Page 36 of Insta-Love

Of course I won’t be long, because I was about to drive myself to the hospital.

“Thanks, Gina.”

Gina? They’re on first name basis already?

I stuff a warm sweater into my bag, ignoring the niggling voice in the back of my head that makes fun of how mumsy I am packing an extra layer. The pleasant chitchat between Mum and Bowen continues as I track their voices through to the living area.

“You know, we should have you over for dinner when Lily’s home to say thank you properly.”

Jesus. Abort. Abort.

I check my reflection in a fly-by of the mirror and head out to stop this train wreck before it has time get started. Fist clutching the strap of my bag, I’m prepared to manhandle my mother from the room if it’ll stop her playing matchmaker.

What I’m not prepared for is the sight of Bowen up-close in a tank. Hot damn. If I thought those arms were baby trees in a T-shirt, it has nothing on the goddamn rocks that masquerade as his shoulders.

“I brought you coffee.” He holds the takeaway cup out, all smiles.

“Thanks.” Our fingers brush while I take it from him. Totally didn’t cause a tingle in my arm. Nope. Not at all.

You’re a strong and independent woman, Ava. You don’t need a man. Especially not a conceited bastard like this one.

Except he’s not, really. Outwardly, he’s an egotistical jerk. But the Bowen I was treated to last night, even if only briefly, was none of that.

He’s insecure, and ultimately a little embarrassed by who he is.

It’s sad.

“Got everything you need?”

I realise by the quirk of his eyebrow that I’ve been standing mute, probably while my mother and Bowen wonder if I’ve lost my mind.

“Pretty sure I do.”

I flash a glare Mum’s way, angered by the slight smirk she has as she watches Bowen and I interact.

“Give Lily a cuddle for me, would you?”

“Of course.” I jerk my head toward the door as I look toward Bowen. “Let’s go, then.”

“See you later, Gina.” He gives my mother a dashing smile and rises to follow me from the house.

See you later … One kiss and he imprints himself in our life, huh?

“You know, I had it under control,” I gripe as he shuts the front door behind him.

“I never said you didn’t.” He steps off the driveway to cross over to his. “Drink your coffee before it goes completely cold.”

Yes, sir. I have to admit the brew is damn good. I lift the cup to check out the logo, and frown. “You drove fifteen minutes away to get this?”

“It’s the nearest store of theirs.” He climbs in the jeep, leaving me to pause my questioning until we’re both in the vehicle.

“You know there’s a shop literally around the corner from us, right?”

Bowen nods while he turns the key. “Uh-huh. But I get these ones free.”

“You’re sponsored by a coffee shop?” What the hell does bodybuilding and caffeine have to do with each other?

“Nope. But I know the franchise owner.”

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