“What’s a challenge, and where do I find it?” he asked. It was his trademark line that he said quite often before performing some insane stunt that few athletes in the world could live through.
Avalyn gasped. He thought she was a challenge that he’d easily win. He thought he could obtain her. He was wrong. She whirled from him and stormed toward the nearest pool. Dropping her cover-up on a chair and sliding out of her flip-flops, she dove in, praying the cool water would cool the heat in her face—actually, the heat in her entire body.
She swam under the water, relishing its coolness rushing past her. When she finally had to surface for a breath, she popped up and gasped in the humid air. She only had today to enjoy a quick vacation before Creed and Kiera’s sunrise wedding tomorrow morning on Christmas Eve. Then she’d fly home to spend Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day with her family and then back to work trying to bring healthy living conditions to the children of the world. Bridger Hawk could not ruin her one chance to rest and relax.
She blinked chlorine water out of her eyes and glanced across the pool. Bridger was standing at the edge, staring at her with a longing that made her stomach heat up again and the breath rush from her body. When he caught her gaze, he tilted his chin up and gave her another smirk before striding away.
He hadn’t made it two steps before some girl in a bikini was squealing, “You’re Bridger Hawk!” and asking him for a selfie. Bridger welcomed her with an open arm and a cocky grin. His eyes strayed to Avalyn, and his grin got even bigger when he realized she was watching them.
Ugh! Avalyn pushed back under the water. Somehow she had to stay far away from that man until she could fly away from here. It was either that or admit to him that she’d loved him her entire life.
ChapterTwo
Bridger stood next to his three brothers as they waited for Creed’s bride, Kiera, to start her march up the aisle. He was happy for his brother, who was finally marrying the love of his life. After everything he’d faced as a SEAL, Creed deserved some peace and happiness.
Bridger let his gaze stray to Avalyn Shaman. Sadly, the love of his own life loathed him. She met his gaze, and something raw and unguarded flashed in her deep brown eyes before she pressed her lips firmly together and looked away from him.
He didn’t realize he was staring at her unabashedly until Emmett elbowed him in the side. “Be careful with Britney, eh?”
Britney? It was then that Bridger noticed the famous swimsuit model seated next to Avalyn. She was making eyes at Bridger as if he were staring at her, not Avalyn. Shoot. He’d been friendly with her the past few days—some might call it flirting—but it was simply a distraction to keep his mind off Avalyn, the way it was with every woman he flirted with and dated.
His brothers would cuss him up one side and down the other if they knew he only dated other women to try to push Avalyn out of his mind and heart. They’d say he wasn’t being respectful of women or some such garbage. He was respectful. He treated women kindly, never offered any kind of commitment, and never did more than kiss said women. He’d hoped for years that he’d find someone that would push Avalyn out of his dreams. It hadn’t happened yet, and those kisses yesterday morning had ruined him for at least another decade.
Kiera finally approached, and everyone stood as the bride’s march song played. Bridger focused in on Avalyn again. She looked exquisite in a black dress that complemented her lean body, her long dark hair trailing across her smooth, brown shoulders. Bridger had seen many a beautiful woman in his day, but nobody compared to Avalyn. Her Middle Eastern heritage and philanthropist heart made her even more appealing. She was unique and perfect.
Why was she so determined to stay away from him? He’d acted much too impulsively kissing her like that yesterday, but she’d responded. Oh, how she had responded. The mere memory lit a fire inside of him. She met his gaze and stuck her tongue out at him. Bridger had to bite down a laugh, as this was a serious, beautiful moment for Creed and Kiera. Her dad was saying he gave this woman to Creed and all of that. Yet Bridger loved that Avalyn would tease with him. They’d been friends their entire lives, and he’d known she was the one for him since he was twelve and she was fourteen.
What was holding her back from loving him? He sighed and focused on the wedding. Maybe the fact that he’d never been worthy of her and never would be. What mere mortal could be worthy of Avalyn Shaman?
* * *
Avalyn’s heart was slamming against her rib cage. Bridger kept giving her these heady, significant glances throughout the wedding. She needed to fly out of here as soon as social dictates would allow. Somehow she had to act cool and collected through the ceremony and the breakfast, and then she’d flee from Bridger and hopefully not see him again for a few more years. She’d pray hard for that miracle.
Creed and Kiera kissed, then held their joined hands high as everyone cheered. They walked happily down the aisle, and Britney Nolan, the supermodel, turned to Avalyn. They’d met last year at Emmett Hawk’s fitness camp, where he’d asked Avalyn to be a guest speaker. Avalyn liked Britney.
“Wasn’t that beautiful?” Britney dabbed at the corners of her eyes.
Avalyn nodded, cussing herself for not even noticing the beautiful ceremony; she’d been distracted by a more beautiful man.
They stood, and Britney linked their arms as they watched Emmett Hawk and Callum Hawk meet up with their respective fiancées, Cambree and Alexia. Bridger’s parents were hugging, and Avalyn had that familiar feeling of being the only person without that special someone.
“Isn’t he beautiful?” Britney murmured, gazing up to where Bridger was talking to the preacher, a young, smiling man who Avalyn had heard was one of Creed’s Navy SEAL buddies.
“Yes, he is,” Avalyn agreed, but she bit her tongue. She had to backtrack quickly. “The preacher? That’s who you mean, right?”
Britney giggled. “The preacher’s married and definitely not who either of us has been checking out.” She sighed. “Aw, Bridger Hawk. The only single Hawk brother left. Who do you think will claim that man’s heart?”
Avalyn rolled her eyes at Britney’s dramatics. “I don’t think anyone can claim a heart as wild as Bridger’s.”
“Come on. I would think an independent successful woman like you would love a challenge like Bridger.” Britney elevated an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t it be fun to try to fight for him?”
“No!” Avalyn pulled in a calming breath. She was too transparent. Britney seemed to know exactly how Bridger was affecting Avalyn.What’s a challenge, and where do I find it?She was not Bridger’s challenge or anything else. If only she could keep her eyes from straying his direction every few seconds. “I know Bridger too well,” she tried to explain to Britney. “He’s a tease and a flirt, and I’m not in the market to be his flavor of the week.”
Britney’s smile deepened. “Well, I am. You’re sure you’re not into him? I respect you too much to go for your man.”
“He is not my man!” Avalyn had to draw in another breath. The mere thought of Bridger being “her man” made her heart thump uncontrollably. Those stinking kisses yesterday. Dang him. “I promise. If you want him, he’s all yours.”
“Thank you.” Britney was so beautiful, and when she smiled, it only enhanced her perfect face. Bridger would be thrilled to have her pursue him.