Page 58 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

“I’d love to!” A smile crosses Ava’s face before she points at me. “Would you want both of us in a picture?”

Jade’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. “That would be amazing! I have the sweetest pup that just got here, but she’s shy of strangers. I would love to get some exposure for her.”

Jade doesn’t have us take photos with ‘one dog’ but dozens, not to mention gathering all of the families at the event with dogs who were previous residents of the rescue. It will be great PR and will get lots of dogs new homes.

The crowd continues to disperse as the day comes to an end. Glancing at the Mile High Mutts banner, I catch Ava standing for a photo with Adam, Susie, and Ryder.

My lips lift as I watch Ava in action. Not only does she appreciate her fans, but she makes them feel special. It’s obvious from the joyous expressions that anyone who leaves her has on their face.

After the photo is taken, Susie says something to her, and she laughs. For the first time since she’s been in Maple Ridge, out in public, she looks relaxed and at ease. Her eyes are shining, her smile is bright, and she seems…content.

As if feeling my gaze on her, she turns toward me. A lopsided grin crawls across my face and a warmth spreads through my chest. A gleam lights her eyes as her smile widens, but behind the smile, I notice the tired look.

Making my way toward Ava, I see Scarlett and David heading in the same direction. Scarlett’s face is full of joy, but David looks exhausted. I get it. I love my niece, but there are days when her energy level exhausts even me.

“Ryder is so happy in his new home, Aunt Ava! And Susie and Adam said I could visit him anytime! Uncle…” I narrow my eyes at her, and she catches herself before ‘Dunky’ comes out. “Duncan. Would you take me over sometime?”

“What does your dad think?” Shifting my gaze to David, I press my lips together as he rolls his eyes.

“Since when does what I think matter?” He mumbles. “If I say no, she’ll just ask you.”

She looks over her shoulder at her dad and puts on her most innocent expression. “He said we’ll see, but then he also said I could ask you.”

Ava snorts, and David scoffs. Rubbing my niece’s head, I say, “Well then, we’ll see.”

The frown covering her face almost has me promising her whatever she wants, but I know that backing up my brother is important to him, at least sometimes. “Definitely not today. I’m sure that Ryder and his family, not to mention your dad, had a long day.”

“Tomorrow?” Her eyes light up, and a hopeful smile covers her face.

I shake my head. “I have a game tomorrow, and you’re coming, right?”

“YES!” She jumps up and claps her hands; running over to David she grabs his hand and whispers something.

They start walking to the car just as I hear David say, “We’ll see.” He looks over his shoulder, a wide grin on his face, and he waves at us.

“See you both tomorrow,” I yell. Scarlett is still talking animatedly and doesn’t respond. Closing the distance between me and Ava, I ask, “Are you hungry?”

“Starving,” she says, just as her stomach rumbles. “What were you thinking?”

“I thought we could stop at Rocco’s in Pleasant Hollow. They have some of the best Caprese salad and a killer Chicken Milanese.” Her eyes shift, and she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. “We don’t have to do Italian; we could do something else.”

“Would you mind if we didn’t go out?” Her voice is hesitant as she asks like she’s somehow asking for the biggest favor in the world. “I’ve had enough of being in a fishbowl for today.”

“We don’t have to. We could get takeout and go to my house to eat. Normally, I’d cook, but it’ll be faster if we order in.” It feels like I’m asking Ava out on an actual date and I swallow against the lump in my throat. “Is that okay?”

There is a lightness in her eyes as she beams at me. A drumming starts in my chest and moves through my body as I wait for her answer.

“You cook too? You reallyarea catch.” Her eyes dance, and she blows out a slow breath and extends her hand out to me. “That would be perfect.”

I stare at her open palm for a second debating whether or not to take it. Something inside me releases and the decision becomes easy. Reaching out I entwine our fingers together. When she wraps her other hand around my arm and leans against me, warmth spreads throughout my entire body. Before I can overanalyze what I’m doing, I lean in and kiss the top of her head. Letting my lips linger for a moment, I breathe in the scent that is wholly Ava and let out a sigh.

From an outside perspective, it’s a small gesture, but at that moment, I’m making a silent promise. When she squeezes my hand in response, I know that she felt it, too.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Ava

Duncanwasn’tlyingaboutRocco’s. The Caprese salad and Chicken Milanese were exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

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