Page 30 of Keeping Ava

“You need to leave, and something happened.”

Elijah swallows hard, giving me a small nod. “He’s been spotted in Arizona.”

“Go on. I’m fine.”

“Don’t lie to me, Ava.”

“I will be when you find him.” It’s the best I can do, and his expression tells me he understands.

Elijah takes a few steps in my direction, closing the gap between us. My skin prickles in anticipation at his nearness. For a minute or two the man looks at me with so much warmth that it creates butterflies in my stomach. Soothes my fragile soul.

It also makes my lips lift into a tiny smile no matter how much I try to fight it. I lose myself in his stare.

“I’m going to give you your life back one surprise at a time.” Bringing a hand to my face, he cups my chin and rubs his thumb across my rosy cheek. “Please enjoy my kitchen while I’m gone.”

That’s all he says before walking away and out the door. It’s confusing. Leaves me breathless.

Wait...his kitchen?

Chapter 10

Ava

As soon as I’m dressed, I rush out to the kitchen and upon entering, stop dead in my tracks.

Oh.

My.

GOD!

“How? When?” Every single inch of counter space is full of items—baking necessities to make some of my most favorite creations. From pots and pans to sugar and flour—chocolate and fondant and even my favorite kind of piping gun set.

A giddiness I haven’t felt for months blooms deep inside my chest with the rush of a freight train. It helps me push away every negative thought—momentarily bury the nightmare I’m residing within into the back of my mind as ideas form. As another reality takes center stage.

It slams into me, and I can’t stop the tears from forming or the small, sob-like giggle that escapes. This thoughtful act touches me in a way that nothing else has before. My heart beats rapidly inside my chest and my body feels light, as if I’m floating, and as I see a small note attached to a bag of semi-sweet dark chocolate, everything becomes clear as day.

I have no idea how it happened or why, but it did. I am.

My desire for him grows and feelings morph. When this is all over, the flip-flopping emotions are going to give me a mental breakdown.

It’s bad and oh so good and dangerous. Could be fatal for me. For him.

“I fell for him.” Even as I say the words aloud, the truth behind them is undeniable. This is romance-book fast and makes no sense, but I did. I walk to the island and pick up the note, reading his quick words. They’re simple and sweet, and that butterfly fluttering in my belly takes off at a rapid speed, making a smile stretch across my lips.

Go nuts, sweetheart. Have fun.

AND most importantly, I like all things chocolate.

Yours, Eli

“He’s freaking adorable,” I whisper to myself and then turn on my heels toward his office. After my fail at avoidance and our truce, Elijah offered me the use of his laptop anytime I need it.

Well, today I need it.

I have a Google folder full of recipes, and one in particular is calling my name. It’s a chocolate and hazelnut torte with a hint of spiced rum that is to die for. My mother came up with this recipe when I was twelve, but over the years I’ve tweaked it—made it my own with an alcohol glaze each of the seven layers gets bathed in.

His personal laptop is on his desk; however, I notice the files from earlier and his work computer are now gone. Don’t think about that. Don’t ruin the moment.

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