Age of Ava by Melanie Moreland
Chapter 15
Hunter
At eight o’clock, I stood under the hot spray of the shower, grateful as the warmth sank into my tired muscles. Ronan and Liam were surprisingly easy to work with, and we got along well, the afternoon flying by. I was shocked when I realized we’d finished all the boards and reattached the wide steps I’d built the day before. Another pleasant surprise was the fact that neither of them were chatterers. They concentrated on the job. Often the only sounds aside from the music I had playing were one of us calling out measurement confirmations, the occasional grunt, and the noises of the saw and drills. I did chuckle a few times when I noticed we all had the habit of singing along to the music. At six, pizza arrived I hadn’t ordered, and Ronan lifted one shoulder with a smirk.
“Gotta fill the tank.”
I was pissed he refused to take money for the pizza, but they gratefully accepted the cold beer I brought outside.
“Creemore.” Liam hummed in pleasure, taking a long swallow. “My sister get you onto this?”
“Yeah.”
He nodded, wiping his mouth. “It’s a family favorite.”
At my look of surprise, he shook his head. “What? You think we’re too rich and snobby to drink beer?” He laughed. “My dad drinks beer, eats tacos, loves to go bowling, acts like a teenager around my mother, and still cannonballs into the pool. We all had a pretty normal upbringing. We’re just people.”
“Except Bentley,” Ronan deadpanned. “He’s a bit snobby.”
Liam laughed. “It’s an act. He’s as much of a goofball as the rest of them.”
Ronan met my eyes and winked. “Snobby,” he mouthed. I held back my laughter. The two brothers reminded me of Ava.
We ate in comfortable silence, the beer disappearing fast. I brought out more, plus extra waters, and once we’d polished off the huge pizza, we finished the deck.
I refused to let them help with the cleanup, more than grateful for their efforts for the day. They waved as they left, Ronan assuring me he’d be in touch soon.
I put away the tools and climbed the sturdy, wide steps, already moving ahead in my mind to the cedar railings and posts I would add. The dark color of the boards and the red of the cedar would make a great color combination as accents. I planned to replace the old siding with a fresh, modern look, and I wondered what color to choose. I had a feeling Ava would tell me her ideas without much prompting.
I washed my hair, rinsed off, and headed to the bedroom, throwing on a fresh shirt and sweats. I was still towel-drying my hair as I walked into the living room and found Ava sitting on the sofa, Cash lying across her feet. I bit back my grin as a pleased feeling washed over me.
She had come to me tonight. I liked that.
“Little Dragon.” I winked. “Can’t stay away?”
She ignored my words. “You got a lot done out there today. Eating your Wheaties, Hunter?”
I laughed. “Your brothers insisted on donating some manual labor. Three sets of hands made it go fast.” I sat across from her in the old chair, first leaning down to brush a kiss to her tempting mouth. “They know their way around tools.”
She smirked. “Van—my uncle—is in construction. He built all the houses at our place. We all loved hanging around. He put us to work. My brothers, cousins, my dad, and uncles all pitched in. He taught us a lot. He still oversees all the flips Bentley does and helps out as foreman at ABC on occasion.”
“Huh.”
“Assumed the worst again, didn’t you? No one in my family is lazy, Hunter. We all have our skill sets, and none of us is afraid of hard work. Even Bentley can swing a hammer or throw up a wall. He’s a firm believer in understanding what goes on behind what you do. He can spot a weak foundation or a bad roof as fast as any contractor. Some of my best memories are all the dads and uncles working, framing a new house, joking and laughing. Van showing me how to use a hammer and a drill. Jordan teaching me how to plan out a project.”
“Is that how you got into your career?”
She hummed. “It certainly planted the seeds. I’ve always been highly organized. Mom says I wrote lists from the time I was a child. I would tell her what I wanted to do the next day, and she would write it out for me before I could do it on my own. I always found myself calmer when I knew what I was going to do. I think I got it from my dad. He’s always been big on lists, although he uses his voice to make his. He’s dyslexic, and he finds it easier.”
“Wow, that must be a challenge, given the business world.”
“It is, but he handles it well.” She looked sad for a moment. “He was always so glad none of us had the same trait. He never wanted any of us to struggle the way he did.” She met my eyes. “He had a really rough start in life. I’m grateful he is the amazing man he is. He swore he would never allow his children to go through what he did. All the BAM men are the same way. They support countless children’s charities and programs.”
“Impressive.”
She nodded. “They are. They all are.” She leaned forward, eager. “Maybe you could see for yourself.”
“Sorry?”
“Come meet my family. No one is going to try to buy your land or make you uncomfortable. They aren’t the enemy, Hunter. I swear.”
“Meet them,” I repeated.
