Page 16 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

Oh, the steam from this tea is quite aromatic.

It might be one of my favorites!!

Till Next Time,

Chamie

Chapter Eight

Ava

Scarlett’sexcitedchattermufflesright before I hear the front door close. I throw the covers off but don’t attempt to get out of bed. The thought of hiding in my room all day and pretending the outside world doesn’t exist is tempting.

Equally tempting is the rich aroma of fresh coffee David brewed right before leaving with my name written all over it. Unless I’m mistaken, he didn’t just use fresh coffee grounds but also made sure the grounds were a mixture of hazelnut and caramel.

Throwing the covers back over my head, I groan only to have a pair of concerned green eyes flash across my mind.

Duncan.

Grumbling, I toss the covers off again and throw my feet on the floor. Not only do Inotwant to deal with whatever is being said about me and Duncan, but I don’t want to address the fact that my sleepless night was caused by a continuous replaying of every little detail from last night.

I can still feel the solidness of him under my hands, his heat warming me when he pulled me against him. I felt safe and cared for.

“Ugh!”

Pushing myself from the bed, I rub my hands up and down my face. Coming to Maple Ridge was supposed to be a sanctuary of sorts; instead, it’s a pot of emotions that has me examining my life. Running a hand through my hair, I grab my phone from the nightstand before heading to the kitchen.

The house's silence is deafening, with all the thoughts stomping around in my head. Thoughts of Duncan and the feelings surfacing. Fear of how Nathan will react when he sees the image of me and Duncan.

And the most worrisome is this overwhelming feeling that I am losing a handle on my well-scripted life.

Picking up the mug David left out, I watch the brown liquid fill the cup. Working to stay in the present moment, I focus on each little task. Grabbing sugar. Pouring cream. Mixing them together.

The tension in my shoulders starts to ease a bit as I make my way to the strip of sun covering a corner of the couch. Sitting on a folded knee, I inhale the coffee before taking a sip. The warmth from the coffee and the sun work together to dissolve the chill that’s been a constant companion since ending my engagement.

Ten minutes later, I finally whip up the courage to power on my phone. Almost immediately, alerts start pouring in, and my stomach churns. When the sounds finally stop, I look to see the damage.

Not surprisingly, Nathan has been on a rampage. He’s called numerous times and left multiple messages. He’s also sent a ridiculous amount of texts. I’d forgotten how he hates to be ignored.

Caroline has also called and left a message. I hit play. It’s a simple message for me to call her back, but her voice lacks its usual lightness, leaving my palms sweaty and my heart thrumming.

Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I dial her number.

“Ava! Thank goodness.” Relief floods her voice. “I was worried about how long it would be before you reached out.”

“I told you to call David if you needed me,” I spit out, pulling nervously on the collar of my shirt.

“I did. But he told me he was out and wouldn’t be back until later this afternoon.”

“Well, you’ve got me now,” I say, trying to sound cheery, hoping the worry I’m feeling doesn’t come through. “What’s up?”

“What’s up?” Caroline sputters. “I’m guessing you haven’t seen any pictures or readTea Time?”

“Tea Time?” I ask, pulling my eyebrows together.

“Pleasant Hollow’s local gossip column?” Her voice is aghast. “Remember the Mavericks’ star wide receiver Josh Owens?”

“Maybe? You know I barely listen to you and all the gossip you try to fill me in on, right?” I tease. “Besides, you’re the one who’s supposed to be letting me know what’s happening.”

---