I rolled my eyes at her dig, but I unlocked the door and went inside the house. I kicked off my shoes and indicated the solitary chair. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back.”

In the bathroom, I washed my hands and ran my damp fingers through my hair. Between the wind and Beth’s impatient little fingers, it was a mess. I gripped the edge of the sink and drew in a long, calming breath. I had a feeling I was going to need it.

I headed back to the living room. Ava was by the window, looking at the vast expanse of water.

“What did I see today?”

“Why don’t you tell me?”

She spun around. “I saw you with two women and a couple of kids that aren’t yours—unless you are really good at this secret thing.” She scowled. “Are you into dating two women at once, Ronan? Is that your thing?”

I had to laugh at her thoughts. I supposed what she saw was unusual.

I wiped my eyes. “No—dating one woman. The young boy is her brother. The other woman is her roommate, and that was her daughter. We were having a picnic and looking at the clouds.” I shrugged. “We fell asleep.”

“Who is she?” she asked. “The one you’re dating?”

“Her name is Beth.”

She tapped her foot. “And who is Beth to you?”

“Someone important.”

Her shoulders dropped. “Then why don’t we know about her, Ronan?” She frowned in confusion. “Are you ashamed of us? Your family?”

“What? Fuck no, Ava. It’s not like that at all.”

“What is it like, then? Explain it to me, because I’m confused.” She stepped closer, tilting her head to one side and studying me. “This isn’t like you.”

I met her eyes, grateful to see them more green than brown. “I’m not sure how to explain it so anyone can understand.”

“Try me.”

I walked around, feeling restless. “I met Beth a few weeks ago. We clicked. She’s a waitress and is putting herself through school to become a meteorologist. She also looks after her brother, Evan, who you saw with us.” I glanced over my shoulder. “She has a lot of responsibilities.” I explained about Evan’s accident and his continuing struggle. Then I told her about Paige and Lucy. I explained how we met and the cakes Beth made I had been buying to help her out. How much I enjoyed talking to her. How she made me feel. When I was done, I let out a long breath. It felt good to tell someone about Beth. About everything.

“You’ve been busy.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“And keeping it all to yourself.”

I nodded.

“What were you doing there today? Up on the bluff?”

“I wanted to bring them for a picnic,” I repeated. “Get them out of the city. That spot is one of my favorites on the property. I hang out up there a lot.” I turned and faced her. “I’ve never seen anyone else there but me all these years, so I thought we’d be safe. What were you doing there?”

“Don’t think you can turn this around on me, Ronan. I walk that way often. In fact, I’ve seen you there, but I know you rarely get to be on your own and I always assumed you were seeking solitude, so I didn’t bother you.” She crossed her arms and pursed her lips, looking just like Mom as she studied me. “I was walking that way to see if Mr. Owens was around. If I see him outside his house, I go talk to him, check up on him.”

“See if he’s ready to sell?” I guessed.

“One day, I’ll catch him off guard, and he’ll say yes. He won’t talk to Dad or any BAM people. He threatened to shoot Dad last time he dropped by, even though Dad was only bringing him some soup.”

I chuckled. Mr. Owens was the last holdout of all the properties around the compound. It was a small piece of real estate, on the very edge of all the land we owned and had a great view of the water. I was shocked when he’d refused the last offer—they proposed over market value with the condition he could live there until he died. He’d only threatened to get out his shotgun if they didn’t leave. Still, my dad and the other BAM men liked him, and someone checked on him regularly. The only one he ever seemed to like was Ava, and even that was hit or miss.

Ava narrowed her eyes. “Stop trying to change the subject.”

“I’m not. I was just asking.”

“You were just avoiding my question. What is going on with you? Why haven’t we met Beth? Or even heard about her?”

“I’m not ready to introduce her to the family.”

“Why?”

“Why? Why?” I laughed. “Do I have to have a reason?”

She frowned. “Yes.”

I paced for a minute and finally spoke. “Because I’m not ready to share her yet.”

Tags: Melanie Moreland Vested Interest - ABC Corp Romance
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