Page 68 of I Can't Help It

“Did you eat already? Luke, are you okay?”

No, I’m clearly not okay, because I’m acting like this is the first time I’ve ever laid eyes on her.

“I haven’t eaten,” I answer her first question. “Although, another guest told me the sweet potato pancakes are worth a try.”

My eyes wander to her exposed neck and I’m dying to pick up where I left off yesterday. I need more of that sweetness. More of those soft, quiet sounds. More of her.

“I’m really sorry about being late,” she apologizes again, this time with a mild curse. “I feel like the absolute worst.”

If anyone is the “absolute worst,” it’s me. She’s apologizing for being late while I can barely maintain a conversation with her because of my greedy hormones. And I don’t want to be that guy.

“You are far from being the worst, Ava.”

“But I—”

“No buts. Let’s get breakfast. I think I saw some apple streusel coffee cake as an option on the menu.” I stand up and hold out my hand toward her, but she doesn’t take it.

She bites her lip, and I try not to stare. “Are you sure you’re not upset?”

“Well, my hand is feeling pretty lonely now.” I wiggle my fingers to emphasize my point. “But otherwise, I’m good. I promise.”

She hesitates, but then finally slips her hand into mine, and I tug her up from the chair.

Her body sways toward me as our eyes meet—and in that moment, I’m breathless.

Even though we’ve been close so many times over these last couple of days, the intensity between us only seems to get stronger, and it’s overwhelming in the best way possible.

How did I ever think I’d be able to resist her?

Resisting Ava would be like having the self-control to stop yourself from binge-watching your favorite TV show.

Can anyone actually do that??

“What are you thinking?” she whispers, looking at me expectantly.

“I’m thinking about you,” I match her hushed tone. “I’m thinking about how I tried so hard to fight my feelings for you, and it still didn’t work. I never stood a chance.”

She smiles before kissing my cheek. “You did put up a good fight though. I was worried that I’d end up being a lonely senior citizen with a permanent unrequited crush.”

I laugh with her as we walk up to the café counter, but my mind starts racing with anxiety.

There’s no way Ava would be single and pining after me that long.

Wyatt would win her back.

She’d remember what it was like dating him. She’d remember that he was a good boyfriend. She’d fall for him all over again, and they would end up together. Then I would be the lonely senior citizen with a permanent unrequited crush.

My skin prickles at the thought.

I know it was my idea to “see where this goes” with Ava, but there’s still a very real possibility that Wyatt wants her back, and I should feel guilty for pursuing her when he knows nothing about it.

But I want to be selfish.

So, until this work trip is over, Ava is mine.

And if Wyatt wants to shoot his shot once we’re back home, I won’t stop him, but I intend to make the most of every second while I’m here with Ava.

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