Age of Ava by Melanie Moreland
Chapter 18
Hunter
Iwandered the house after Ava left the next day, restless and edgy. We’d eaten dinner, brought home leftovers, then spent the night playing backgammon and Scrabble at the kitchen table. She made simple, silly things fun. I couldn’t recall the last time I’d played anything but a game of poker with some guys I was working with. But when she saw the games I had found in the cupboard, she was delighted and insisted we needed to use them, not throw them out.
“You have to keep them, Hunter. If you do rent the place, they’re great pastimes for people when it rains.”
She had a point. But when she opened the backgammon and found it in perfect, although slightly dusty, condition, she wanted to play. It turned out my Little Dragon was competitive and fierce with board games. She loved trash talk and strategizing. Taking my men. Her intelligence was evident during Scrabble. Her love of the triple word score abounded. I challenged her often, making her look up words only to piss her off. I insisted she had to use the dictionary I found with the games and not her phone, in keeping with the theme of the night of old-fashioned fun. She would squint as she looked up the word, her beautiful eyes flashing in triumph as she read the definition and used the word in a sentence.
When she stood to dance yet another victory, I chased her to the bedroom and tackled her on the bed. The laughter soon became something else entirely. Late in the night, I woke up and found her in the kitchen, sitting on the counter in my T-shirt, eating Chinese food. I stood between her legs, letting her feed me bites, then finally carried her back to bed, holding her close until she slept again.
She was quiet in the morning as we moved around. She helped me sort a closet in the guest room, discovering a few more things she insisted needed to stay. A pile of barely looked-at magazines, some old-fashioned glassware, and a popcorn maker for a fire.
“You never know what you’re going to find,” she enthused. “All hidden treasures.”
We took Cash for a walk after lunch, and when we got back, she paused on the porch.
“I should go.”
I nodded. “Okay.” I already knew I wouldn’t see her tonight and probably not tomorrow. I hated the thought of it. I also hated the fact that I hated it.
She pushed her hands into her back pockets. “Um, the invitation is open, you know, in case you change your mind and want a swim and some food. It’s really casual. You can bring Cash if you want.”
“Thanks,” I said, unable to refuse her outright. We both knew I wouldn’t go, but neither of us wanted to acknowledge the fact that I was that much of an asshole.
“Okay, there’s some Chinese left for you.”
“I’m good, Little Dragon. Enjoy your time with the girls and have fun.” I didn’t add “tomorrow,” but she knew.
A sad look crossed her face, and her bright eyes dimmed a little. But she didn’t falter, leaning up and kissing my cheek. “See you later,” she murmured.
She didn’t look back, disappearing down the trail.
I missed her the moment she was out of sight.
Now unable to settle, I searched for something to do. Knowing I had to clear out the master bedroom before demo started, I grabbed some boxes and sorted through the surprisingly large closet. Most of it was being tossed. Old clothes, shoes, hats, and such. I found a couple of plaid shirts, never worn, with the prices still attached. I tossed those on the bed, knowing they would come in handy. There were some file boxes on the top shelf I pulled down. I opened the lids, quickly looking inside. One contained paperwork I decided I would go through. Another was tax returns, and the third contained piles of envelopes, the edges of some yellowed and curled and others looking newer. They looked more personal than business-related, so I assumed they were letters to my grandmother from when they were young, as well as other correspondence. I decided to put them aside until another time, and I spent the rest of the day sorting the other two boxes. I started a fire, burning everything I had no need or interest in keeping. I cracked a beer, watching the flames flicker and eat the paper I patiently fed to it. I tried not to think of Ava, but she popped into my head without trying. Her smiles and laughter. Her wit and intelligence. The way she wrinkled her nose when concentrating. Her unapologetic appetite.
How she felt in my arms. How I felt when I was with her. The way we moved together.
How empty my bed would be tonight.
How lonely I would be again when I left this place, left her, in the not-too-distant future.
I pushed those thoughts out of my head.
That was my life. It was all I knew.
I had no choice.
At least, that was what my head kept saying.
