Age of Ava by Melanie Moreland

Chapter 13

Ava

Iworked late on Monday night. So late that all the lights were out in the compound when I finally pulled my SUV into the garage. Inside, I kicked off my shoes and padded over to the fridge, suddenly starving. I grabbed a container of cut-up veggies and cheese and stood at the counter, eating. My hunger abated, I headed to my room and changed, brushed my teeth, and slipped into bed. I rolled over, grabbing the pillow, and Hunter’s scent hit my nose. I inhaled deeply, shocked at how the smell relaxed me. I curled into a ball, thinking the only thing that would make it better was if he were beside me. I had to admit, I had slept so well in his arms the past three nights, and it felt wrong without him with me. I huffed a sigh, burrowing back into the pillow. His scent would have to suffice.

Except a few moments later, I heard the beeping noise at the back door of the lock disengaging. I sat up, startled, but before I could call out, Hunter appeared in my doorway, and I relaxed.

“What are you doing here?”

He stalked over to the bed, pulling his shirt over his head. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Um…”

“I’ve been here twice. How late do you work, woman?” he asked, shucking off his pants and shoes and climbing in beside me.

“Late,” I replied, still in shock. “I-I wasn’t expecting you.”

“I wasn’t expecting to be here either, but I can’t seem to stop myself.” He pulled his pillow away, tucked it under his head, and yanked me into his arms. “Go to sleep, Little Dragon.”

“Where is Cash?”

He snorted. “Asleep on my bed, hogging the whole thing. I had no choice but to trudge down here to sleep.”

“You could have moved him off.”

“He was in a grumpy mood. Vicious, even. I didn’t dare.”

“And the bed in the other room?”

“For one thing, it’s over fifty years old and lumpy as hell. For another, I don’t even want to imagine the things my grandparents did in it. I’d be scarred for life.”

A little giggle burst from my lips. “I see.”

He nipped my ear. “You want me to leave?”

“No.”

He stroked his hand up and down my back. “Stop talking and go to sleep, or I won’t be responsible for what happens.”

I snuggled closer, feeling exactly what he wanted to happen. “I’m tired.”

He kissed my head. “I know. Just let me hold you.”

I yawned, suddenly too exhausted to keep my eyes open. “Okay.”

* * *

I woke alone in the morning, wondering if I had dreamed the whole thing. Hunter appearing so late. Holding me. Making love to me in the early morning hours when the world was still dark and quiet. Kissing my head before leaving my room.

I sat up, running a hand over my head. Had it been a dream? I glanced at the other side of the bed and knew it wasn’t. I could see the indent of his head on the pillow. My body still felt his possession. He had shown up, checking until I was home. Held me.

I was unsure what to think. Too scared to hope that it meant anything aside from a warm body and a comfortable place to sleep.

I got up and got ready for the day, rested and in a good mood, despite the long day yesterday and the agenda ahead of me. Idly, I wondered if he would show up again tonight.

I certainly hoped so.

It was almost nine when I got home again after a long, arduous day. I had dealt with a new foreman at a jobsite. He’d talked over, around, and at me, without listening or bothering to realize he worked for my company, not me for him. He was rude, overbearing, and made his dislike for me plain. By the fifth time he’d ignored me, I’d had enough. He had a problem with the contract dates and decided he could rearrange them to suit his time frame better. I didn’t like his attitude, how he spoke to the crew or me, and I certainly hated his obvious distaste for woman superiors.

“Mr. Kurtz,” I interrupted.

He kept talking, his voice getting louder. I had no choice. I put my fingers between my lips and blew. My whistle was loud and shrill, effectively cutting him off.

He glared at me, and I smiled benignly. “Now I have your attention, I need to point out that you are, in fact, incorrect. The start and end dates are clearly stated in the contract. You work according to our schedule. We hired you. You work for us.”

“I don’t take orders from a woman.”

I feigned shock. “You were hired by one, and I run this end of the company. If you have a problem with it, you can be replaced.”

He crossed his arms, trying to look menacing. “Is that a fact?” he challenged.

I was done with his shit. I pointed at another man who had been watching us and, more than once, had rolled his eyes when I was interrupted by his boss. “You. What is your name?”

“Peter Watson.”

“You’ve just been promoted. Mr. Kurtz, you’re relieved of your duty. HR will be in touch.”

