Page 70 of Three Hearts Hideaway

Sebastian had eroded her self-worth, isolated her, and made her dependent on him for any kind of validation. She’d lost everyone close to her because of his actions and her inaction. Taking responsibility was a crucial first step in mending her friendships. Time to stop being idle and take control. Tomorrow, she’d reach out. She’d apologize. She’d make amends.

Tomorrow, her life started again.

Chapter Twenty-One

AVA

“Why did Roman want to meet us here?” she asked Logan, who was sitting across from her at a window table in Wakin’ & Bacon, tapping his foot and glancing at his watch every few seconds.

“He didn’t say.”

Maria came over with their to-go order: three coffees, two Roman Specials, and a Montreal smoked meat breakfast bagel. The heavenly mix of sweet and salty aromas wafted around Ava. She’d been in Little Greenfield for five weeks now, and Maria made her sickly sweet coffee as soon as she set foot in the door. One of the many things she appreciated about Little Greenfield was how friendly the residents were. They took care of their own and the people who visited.

“He better hurry,” Logan grumbled, sipping his black coffee. “If I don’t leave soon, I’ll be late getting to Elora. It’s a four-hour drive.”

“And you’ll be gone for a week?” Her heart hurt to think of Logan leaving.

He softened his tone. “If everything goes to plan, only five days.”

Logan was going to work for a couple who’d recently retired and wanted a one-room cabin on their property. They hoped to earn an income from tourists who normally visited for day trips. He’d told her that when he was on a build, he could be gone for weeks at a time. Maybe she’d be able to go with him on longer projects. Help with the finishings and design.

Concern marred his brow. “Why the frown, sweetheart?”

“Just thinking about you leaving. I don’t want to be without you.”

“I’m a text away. Or a phone call. Or a…video chat.” He smirked at her with a not-so-subtle suggestion gleaming in his eye.

She traced a finger over the back of his hand. “Oh, there will be plenty ofvideo chats, I promise.”

“Yeah?” He leaned forward, and his voice lowered so only she could hear him. “And what will you do for me in these videos, Ava?”

“Anything you want.”

“Touch yourself?”

“Yes.”

“Play with your toys while I stroke myself?”

“Yes.” Her pulse quickened.

“Ride Roman’s cock for me?”

She licked her lips at the idea. “You want to watch that?”

“You know I like to watch, sweetheart.”

“I like when you watch me.”

He winked. “I know.”

She sighed. “I’m going to miss you.”

He reclined in his chair. “I’ll miss you too. But this will be a good trial run. Once I’m away on longer jobs, it’ll just be you andRoman in the house. Then what are you going to do without my good-nature and extreme positivity?”

His sarcasm made her snort. “I think I’ll miss your cooking more than your upbeat attitude,” she teased.

Logan’s eyes brightened at her praise. “I know I’m fantastic, but Roman’s not a terrible cook.”

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