“Yes. Two weeks from now, we’re having a barbecue on Sunday. It’s relaxed and fun. The men grill too much food that still gets eaten. We all pitch in and make munchies, salads, and desserts. The pool will be open. There’s music and fun. You can bring Cash.”
She looked so hopeful and earnest, I didn’t have the heart to tell her no. I was always shocked at how much I wanted to please her. To make her smile.
“I’ll think about it.”
Her eyes widened in pleasure. “Really?”
“Yes, really.” I stood. “Now I’m starving.” Despite the pizza earlier, I was hungry again.
“I brought burritos from that little place in town.”
I glared at her. “You’ve been sitting there, yammering away, when there’re burritos waiting?” I pulled her from the sofa. “You better have gotten chips and salsa too.”
“As if you can eat burritos without them,” she scoffed.
She followed me to the kitchen and pulled the bag from the oven. Then she grabbed some bottles of Creemore from the fridge that she’d picked up as well, the bottles glistening with cold.
I grabbed her and kissed her. She really couldn’t be more perfect.
I ignored the little voice that added, “more perfect for me,” in my head—even though a huge part of me agreed with it.
I didn’t know what to do with those words.
* * *
Ava left before dawn, the sound of her SUV engine fading away. Although as I sat on my deck sipping coffee, I swore I heard the faint sound of it drifting across the open area between us as she arrived home. It was probably my imagination. She had stayed, and the night had been different from the other nights we spent together. I had been sore and aching, and she insisted on giving me a neck and back rub. Afterward, she lay on my chest, and I read to her, stroking my hand over her hair as I spoke the words of the murder mystery aloud. It was a book I’d found on the shelf in the living room. I had already figured out it didn’t matter what I read, the sound of my voice and the caresses I gave her helped to soothe and relax her. I didn’t wake her to fuck her, instead quietly switched off the light and resettled her on my chest, falling asleep with her draped over me. It felt more intimate than sex with her somehow. The need to care for her, to watch over her as she slumbered, were new and different feelings for me. I wasn’t sure how to handle them any more than the need to see her all the time.
Stopping my inner musings, I finished my coffee and got to work on the railings. They were a simple, easy design, and I lost track of time as I measured, drilled, and put them together. The sound of a truck in the driveway made me look up, and I frowned as Ronan climbed out of the driver’s seat and walked toward me. He carried a takeout tray of coffee and a bag.
“Hey.”
He waved. “Looks good.”
“What’s up?”
“Oh, I needed to check a couple measurements I had for an idea. Mind if I go in?”
“Help yourself.”
“I brought a snack.”
“Okay, do what you need to do, and I’ll finish this railing.”
“Great.”
A few moments later, he sat beside me on the steps and offered me a coffee. I sipped it gratefully and munched on the fresh Danish. “Good,” I mumbled around a mouthful.
He chewed and swallowed. “Another family tradition. Lemon Danish is our favorite.” He flashed me a grin. “We fight to the death over the last one, no matter how many Mom buys.”
I laughed. “Who usually wins?”
“Ava. She fights dirty.”
I laughed. “My Little Dragon. I shouldn’t be surprised.”
He quirked his eyebrow at my nickname but only grinned. “She is a dragon. She breathes fire when she’s pissed.”
“It’s a cover,” I said without thinking.
He paused. “A cover?”
“Your sister isn’t the big bad wolf she likes people to think she is. Those moments she breathes fire take a lot out of her.”
He leaned back on his elbows. “And you know this because…”
I scoffed. “Because I’m looking. She handles a lot of shit, Ronan. It exhausts her. Last night, she burrowed so tight into me while she slept—” I shut up as I realized what I’d said.
“Keep going.”
I stared at the water for a moment. “She needs a place to just be Ava sometimes. Not the project manager, not the perfect daughter she wants to be, not the big sister with all the answers. Just Ava.”
“You’re right.” He finished his coffee, dropping the cup into the paper bag. “I went through a bad time, feeling invisible in my family. Being a triplet, you tend to be part of a group all the time, you know. Ava understood that, and she supported me even when I was an idiot. I know she’s not as tough as she lets on, and I know how hard she tries to be what she thinks she has to be. I try to help her. So does Liam. They’re close. But you’re the first person outside the family who has ever seen that about her. Whom she has gotten close enough to and allowed to see it.” He sneered. “That idiot she was involved with a few years ago certainly didn’t. He had no idea what he let go. Jackass.”
“I worry about her. The responsibilities she carries,” I admitted, unable to keep the words to myself.
“Addi is hiring someone to help her. And she plans on getting a third person in to take off more of the load.” He met my gaze. “We aren’t as blind as you think.”
“Good.”
He stood, brushing off his pants. “Lemme help you install a couple of those railings. You can add the posts by yourself later.”