I turned my back, refusing to watch or listen as he yelled obscenities and stormed away.

I tapped out a message to Addi, telling her what happened and that I was managing it. I looked up at Peter. “Can you handle this?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ve overseen crews before. I know these guys. We can make it work.”

Another man snorted. “Anyone would be better than Kurtz.”

I bit back my smile. I would have to talk to whoever hired this crew and get it fixed. I didn’t want to see Mr. Kurtz again. “Then I suggest you meet with your new crew and get to work.”

I kept my composure, and no one knew the effect the showdown had on me. It wasn’t until I was alone in my SUV that I let my emotions out. I gripped the steering wheel and took in several calming breaths, my body shaking with the aftereffects. It never got easier, no matter how often I faced this situation. It wasn’t only because I was a woman—I knew Jordan had often fired foremen, replaced overseers due to bad attitudes, but men like Mr. Kurtz made it especially distasteful since they never hid their lack of respect. I hoped it didn’t cost us too much, but in the end, it would be worth it. The crew would have been run badly, and we never allowed that. It was for the best.

Still, hours later, I felt the tension in my shoulders. I went inside, stopping at the sight that greeted me. Hunter was in my kitchen, sitting at the little table, his arms folded on top, a beer by his elbow. I was certain it was one of the Creemores I had in the fridge. I lifted one eyebrow in question.

“Cash steal your bed again?”

“Greedy, furry bastard,” he said, straight-faced.

“A little early for bedtime, isn’t it?”

Ignoring my words, he stood and went to the stove. “Your stomach grumbled all last night. You didn’t eat dinner.”

“I had some crackers and cheese. Some cut-up veggies.”

He snorted and opened the oven door, sliding out a large pizza box. “I’ve seen your appetite, Ava. That’s a snack for you. I brought dinner.”

He looked up at my shock and shrugged his shoulders. “Someone needs to make sure you’re looking after yourself,” he mumbled.

He slid the box onto the table and opened the fridge, pulling out another beer. “Go change and come eat.” He stopped in front of me. “From the look of you, I’d say you need food, a neck rub, and some sleep.”

I blinked at the sudden dampness in my eyes.

He frowned, looking startled. “Hey, none of that. No tears, Little Dragon. I only brought dinner because I was hungry too.”

“And you only plan on sleeping here because your dog took your bed again?”

“Unless you plan on making me walk through the dark, scary forest back to my house alone?” He tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear, his eyes filled with amusement. “You wouldn’t do that, would you, Ava?”

I sniffled. “No, I’ll let you stay.”

He surprised me with a kiss to my forehead. “Good. Now, go. I’ll be here when you get back.”

* * *

I wiped my mouth and sat back, replete. The pizza was delicious, the beer cold, and I gulped down two glasses of ice water thanks to the spicy sausage Hunter had added to the pizza.

It had been a good dinner. I’d told Hunter about what occurred earlier, and his reaction had made me smile.

“I’ve worked for assholes like that. Good riddance.” He winked. “Big balls, Little Dragon. I would have loved to see you in action again.”

I shrugged and he chuckled.

“You are a force to be reckoned with.”

I kept eating, although I felt my cheeks color at his praise.

I burped, covering my mouth with the napkin. “Whoops.”

He threw back his head in laughter. “I like that about you, Ava. Sexy, shoot-from-the-hip businesswoman by day, teenage boy by night at the table with your love of food and belching. The perfect combination.”

“Sorry,” I uttered. “I was hungrier than I thought. And beer makes me burp. So does soda.” I grinned. “And spicy pizza.”

He shook his head. “Don’t apologize.” He indicated the empty pizza box. “I like that. I like you’re honest and yourself. No hiding, none of that ‘Oh no, I’ll only have a salad’ shit. I never understood that.”

“Most men prefer it that way.”

He shrugged. “Prefer what? For you to hide who you are? I don’t. I like you just the way you are.”

“Really?” I asked, the feeling of insecurity only this subject could cause swarming up in me.

He stood and took two more beers from the fridge, setting them on the table. He slid one my way and met my eyes. “Really,” he stated firmly.

“Hmmph,” I breathed.

He swallowed and wiped his mouth. “You sound as if you don’t believe me.”

My grip on my beer bottle was tight, but I shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. It didn’t fool him for a moment.

