“I don’t know if I can, but I will try. Do you still love this guy who did that to you?” Damn it. I didn’t mean to ask that.
“I used to love him.”
“Not anymore?”
“I’m not sure.” I nod because that actually fucking hurts more than it should. I can’t just walk away even though I probably should.
“You can tell me about it when you’re ready.” I don’t want to hear about her and some other bastard, but I want her to feel safe here and with me.
“Thank you, Tobias. Now enough of the heavy. Let’s have our dinner.”
“Sounds good to me.” It doesn’t. I’ve suddenly lost my appetite. She serves our food, and we sit at the kitchen table to eat. It looks and smells great so even though I have a massive knot in my stomach, I take a bite. Fuck, it’s better than it smells and so perfectly tender that it falls apart in my mouth. This woman is driving me nuts.
“Dinner was delicious.” I stand and take my plate to the sink. “I need to handle some paperwork. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Have a good night.” I nod and leave the room. I completely forget about John’s edict to be honest because she’s in love with her fucking abuser. I’ve seen many shows. Women like that may take forever to move on from that emotional entanglement.
As soon as I close my office door, I call the one person I know who can help me and keep everything discreet. “Hey, Tobias, everything okay?”
“Yes, I need to ask for some assistance.” With his agreement, I lay out my request and twenty minutes later, I end the call. Now it’s time to get back to my actual ranch work. My ranchers need to be paid and supplies ordered. I need an assistant for half this shit or hire more ranch hands to handle the day to day that I assist with. Although, I do love working with my hands.
I work well into the night. When I finally feel my eyes getting heavy, it’s already midnight. “Shit. I better get off to bed,” I sigh, standing up and stretching before turning the light off and heading to bed.
I make sure all of the lights are off and the doors locked before I head upstairs. Her light is off, so I quietly enter my bedroom and prepare for bed. Tomorrow I’m going to do my best to fight my urge to kiss her and focus on why she’s here—making sure my stomach is full.
Chapter Six
Ava
“I need to go to the store today,” I remind him. It’s New Year’s Eve and the stores close early. I have a growing list of what he likes. So far everything I’ve made for him, he loves, although he’s been less talkative than the first two days.
“Okay. I’ll take you just before lunch, and we’ll eat at the local diner. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. It’s not as good as your cooking, but it does in a pinch,” he says with a wink.
“Oh…have you been sneaking out at lunch to avoid me?” I narrow my eyes at him while smiling playfully, although I don’t feel so playful. He’s missed lunch twice since I arrived and one dinner.
His eyes widen as he pulls the fork out between those strong lips. “I haven’t been avoiding you,” he whispers sheepishly.
I press my hands to my hips, glaring at him. “It’s been three days since we have said more than a handful of words during meals. In fact, you’re quick to leave, and you eat so fast I’m sure you’re going to give yourself indigestion or already have. I’m not sure because I don’t keep track of the Tums around here.”
“I promised I’d keep this professional. I’m just being professional,” he replies.
Fine. If he’s not bothered about the distance, that’s fine. Keeping it professional means I should be the one out getting the groceries by myself. “Then you don’t have to take me to the store. I can do that myself, you know?” I insist.
He finishes the bite he has in his mouth before returning my stare. “I will take you. End of story. With it being New Year’s Eve, the store’s going to be packed.”
“Do you have plans for tonight?” I ask, wanting to slap my hand over my big mouth. It’s really none of my business, but I had to ask anyway, looking pretty pathetic.
“No. Just sleeping.” His lips turn upward in a sly smirk. Is he talking about not sleeping alone?
“No hot date?” Why can’t I shut my mouth? It’s like I’ve lost it because he’s been ignoring me like we’ve agreed upon.
“I’ve got to get to work, Ava. I’ll be back later to take you.” He pushes back his chair and stands.
“Whatever. If you’re not here by noon, I’m going without you.”