything with Jefferson. Did you study business?”
“I gota major in Business Management, but I also worked outside for my grandpa’s landscaping business when I was a kid. When Jefferson offered me the job at the lodge, I took it. I’ve always loved living in Lake Placid.” I stabbed a piece of chicken and dumpling, chewing it thoughtfully. “With your mom helping on the inside, this has been a perfect fit for me. You were the icing on the cake this holiday season. Thank you, Avery.”
“It’s nothing.I’ve been doing it for years and I know how much the guests love it,” she admitted with a sweet smile. “I felt thrilled when Jefferson agreed to take over the lodge after the accident. I didn’t want it to be just Mom, and it felt like it needed to stay in the family. My dreams just took me elsewhere.” She met my eyes. “I’d never give up being a part of this, though.”
“I know you wouldn’t.Your brother speaks fondly about the two of you growing up around here. You seem like you were close.” I made the observation, wanting to know more about Jefferson’s protective nature towards his sister.
“We did.I think we’ve been all over the lodge at this point. Sometimes my big brother gets to be a little much. I can’t believe how he acts sometimes.” Avery sighed and shook her head. That was no secret, and I chuckled as I reached for my coffee. “If they have a daughter, I feel for Polly and the baby.”
“You got that right.I’m thrilled for them, though. They’ll be excellent parents and your mom is beside herself with excitement,” I agreed as Avery nodded.
“I’m looking forwardto meeting the baby. It’s hard to believe my brother will be a dad soon. I mean, I always knew it would happen with them, but it still feels surreal. I can’t wait to see Polly on Thanksgiving. I’ve been so busy at the lodge and haven’t had the chance to spend any time with her.” Avery smiled and pushed her plate away, leaving a few bites. “That was excellent. You were right about this place.”
“I’ll takethe blame for that,” I joked, pushing my empty plate away. “I’ve been the one keeping you busy.”
I plannedto do that in so many more ways, but I needed to ask her out.
“I’ve enjoyedit and I am saving some money. It’s no problem,” Avery told me, taking the last sip of coffee.
I paid the bill,leaving a generous tip. We walked out to the car, and I opened her door for her, knowing I didn’t have much time. It was just a short drive back to the lodge. I looked her over as I slipped into the driver’s seat, taking in her curves in the fitted fleece jacket she wore over a sweater.
She wasten years younger than I was, but there was just something about her. Avery made me want to date again if it got me the chance to be with her.
I drove onto the road,clearing my throat. “I enjoyed myself today, Avery. I’d like to take you out off the clock sometime, maybe dinner or a drink?” I asked, waiting for her answer with bated breath.
“You would?”She asked, and I smiled, nodding as I focused on the road.
“I would,”I clarified as I saw the lodge ahead of us. A few more moments would’ve been nice, but I put the idea out there. I didn’t know how busy she was with Jack and Charlie, but I wanted her to know I was interested in her as well.
When I parkedand shut the car off, I felt Avery move closer to me. Her hot breath hit my cheek before her mouth brushed across my cheek, dangerously close to the corner of my mouth. “I’d like that, Ben. you can take care of dinner and I’ll handle dessert,” she whispered as I turned my head to gaze at her.
Her eyes sparkled,and I considered just skipping dinner altogether as I reached out to cup her face.
I kissed her gently,feeling the sparks between us as our lips touched. I’d never felt this attracted to a woman, and I tilted my head, teasing her lower lip with my tongue.
Avery partedher mouth and our tongues danced together as my cock ached for her. I knew we needed to end this kiss, but I didn’t want to, feeling her kiss me back with as much passion as I felt for her.
This was goingto be painful to end, and I couldn’t wait until we went out. We both pulled away reluctantly and agreed that we needed to get inside after a few moments, enjoying one last long kiss.
I helpedher out of the car, and we headed back into the lodge as ideas flashed through my mind about what might happen between us.
CHAPTERNINE
AVERY
I smiled as Mom bustled around the kitchen working on the sides for Thanksgiving dinner that was being served in a couple of hours.