He sat back in his chair, crossing his ankles. “Who was the asshole that hurt you, Ava?”

“Who says there was one?”

He sipped his beer, contemplating me. “You are one of the most confident women I have ever met. I’ve watched you in action myself. I know what happened today. The responsibilities you carry on your shoulders. Business-wise, you’re a force. Yet every so often, I sense fear when it comes to yourself after hours. You doubt your own strength and beauty. Something or someone put that fear and doubt inside you. I assume some asshole is responsible for it.”

For a moment, I was silent. I met his gaze, surprised by the gentle patience I could see.

“Why do you want to know?”

“I don’t know,” he said honestly. “I just do.”

Strangely enough, I wanted to tell him.

“I haven’t had a lot of relationships,” I confessed. “In university, I dated a guy who broke up with me because he said I was just too much. Too bossy, too opinionated, too everything. He said I embarrassed him.” I barked out a humorless laugh. “He said a lot of other things, but that hurt the most.”

“Sounds as if he was the one with the confidence problem.”

“Maybe. I didn’t date for a long time after that. Then I met Ryan, and I really liked him. He was smart and funny. A few years older than me and established. He was in control and knew what he wanted from life. He said he liked my brashness—that he admired it.” I paused. “I guess he changed his mind.”

Hunter’s eyes darkened, but he nodded for me to go on.

“Ryan liked the good life. He liked dinners out and the theatre. Parties. He loved big groups.” I paused. “He loved being the star of the show in those groups of people.”

“Hmm,” was all Hunter said.

“At first, it was fun. Different for me. I was busy at work, learning the ropes, and I worked a lot. Ryan understood since he had done the same thing already. We got along well, and we were pretty serious. At least, I thought we were. I even moved in with him.”

“What happened?”

“He changed. Or I changed. He became more demanding, less understanding. Shouting all the time. Suddenly, I couldn’t do anything right. The way I dressed, spoke, acted—everything was wrong. I was too loud, too opinionated, too over the top. He wanted me to be more like his friends’ girlfriends and wives.” I snorted. “I was nothing like them. He hated my ‘unfeminine’ job, the fact that I had work boots in my trunk, and that I dealt with contractors and city officials. He used to tell everyone I was a PA.”

“Elitist asshole.”

“I tried so hard to be what he wanted. I’d rush home early to change. I didn’t talk about my job. I went to parties with him, hating every second. I didn’t see my family as much. I did everything to try to make him happy. It was always about him. What he wanted, his needs.” I scrubbed my face, tired of talking about Ryan. It was still painful to think how stupid I’d been.

“How did your family feel about him?”

I grimaced. “They never fully warmed to him. He liked the men in my family but sort of ignored the women. He continually tried to get the dads to talk business with him. He wanted their money badly, which, as it turned out, was one of the appealing things about me. Maybe the only one. Once he realized me in his life didn’t guarantee BAM dollars in his pocket, I wasn’t as desirable—something I wish I’d seen earlier. But I was in deep and determined to make it work. I didn’t want to fail.”

“But you weren’t failing, Ava. He was.”

“Took me a while to figure that out. Addi and Gracie were always there for me. They saw what was happening. Liam saw it. Ronan did too.” I swallowed. “Everyone did but me. I tried to change myself and who I was to please him, but there was no pleasing him, and I almost lost myself doing that.”

“What happened?”

“The entire cliché of a bad relationship happened. I came home early, planning on surprising him with dinner. He surprised me by screwing one of his associates in our bed. I walked in on them.”

Hunter cursed quietly.

“We argued, and of course, he told me it was my fault. All of it. I had driven him to it. I wasn’t enough. I wasn’t pretty enough, thin enough, anything enough. I was too loud, too bossy, too manly, too everything terrible in his books. My family were assholes and refused to give him a chance to prove what he could do for them.” I shook my head. “I laughed at him and reminded him they didn’t need him to do anything. They made their fortune honestly, with hard work— unlike him. He didn’t like that,” I added. “He was all about parties and networking. As I discovered after, he wasn’t as, ah, solvent as he led me to believe.” I rolled my head on my shoulders, feeling the tension of talking about Ryan. “The money he perceived I had was a huge draw.” I took a sip of beer.

“He said the only thing I was good for was fucking and even that was subpar.”

“Liar,” he hissed.

