by Elle James
Sean frowned. “Okay, but remember, I can afford this.”
Ava nodded. “I get that. But what would you expect in return.”
“Nothing but your company for dinner. And if you don’t want to keep me company for dinner, I’ll be okay with that, but you’ll still get your steak.”
Ava pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and chewed on it. “Are the prices that bad?”
Sean handed her the menu. “Depends on what you think is bad.”
Her gaze landed on the first price, and she gasped. “I think this is bad.”
“I wouldn’t have brought you here if I couldn’t afford it.” Sean took the menu from her. Then he handed her the other menu. “Just pick what you want. I can afford it.”
Ava’s stomach churned at the thought of spending that much money on one meal when she could purchase an entire month’s worth of groceries with that amount.
Sean reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “It’s okay.”
A spark sizzled through her at his touch. She gulped and focused on not making a fool of herself. “I’d rather go to a fast food restaurant,” she said.
He shook his head. “How about I order for you? Just tell me how you like your steak.”
Ava nodded. “I like it medium.”
The waiter returned.
Sean placed the order.
Ava fiddled with the clutch Leslie had loaned her.
She wondered if she should have taken out her phone and called a cab to take her home where she belonged. It had been a long time since she’d been out to a steak house. She wondered if all steak houses had gotten as expensive as this one. Or if this particular restaurant was extremely high-end.
She glanced around at the patrons. Most dressed in fine clothing. Sean had better be able to pay for dinner, or she’d be doing dishes for the rest of her life to pay for their dinner.
“So, you’re a football fan,” Sean said.
Ava smiled, glad the conversation was turning toward something she felt strongly about. “In college football, I’m a big Texas A&M fan. When it comes to NFL, I’m Cowboys, all the way. Gotta support my home state.” Her cheeks heated, and she wondered if he’d think she was silly.
Sean grinned. “It’s a good thing you’re an Aggies fan. That was my alma mater.”
Ava nodded. “I saw that in your profile.”
“What about you?” Sean asked.
“I’m a graduate from a community college,” she said. “I’m working on my bachelor’s degree in psychology. If all goes well, I hope to complete it within a year.”
“What do you plan to do with the degree?”
She looked away, her thoughts on her future, which always seemed so far away when she was just trying to get by. So often, she felt like it was she and Mica against the world. “I want to help people who are suffering with Post Traumatic Stress.” Her gaze returned to him.
He was staring at her, though he seemed to be looking through her to another time or place. Finally, he visibly shook himself and said, softly, “Lord knows, we need more people who understand PTSD.”
“I know I have a long way to go to get through a masters and doctorate, but I have goals, and I’m pretty stubborn.”
“I’m sure you’ll make it. Through what university are you seeking your Bachelor’s degree?” Sean asked.
“Texas A&M,” she responded. “I’m doing most of my coursework online.”
“It’s a good school,” he said.
“What did you study?” Ava asked.
“My degree is in business, with a minor in Military Science,” Sean said.
Ava stiffened. “Were you a part of the Corps of Cadets?”
He nodded. “Yes, I was.”
A chill feathered across her skin. “Did you serve any time on active duty?”
“Yes, I did.” He frowned. “Is that a problem?”
Her lips thinned. “No.”
“I served for six years on active duty and deployed twelve times as part of the US. Navy SEALs.”
Her eyes rounded. “Wow. A Navy SEAL.”
He nodded. “I qualified shortly after I entered active duty.”
“I understand the training is pretty intense. Not many who start, finish. It takes someone special to make it all the way through,” Ava said.
“I don’t know about special.” Sean grinned. “I guess you could say I’m stubborn.”
“No doubt.” Ava’s hand tightened on the borrowed clutch. “Were you injured during that time?”
“Nothing major.” His jaw firmed. “I was one of the lucky ones. Some members of my team weren’t nearly as fortunate. People I cared about were never really the same after they redeployed Stateside. They needed people like you, who were willing to help them understand and work through what they were feeling.”
Ava studied Sean.
A shadow crossed over his face, and he turned away. “War has a way of changing a man.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d rather not talk about the war and military,” Ava said. The memories associated with the discussion weren’t all good. The one most prevalent was the one where the post chaplain had come to her with the news of her husband’s death. She’d been so distraught, she’d almost lost the baby she’d been carrying in her belly. Her hand went to her now flat stomach.
“I agree. No more military talk.” Sean gave her a tight smile. “What do you like to do for fun? I know our profiles list things we enjoy doing. Hearing it from you makes it more personal and less automated.”
Ava straightened her shoulders and pasted a smile on her face. “I like to go for walks in the park.” She didn’t add that she liked to go to parks with playgrounds for Mica to play on.
Mica was a private part of her life that she didn’t need to share on a first date. On any date, for that matter. Since she didn’t plan on marrying again, at least until after Mica was old enough to be out on her own, she didn’t need her daughter to be part of any conversation. She would never meet Ava’s dates…if she should decide to go on more than this one.
“I like being outdoors, as well,” Sean said. “Do you ride?”
