“I am fine. I need to see this video.” I watch the exclusive and of course they cover their ass, saying it’s all hearsay from the woman’s camp, but reporters will be invading the small town soon. She leaked the address. Not that it’s hard to find. His ranch I’m sure is listed as a business.
“Ava, Ava,” Tobias shouts my name frantically through the house.
Seeing Louisa, he doesn’t know whether to be angry or relieved. I hear the vehicles pulling up to the secured gate, buzzing it like crazy.
“You told her?” he asks Louisa angrily.
“I have to ask you, Tobias. I want an honest answer. Is there any truth to this?”
“No way in hell. I’ve never touched that woman—” I press my hand to his lips, stopping right there.
“I believe you.”
“You do?” he questions, looking so unbelievably confused.
“Yes. I do.”
He kisses me hard. “You are my fucking world, Ava.”
Now I brace myself for the onslaught. “Let’s address them.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am, Tobias. Let’s get the trash out of our lives.”
We step outside, and there are more security guys at the gate than I remembered. “I’ve beefed up security. Besides my friend’s firm there’s another one in town I called.” When they see us, questions come flying out of their mouths in a mad rush that I can’t make out over the noise.
Tobias gives them the shut the fuck up signal of his palm out. There’s still chatter, but it’s gotten a little lower. “Hello, calm down. I’m not saying shit until you act a little civilized. I don’t want you on my doorstep harassing me, so if you don’t act right, my guards will deal with the mess.” They calm down and wait. They’re like hungry sharks with a bait ball. “So as it stands, whatever her name has fabricated the story. She’s most definitely not carrying my baby. I’ve never touched her, and my lawyer will be contacting her with a defamation lawsuit.”
I tap his shoulder and whisper in his ear. “I need to say something.”
“Have at it, baby.”
“Hello, I’m Ava Henry. I’d also like to address the rumors that I came to seduce Tobias. We only just met when I arrived in Cunningham Falls after I received help while sleeping in my car. According to reports, I skipped town with my father’s money. That’s a lie. I will come into a trust on my next birthday. None of which will belong to my father, but I ran from his home after he left me with a black eye and bruising. The teller at the bank knew I needed help but feared going to the police and led me to this town. She’s an amazingly wonderful person. I might add that the photos making TMZ’s page were given to him by my father’s investigators. See, he sent these to me.” I lift up the pictures I have and continue. “Proving he knew where to find me.”
“Are you and Tobias Reynolds an item?” One reporter asks.
“We’re engaged,” Tobias interjects, sliding his arm around me. “Now—that’s all we have to say. The rest will be handled by our lawyers. Now, you’re trespassing on private property, so please move along.” He lets go of my waist, then takes my hand, and we turn around to head back to the house. “Come on, love. We have company waiting for us.”
Chapter 12
Tobias
I’m leaning back on the kitchen island with a beer to my lips as I stare at my fiancée with wonder and amazement. When John met me on the field to say that my old cook told TMZ that I’d fucked and then dumped her on the street with my kid in her stomach, my heart nearly stopped. He rushed me over to the house before I collapsed with fear of losing the woman I love. I couldn’t let Ava believe that bullshit and prayed that she wouldn’t.
Thankfully, the tears she cried were out of frustration, but she gave me her trust. We stood as a united front with that crowd of paparazzi and spoke our peace. My lawyer’s preparing the papers for a lawsuit, including a paternity test to prove it. As much as I hate the idea, it’s what I need to prove my innocence.
As Ava cooks lunch, keeping herself occupied, I admire everything about her. Louisa sits on the stool next to her, and they chat about the kids, hoping to soothe the tension we all feel.
“I need to have a word with you in private, Ava.” I stop her hand from cutting the vegetables and set the knife down. “Excuse us, Louisa.”
“What’s up?” she asks as I lead her to my office. I don’t answer until we’re inside with the door closed, then I pin her to it. Thrusting my hands into her hair, I claim her mouth, kissing her frantically.