Vanessa walked in and sighed. “Couldn’t you see yourself baking in this kitchen, Ava?”
With a fake smile, I turned her way. “Yep.”
“Now upstairs are six bedrooms and two bathrooms. Every light fixture in the house is turn-of-the-century original to the house.”
Nate walked up next to me and leaned in close as he asked, “Would you like me to shut her off now?”
“Please,” I whispered.
Nate clapped his hands together, getting Vanessa’s attention. “So, Vanessa, I’m sure Ava is pretty exhausted from the trip here and is probably ready to rest.”
Pulling her head back and wearing the fakest concerned look I’d ever seen, she asked, “The forty-minute drive got you tired? Well … country life must not agree with you.”
I opened my mouth to say something when Ryder seemed to finally snap out of his Vanessa-daze.
“Um … Vanessa, it was really great seeing you, but if you don’t mind we’d probably like to get settled in. We have a lot of things to take care of.”
She looked hurt as her eyes bounced from me to Ryder. “Right, of course. Dinner tonight?”
“Not for me,” I quickly said. Looking over to Ryder, I flashed him a smirk. “But please, don’t let me keep you from catching up with an old friend.”
I could see Ryder was not pleased with me and I could have cared less.
Vanessa jumped just enough to make her breasts bounce as I turned away and rolled my eyes. “Oh good! Can I count on you boys for dinner?”
“As much fun as that would be, I’m going to have to pass as well. This trip was for Ava.”
Disappointment was laced in Vanessa’s voice as she said, “I see. Well, it was great seeing you again and I hope to see you before you leave.” Turning to me, she held her hand out. “Ava, it was nice meeting you.”
With a forced smile, I nodded my head. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
“I’ll walk you out, Vanessa,” Nate said as he motioned for her to head out of the kitchen first. She turned to kiss Ryder on the cheek, but he was smart enough to avoid it.
With a deep breath in and out, Vanessa nodded. “Good seeing you.”
Ryder turned and stared at me intently. “I’m sorry if you got the impression that I—”
Leaning over on my crutches, I held up my hand. “Please don’t. I acted like a child and let jealousy take over. I think I’m tired.”
Ryder’s crooked smile had my stomach dropping as he walked up and placed his hand on the side of my face. “I swear there is nothing there.”
My eyes threatened to build with tears for some unknown reason. “I’m tired. Can you please help me upstairs to a bedroom?”
Pulling his head back, Ryder asked, “You don’t want to explore the house?”
“Not right now.”
“O-okay. Let me help you up the steps and we’ll stay in the room I always stay in. There’s a queen-size bed in there.”
“Sounds good.”
We didn’t utter a single word as I slowly made my way up the stairs.
“YOU LOOK LIKE you just lost your dog, dude.”
With a frustrated sigh, I dropped onto the sofa and glared at Nate.
“Ava’s pissed at me.”