Page 23 of Muddy Messy Love

Gently, I smile at the ground.

The clerk’s order to stand pierces my daze, and I rise like a feather riding the breeze, swaying on my feet, light and free. The magistrate disappears through her hidden door, and Cole turns to face me. Our eyes lock—his wary—and slowly, I crinkle my brows.

“You cornered me,” I say.

With a shake of his head, he plucks his briefcase from the floor and rests it on the table. “A simple thank-you will suffice.”

Latches sound, and my frown deepens. I’m more thankful than ever, but pride and curiosity prevail. “Why?”

He returns the folder and snaps the case shut. “Instinct. You only provided one reference, and I sensed six months spent twiddling your thumbs wouldn’t bode well in the magistrate’s eyes.”

I cross my arms. “Twiddling my thumbs?”

He stares at me, head tilted, and that adorable crease resurfaces between his brows. “I only made the offer, Avery. You accepted it.”

My gaze drops to the carpet, and air fills my chest easier than it has in months. He’s right. I could have said no and braved the consequences, but I didn’t, and now it’s time to grow up and livewith my choices. Besides, it’s temporary. A chance to save for uni.

A chance to see him again.

I squash that thought faster than it came and close my eyes. This is good—an opportunity for a fresh start. I’ll force my limbs to work if need be.

Unfolding my arms, I grip my wrist and look up. “Thank you.”

He slides his briefcase from the table, and his face softens. “You’re welcome.” He slips a hand inside the breast of his jacket and returns a white card embossed with black and gold. “Be here eight a.m. Monday. Check in at reception and ask for me.”

I nod and take it from his fingertips, fighting the urge to ask the dozen questions circling my head. “See you then.”

His eyes glimmer, and the lone dimple reappears. “Happy birthday, Avery.” Tucking one hand inside his pants pocket, he turns and strides from the courtroom without looking back.

The gift of freedom. What better present is there?

A smile spreads across my face, and I stare at the door long after he leaves, processing everything that’s him. Eyes soon burn into my awareness, and my gaze shifts to the brawny sheriff standing a foot to the left. He frowns at me, and I flinch.What the—?Then it hits me. He thinks I’m staring in wonder athim.

Turning my back and swallowing hard, I shove Cole’s business card inside my purse and find my phone. With a downcast gaze, I rush through the door, keeping a wide berth. I hold my breath past the security guards and choke in fresh air as I hit the footpath. Everest is conquered, and tonight we celebrate. Life starts here, and I won’t let anything bring me down. Not even the message from Mum on my phone.

Mum:

Happy birthday, Avery Lee. Busy today. Talk soon.

Six

The rich scent ofroasted chicken and vegetables saturates the crisp evening air, and the metallic letters of “Benedict Kane” flash white and gold as they catch and shun the dwindling light. I tilt the card back and forth, reading his name over and over.

Cole Benedict.

Cole Benedict.

Cole Benedict.

“What are you doing out here?”

I snap my head towards the voice. Beth stands at the mezzanine window, her dark hair hanging limp against her pale skin. The jade jumper is back, artfully draped off one shoulder, and she’s home early, but after last night, who can blame her?

“Waiting for the stars,” I say, patting the corrugated iron. “Come and sit. It’s beautiful up here.”

Beth shakes her head. “I’ll take your word for it.” She leans against the sill with her arms crossed, fingers tapping a beat against the glossy white paint. “Aves, we need to talk.”

My stomach flips, but I cock a brow and smirk regardless. “About the fact your eighteen-year-old sister drank you under the table last night?”

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