Page 93 of Finding Redemption

“No, nothing like that.” I suck the side of my mouth in, chewing on it. “When I first saw him, my mouth went dry for obvious reasons. And then he drove me insane, and I thought he was the biggest dick. But then, I saw a different side of him. Almost vulnerable.”

“You’re right. He is.” She gazes out the window at the pair. “They understand sorrow and pain. It’s as if they feel your broken heart, all because they have one. This family loves unconditionally, and judging isn’t in their vocabulary.”

“He talked to me about Thayer.”

Her head whirls around, putting me immediately on edge. I bounce my knee, hoping I didn’t say something out of confidence.

“He did? Good.” Her eyes narrow, and all I can do is look for the nearest exit, so I can run. “How do you feel about it?”

“Honestly?” She nods. “It’s not who he is but I also know I have a lot to learn about him. There’s a deep seeded reason he wanted to protect her and an even bigger reason he tried to hold her.”

Her eyes bug out. “Wow. He really did tell you everything, didn’t he?”

“I feel like he’s told me the worst of it. I mean, I’m far from perfect. My family life is insane, Alden’s closer to me than anyone. I love my mom, but she pushes in all the wrong ways. And my dad, he’s an asshole.”

“People can change. I’m proof of that.” She pauses. “Does he scare you?”

My heart hammers in my chest. Without a doubt, it’s for the wrong reasons. Well, maybe not. “He does. But not for what you might think.” I peek over at him before gathering the nerve to go on. “I know this sounds all sorts of fucked up but I feel like we have a connection that goes beyond comprehension. Yes, we have chemistry. The way he draws me to him, it’s magnetic.

“And I know what most people think, there’s no such thing as insta-love, like in romance novels but isn’t there? You know when someone has your emotions in a whirl, your panties in a twist and your heart on a string as soon as you meet them. The first time you see them, you know you’re attracted. But then you talk to them, and sometimes it’s instantaneous and others… it’s a slow pull.”

She glances at Riley. “Yeah, I can understand it.”

“I might be crazy. I just know this is where I belong. With him.”

“Why is that crazy?” Her eyes widen.

“I have never wanted this with anyone. I learned at a young age love doesn’t exist, not lasting love.” I clasp my hands to keep them from shaking.

Ava leans over, touching my hand. “Walker’s a good man and as soon as he’ll allow himself to be exactly who he is, you’ll never doubt its existence again.”

I take her hand, holding on to it. “Whatever this is, it’s bigger than anything I’ve ever known.”

“Is he going too fast?” Her eyes drop to our hands.

I watch Walker follow Riley through the door. My chest tightens when his eyes land on mine, my pulse racing. My eyes dart to Ava. “I’d ride with him anywhere.”

“For the record, it may feel overwhelming at times, but I’ve made few good decisions. Andi and Riley were the best. Walker’s worth the chance.” Her face glows as she turns to Riley.

Walker’s face comes into full view, his eyes sparkle deep blue. “Can I get you anything?”

“Hmmm, is this a trick question?” I think my panties may burst into flames.

He bends, brushing against my ear. “What can I do for you?”

“I refuse to answer on the grounds of incriminating myself, counselor.”

“I hear ya. I’m gonna handle it.” He sweeps his lips over mine, and I swoon.

“You hungry, baby?” Riley looks over at Ava. “A few more minutes and we can eat.”

The guy’s head back out, and Ava stands. “Wanna help with the rest of the food?” she asks.

“Sure, I love to cook.” We walk to the kitchen and turn on the additional food. She pulls vegetables from the refrigerator for a salad and I wash and cut.

“So do these boys and they can like nobody I’ve ever seen.” She giggles.

“Walker cooked for me the other night, and it was good. I have a feeling he does everything good, though.” Ava’s eyes grow round with a pop of her mouth. “I didn’t mean that!” I bite my lip. “Okay, I did. He’s holding out and I’m dying here. I know we haven’t known each other for long but geez, people have one-night stands. What’s the big deal?”