I hesitated and he laughed. “Wow, you are a tough nut to crack. Just like your grandfather. Accept the help, Hunter.”
Grudgingly, I stood. “Fine.”
We worked in companionable silence, the railings going up fast. His phone went off, and he checked the screen. “Shit, I gotta go.”
“Thanks for your help.”
“No problem. I love working with my hands and enjoy the chance to be outside.”
He headed toward his truck, stopping and turning around.
“Thanks.”
“For?”
“Worrying about Ava. Seeing her.”
I shrugged, unsure how to answer.
“I wonder if you realize how blind you are, though,” he mused. “You might want to think about that.”
Then he left, his words making me frown.
What the hell did he mean?
* * *
I got a text from Ava around nine. We had finally exchanged numbers a few days prior, but this was the first time she had used the digits.
Ava: Drinking with the girls.
Hunter: Are you drunk?
Ava: I can’t feel my toes.
Hunter: I’ll take that as a yes. Be safe, Little Dragon. Have fun.
Ava: I like it when you call me that.
Hunter: I like calling you Little Dragon.
Ava: Sleeping at Addi’s.
Hunter: Good.
I smiled as I rummaged in the fridge to find something to eat. I was glad she was with her family and having fun, although part of me was disappointed I wouldn’t see her.
My phone buzzed.
Ava: When I’m drunk, I get horny.
Hunter: Good to know.
Ava: I’m drunk.
Hunter: LOL. So, you’re horny? I can’t help you.
Ava: Dammit.
Hunter: I’ll make it up.
Ava: Good. Will you do that thing with your tongue? I really like that.
I burst out laughing.
Hunter: Whatever you want.
Ava: I want that. I want you. Your big cock inside me and your mouth on mine.
Hunter: And my tongue doing that thing?
Ava: Yes.
I had to adjust myself at the thought of being inside her. We fit each other well. In fact, she was perfect around me.
Hunter: Tomorrow, Little Dragon. Tomorrow, I’ll be all over you. As long as you’re not hungover.
Ava: I’m wet, Hunter.
I dropped my head, shaking it and groaning.
Hunter: Jesus.
Ava: I want you. I want you all the time.
Hunter: I can’t show up at Addi’s for a booty call.
Ava: She wouldn’t mind.
Once again, I began to laugh. She was incorrigible. But I sobered at her next message.
Ava: I had a bad day.
Hunter: Why?
Ava: Another asshole. He called me a C U Next Tuesday. I hate that word.
Hunter: Give me his name.
Ava: No.
Hunter: Give me his name, and I’ll get Ronan and we’ll pay him a visit.
Ava: I love that you and my bros are buddies.
Hunter: Name.
Ava: It’s fine. The girls and I are drinking the day away.
I drummed my fingers on the counter, the rage inside me shocking. I wanted to find this idiot who upset her and teach him a lesson. Drive my fist into his face and wipe the no doubt superior smile off it. He needed someone to teach him some manners.
I was glad that Ava was with people who cared about her, although a huge part of me wanted to trudge through the trees and knock on every door there until I found out which house was Addi’s and bring Ava back here with me. I’d make her forget about that asshole. I’d make her forget about everything but me. Us. Our bodies moving together, slick with sweat and desire. My cock buried so deep inside her, she’d feel it for days.
I shook my head. What was it about this woman that made me want to protect her? To say to hell with everything and everybody and go find her? I wanted to wrap her in my arms and hold her until the distress faded. Kiss her until she forgot about the day. Be the one who made her feel better.
I looked down at the screen, seeing she had sent another message.
Ava: I’m fine—really. I shouldn’t have said anything. Having fun. You sleep well. I’ll see you soon. Night.
I smiled grimly as I replied.
Hunter: Count on it.
* * *
Ava
I walked home in the early dawn, enjoying the fresh air. My head ached a little, but otherwise, I felt fine. Maybe a little tired. I ran a hand through my damp hair. I’d grabbed a shower at Addi’s and wore the T-shirt Brayden had loaned me, plus a pair of Addi’s leggings after I spilled wine on myself. I carried my soiled clothes under my arm. Thank goodness for favorite cousins who lived close. I approached my little house tucked up against the backdrop of the towering trees. I’d left my car in the driveway, planning on going to Hunter’s later, when Addi pulled up and told me to get in the car and took me to her house. There Gracie, Heather, Paige, and Beth waited, bottles of wine open and my favorite Chinese takeout on the table.
It had felt good to sit with them and shake off the day. Addi had been in the meeting where I had once again been subjected to name-calling. Not only had she immediately put a stop to any dealings with the company, but Ronan and Brayden had escorted Mr. Edgington none too gently from the building. I tried to hide it, but it upset me. I was used to dealing with tough men. Men who tried to intimidate and talk down to me. Quite often, I ended up winning them over, earning their grudging respect. Sometimes I wasn’t successful. I was used to that. But it felt lately as if the insults had taken on a new level. The disparity nastier. More personal.
