Page 53 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

“This Saturday.” I shift my gaze to Ava only to find her watching me. Taking a swig of my water, I swallow hard. Looking back at David, I ask, “You’re still planning on stopping by, right?”

David laughs. “You know there’s no way I’d get out of that. Scarlett lives to see the dogs. She’s been talking non-stop about Ryder.” Sputtering sounds fill the room as the coffee begins dripping into the carafe. “Are you going, Ava?”

“Uh…I don’t know.” Ava answers David, surprise written all over her face. Bringing her gaze back to me, she asks shyly, “Do you want me to?”

That feels like a silly question since I want to be with her all the time. But before those words slip from my mouth, I take a sip of water and nod as I swallow. “But only if you want to.”

Ava narrows her eyes and tilts her head like she’s trying to figure out what I’m not saying. Lifting the bottle to my lips again, I swig what’s left and leave it on the counter. “Think about it, and let me know when you and Scarlett stop by. No pressure.”

The smell of roasted coffee beans fills the air just as a sputtering noise indicates the coffee is almost done.

“Time to head home.” I raise the fob at Ava and start to make my way out of the kitchen. “Thanks for the ‘thingamajig.’”

She rolls her eyes and chuckles.

“Thingamajig?” David asks, his brows pulled together.

“I’ll let Ava explain.” Grinning, I turn back and throw a wink her way. She swats at me, and I duck. Laughing, I jog toward the front door. “See you later.”

Ava’s mumbled voice follows, and I hear David’s laughter as the front door closes behind me. Sliding into my car, I back out of the driveway. I whistle the entire way home.

It’sonlybeenafew hours since leaving Ava and David, but time has been creeping by. Looking at the clock, my chest expands, and a rush of energy runs through me.

Scarlett and Ava should be here any minute.

Rearranging the bowls, ingredients, and spoons on the island, I triple-check that I have everything we need. I pick up the aprons I prepared.

A grin slides across my face as I read them. I can’t wait to see Ava’s face when she sees hers.

The car door slams. I run my hands down my sleeves, tug the bottom of my shirt, and run my hands up and down my jeans.

Making my way through the kitchen and into the living room, I’m met with the sight of Ava holding the door open for Scarlett, and my stomach clenches.

Ava’s face glows as she beams down at my precocious niece. When her gaze lifts and meets mine, her eyes soften, and her grin widens. My mouth slides into a lopsided grin, and my heart skips like it’s jumping hopscotch.

Feet pound the floor as Scarlett runs to me. “Uncle Dunky! Aunt Ava has never baked dog treats before.” Dragging my eyes from Ava, I look down and see a blinding grin on Scarlett’s face.

“Is that so?” I ask, feigning surprise, as I lift her for a hug; watching Ava’s expression over Scarlett’s shoulder, I let my eyes skate over her face. Her eyes dance while Scarlett continues filling me in on some apparent ‘tea’.

“Yup,” she says enthusiastically before whispering loudly behind her hand, “She told me the last time she tried to bake something, it was adisaster,” exaggerating the last word.

Ava shrugs her shoulders, and a sheepish grin covers her face. “What can I say? My skills are a bit lacking in the kitchen.”

“Well, we will have to work on helping her change that today, won’t we?” I stage whisper to Scarlett without taking my eyes off Ava. Scarlett nods vigorously, and I smile.

“Wait,” Ava asks, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Didn’t you burn a batch of treats that day I was here?”

I give her a mock glare. “If I remember correctly, someone interrupted me.”

Pinning her with my gaze, I’m reminded of the day she showed up asking me if I’d be willing to pretend to be her boyfriend. A tinge of pink stains her cheeks at the same time her eyes darken and I’m pretty sure she’s recalling that day too.

Crazy how just a few weeks can change everything.

“Come on, let’s get started!” Scarlett says excitedly, grabs my hand, and drags me into the kitchen. “Do you have an apron for Aunt Ava?”

“I do.” I look over my shoulder and smirk.

Scarlett runs over to the chair and grabs the aprons. She hands me mine and brings Ava hers. I slide mine over my head.

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