Ella sighed. “We’re going to have to learn to get along.”
“I can get along with anyone. The question is, can you put your feelings aside, and give me and Avery time?”
Another silence fell between them, and he watched as Ella paced her own apartment.
“Yes, I can. I’m sorry for being a bitch. I know it doesn’t excuse me, but I have my friend’s best interests at heart.”
“That I can accept. She really is a special woman, and I’m blessed that she gave the trust of her body to me. One day, I hope to have her heart as well. Her love.”
Ella chuckled. “I don’t think you’re going to have to wait long. I’ve never seen Avery so taken with someone. From the first moment she saw you, she was asking all kinds of questions about you. She’s been hurt before. Her previous boyfriends have only used her, and left her. It’ll be nice for someone to actually treat her like she deserves.”
“That I can promise. Truce?”
“Truce.”
He shook her head.
He’d made the right decision coming to see Avery friend. Ella meant a great deal to Avery. The last thing he wanted to do was come between friends.
“I’m going to head back to her apartment.” Pulling a card out of his pocket, he handed it to her. “Here are all my details. Call whenever you need anything.”
“Will you be taking over all elements of Avery’s life?”
“No. I only hope she’ll agree to spend a great deal of time with me, and I hope to convince her to move in with me.”
“That is a big step. Good luck with that. You’re going to need it.”
He left Ella, happy with the progress he was making. The drive to Avery’s apartment was only twenty minutes, and he parked in the only space available. He wanted her to move in, but he didn’t want to pressure her too much.
Time and patience. They were the two things he needed, and yet they were the two things he struggled with the most.