“Can I help you?”

My head raises from my never ending stream of messages on my phone to glance at the nurse speaking to me. I smile sheepishly. I didn’t realize anyone was sitting here. “No, sorry. I’m here to visit a family friend. I didn’t mean to stand right in front of you.”

“No problem.” She flashes me a flirtatious smile. “I’ve had much worse views.”

I chuckle and then as I back away I catch sight of Avery coming toward me. The smile on her face fades as she notices the nurse. Is she jealous? If she is then that would mean she cares about me in some way. I hope that’s the case.

Turning around, I head straight for Avery and I can’t keep the smile off my face. I’m happy to see her. After last night, it feels like things have somehow shifted between us, like we’re more friends than adversaries. Maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part.

She stops walking, pausing in place until I’m right in front of her. “Hi,” she says, averting her eyes. Is she embarrassed about confiding in me last night?

“Hey, how’s your mom doing today?”

“She’s great. She’s speaking clearly and her mind seems to be unaffected by the stroke. I don’t really know any more than what I’ve observed with my own eyes. I was just on my way to find the doctor to see if I could get some answers.”

“I’ll come with you,” I say longing to be in her company for as long as possible. I missed not seeing her this morning. I like seeing her sitting at her desk whenever I walk into the office.

“Thank you for listening last night and not running the other way.” We start down the corridor.

“I’m always here for you, Avery. You can talk to me anytime you want.”

“I appreciate that. I didn’t mean to crash on you. I think I was just emotionally exhausted.”

“Don’t apologize. It was the highlight of my day.”

She giggles. “Sure it was. You must have had a boring day.”

“Really. I’m glad that you trust me enough to fall asleep in my arms.” I turn my head and glance in her direction as we make our way down the long hallway. Her cheeks are flushed an attractive shade of pink. “You can sleep on me anytime you want.”

Her head whips in my direction and I wink when our eyes connect. She bites on her lip to stop the smile that’s fighting to appear.

The doctor steps out of a room as we approach and Avery flags him down to talk. I take the opportunity to hang back and study her appearance. She’s wearing worn, cutoff shorts and a t-shirt that says California Girl on it. Those words are a great reminder that any time I have with her is limited. I need to take what I can get because if I let this opportunity slip through my grasp, I’ll never know what being with her is like. Some time with Avery beats none at all. I need to get my ass in gear and go for it. When did I lose my ladykiller mojo? I’ve never had a problem going for what I want. I’ve never been someone who second guesses themselves. That’s only since Avery came back. I set my sights on a goal, I make it happen and she needs to be no different. I’ve already got her on the hook, now I just need to reel her in.

She shakes the doctor’s hand, heading in my direction. She smiles and I can tell she got good news. “My mom’s going to make a full recovery.” Crashing into my chest, she wraps her arms around me and breaths out a loud sigh of relief. “I was so worried.”

My arms surround her, pulling her close. “I’m so glad to hear that. Now you have nothing to be concerned about.”

She glances up at me, her chin resting on my chest. “They’re going to send her to rehab for a week or so to regain her strength and then she can go home.”

Her eyes sparkle with happiness. I’m happy for her family, but I can’t help wonder what kind of timeline her mom’s speedy recovery will mean for us. Will she be returning to California sooner than I anticipated? Fuck. I need to put the full court press on her, whatever that entails. There’s no time like the present to start.

“Hey, what d’ya say you let me take you out to dinner to celebrate?”

“You want to take me to dinner?”

“Of course I do. This surprises you why?”

“I don’t know. I guess because half the time I drive you crazy.”

“Avery, you drive me crazy in the best of ways.”

“Oh,” she says then presses her lips together.

“So what d’ya say? Can I take you out for dinner tonight? We can go wherever you want.”

She doesn’t answer me at first. I can practically see the wheels turning in her mind as she works through her answer. “Okay, I’ll go to dinner with you on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“I want to go someplace I’ve never been before and the food is out this world.”

I smile. “I know just the place.”

* * *

“I wasn’t sure what to wear. You didn’t give me any clues,” she says as I open the passenger door to my truck for her. Placing my hands on her hips, I help her climb inside, enjoying the feel of her curves under my palms way too much.”

“You look great. Shorts are actually perfect for where we’re going. It’s casual and I’m pretty sure you’ve never been there before since they just built it last year. I don’t think they have a location in California.”

“Hmm, well now my interest is piqued,” she says as I slide in the driver’s side. Flashing her a quick grin, I start the engine and we’re on our way. “The place I’m taking you is about fifteen miles away. I’ve only been there once and it was for a bachelor party. It’s entertaining and the food is great.”

“You better not be taking me to a strip club. I know you’re a caveman, but you can’t be that out of touch.”

I bark out a laugh. “I’m not taking you to a strip club. At least not for dinner. If you want to go later we can.”

“Gee, can we?” She rolls her eyes.

“Tonight is all about you. I want you to have a good time and let loose a little.”

“Hmm,” she hums through lips that are pressed together.

“That’s not very convincing. Trust me when I say you’re going to have a great time.”

* * *

“Which one are you rooting for?”

“The one in red. His horse is gorgeous and he’s not bad either.”

My eyes take in the beauty of his black horse before moving up to look him over. He’s a medium build guy with longish, curly brown hair. “You’re rooting for Orlando Bloom?” I question with a chuckle. She doesn’t laugh, just hits me in the chest with the back of her hand, never taking her eyes off the dude.

“Get him, get him,” she yells, bouncing in her seat when both horsemen begin riding full speed at each other for the jousting match. She gasps at the sound of their lances clashing against their metal shields. The riders immediately head back to their starting points, preparing to do it all over again. Her hands rub her thighs, a nervous tell of hers. I grab her hand, wrapping mine around it and resting it on her thigh.

She holds her breath as the two horses begin galloping and she doesn’t seem to inhale again until after the match is over. The Orlando look alike wins when the other guy’s lance breaks in two.

“I can’t believe you brought me here.” Her eyes are wide as she glances around Medieval Way. Is she disappointed? I can’t gauge her mood.

“Why?”

“This is the coolest place I’ve ever been. It’s awesome. I can’t believe this is a restaurant. What else do they have besides jousting?”

“They have hand to hand combat and sword fights. One of those should be next.” Picking up my beer bottle, I sip the cool liquid and silently celebrate my decision to bring her here. She’s having fun and that’s the most important thing.