Page 9 of War

The door to my apartment swings open, and Trish’s drunken drawl interrupts us again. “Tyler, are you coming to bed?”

Ava winces, her eyes falling shut.

“Fuck.” I squeeze the back of my neck and temper my aggravation. “It’snotwhat you think.”

She’s already backing toward her door. “Like I said, we work together. We’re neighbors?—”

I follow, trying to block out her excuses. “I’m not saying it’s perfect, but nothing worth it ever comes easy.”

She looks past me, the move spurring me to do the same. When I glance over my shoulder, I discover Trish leaning against my doorframe wearing nothing but a bra and panties. Fucking A.

“You’re not worth it.” Ava’s words strike me exactly as she intended. Then she’s gone, leaving me standing in the hall, fists balled, heart flayed open.

She’s not the first person to tell me that, and I doubt she’ll be the last.

TEXT MESSAGES FROM AVA’S AND TYLER’S PHONES

THE LAST TWO YEARS…

Ava: Hi, Sis. Well, my first and only date was a complete dud. Not only did the guy stand me up, but I found out he’s my next-door neighbor, and then I caught him sneaking another woman into his apartment when I got home. On the plus side, I made friends. I start work today. Wish me luck!

Sara: Hi, this is Sara, your new best friend! Save my number.

Ava: Haha. Hi, Sara! Saved.

Sara: Great. Good luck on your first day. I’ll try to stop by your office before lunch. If you’re free, we should grab something.

Ava: That would be amazing.

A fewmonths later

Brooks: War, we’re supposed to be at the charity event in five minutes. You picking me up still?

Aiden: War, where you at?

Hall: No worries, War. I told the sweet new redhead I’d take your spot.

Bray: Thanks for picking me up from practice. I’m sorry you had to miss your thing.

Tyler: You never have to apologize. Glad I got to spend time with you.

Several months later

Ava: Hi, Sis. Can you believe I’ve been at Langfield Corp for a full year already? We have an event at the Y today. Ten bucks says Tyler Warren is a no-show. God, that man drives me nuts. He rarely shows up for any of the things he’s assigned to, and when he does, he’s late.

Unknown number: Hello, Vicious. I’m going to be late.

Ava: Who is this?

Unknown number: Your favorite hockey player.

Ava: I don’t have a favoritehockey player.

Unknown number: Aw, don’t hurt my feelings. I can admit you’re my favorite Langfield Corp. employee.

Unknown number: And if I’m not your favorite, then why do I catch you staring at me every time we go out with our friends?

Ava: No idea who you are or what you’re talking about, but I have a job to do.

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