Page 4 of Wild Heart

She stood and walked out of the room, and as much as I knew I needed the distance from her—anything to not have the scent of her right beside me or her frequent touch on my body—I also wanted her to come right back.

It was a constant battle.

When she returned not more than two or three minutes later, it was evident she’d just received some monumental news. “Ava, what is it?” Ivy asked her.

Ava seemed unable to focus on anything, her chin tipped down, eyes wide and darting all over the place.

“Ava?”

Slowly, she lifted her head, lips parted slightly, and tears filled her eyes. I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Had she just received horrible news? Was it something about her parents?

“I got it.”

My brows drew together. “Got what?” I asked, too eager to understand what was happening.

“I didn’t want to say anything in case it didn’t work out, but now it seems like I can,” she shared. The corners of her mouth curved up into a smile. “I auditioned to be a dancer on a tour, and they want me. I just got the call. The rehearsals are starting next month, and the tour begins in March.”

“What? Are you kidding me?” Ivy shrieked.

Ava shook her head. “No.”

“That’s insane. I’m so excited for you.” My sister darted across the room and wrapped Ava in her arms, Jules following closely behind her.

As Ava received a round of congratulations from everyone and shared all the details about the tour, I stopped paying attention. Because the only thought running through my mind was that she was leaving. Ava was going to be leaving next month to start rehearsals. She’d be back for the holiday, then she’d be gone again until the tour was over.

I’d sat here moments ago thinking it was a good thing she’d gotten a call that was giving me a reprieve from all that was pulling me to her like a magnet, and now she was going to be gone for months.

After sharing all the news with the rest of the family, Ava came and sat down beside me so we could return to the game. And as Jules began her attempt to offer clues to her team, I placed my hand on Ava’s thigh to get her attention and felt her body tense. When she looked at me, I smiled and said quietly, “Congratulations.”

Her face lit up, like I’d done something spectacular by saying that single word. “Thank you, Tate.”

My hand squeezed her thigh. “You’re welcome. You’ve worked so hard for this. You should be proud.”

She nodded her agreement, her eyes intensely focused on mine. “I am.”

Shouts of excitement came from the other side of the room, pulling our attention in that direction. And that was when I removed my hand from Ava’s leg and wondered what I was going to do with myself when she was gone for months at a time.

I’d just gottenhome from work when my phone buzzed on the counter.

I picked it up, saw the name on the text, and felt the warmth move through me.

Ava had texted me.

Ava

Miss me yet?

TATE

You just left. I saw you last night.

I didn’t know who I was fooling. I started missing her before she was even gone. We’d just gotten through the Christmas holiday, and Ava had to return to rehearsals for the tour. Since she’d been gone for a few months before Christmas, I already knew what to expect. It was safe to say I wasn’t looking forward to any of it.

My phone vibrated in my hand.

Ava

Wow. That was like a knife to the heart. How long do you think it’s going to take for you to start missing me?

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