He forced a smile at Britney and wished there was more food on his plate to keep him from having to focus on her. Luckily, Creed’s SEAL buddies started roasting his brother with their versions of toasting the groom. It was entertaining and almost distracted his mind and heart from the pain of Ava rejecting him yet again and leaving without saying goodbye.
Callum rushed up to him and Britney. Apparently he hadn’t left for California yet. “Where’s Lexi?” he demanded.
“Excuse me,” Bridger muttered to Britney. He stood and walked away with Callum. “I saw her with Ava Baby.”
“Where are they now?”
Bridger clenched his fists. “They didn’t say anything to me, but Emmett and Cambree said they told them goodbye and that they were flying home to be with their families for Christmas.”
“What?” Callum looked a little pale.
“Stupid woman anyway,” Bridger muttered.
Callum grabbed a fistful of Bridger’s shirt. “Don’t you ever talk about Lexi like that.”
“Lexi?” Bridger stared at him and then let out a dark laugh. He pushed Callum’s hand away. “Not Lexi—Ava Baby.”
“What is the deal with you and Ava?”
“Nothing.” The muscles in his shoulders bunched around his ears. “No matter what I do, she barely gives me the time of day. I thought maybe Britney would make her jealous.”
“Bro.” Callum shook his head. “You’re the one that has all the experience with women, but you’re acting like a complete … doofus.” He smiled suddenly, looking like a doofus himself. What had happened to his perfectly professional brother? A woman, that’s what.
“A doofus?” Bridger glared at him. “You want to throw down right here?”
Callum rolled his eyes. “I haven’t got time for this. I’ve got to find Lexi, but you need to listen up. Never use another woman to make a woman jealous. It’s disrespectful to both of them. If you like Ava Baby …” Callum paused and looked him over like he wasn’t worthy of Avalyn. Bridger knew that was true. “Be a man and tell her.”
Bridger stared at him. Hadn’t he told her yesterday when he kissed her? But maybe he needed to really spell it out and keep the physical desires out of it so she knew it was from his heart. This wasn’t some temporary crush. He’d loved her for as long as he’d known that boys and girls were different.
“I’ve got to go,” Callum said impatiently. “Do you know what airport Ava’s jet was at?”
“No clue, but I’ll come with you.”
“Let’s go, then.”
Bridger matched his brother’s strides. It was a braver move than climbing Mt. Everest without assistance, but he was going to find Avalyn and he was going to tell her exactly how he felt about her. If she turned him down, then … well, somehow he’d have to find a way to live with that.
ChapterFour
Avalyn made it home to Long Island in time for Christmas Eve dinner. Her three older brothers had beautiful wives and six adorable children between them. She enjoyed being around everyone and shoved all the drama with Bridger to the back of her mind. Britney was probably thoroughly enjoying her Christmas with him. She liked Britney, but the image of her on Bridger’s lap … Ugh!
The adults had tucked the children into bed and set up the Santa presents, and they were enjoying Mama’s homemade chocolates and talking when there was a pounding at the front door. Avalyn’s parents did well financially, but they weren’t to the level of the Hawks, and they didn’t have round-the-clock staff. Avalyn preferred living that way; it was a lot more comfortable and intimate with just her family. Especially since most of her days were spent as a wanderer and a guest.
Avalyn’s brother Abraham lumbered to his feet. “Don’t worry. I got the door.”
They all smiled. He was always rushing to do things or pay for things and then tell them not to worry because he had it. He was such a great guy. Avalyn hoped it was carolers or a neighbor visiting on this cozy Christmas Eve. She was glad she’d come home instead of staying in Cancun. The sun and the beach were fabulous, but nothing was like family and a warm fire at Christmas, and though she was still the only single one, it didn’t hurt like it did watching the Hawk brothers’ romances and having Bridger right there but completely unattainable for her.
Abraham sidled back into the room with none other than Bridger Hawk by his side. Avalyn’s heart raced, and her palms started sweating. She couldn’t quite comprehend Bridger being in her parents’ living room like some perfect-looking ghost of Christmas past.
Bridger had come to Long Island instead of staying in sunny Cancun with Britney. Come for her? No. This had to be some mistake or crazy dream.
Bridger went around the room, shaking everyone’s hands and being his usual charming self. Avalyn watched with her hand to her throat. Why was he here? Why? Why? He looked fabulous in dark gray chinos and a fitted long-sleeved shirt. His dark eyes sparkled as he teased with her family members. Why couldn’t she just stare into those eyes as he teased with her?
He circled the room and finally stopped right in front of her. “Ava Baby.” He gave her that irresistible smile, and she wanted to kiss him and smack him. She wasn’t sure which one first.
“Why aren’t you in Cancun with Britney?” She shot to her feet to face him.
Her family gave her confused looks. “Now, Ava, that’s no way to greet your friend,” her dad admonished her.