* * *
The next day, my restlessness grew tenfold. I was up early, working, clearing the back, getting ready to have the foundations poured. As soon as I got my permit, I needed to get it done. I worked under the heat of the sun, sweat pouring down my back as I used the chainsaw to clear away branches and the ax to chop at the undergrowth. I paused to wipe my brow, draining a bottle of water. I noticed some pieces of shingles in the pile of undergrowth, and I stepped back, peering at the roof. Cursing, I grabbed my ladder and climbed to the top, walking carefully on the spongy surface. Near the center, I discovered a missing patch of roofing, as well as another one farther over the peak. Luckily, rain wasn’t forecast for the next few days, but I was going to have to get some tarps and cover the holes. The whole thing was coming off once the extension was done, but I would need to protect the gaps until that happened. We’d had a storm last week, and the shingles must have come off then. I recalled Ava blaming Cash for spilling his water bowl, but eyeing the missing shingles, I realized the water had come in from the ceiling, not his bowl. I walked the entire roof, pausing at the top to glance toward Ava’s. I realized I could see the houses of the compound up here. At least a few of them. I could see her roof and the huge structure she called the Hub that stood closer to the water. I stretched as high as I could, curiosity filling me. I wondered if she was home now at the center of the place where they would gather for the barbecue. I glanced at my watch, surprised to see it was already past twelve, and Ava had said they usually started around eleven. I squinted, pretty certain I could make out the building where they would be. I thought I saw people gathering, even heard the sounds of music drifting across the open space, but I decided it was only my imagination working overtime.
With a huff, I climbed down the ladder. I’d have to go and buy some tarps this week. I went inside and showered. I began to get dressed, ignoring the constant pull in my chest. I looked in the mirror, staring at my reflection. I could see the yearning on my face, feel the need building inside me. For a moment, I didn’t move, then I groaned.
Fuck it.
* * *
Ava
I set out the two huge platters of appetizers, knowing they would be cleared in a flash. We had tons more inside. I sniffed the air, smelling the chickens on the spit and the large roast beef Van had been cooking since eight o’clock. The air was rich with the scents of the cooking meat. The rec center fridges held platters of burgers and sausages. Up at the Hub were massive bowls of salads and tables of desserts. Buns and all the condiments were in coolers. When we were ready to grill, the golf carts would be loaded and the food transported here in quick succession.
There was a large bar set up, coolers of iced beer, wine, and soft drinks cold and ready to drink. Lots of alcohol and mixers on hand. We had spiked iced tea and lemonade, as well as plain variations available, the tall glass beverage holders glinting with moisture in the heat.
It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze. The sun was out, with only a handful of puffy clouds visible in the sky. But it wasn’t too hot yet, which was great. The men had erected canopies, so there were lots of places to sit and get out of the sun if it got too much. The glass doors to the rec center were all pushed open, and you could sit inside and still be part of the party.
It was one of my favorite get-togethers of the year. Most of us tried to make it, so the place was usually jumping. I always enjoyed it.
But today, my smile was more forced than usual. My laughter not as easily found. As I looked around at my family, I felt slightly cut off. Not everyone had a partner, but most did. A few not-married had boyfriends or girlfriends with them. I was the oldest one without a partner. It had never bothered me before.
But that was before Hunter Owens entered my life.
I hated leaving him yesterday. He didn’t say it, but there was a desolate look in his eyes as he waved me off, pretending to be cheerful. Once again, he chose to be alone. It didn’t have to be that way, but it was what he thought was needed.
He’d texted me once last night, saying he hoped I was having a good time. I’d texted him back, telling him I was but was thinking of him. He never responded.
I had hoped to hear from him this morning. Hoped that somehow, the scent of the meat roasting would drift to his bluff, and he would regret his decision and join us. Relax and discover my family were awesome people. That perhaps he would unwind a little and see how he could fit in—that maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to leave. I hoped in vain since my phone never rang, and eventually, I stopped feeling anticipation when a vehicle would pull into the compound. He wouldn’t change his mind.
I went inside to apply some more sunscreen and, if I was being honest, hide for a few moments. I looked in the mirror, grateful for sunglasses and the hat I was going to wear. I looked dejected, which was silly. He had to live his life the way he saw fit, and I had promised not to push. He wouldn’t be comfortable here, and that was the end of the story. I had to put him out of my mind and enjoy the day.
Determined, I finished applying the sunscreen, fixed a smile on my face, and headed outside. I went to the bar, pouring one of Maddox’s spiked iced teas. They were delicious and refreshing and, if you weren’t careful, would knock you off your feet. I took a sip of the cold beverage, turning around to call out to my dad.