“Ride what?” Ava frowned. “Motorcycles? No. Horses? I have.”
Sean grinned. “Horses, although motorcycles can be fun, too.”
“I’ve never been on a motorcycle, but I love riding horses. I had a friend in high school who would take me horseback riding every other weekend. I haven’t been riding since then. There never seemed to be time or availability.” She smiled across at him. “Life gets very busy when you’re an adult.”
“Great. I have horses,” Sean said. “I love to ride. Unlike you, I didn’t ride as a kid. I learned as an adult, after I left the Navy. If we agree to a second date, we might do it on horseback.”
Riding horses reminded Ava of younger, carefree days. She smiled. “I’d like that.”
Sean’s brow wrinkled. “Like the idea of a second date? Or of doing it on horseback?”
“Both,” she said, then blinked. She’d meant that.
Sean cocked an eyebrow. “You might want to hold your opinion until the end of the date. I might say something stupid that might change your mind about me.”
Ava snorted softly. “Deal. I’ll wait until the end of the evening to make my decision about you.”
By the time she finished her beer, she had a little bit of a buzz, mellowing her nervousness.
They discussed the previous Aggie football season and the one upcoming in the fall. The conversation segued into a discussion about the different kinds of horses and places each had always want to go for trail riding, to include the Palo Duro Canyon in north Texas and the mining trails of Colorado.
Ava found herself relaxing and getting more comfortable with Sean. By the time their food came, he’d made her laugh twice.
Leslie had been right. She had needed adult, male conversation. And she was having fun.
The steak was so tender it practically melted in her mou
th. She moaned her approval.
Sean chuckled. “I’m glad to see you appreciate a good steak.”
“This is better than a good steak,” she said. “And the asparagus is amazing.”
Sean nodded. “They do a good job with the steaks here, but I still prefer homegrown beef, grilled on the barbeque out at the ranch. Nothing gets better.”
Ava agreed. “There’s something satisfying about grilling your own steak.”
When they’d cleaned their plates, the waiter came and took away their dishes. Then, he offered them the dessert menu.
Holding up her hand, Ava shook her head. “I couldn’t fit another bite into this dress.”
Sean thanked the waiter. “So, what next? Would you like to go dancing?”
Ava shook her head. “I shouldn’t admit to this, but I don’t usually stay up that late, unless I’m snuggled in a blanket on my couch, watching a good movie.” She laughed. “Half the time, I fall asleep in the middle of it.”
Tipping his head slightly, Sean studied her. “Most women would jump at the chance to go dancing.”
Ava grinned. “We’ve already established that I’m not most women.”
Sean nodded. “Right. It’s just hard to get used to.”
Ava tilted her head. “Do I detect a little cynicism toward the fair sex?”
His lips twisted wryly. “Guilty. You don’t get to the ripe old age of thirty-three without going through a few bad dates that color your opinion.”
“Well, I hope I’m not adding to your list of grievances.”
He shook his head. “No way. So far, I’m intrigued.” Sean glanced around. “If you don’t want to go dancing, what would you like to do next?”
Ava gave him a smile. “I guess we could call it a night.”
“How about this? Why don’t we do a little window shopping. I’m not quite sure I’m ready to take you home.” He tipped his head, his brow furrowing. “Unless you really want to go home now.”
She wasn’t ready to end the date. “I’m up for a little window shopping, if you are.”
Sean paid the bill and held out his arm.
Ava slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow and let him guide her out of the restaurant. She felt almost comfortable with Sean. Not like she did with Leslie, but a little on the edge and relaxed all at once.
She was glad he let her hold onto his arm as they walked down the street. The borrowed shoes sported a heel a little higher than she was used to.
It was nice to have someone to lean on for a change. She had been leaned on for the past five years. It was nice to let someone else hold her up for a few minutes out of her life. Not that she planned on getting used to it.
This was just a date. She had no intention of taking it much farther than this one date. Okay, maybe she’d go for a second date. Ava frowned. If he asked.
She hoped he’d ask. He’d talked about going horseback riding. Would he ask again, and give her the option of saying yes or no?
Ava stewed on the possibilities.
“What’s your preference? Country or city?” Sean asked, startling her out of her thoughts.
Ava tilted her head. “I like both. What I miss about being in the country is being able to see the stars. My mother and I used to drive out to the country to see the meteor showers. When you’re out in the Texas countryside, the sky is so wide open and full of stars, it’s amazing. You can see all the meteors streaking through the heavens.”
“I grew up in the city.” Sean paused. “The only time I got to see the stars was when my brother and I drove out to the country to do a little illicit, underage drinking and raising hell.”
Ava tilted her head and glanced up at Sean. “So, you had a little wild streak in you?”
“Yes, I guess I did.” Sean gave her a crooked smile. “My dad wasn’t the best example a parent could set for his boys. You see, he was an alcoholic.”
Ava nodded. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Please, don’t let that influence your opinion of me. We don’t get to choose our parents.” Sean drew in a deep breath and let it out. “I’ve spent a lifetime overcoming my upbringing.”
