Page 126 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

“It’s the mindset that when something bad happens—your alarm doesn’t go off and you oversleep, you get a flat tire, or you can’t find your keys—it all happens for a reason. It’s helped me change my thought process. I try to remind myself that when something unfortunate happens, I’m being redirected and put on the right path. Or maybe it saved you from something worse happening, like avoiding a car accident or getting pulled over. Maybe you end up at the right place and you meet someone you wouldn’t have met otherwise had things gone differently.”

I lift my chin and shrug. “If your new apartment didn’t have water damage, would you be sitting at the bar with the handsome and charming guy who offered you a drink?”

She smirks and holds her hand out, emphasizing the point. “See, who knows? Maybe the last time we would’ve seen each other would’ve been on that beach.”

I chuckle. I have to admit, she has a point. Although I’d like to think that even if the circumstances hadn’t happened, I would’ve still ended up at her place today to help her move and would’ve offered to take her out for a drink to celebrate.

There’s no doubt I would’ve wanted to spend time with her again, and I would’ve found a way to do it.

“So Colter, tell me a little about yourself.” She rocks in her seat, moving her leg to cross over the other, and folds her arms in her lap. “I know you’re a student at Braysen and I take it you played football with my brother. Where are you from? What are you majoring in? Give me the lowdown.”

I chuckled. “Colter Vaughn. Born and raised right here in Braysen. My mom and younger sister, Wyatt, live not far from here. I have a house on the edge of town where I live with three of my teammates. I do play football, offensive lineman. Uhh…” I trail off, trying to think of what else I missed. “Oh, and I’m studying sports medicine.” Ava nods, and there’s an interesting gleam in her eyes. “What’s that look about?”

She shrugs. “It just makes sense is all. You have this protective vibe about you. If you grew up living in a house with women, I guess that would make sense.”

“Yeah.” I glance down at the table. “My father passed away in eighth grade, not long after my parents divorced. While their separation was sad, you know, they were amicable. They had a lot of love for each other, and my dad still looked after my mom. He’d come over and help with things around the house and make sure we had what we needed when we were with her. He would’ve wanted me to step in and take care of them in the ways he did when he was still here.”

Ava hops down off her stool and wraps her arms around my waist. I lift my arm around her. She barely comes up to my chest with the height difference of me sitting on the barstool, but her small frame slides up next to me.

“What’s this for?” I mutter against her temple.

“I’m sorry about your dad.”

My chest tightens. “Thank you.” My voice cracks.

She pulls away and climbs onto her seat, folding her legs beneath her again.

“It sounds like we both grew up with good parents. Mine was always there for me too. I started dance classes when I was one, and I’ve been dancing ever since. They pushed me and supported me in following my dreams. They were protective of me, though, too. Almost too protective. My dad especially. They were only that way with me, though, and I never understood why. He gave my brother more rope than they had given me, and for the longest time, I kind of resented him for it. I guess that’s why I’m happy to be out of our hometown and have more freedom. Even with the chaos going on right now, I’m still so happy to finally be on my own for the first time, and I’m loving it. Now, if only I could have my place, I’d be set.”

It makes sense why she didn’t want to call her dad earlier. She could’ve run to him, but she chose to figure it out. I think that says a lot about her. About the determined and independent woman she wants to be.

“Have you thought about what you’re gonna do now?”

She seems to hesitate for a minute and shrugs.

“You don’t have to decide right now. How about we play some pool?” I motion toward the corner of the bar, where a pool table and darts are set up.

“Now that I can handle. Let’s go!” She hops down again and grabs her drink, weaving through the tables.

I try not to focus on the way her hips move when she walks, her toned legs, and the hint of her tan skin whenever her shirt rides up, revealing her soft skin.

“I’ll rack ’em up,” she mutters over her shoulder. She grabs the triangle and begins lining up the balls.

“All right, I’ll let you break too. Ladies first and all.”

She presses her lips together and shakes her head.

“Think we should raise the stakes a little. It could make it more fun.”

I set my stick on the ground, crossing one foot in front of the other.

“All right, shoot. What do you want if you win?”

She taps her finger against her chin, appearing to think about it.

“If I win,” she says, “you owe me a dance.” She nods out to the dance floor and grins. “And the next round is on you.”

“All right.” I nod. “I got an extra room you can crash in for the week, or until your place is ready. If I win, you’ll take me up on my offer.”

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