I froze at what I saw, a small gasp escaping my mouth. From the direction of my house, Hunter was walking slowly toward the rec center, Cash trotting beside him, his tail wagging furiously. Hunter was dressed in a pair of cargo shorts, with a tight gray T-shirt stretched across his torso, showing off his arms and pecs. He wore a baseball hat and sunglasses, and in his free hand, he carried a case of Creemore. Cash barked excitedly at seeing me, and everyone turned in the direction of the sound.
“Who the hell is that?” someone muttered.
My mom appeared at my elbow. “Go and welcome him, Ava. He must be second-guessing his decision already with this lot staring him down.”
Before I could move, Ronan and Liam were headed toward him, slapping his back, taking the beer, and unclipping the lead on Cash’s collar. My feet moved of their own accord, and I stopped in front of him.
“You came,” I breathed out, crouching down to stroke Cash.
Hunter smiled and knelt beside me. “I did.” He glanced toward the group behind me. “I might already be regretting it.”
“Don’t,” I pleaded. “Come meet them. Have something to eat. A swim. It’ll be fun. I promise.”
I was shocked when he held out his hand, taking mine and squeezing it. “Okay, Little Dragon. I’m holding you to that.”
We stood and headed toward my family.
* * *
Hunter
I had no idea why I decided to come. All I knew was I wanted to be where she was—wherever that was. Before I could change my mind, I put on some decent shorts and an unwrinkled shirt, grabbed the unopened case of Creemore, and snapped on Cash’s lead. As I wound my way down the path to her house, my feet never paused. Whether that was because Cash was pulling me along as fast as he could go or because I was as anxious as he was, I didn’t know. At her place, I skirted the house and stopped in the front, for the first time hesitating. I wondered how her family would react. How I would react to them. It wasn’t hard to find the party once I was close. I could smell the food, hear the laughter. I rounded the corner, approaching the pool, the large building behind it open and filled with Ava’s family. I spotted her immediately, getting a drink from a glass jug. I tried not to laugh at her outfit. A gray T-shirt and long shorts looked effortlessly sexy on her and matched mine. Her hair was tucked under a hat, and she wore sunglasses. Someone spotted me, and there was a lull in the conversations as the group stared. For a moment, nothing happened, then Liam and Ronan broke away and came over to greet me. They were friendly and welcoming, but I only had eyes for the beautiful brunette headed my way. Her brothers relieved me of the Creemore and unclipped Cash’s lead.
“He’s safe here,” Ronan assured me. “And welcome.” He slapped me on the back. “As are you.”
Ava came over and kneeled in front of Cash, giving him the affection he loved from her.
“You came,” she whispered.
“I did.”
Part of me was already regretting it, but she asked me to stay even for a little while, and I couldn’t say no to her. As we headed toward her family, I wondered if that would ever change.
Up close, her father and uncles were a scary lot. But their handshakes were firm and their smiles friendly.
Ava introduced me simply as Hunter Owens. “Our new neighbor for the time being. I thought he might enjoy a day away from all the work he’s doing up at the house.”
Bentley Ridge nodded. “I hear you’ve been busy.”
“Yes, I have,” I agreed.
“Great view from that angle,” Maddox Riley stated. “Peaceful and private.”
“Just how I like it,” I replied.
Aiden, Ava’s father, grinned at me. “Your grandfather liked to chase me off his property with a shotgun.”
“I’ve heard. It wasn’t loaded.” I laughed. “Even if it had been, I doubt he could have hit the side of a barn at fifty paces. His eyesight was for shit.” At least that was what his lawyer had told me.
That made everyone laugh, and I felt as if I had passed some sort of test.
I was hugged by the women I had already met, plus a few new ones to add to the confusion. I lost count of the names and relationships—who belonged to whom, kids, grandkids, cousins—it was all a blur.
It took me a while to figure out why people were grinning until I realized I was still holding Ava’s hand, mine wrapped tightly around hers, gripping it hard.
Cami smiled, her kindness hard to resist. “There are some munchies out. The real food will be about another hour or more. Help yourself.”
I let Ava drag me to the table, and I reluctantly released her hand so she could fill a plate.
“I thought these were munchies?” I asked, eyeing the towering plate. It was overflowing with sticky ribs, chicken strips, stuffed mushrooms, steak bites, spicy sausage slices, as well as cheese, crackers, dips, and veggies.
“They are. We can share.” She led us to one of the many tables, where Liam, Ronan, and their wives waited. Ronan pushed a beer toward me.
“You probably need this.”
