Page 10 of Without Judgment

I settled into the guest bedroom across the hall from Avery’s room. Her door had remained shut all afternoon. This was a fact I was trying to ignore. But the truth was I was beginning to feel bad for her. I hadn’t expected that. But after she’d returned from lunch, she’d seemed sad. Then finding out her father had told me he’d be out of town before he’d told her— It was like watching a cocker spaniel get kicked. And now that I knew it probably wasn’t her on the video, I felt even worse about making assumptions.

My phone lit up with Trevor’s number, and I swallowed hard. He was aware I wasn’t warm and fuzzy with people, but I knew I wasn’t treating his sister as nicely as I could have. Guilt immediately hit me.

“Hey, man,” I answered and braced myself to get an earful since she’d had plenty of time to complain to him.

“Hey. How’s it going?”

I treaded carefully. “Fine so far. I’m getting the house upgraded with some improved security technology. For precaution’s sake. Drove your sister to a couple of appointments today.”

“So I heard.”

Shit. I could hear the disapproval in his voice. “You know I’m not the easiest guy to get along with, Trevor. It’s nothing personal.”

It really wasn’t anything personal. I’d grown up an only child who tended to be introverted. With the death of my mother after high school, I’d kept even more to myself. Trevor had brought me out of my shell some in college, which had allowed me to do fine with the ladies. But establishing a deeper bond or relationship with someone simply wasn’t my thing.

“What are you talking about? I’m referring to Edward. She told me she confronted the asshole, and he basically told her to enjoy the notoriety.”

Oh. “Yeah. Although I wasn’t too happy with her adventure at the country club today, I suppose I can’t blame her for wanting to confront him.”

“Who would? Glad you were there, though. She said the priceless look on Edward’s face was worth it when you spoke up. I’m returning from New York on Thursday. Maybe I should come straight there.”

Trevor’s arrival could potentially relieve me of babysitting duty, but I somehow found myself talking against it. “Aren’t you breaking ground on your new building in Dallas at the end of the week?”

This was a big deal for him in his new business venture. “Yeah. It’s not the best timing, but family comes first.”

“That’s why you have me here. If she was in real danger, I’d have her on a plane to you in a heartbeat. As it is, I’ll continue to chauffeur her around if she needs to leave the house. Meanwhile, I’ll ensure your father’s home security system gets updated.”

“I appreciate it. You know I wouldn’t trust just anyone.”

Didn’t I ever? That’s why I shouldn’t have been thinking about her in any way other than as my best friend’s sister.

“Yes. She’s in good hands.”

Just not literally.

***

Well after dinner time, I sat in the darkened kitchen on my laptop. My intention was to figure out how to create my website. I knew one was critical for establishing a digital footprint, but I had put off doing it because this wasn’t my area of expertise, to put it mildly.

I was unprepared to see Avery walk in. She went straight for the refrigerator. The light from inside it illuminated the fact she wore nothing but a tank top and short PJ bottoms. The latter hardly covered the bottom of her delectable ass cheeks.

“Good evening.”

She startled. “Jesus. You scared me.”

Because of where I was sitting, she must not have seen the glow of my laptop. Meanwhile, having her face me had been a mistake. Now I could see she wasn’t wearing a bra, and her perky nipples were on high beams. Damn. I’d have to be made of stone for my cock not to notice.

“Sorry. I thought you would’ve seen me sitting here.”

“I wasn’t looking. What are you still doing here?”

“I’m staying here in the house.”

“Oh.”

I couldn’t help letting my gaze peruse her sexy body, which managed to be both petite and curved in all the right places.

She crossed he arms across her chest as if she’d just realized her lack of bra.

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