Page 49 of Unstoppable Love

“Looks good.”

It was a cream-colored couch, with one end that had a lounge chair and more cushions without the backing. Chaise? Is that what they were called?

Whatever. I kicked out of my shoes and stepped further inside so she could close the door behind me.

“What’d you bring to cook?”

“Chicken and dumplings.”

I kept walking into her kitchen, but based on the quiet—nothing coming from behind me—she hadn’t moved.

“That’s my favorite meal,” she finally said, and her voice sounded strained.

“I know. Called your mom to get the recipe so I could make sure to grab everything.”

“You called my mom?” Yeah, pretty sure that was panic making her sound a little shrieky.

“Calm.” I turned to her and smiled. “Told her Emily wants to try some new recipes, and she texted me. She doesn’t know I’m here.”

“Yet,” Ava muttered.

Ouch. Okay, she was right. People would know. I didn’t know who the neighbors were, but guaranteed if they saw me, they’d know me. I wouldn’t make her go out in public with me on a date until she was comfortable, but I wasn’t going to hide either.

“Ava.” I waited until she was looking at me. “Letting me be here tonight, having dinner with me, isn’t a mistake.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not always known for my smartest decisions.”

“Don’t,” I warned her. “One, don’t talk about yourself like that, and don’t say shit unless you’re sure you mean them.”

I wasn’t even trying to be an ass, and it still felt like I was. I earned her mistrust. I’d take her pain.

“You’re right.” She sighed and took a sip of her drink. “I’m sorry. I’m nervous and I’m scared and I’m not sure this is the best thing, though. So you have to be at least a little bit patient.”

I paused from where I’d started pulling groceries out of the bag and braced my hands on her narrow island. “How about this? I’ll make you a deal if it helps.”

“What’s that?”

“I won’t kiss you, I won’t even touch you until you ask. Until you’re ready.”

She huffed, but a smile cracked on her pale face. “You don’t mean that.”

“It’ll be difficult as hell, but I’ll do whatever you need me to do to earn your trust. Make this easier.”

“Hmm.” She sipped her drink and set the glass down on the counter. A blush crept up her throat as she thought. Considered.

Hopefully she was thinking of how hard that would actually be and if she could do it. Wait. Keep her hands off me. Ask for it. For me, it was going to be as painful as getting sacked with the full weight of a three-hundred-pound defensive tackle.

“Deal,” she finally said.

I held out my hand.

She smirked. “You said no touching.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine, smart-ass. Do you need the recipe for this dish, or do you know it?”

“I’ve known it by heart since I was twelve.”

“Then I guess that means you’re leading this dinner-making plan.”

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