I accepted it gratefully, swallowing the cold brew. I dared to glance around, surprised to see I wasn’t being stared at—at least not openly. I was sure I was being discussed, but I felt comfortable at this table. I saw Cash with a few of the guys, playing frisbee, catching and returning it, in his glory.
“He’ll end up in the pool,” I said dryly, tucking into the delicious repast in front of me.
“No worries. It’s all good,” Liam assured me.
“No other dogs here?”
“At times, we’ve had hamsters, fish, dogs, cats, even a goat once,” Ava explained. “Reid and Becca still have a couple of cats. Van’s dog died about three years ago. He’s never had the heart to get another one. So, right now, Cash is on his own.”
I laughed. “And loving it.”
I finished the last item on the plate, and Ava began to get up. I placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll get it, Little Dragon. I didn’t come here for you to wait on me.”
I headed to the table and began filling the plate again. I was going to need to run or swim before I could eat again, but I didn’t care. Everything was delicious.
A large shadow appeared beside me, and I met the gaze of Ava’s father. I noticed his different colored eyes, the green and brown irises bright in his face. I had observed Cami’s bright-green gaze the first time I met her. I could see how Ava got such unusual eyes now.
He regarded me steadily. “Can I get you anything?” he asked.
“No, sir. This is an amazing feast. I appreciate the invitation.”
“My wife likes you.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to that. “Ah.”
“Ronan and Liam say you’re very talented. Lots of construction experience.”
“Yes, I’ve done it for a lot of years.”
“They seem to like you as well. They’ve mentioned you often.”
“They’ve been very kind, helping me at times.”
“Ava invited you over today?”
“Ah, yes?” I said, my reply sounding more like a question.
“Oddly enough, Ava has never mentioned you to me. Not directly. I wasn’t aware of your, ah, friendship until a short while ago.”
I felt the back of my neck prickle. “Oh,” I managed to croak out. “She helped me at city hall. We’ve run into each other a few times, and she’s been very neighborly.”
“Neighborly,” he repeated. “Is that what they’re calling it these days? Huh.”
The prickle became an irritating itch. I had to stop myself from rubbing the back of my neck to relieve the tic.
“Her silence says more than words, Hunter.” He smiled at me, his hand on my shoulder. “I love my daughter.”
“I’m sure you do. She is a great friend.”
He nodded slowly. “Friend.” Then a grin crossed his face. “You know, I heard history repeats itself. This is just too funny.” His slaps to my shoulder were heavy. “Too fucking funny. I’m going to like this. Enjoy the food. Plenty more to come.” He walked away, shaking his head. He stopped and murmured to his wife, who also chuckled, then slapped his hand. He rejoined the men at the circle of barbecues and smokers and said something. They all laughed raucously, and I had a feeling it was directly to do with me. I returned to the table with another plate of food.
“What did my dad say to you?” Ava asked, looking anxious.
“I’m not sure. Except he made my neck sweat, and I have a feeling it’s not over.”
Ronan heard me and laughed. “He does that. Ignore him. Dad loves to tease.”
I forced a grin and picked up another rib. I had a feeling it was just beginning.
* * *
A strange feeling followed me all afternoon. The fact that my presence made Ava so happy somehow made me happy. Between the munchies and the late lunch, we took a walk, and Ava showed me the property. The houses were well-built, the land used wisely. None of them was showy or ostentatious but built with natural elements—lots of stone and wood on them, fitting into the background. A few were larger, but most were an average size. The Hub was impressive, as was their rec center. I smiled at the golf carts I saw being driven around, picking up food to take to the barbecue. From their beach, you couldn’t see my place, but Ava showed me the rocky cove that separated us and the steep path she’d taken the first day to bring Cash to me. I could see why she preferred using the longer but easier path through the woods. You could see the house was there, but the trees protected it from a full view. I took complete advantage of the fact that we were finally out of sight of her family, and I dragged her into my arms, kissing her until the need that buzzed under my skin settled and she was breathless. I knocked off her hat, her hair spilling over her shoulders. I buried my hands in it, kissing her again, drinking in her sweetness.
“I still can’t believe you’re here,” she murmured against my mouth.
“I couldn’t stay away,” I admitted.
“Good.”
“The barbecue smelled too good to resist,” I teased. “I was hungry.”
She gasped in outrage and bit my lip playfully, moaning as I yanked her back to my chest. “You’re too good to resist,” I whispered.
She wrapped herself around me. “I know.”
