Page 26 of Whatever You Want

Ava and Amelia took that minute to walk into the kitchen. Our eyes met briefly before she darted them to the floor. Ever since that kiss, things shifted between us, and the hours we spent getting to know each other under the stars have been all I’ve thought about.

Amelia came to a stop and looked between us. She grinned so wide it practically split her cheeks. “Well, I wish we could stay longer and help, but Marco and I have to get going.”

Marco lifted his eyebrow. “We do?”

“Yep.” She glanced at her watch and smiled. She looked like she knew something we didn’t. “I have to run an errand before we pick Gia up from your moms.”

The girls raced into the kitchen while Marco leaned against the counter.

“Mom,” Madison said, “Brina and I put all my clothes away. Can we watch a movie now?”

Ava shook her head. “I’m sorry, but the cable isn’t hooked up yet.”

My daughter cut in. “We can watch one on my iPad.”

Amelia clapped her hands. “I have a better idea. Your mom still has a lot of unpacking left to do, and Logan still has to help her hang a few pictures and put some things together.”

“I do?” That was news to me.

“Yes.” Amelia smiled, looking pleased with herself. “That’s why it makes sense for the girls to come with us for a couple hours while you guys finish up.”

Wow! Talk about being discreet. I looked over at Ava, wondering what she was thinking. I could see the uncertainty in her eyes about being left alone with me.

“Amelia…” Marco slanted his head, letting her know that he could read between the lines.

She waved him off with her hand. “It makes sense.” She turned to me and smiled. “You don’t mind sticking around for a couple of extra hours to help, right?”

I tried to think of an excuse for why I couldn’t, but there really wasn’t one. I could say I had plans later, but I didn’t want to lie. It was just a few hours. Ava and I could make small talk while we worked. It didn’t have to be a big deal.

Brina raced across the room and tented her fingers under her chin. “Please, Dad.”

She was bouncing on her feet, giving me a pleading look that she knew I couldn’t refuse.

“Of course, I don’t mind.” I leaned down, touching her cheek with my thumb. “You promise to behave?”

“Yes,” she squealed, unable to hold in her excitement about getting more time with Madison. The girls have really hit off, and that was both good and concerning to me.

Ava grabbed Amelia’s elbow and glared at her best friend. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but you’re going to pay for this.”

“Oh, stop it. I’m doing you a favor and you know it.”

“The only thing I know is that I hate you right now.”

Amelia laughed it off, but Ava still looked pissed.

I tried not to take offense that she was throwing a fit about being alone with me. However, if my intuition was right, it was because I made her nervous. This attraction was no longer one-sided. Even Amelia picked up on it. I was close to finally getting my chance with her, so I needed to tread carefully.

Marco leaned against the wall, not looking happy about this setup. I nodded my head for him to meet me outside. I quickly shut the door and tried to keep my voice down. “Will you relax.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“What exactly is it that you think I am doing? Because it’s your wife in there who is playing matchmaker.”

“I’m not trying to be a dick here.”

“I didn’t plan this.” I leaned against the porch railing. “Look, it’s clear you don’t want me here alone with her. I’m trying not to let that bother me, but your attitude is starting to piss me off.”

He tilted his head and stared at me. “I told you it’s not you.”

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