“He stormed out, and I called my brothers and packed my stuff. Looking around, I realized how much of myself I had already lost. Nothing there was mine. He’d picked everything out and changed things as the whim struck him. I was simply part of the furniture—something to be switched out when he got tired. All I took with me were the clothes I had brought when I moved in. I left everything he had chosen for me—they were for a woman I really didn’t know.”

For a moment, the room was silent.

“Did you ever see him again?”

“He came to the office, which was a mistake. He told me I was being ridiculous, and if he was willing to overlook my drawbacks, I could do the same. He told me in no uncertain terms I was getting the better end of the deal.”

“Please tell me your brothers escorted him from the building. Preferably unconscious.”

I grinned. “He was a little woozy from the right hook I laid on him when he tried to grab me. Ronan might have had to help him out.”

He flashed his smile, wide and approving. “That’s my girl.”

I rubbed my head. “He was the second person I cared about who told me I was too much, yet not enough. I decided to stop looking. It took me a while to come to terms with the fact that I am over the top. Bossy. In your face. But I like me. My family likes me. The people I know who are true friends like me. The fact is that I’m not made for a long-term relationship. I am too much, but that’s just me.”

He leaned forward. “It’s not that you’re too much, Little Dragon. They weren’t worthy of you.”

I smiled at his words. His simple, honest words.

“It’s probably a good thing we have a time limit, Hunter. You would probably change your mind and grow tired of my ‘antics.’” I made quotation marks with my fingers.

He regarded me silently, then stood and pulled me from the chair. “We were supposed to be one night, Ava. It’s days later, and here I am. Does that sound like I plan on changing my mind?”

“But you’ll leave.”

“Yes. I will. But not because of you.” He ran his fingers down my cheek. “In fact, you’ll be difficult to leave behind,” he admitted softly.

“You don’t have to go.” I clutched his shirt tight in my hands.

He smiled sadly. “I do, Little Dragon. I’m like a rolling stone. I gather a little moss, but nothing sticks. I’ve been honest with you about that from the start. When I leave, it will be because I have to go—because that’s my way to live. I also disagree with you, and I think you are meant for a long-term relationship—just not with me. I’m the one who doesn’t do long-term. I have never known that, and I never will. I’m not built that way, but it has nothing to do with you—or your antics, as you call them. I find those charming and droll. I like the fact that you order enough Chinese food to feed a family. Have balls big enough to tell off assholes that stand in your way. I love being able to sit and eat pizza and beer with you and listen to your little lady burps that make you laugh while you inhale half a large pizza. You let me be Hunter. You accept my grouchiness and silence. You don’t push.” He exhaled hard. “I like spending time with you. I like you.”

I knew his words didn’t come easily. Hunter wasn’t big on sharing his emotions. For him to admit he liked me wasn’t easy. I wished I knew his story—why he felt the way he did. I wondered if I would ever know it or if he would leave before he trusted me enough to tell me. I also knew the next words out of my mouth were important. We’d drifted into dangerous territory for both of us. The atmosphere was heavy and dark. I needed to lighten it up or he would leave.

“I am also an excellent dance partner,” I sniffed. “Despite your unusual taste in music.”

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling in the corners.

I gasped as I suddenly found myself swung into his arms, and he turned and headed to the bedroom. “I like both kinds of dancing with you, Little Dragon.”

“Both kinds?”

He tossed me onto my bed and hovered over me, leaning on his hands and caging me in. “The regular kind and the mattress dancing. Because another thing that idiot got wrong is there is nothing subpar about your moves. You are the sexiest woman I have ever been with, and I come harder than a freight train every time I’m inside you.” He traced my lips. “Any part of you.”

I nipped his finger, feeling my body flush in pleasure at his words. “Oh yeah?”

His mouth parted, his breathing picking up. “Yes.”

“You gonna back up those words, cowboy?”

He stepped back, dragging his shirt over his head. “Oh baby, I never back away from a challenge. Ever. You wanna ride a cowboy? That’s what you’re gonna get.”

I watched him undress, his erection growing, heavy and thick. His eyes were like ice on fire—burning and intense, never leaving my gaze. They were full of wicked, dark promises. He was going to be all over me. His hands, his mouth, his cock. He was out to prove a point, and he wasn’t going to stop until he had.

I was about to get fucked—and hard.

Yay, me.