Ten
“I’m sorry,sweetie. I know I said we’d go today, but some higher-ups from New York flew in. I have to schmooze them this weekend.” Dad sounded distracted.
“It’s okay.” It was more than okay. I was practically beaming. The last thing I wanted was to spend the day shopping for an engagement ring for a woman I knew was a big old liar.
Now, I could go with the guys on the recon mission. I trusted them to tell me anything they discovered, but I preferred to be there and see it for myself.
“Thanks for understanding. We’ll go soon.”
“Have fun this weekend.”
“Thanks, you too. Love you, Avalon.”
“Love you.” I ended the call and immediately hit Gavin’s name and pulled on leggings while I waited for him to answer.
“Hey, Ave.” His voice made my stomach quiver. I needed to get myself under control if I was going to spend another day with all of them and not give anything away.
“Hi. My dad canceled, so I can go with you guys.”
“That’s great. We’re meeting over at Sky’s in twenty. Are you at home?”
I pulled a thin, black hoodie off a hanger and slipped it on. “Yeah.”
“I’m almost ready. Meet me out front in ten?”
“Okay, thanks.”
I ended that call, relieved I caught them in time, and finished my outfit off with my most comfortable training shoes. I was going for a casual, athletic look so my all-black wouldn’t stick out in the city. I wasn’t sure how much sneaking around we’d be doing, but I was ready to blend in and run if needed.
I pulled my hair into a high pony while rushing down the stairs. I grabbed a protein shake and downed it in a few swallows, then put my keys, phone, and wallet in my pockets before heading outside.
GI Joe was already in the driveway, so I hurried to the passenger side and got in.
“Hey.” Gavin leaned over and kissed me quickly.
When he started to pull back, I wrapped my hand around the back of his neck and kissed him again. I only meant to steal another peck, but he let out a small moan. I forgot about the rest of the world.
His hand went to my waist, and he pushed my hoodie up a bit to reach my skin.
His touch sent a wave of desire through me.
“Let’s stay here,” I whispered.
He nodded once, then tugged my bottom lip between his teeth. I sucked in a breath and pushed my fingers into his hair, using my nails in the way I knew drove him crazy.
“Ave,” he sighed and kissed me one more time before leaning back.
I watched his chest rise and fall in heavy pants. A little make out and he was that worked up? I guess I wasn’t the only one affected by the other night.
“We should go.” I finally caved. Although having the house to ourselves sounded like a much better idea than spying.
He rubbed his face and nodded before facing the wheel again. “You’re going to be the death of me.”
I held his hand on the drive over, and when he parked, he didn’t immediately get out. “I think if we split into groups, you and I should separate.”
“Why?” I was a bit hurt. How did we go from making out to needing to be apart?
“I feel greedy. The guys might not know it, but I know I’ve gotten more of you and your time lately. I want to stop any drama before it has the chance to start. Sky is already onto us, and the rest will catch on soon.” He cracked a smile, “Plus, being around you and not touching you have been harder lately. I’m not sure I could resist you if we need to settle in and watch for a while.”