Or maybe Hunter was right when he said he thought I was tired. Maybe I needed a break. A holiday.
I glanced at my phone, slightly embarrassed I had texted him. I had to admit, rereading the texts this morning, I felt a delight at his teasing and a thrill at his instant protectiveness. Ronan had told me the two of them were getting along well, and it pleased me. A part of me, way down deep inside, hoped if he made friends with us, if he saw how great living here could be, he would stay. That I wouldn’t have to say goodbye. That the part of me that was growing more attached to him wouldn’t have to feel the pain of his leaving.
I sighed as I approached the door. I needed to tamp that down. He had made his position very clear. Still, a girl could hope.
My heart sped up as I opened the door and found Hunter sitting on the sofa, his long legs crossed at the knee, his foot bobbing impatiently. An empty cup of coffee sat in front of him. He’d obviously been here for a while.
He regarded me, his eyes lit with anger and determination, icy blue flames that mesmerized me.
“Um, hi,” I squeaked. I literally squeaked, my voice was so high. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
He unfurled himself from the sofa. “Really? You were pretty plain last night. You wanted to be fucked. By me. And I’m here to deliver.” He paused. “Me and my tongue.”
“Ah,” I managed to get out through my suddenly dry throat.
“And then we’re going to discuss the asshole that made you drink.”
“Brayden and Ronan kicked him off the property,” I said after clearing my throat. “I-I think they had a lot to say to him. Addi canceled the contract.”
“Good. I’m glad to know your family is protecting you. I guess that leaves me with the other job.”
He crossed the room in three long strides and swooped me into his arms.
“What job?” I asked, breathless.
“Fucking you into oblivion.” The anger in his eyes had been replaced by a scorching heat, a raging inferno of blue and silver lava. “It’s a dirty job, Little Dragon, but someone’s gotta do it.”
“I hope it’s really dirty,” I replied.
He grinned suddenly and leaned close, his mouth hovering over mine. “Filthy.”
* * *
I woke up, warmth surrounding me. Hunter had me held tight to his chest, his arms banded around me, his leg over mine, keeping me close. For a moment, I didn’t move, enjoying being so close to him. Gradually, I shifted and blinked in the bright morning light. Behind me, he grunted.
“You’re finally awake.”
I swallowed, wriggling from his hold and reaching for my bottle of water. I drank deeply and turned to look at him. “That’s what happens when you get fucked into oblivion.” I air-quoted the words and grimaced a little as I moved. “You did your job well.”
He crossed his arms under his head. “I figured that out by your screams of pleasure.”
“I didn’t scream.”
“Well, you groaned and called my name. Loudly. God and a few other deities too. You curse like a sailor when I fuck you.” He lifted one eyebrow. “Did you use to be one?”
I nodded. “I should have mentioned that.”
He threw back his head in laughter. “I see.”
I pushed him back and straddled his legs, running my hands along his bare chest, letting them drift lower, grinning as his dick began to thicken. “Permission to come aboard, Captain?”
He gripped my hips. “Permission granted. Both of them. Climb aboard and come. Hard.”
“Aye-aye.”
* * *
I was alone when I woke the next time. I slid from bed, my muscles protesting, and padded to the shower, letting the heat ease the ache. I dressed and put up my hair, then headed to the kitchen. The only evidence of Hunter being there earlier was the washed coffee cup in the drainer.
Well, that and the pleasant hum between my thighs.
I made a cup of coffee, frowning as I opened the fridge and saw the pot of sauce and meatballs I had made earlier in the week and never eaten. Glancing at the clock, I felt an idea form, and I pulled the pot from the fridge and set it on the stove to reheat. I drank my coffee on my front deck, waving at Liam as he went past in the golf cart, piled high with dirt and plants. Lucy was beside him, a big hat on her head, and she waved wildly as they drove by, a small shovel in her hand. The two of them would no doubt have a grand time digging in the dirt, with Lucy asking a thousand and one questions that Liam would patiently answer as he tried to make sure she didn’t drown his seedlings or attempt to bury her prosthetic arm and see if it would grow too. She was a constant source of amusement to everyone, and we all adored her. Liam especially so. Every time she called him Daddy, his face melted and he was putty in her hands.
A fact she was well aware of.
Inside, I boiled some noodles, tasted the sauce, and grated a huge pile of Asiago cheese. Once the noodles were cooked, I combined them with the sauce and meatballs, piled on the cheese, and put on the lid. Then I headed through the forest and toward Hunter.