Ava smiled. “From what little I’ve seen so far, you appear to have succeeded.”
They walked along in silence, glancing into store windows, until Sean brought them to a halt in front of a large pickup with knobby tires.
Sean waved a hand at it. “This is mine. I forgot to ask if you drove your own vehicle to the restaurant.”
“No,” Ava said. “My friend, Leslie, dropped me off.”
He frowned. “Leslie, as in BODS Leslie?”
Ava dipped her head. “She’s also my boss.”
Sean smiled. “She roped you into trying her system?”
Ava gave him a shy smile. “I’m glad she did.”
“Me, too.” Sean rested his hand on the truck’s door handle. “Do you trust me to get you home safely?”
With a nod, Ava smiled. Though she’d only known him a short time, she felt she could trust him with her life. “I do. But if you’re not going in my direction, I could catch a cab to get home.”
Sean shook his head. “What kind of gentleman would I be, if I didn’t offer you a ride home from our first date?”
She shrugged. “You are under no obligation to take me home. We went into this dating gig with the option of leaving, at a moment’s notice, if we didn’t click. If you didn’t like me, you didn’t have to stay for the rest of the date. If I didn’t like you, I didn’t have to stay.”
He turned her toward him and stared down at her. “It might be too soon to say, but I kind of like you.” Sean pushed a strand of her hair back behind her ear. “If you’ll agree to it, I’d like to take you home.”
She nodded, finding it difficult to make her tongue work when he touched her like that. She managed to say, “I’d like that.”
He helped her into the truck, his hand lingering on hers.
That tingling awareness spread across her like wildfire. She fought to tamp down the flames and gave him her address.
Although it was only five minutes to get to her house, it was long enough for Ava to get nervous.
Since it had been a long time since she’d been out with a man, and they were both grown adults, not teenagers, she wasn’t sure if kissing was something done on a first date. Didn’t most dates end in a kiss? Did she want him to kiss her?
A tug deep down in her core answered for her. Yes.
Chapter 4
The drive was too short. Sean needed another ten to fifteen minutes to work up the courage to kiss this woman who’d more or less told him she didn’t want to date and had no intention of going after a lasting relationship.
So, why did he have this unwavering desire to kiss her? Was it because he and she were so much alike? It was positively frightening.
He almost laughed out loud at himself.
Him, a Navy SEAL, afraid of a woman?
He frowned as he pulled up to a quaint little cottage at the address she’d specified.
“I know it’s small, but it’s home,” Ava said.
“It’s cute,” he remarked.
“You were frowning like you didn’t like it.”
Sean shook his head. “I was frowning because the evening is ending far too soon.”
She grimaced. “Sorry. After working all week, I’m pretty beat on Friday nights.”
“Don’t be sorry. I have to admit, although I can cut a mean two-step, I wasn’t feeling much like dancing, either.” However, he didn’t want her to go yet. He wanted to hold onto her a little longer.
Ava liked the things he liked, laughed at his jokes, and felt warm and soft when she leaned into him.
When she moved to open her own door, he reached for her arm and squeezed it gently. “Let me complete my gentlemanly duties. We can’t let your first day back in the saddle of dating end in a fiery crash and burn.” He winked and got out of the truck.
He opened her door, then re
ached up and caught her around her waist to help her to the ground, letting her body slide down the length of his.
Sean swallowed a groan as he continued to hold onto her waist, even though her feet were solidly on the pavement.
For a long moment, Ava stood with her hands pressed to his chest, staring up into his eyes. “You don’t have to walk me to my door, you know.”
“Yes, I do,” he murmured, his head dipping low. If he lowered it any more, he could capture her lips with his and end the night on a kiss that would almost certainly rock his world.
A dog barked from a nearby backyard.
Ava’s eyes widened, and she stepped out of his grip. “I guess I’d better go inside before Georgie, my neighbor’s black lab, disturbs the peace.”
Before she could go too far, he captured her hand and fell in step beside her. “Thank you for going out with me tonight,” he said.
“Thank you for not being a jerk,” she said with a grin.
“Glad I could oblige,” he said, touching two fingers to his forehead in a mock salute.
“I’ve heard horror stories from women I’ve known who jumped back into the dating scene and went with other match-making websites to find a date. It wasn’t reassuring. I almost backed out at least a dozen times before I arrived at the restaurant.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. I had a surprisingly wonderful evening.” He climbed the porch steps and stopped beside her at her front door.
“Well, I guess this is it.”
He nodded. “I guess so.”
She raised her head, but her gaze didn’t make it to his eyes, stopping short around his mouth or chin.
What was she thinking? Was she ready to get away from him? If so, why? Had he not been attentive enough? Had he said something wrong?
He placed his finger beneath her chin and angled her face upward, letting the light over the door shine down into her eyes. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
She laughed. “Nothing. Why did you think there was anything wrong?”
“You’ve been talking to me all evening, smiling and laughing. Since we drove up to your house, you haven’t stopped frowning.”
Her frown lifted, and her eyes rounded. “You were frowning. I thought you didn’t like my little house.”