Page 73 of Reckless Encounters

We stay in the box and wait for Eli’s arrival. In the meantime, the girls are busy planning their summer visits.

“I guess you knew what you were doing,” Wes says, throwing his words from the first night at Masqued back at me while we hang out by the ice bucket filled with beer.

Chuckling to myself, I take a sip of my beer, shrugging my shoulders. “Does anyone truly know what they're doing?”

“I sure as fuck did. Might have taken me a while, but I got what I wanted,” he replies, and his eyes laser in on where Sloan is laughing with her girls.

“We’re just having fun. I enjoy hanging out with her.” I cringe slightly as soon as the words leave my mouth. Even though they’re the truth, there’s more to it…to us, than just that. But both of us are too stubborn to admit it.

“Ha! I’ve heard those words before,” Dalton chimes in.

“Just don’t fuck it up,” Wes says. Not only for Ava’s sake, but for his wife’s.

I raise my beer to his. “Wasn’t planning on it.”

Cheers erupt from the girls’ circle, and they turn to face us all at once. “Uh oh, here comes trouble,” Wes jokes.

“Oh stop, no trouble.” Sloan comes over and bats Wes in the chest playfully.

Quinn comes to stand in front of us. “We just figured out our family trip weekend. And you and Ava are both coming… No excuses.” Ah yes, their annual family trip, a tradition they’ve upheld since their childhood. I’ve been invited to tag along before but never wanted to impose even though they’re always more than welcoming.

Ava comes to stand in front of me, hazel eyes searching my face. “We’re thinking the weekend after Thanksgiving,” she says to me, but also to the group. I can’t help but feel a sense of relief that Ava wants me there too.

“We’re thinking of going back to that ski resort in Vermont,” Quinn says, just as Eli comes through the suite doors.

“Dada!” the littles scream and set off to attack him. He picks them both up, one in each arm, and showers them in love.

“So, what did I walk into? Where we going?” Eli asks as he leans in to kiss Quinn.

“Skiing!” the ladies cheer in practical unison.

“Eep! So excited we were able to figure out a weekend. Been hearing about this trip for years!” Blossom exclaims with a little dance.

“This is going to be so much fun. Even though I’m not much of a skier, I love tubing,” Ava says cheerfully, then turns to me. “The cabins there are amazing, with cozy living rooms and big fireplaces. Plus they are huge, so we will have all the privacy we’ll need.” She adds that last bit just above a whisper.

I don’t think she realizes that she’s making plans for us six months from now. Surprisingly, the thought doesn’t make me want to run. Instead, I wrap my arms around her, pulling her body into me, and place a light kiss on the top of her head.

“We will get you on those slopes this year,” Quinn says to Ava.

“Like hell you will. I am perfectly fine riding my ass down the tubing hill.” Ava laughs, and the girls all break into their own conversation once more.

“Great game, man,” Wes says to Eli. The three guys start talking stats, and I'm trying my best to listen, but I'm too distracted.

My gaze is set on Ava and every move she makes. I stare at her in awe. It astounds me how easily our lives have meshed together. But I know from experience to never get your hopes up.

It’s like they say, no expectations, no disappointments. Unfortunately, I’ve learned to live my life that way.

Babes Group Chat

Sloan

We found Ava a dress yesterday.????

Quinn

I’m sorry to say but I feel bad for that bride because all eyes are going to be on you.

Sloan

---