“Well, now I am really horny. I was just teasing before.”
“Something to shoot for, then,” she murmured. “Your dick in my mouth.” She yawned. “Incentive.”
The room grew quiet, and soon her breathing became deep and regular, wafting over my skin. Her hair tickled my shoulder, and the soft, sexy scent of her filled my nose. My body relaxed of its own accord, feeling her warmth soaking into me. She was right. I moved a lot during sex. Sex with her. Everything was heightened when we were together. Touches, scents, tastes. My body felt alive under her touch. She brought that out in me. Once again, she was unique.
And right now, she also brought me peace. That feeling was even rarer.
I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
Chapter 21
Hunter
Three weeks later, I walked into Ava’s house, my gait back to normal. Her car was in the driveway, so I knew she was home. She was sitting at her desk, mumbling to herself.
“The doctor said six to eight weeks. It’s been three. Most normal men who fall off a roof and break their ribs stay down. But not when you’re the invincible Hunter Owens. No, you go back to the jobsite. Right back to where you got hurt. It doesn’t matter if it’s his house or his job. I don’t care what he says. Stubborn, pigheaded idiot.”
She was so deep into trashing me she didn’t even hear me come in. I leaned on the doorway, listening to more of her muttered rant.
“See if I run to the hospital when he gets hurt again. I’m not taking him any damned iced tea either. He can stay thirsty.”
“Now, Little Dragon, I know you wouldn’t let that happen.”
Her beautiful eyes went wide. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Just before pigheaded idiot.”
She lifted her chin and tossed her hair. “Well, you are.”
I crossed the room and sat in the chair by her desk. “Ava, I was going stir-crazy. I was driving you stir-crazy.”
She didn’t say anything but tapped her fingers on the desk. I noticed it was a thing with the women here. They did it to make their partner nervous, make them confess some great sin. Start spewing confessions just to stop the eternal silence and narrowed gaze directed at them. I wasn’t falling for that shit.
Except the room seemed a little hotter and the back of my neck prickled.
“Really, I’m fine. I’m not doing anything. I swear. I can’t. Sitting hurts—I certainly can’t shift drywall or use the nail gun. I’m just there for advice. Guidance.” I took her hand, stopping the tapping. “I’m not putting myself at risk.” Bravely, I met her gaze. “Honest, baby. You can call Van.”
Shit. I caved.
After two weeks of being a patient, I became impatient. I could walk again without much trouble. Lift my arm and use it thanks to the exercises Aiden coached me on. My ribs were still sore, but they were better. I could move without wanting to cry like a six-year-old who’d just lost their balloon in the park. Most of the time.
Once I started feeling better, I asked Ava about going back to the house. I didn’t need as much care now, and it seemed to be the right thing. She looked at me askance.
“Hunter, with all the dust happening, are you crazy? You’ll cough and sneeze and reinjure your ribs, or worse. You’re not going anywhere,” she informed me.
Her words made sense, and I had to admit I was relieved. I liked being with her. I enjoyed her company, our varied conversations, and especially having her next to me at night. She’d slept beside me ever since the night I told her I needed her there.
And I had to admit, I even liked her crazy family, although they took some getting used to. I never knew who would show up, how long they’d stay, or what they would say. I played a lot of cards and board games with the mothers, and Sandy was especially fond of jigsaw puzzles. The men tended to drop by with updates on the house or to check in. Their visits were shorter, and they never brought baked goods or iced tea with them. I preferred the women.
Once I was able to move around, I had Ronan take me to the house, amazed at the progress once again. Beams, posts, and foundations were done. Exterior walls and roof extension done. The roof was being completed as I watched, feeling grateful I wasn’t up there. I walked inside, seeing the new addition changing the entire flow of the house. I started finding my way there whenever Ava was out of her house. She could leave me for longer periods and go into work. It was all going great until Cami ratted me out and Ava arrived at the house, walking in and meeting my startled gaze.