Page 2 of Library Lovers

The thing about Ava is she’s unlike any woman I’ve met around here. Hell, she’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met anywhere, and I’ve travelled a lot for work. My pretty face has taken me all over the world. But no matter how many models and actresses I’ve been with, Ava is still in the back of my mind.

This last trip was the longest I’ve been gone. With one shoot after the other lined up, I was away for almost a year. And I didn’t sleep with anyone the whole time. Not for lack of opportunity or desire to do so, but to my complete and utter mortification, I couldn’t get it up.

My dick called timeout on all sexual interaction until I was scrolling through Ava’s Insta. Then he perked up as if I’d just injected Viagra straight into my main vein. That’s when I knew it was time to stake my claim on her once and for all.

Knowing Ava as well as I do, it’s no surprise that I’ve got my work cut out for me. Any other woman would be more than eager to go for a roll in the hay with underwear model Jennings Tate, but not her. Never her.

She’s despised me since I accidentally cut off her braid when we were five. Then I accidentally shoved it down my pants… what? It was silky smooth, and I liked the way it felt against my… well, you get the point. Anyway, after that, it was just too much fun riling her. And she bit back every damn time.

Tormenting Ava gave me a thrill like nothing else. It was, and if I’m honest still is, the greatest high I’ve ever had. Her pretty blue eyes light up like the hottest flames, her cheeks pink up, and her delicate hands curl into fists at her sides as if she wants to throat-punch me. And I’m betting she would if she could reach.

That’s another thing I like about her, she’s tiny but full of this fiery passion that burns so bright I just want to touch it, touch her. They say good things come in small packages, and in Ava’s case it’s true—she is the best thing in my life.

I get paid ridiculous amounts of money to stand around in my boxers and cozy up to some of the most stunning, yet vapid, women in the world. But I’d give it all up and settle down for good in this tiny town of ours if Ava would be my girl.

I know I sound like a fucking sap, but goddamn that woman just does it for me on every single level.

I just need to convince her that we’d be as combustible in bed as we are out of it. That’s where my master plan comes in: I arranged to teach a photography class at the local library. For the next three weeks, I’m going to be in Ava’s space every single day.

It’s going to drive her insane. And I’m going to love each and every minute of it.

Because the longer she resists, the hotter it will be when she finally gives in.

Chapter Two

Gravel crunches behind me as I haul the tote bag full of books from my backseat. Turning to bump the door closed with my butt, I freeze. What the hell is he doing here?

My eyes narrow to slits behind my sunglasses. How does he look so good this early in the morning? His hair is all mussed up and sexy looking as if he just woke up that way. But I bet he spent a good hour styling it in the mirror to perfect the look.

Jennings has this whole vibe about him that just irritates the crap out of me. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is, but every time he’s near, I swear to God my Spidey senses start tingling, putting me on high alert.

I’m still standing beside my car, gawking at him as if he’s the new animal at the zoo when he approaches me.

The corner of his lips tick up in a smirk. “Like what you see, Ava?”

I snort, loud and super unladylike. “Nope.” I pop the P at the end and push off my MINI Cooper, heading for the front entrance to the library.

Jennings jogs after me. “Here, let me take that. It looks heavy.”

Before I know it, he’s taken the tote full of books from me and is carrying it as he matches my short but efficient stride to the door. I give him the side-eye and mumble, “Umm thanks.” I’m unsure what else to say because he’s being freaking weird.

I wait for him to hurl an insult at me, tug on my fishtail braid, or hell… tip a bottle of water over my head, but instead, he smiles down at me as if this is completely normal.

I frown at him, and his grin widens.

“You’re acting… odd.” I pause while I dig the keys to the building out of my bag.

“No, I’m not.”

“Umm, yeah you are.” I slip the key in the lock, push the door open, and step inside, turning and blocking his path as he attempts to follow me. “I can take it from here. You can go now.” I hold my hands out for my bag of books.

He shakes his head, his expression one I don’t like at all. His eyes twinkle with mischief, and if the past is anything to go by that means bad things for me.

“Jennings, give me my bag.”

His head tips to the side, his gaze running over me from the top of my blue hair, over my face, along my collarbone, and then down my body. I swallow. Holy shit! He may as well have stripped me bare right here—I feel completely naked with his eyes roving over me like this.

“Stop that,” I snap.

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