Page 64 of Flight Plan

Smiles meant all were in agreement; the room thinned out as they followed Jorge into the kitchen. Wesley hung back, waiting for Ava.

With things still needing to be discussed between them, Ava wanted to at least thank him again for all he did last night and arrange a time when they could speak in private.

“Ava,” he cooed, his voice low and wrought with concern. “You look exhausted. Are you okay?”

“Yes, Wes, I’m fine.” She didn’t intend for her words to sound harsh, but it was always easier to distance herself from him when irritated instead of swooning under the intensity of his golden-eyed gaze. Still, being irritated with him after all he’d done only made her an ass. “Sorry. Yes. I didn’t sleep much. And I’ve gotten four texts from the Realtor this morning.”

“You’re house hunting?” His face was a mask of shock and confusion. “What about the other night? What we shared?”

She’d taken another position and told him as much.Did he truly think that would change?

“Yeah, well, Wes, this was a summer gig. And we both knew that going into the other night.” Being Wesley’s occasional, long-distance hookup, which would likely fizzle out over the next months, wouldn’t work for her. She couldn’t just become a conquered level like in his video games. Ava threw her hands in the air, wishing she could move on without this hurting so much. “You’ll be moving on, too—back to New York or wherever. Even if you managed to extend my position, I can’t just move Jack around like that. I’m being responsible, putting his needs first.”

“I admire you for that but…”

“Look, Wes, we’ve become close. And you and Jack have formed a special bond, especially after last night, but I think we need to be realistic about our futures.”

“Shit! I’ve done this all wrong.” He scratched his head, mussing his hair. “I should have told you last night. But I wanted to give you time—time to deal with Jack’s injuries. But I can’t hold back any longer. Ava, I love you. I have for a long time. And I can’t just watch you go without telling you. I know you care for me and that it’s difficult for you to admit your feelings but—”

“What?”Had he said those three monumental words in his long-winded speech?

He stared into her eyes, repeating, “I love you.”

“I, uh…” Her mind spun, totally caught off guard by his confession, but also, believing it deep in her soul. The other night, naked and wrapped in his arms, she felt their strong connection to her core. The fact that he said he loved her didn’t shock her, but where the love came from, she questioned. “Am I good enough in real life? You idealize me in your video game…”

“Good enough?” He shook his head as if he couldn’t fathom the idea. “I fantasize about you in my video games, sure.” A wicked smile touched his lips. “But I want you, the real you, at the breakfast table, and by my side every day.”

“I don’t know. Love aside, this is complicated.”

“It’s not. If I spend the rest of my life with my muse, the woman of my dreams…how could anything top that?”

“What about Jack?”

He chuckled. “What about Jack? You know how I feel about him.”

“Yeah, I know. And I couldn’t have healed from my past or rekindled my relationship with Jack without you—and your woo-woo techniques.” She eyed him frankly, stating what remained true in her heart. “It’s just one of the many reasons I’ve fallen in love with you.”

A huge smile filled his face. “One of themanyreasons?” he repeated.

“Yes. You’ve been great with Jack. And from what I’ve seen with Tejas, you are a great dad. You’re a natural with kids.” No one could deny his dedication and love for her son. And Jack idolized Wesley, not only for the fun times Wesley could afford, but for the quiet moments when they sketched or just hung out together.

“I got so lucky when you came into my life.” He tugged on her ponytail. “Good thing Brock has a thing for army guys. And you’re Todd’s bestie.”

She laughed, allowing herself to let go of her uncertainty and succumbing to this new jesting between them. “You’re lucky I forgave you for ditching me at the airport that day and taking my ride.”

“I forgot about that.” Wesley chuckled, pulling her into his arms. “But I see you didn’t forget. Are you sure you forgive me?” He challenged, raising his brows.

“I wouldn’t be mad if you made it up to me,” she baited.

“How about you be my official girlfriend-slash-muse and stay at my place in Manhattan.”

“Move in with you?”

“I can’t be separated from you. We’re linked on so many levels.”

“What about Jack?”

“There’s a prestigious private school one block from my building. Brock knows the dean well.”

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