Page 103 of Defensive Zone

“I want all of that, too. I know this isn’t what you expected. Hell, I had no clue this could happen, but we both have feelings for each other, and we should explore that,” he said.

“But I work for you,” she said.

“Don’t get hung up on that. Want Ava to sign your checks?”

She punched his shoulder. “Stop it. I just need you to be patient with me.”

“I have no idea what I’m doing either, so how about we be patient with each other? I also demand sleepovers.”

“What about the kids?” she asked.

“You’re usually up earlier than they are,” he said, lowering his head.

“So you forgive me for acting like this was just a hookup?” she asked, biting the side of her lip.

His eyes flared with need.

“Stay with me tonight and we’ll see,” he said.

And then his lips were on hers, and her hands were tangled in his hair. She wondered if he was as far gone as she was, but tonight was already a massive step. She didn’t want to try to figure anything else out, at least for now.

“Tell me everything worked out, but don’t tell me how,” Ava said late the next morning as they sat on the patio with their coffee.

Connor and Amelia had finished breakfast and wanted to go outside to play, and Gabi was currently holding a dozing Elise.

“You’re okay to talk about this?” Gabi asked.

“I’m just glad it’s finally out in the open. I knew something was up when I saw you going into your room at three am a few weeks ago, and then there was the Easter event.” She paused to laugh. “Those Striker WAGs are not subtle.”

Gabi burst out laughing. “Right? Oh my god, I definitely panicked.”

“You could’ve just told me, Gabs. You’re my best friend.”

Gabi sighed. “I know. I got carried away with him and I know he’s not a big relationship guy and I was scared that I would get hurt or you would be mad about us hooking up. It was easier to keep it a secret. I can’t lose you, Av.”

“Oh, Gabs, you wouldn’t lose me over Max. You’re my best friend. I’m just annoyed that you kept it a secret for so long. I was getting impatient,” Ava said.

“Okay. Okay. No more secrets,” Gabi said.

“Good. It’s crazy because I never thought of you two as a couple when we were younger, but now it seems perfect.”

“We were kids, Av, and he was so freaking annoying,” Gabi said, but she couldn’t stop the smile on her face.

“Smitten looks good on you, even if it’s because of my brother,” Ava said.

“Okay, no more about me. How are you doing?” Gabi asked. It would’ve been easy to focus on her and Max, focus on the good, but she wanted to make sure that Ava was okay.

“Gabs, I’m fine. I promise every day I get a little better. There are days when the shock still hits me, but overall, I’m dealing with it. I don’t want you to think I’m focused on you two to avoid thinking about me.”

“Get out of my brain,” Gabi said with a small smile.

“I’ve been in there since day one, bestie. Deal with it,” Ava said.

Gabi leaned toward her friend and wrapped her unoccupied arm around Ava’s shoulders. “I want to make sure I’m helping and that you know that I’m here for you.”

“And not just focused on getting into my brother’s pants.” Ava paused and wrinkled her nose. “I did not just say that.”

“Yeah, you did,” Gabi said, laughing.

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