Page 20 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

I grip the steering wheel, my stomach knotting at the thought of Ava being in danger. Every ounce of me wants to keep her safe. Last night is the perfect example. I didn’t even hesitate when I saw her surrounded by those vultures.

I don’t regret what I did, but I’ve waited forever to hold her close to me, and now that I’ve done it, I want more of it. Of her.

The desire to be near her, to feel her pressed against me, and to protect her is so overpowering that it’s taking all of my self-control to stay in my lane.

The truth is I want to say yes to this ridiculous idea. I want to dive in head first. “What has Ava said about all of this?”

Did I actually utter those words? What is happening right now?

Finn, like a shark smelling blood in the water, pounces on my weakness. “She said she’d think about it.”

Of course she did! Did I really think that anything would change after last night? If Ava doesn’t want to do this, doesn’t want me, what I have to say about it isn’t important.

Disappointment floods me. I feel rejected all over again. I have to say no, my heart can’t handle the heartbreak again. The armor surrounding it has started to fissure.

Ava is already creeping her way back in. Not intentionally, I know, but it’s happening.

“Finn—”

“Duncan, just give it some thought before you shut it down. You know I’d never steer you in the wrong direction, right?”

“In my career, no. But this?”

“Look at Josh Owens and Adam Daniels,” Finn responds. His tone is light, so I know he’s only being partly serious. “Everything worked out for them.”

“Are you looking to change careers and become a matchmaker?” I scoff.

“Gosh, NO!” And I can’t help but chuckle at his response. “What I’m saying is that I wouldn’t suggest you do something if I thought it would hurt your career or you.”

I take in a slow, deep breath and then blow it out. Not believing I’m going to say yes to this. “Okay.”

“Okay?” Finn repeats.

“Yeah. I’ll do it.” I sigh.

“You’ll do it?”

“But,” I say firmly, shaking my head for saying yes when every inch of me is protesting— well, except for the part that wants to keep Ava safe and have an excuse to spend time with her—“Ava needs to be fine with it. Otherwise, I’m out.”

“Understood. I’ll let Caroline know,” his voice takes on a calming tone. “And Duncan? This is a good thing you’re doing. Nathan Vaughn is unpredictable right now, and there’s no saying what he’ll do.”

I clench my jaw and flex my hands around the steering wheel as I absorb his words.

If Nathan does anything to Ava, and I mean anything, I’ll make sure he regrets it. I don’t care how famous he is.

I pray I don’t regret it more.

Chapter Ten

Ava

Pullingupinfrontof Duncan’s house, I silence the engine and take a deep, shaky breath. I never thought I’d be in a situation like this or asking for this kind of help.

Especially from the one person I never meant to hurt but did. I hurt Duncan so badly.

Watching Fi and David dance together has my heart so full. The two people I love most in the world are now husband and wife. They’re practically glowing, and for a moment I envy them.

Turning my face back to the man in front of me, holding me in his arms, I smile. “Well, don’t you look ridiculously handsome in this tux.”

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