“I understand that!” I yell back in frustration. “I have the baby to think about. I’m not as selfish as Will paints me out to be. Everyone thinks I’m some heartless person who only thinks about herself.”
Austin drops his head, bringing his hand to his mouth. “You’re not selfish, Ava. Far from it. But it’s not just the baby…”
It takes a moment for it to register, and it becomes apparent when his gaze locks onto mine. The warmth of his honey-colored eyes spreads all over me like a breeze on a perfect summer's day.
And then, I remember our conversation last night, when he admitted his feelings for me have shifted, and I’m not alone in this. This thing happening between us isn’t just in my imagination.
I no longer care what Will thinks, or anyone else for that matter. Why should I continue to fight against all odds when the most kind-hearted, beautiful, and brilliant man is standing in front of me?
The father of my child.
And I can’t deny my heart of what it so desperately wants.
“Stay with me,” I breathe, unable to break his longing stare. “Stay with me tonight.”
“Ava, I don’t think you know what you’re asking me to do.”
“I need to hear it, Austin, from your lips. Tell me I’m not crazy. Tell me it isn’t just this pregnancy,” I beg of him.
His feet move slowly, my eyes falling upon every step until he’s inches away. Then, finally, Austin raises his hand, placing it on my cheek as I lean in. My eyes close of their own accord, the comfort of his touch so right I never want to feel anything else.
“This is more than tonight.”
Austin’s lips fall upon my forehead. Slowly, he pulls away but keeps me in his arms. This magnetic force between us is so strong, like gravity pulling us together to sync the beat of our hearts.
And between us, a tiny heartbeat connects us in the most profound way possible.
The graze of his finger touches my chin, and gently, he lifts it, so our eyes meet.
“I’m falling in love with you,” he whispers so delicately.
Tilting my head, he laces his hand around my neck and brings me closer. Our soft breaths mix until our lips graze, forcing me to suck in my breath to control my heated urges.
Austin’s lips are warm, teasing me with a gentle roll of the tongue. Soft moans escape me while we both lose ourselves in the moment. A kiss, while simple to some, is so much more when it’s with the person who owns your heart.
Suddenly, the door buzzes, both of us are startled by the loud sound.
I run my finger down Austin’s cheek before walking toward the intercom.
“Yes, Harry?”
“Miss Edwards, it’s your sister Amelia.”
My eyes close momentarily, to then open with a heavy sigh. “Let her up.”
Turning back around, I see Austin watching me with a smile which begins to waver. He runs his hands through his hair, and just like me, exhales a deep breath.
The knock on the door is soft, not at all like Millie’s usually demanding bang.
My fingers punch the code, followed by turning the handle. As soon as the door opens, my gaze falls upon Millie’s puffy face. Her usually vibrant eyes are surrounded by red, dulling down the emerald green we have in common.
Millie sniffs, crossing her arms at the same time she glances upward to the ceiling.
“I’m sorry, I had nowhere else to go.”
I pull her into the apartment for her eyes to widen upon noticing Austin.
“Oh.” She shakes her head in confusion. “I didn’t think you’d be here. I’m sorry if I’m interrupting something.”