The meal was spectacular. I ate three helpings, and Ronan declared me to be part Callaghan. I laughed at his teasing, surprised to realize how much I was enjoying myself. I couldn’t recall doing so—ever. I helped with cleanup, grinning at how everyone pitched in so it was done quickly. Leftovers were covered for snacks later, and everyone found a place to relax. I talked to Ava’s brother Paul about his environmental passion. To Jeremy about his interior specialty. I noticed how families seemed to congregate together to eat and relax, and I was able to piece together groupings easier. The way they all got along fascinated me. I had never experienced anything like it. They seemed to have genuine affection for one another. The older mixed with the younger, laughing and talking. Beth’s brother Evan had a special relationship with Ronan and Aiden, never straying far from either of them. Lucy was like a magnet to Liam’s side, and I was shocked to find out she was adopted and not his biologically. She resembled him closely.
They were all real, decent people. Not an asshole in the bunch. They were friendly, kind, and warm.
Until the games started.
Then all gloves came off, and suddenly, I understood Ava’s competitiveness.
Croquet, horseshoes, wiffle ball, pool volleyball—all were taken seriously. And everyone, aside from Sandy and Jordan, joined in. The grandparents kept score, called fouls, and tried to keep everyone in line.
They failed.
I had never laughed so hard in my life. Misdirected croquet balls, hip checks that sent the horseshoe flying anywhere but the stake, cannonballs and dunking during the volleyball—nothing was sacred.
And I loved every moment.
Later as darkness fell, fire pits were lit, hot dogs were brought out to roast, and all the ingredients for s’mores appeared. Mounds of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers were piled in bowls. I had been certain I wouldn’t eat again, but I managed some of the still-delicious leftovers plus three hot dogs and at least half a dozen marshmallows. I settled back against the lounger and sipped some ice water, strangely content once Ava joined me, resting her back pressed to my chest. It seemed as soon as she was close, I wanted her closer. Her family knew we were more than friends, but no one had gotten in my face about it, and somehow that made me even more relaxed.
I pressed a fast kiss to her head. “Good day?” I murmured.
“The best,” she confirmed. She found my hand in the darkness and squeezed it. “Thank you.”
I squeezed back. “I had a great day.” I chuckled. “So did Cash. He’s passed out over there with the kids.” I shook my head. “He’s going to find me boring company after today.”
“He can come back anytime. You can too.”
I felt the stirrings of something. Panic, worry, sadness—something. I took a sip of my water, trying to find the right words to say.
“I just meant if you want a swim or something. It’s always open,” she added. “After a long day of working on the house, it might feel good.”
“Thanks.”
I was conflicted. These people were nothing like I thought they would be. They were warm, open, and friendly. Not once did they mention my property or buying it. A few had spoken of my grandfather but only in the kindest of terms. I was beginning to wonder if he had been wrong. If what Natasha had told me was simply malicious gossip and not fact.
“Do you, ah, know Natasha Mayor?” I asked Ava.
She snorted. “Yeah, we all do.”
“I assume you don’t like her?”
She shrugged. “I don’t really know her well. She had a thing for Liam in high school. Lied and told people they were together, even though Liam barely spoke to her. She wasn’t very nice in high school, and he wasn’t interested. She didn’t like it when he set the record straight. She’s been bitter since that day. I don’t think she has much good to say about us. Any of us.”
I shut my eyes in shame. I had listened to her and made a judgment before meeting Ava’s family.
“Why?”
“I met her at the lawyer’s office. She seemed a little angry.”
“She’s been angry for years. Ignore whatever gossip she’s spouting these days.”
That was good advice. From this day on, I would make up my own mind about the BAM family.
Ronan strolled by, grinning down at us. He sat on the chair beside me. “You ready for me to come help with the house?” He opened his arms. “You got a whole crew with experience here.”
“No, I’m good, thanks.”
He didn’t push it, sitting back and crossing his leg. “You change your mind, let me know.”
I nodded.
Ava yawned, and I nudged her. “I should go. You need to get to bed. Monday is going to come early.”
She smiled. “I have the day off. We all do. BAM and ABC stay closed on the Monday after our family barbecue.” Then she lowered her voice. “You can come back to mine if you want?”
The thought of being alone with her, being able to touch her sun-drenched skin, kiss her marshmallow-sweet mouth, and bury myself inside her was too much to resist.
“Take me home, Ava,” I whispered, nuzzling behind her ear. “Now.”
She shivered.
“Okay.”
