The Final Bullet

by Chris Taylor

He’d even gone so far as to contact Kristy and set up a time and place to meet. She’d sounded cautious on the phone, but had agreed. It was all he could hope for. He wanted to give it his best shot. What Ava had said was true. He owed it to his kids to exhaust all options before he made them another statistic.

  But that didn’t mean his heart didn’t yearn quietly for the woman who was helping him heal. It was a conundrum for which he had no answers. Right now, all he wanted to do was enjoy a night out with Ava—date or no date. He didn’t care what she called it. If he could also make Martin and Pam and their kids happy, even for a few hours, then it was a win for everyone.

  With that thought in mind, he pulled on his polished black boots and finger combed his short hair. With a final look in the mirror, he grabbed his wallet and keys and a jacket and headed out into the night.

  He pulled up outside a small apartment block and checked the address details on his phone. Climbing out of the car, he headed in the direction of Ava’s apartment. She lived in an upscale complex that was close to the shops and other amenities. He figured since she was only there for a month, that she’d taken a short term lease. Still, the paintwork was fresh and the gardens were tidy. She hadn’t scrimped on her needs. He was pleased to see she took care of herself, even temporarily.

  He wondered if she was punctual. He glanced at his watch and noted he was right on time. Arriving at her doorstep on the ground floor, he pressed the doorbell and swallowed against a fresh wave of nerves. He didn’t have long to wait.

  The door opened just as he was smoothing his damp palms on his jeans. Blushing, he glanced away and then looked quickly back at her again. Like him, she was dressed simply in jeans and a shirt. Her top’s pale pink color brought out the rosiness of her cheeks. Her black hair hung soft and loose with only a scrap of a pink fabric headband to hold it in check. She smiled, looking far younger than her thirty-six years.

  He’d discovered her age from his brother. When Rohan called with the news Sam was pregnant and enquired after Kristy and their kids, Lachlan had broken down and told him they were separated. A few conversations later, Rohan had been more than curious about Lachlan’s reasons for enquiring about Ava Wolfe’s age.

  The fact that she was six years older didn’t faze him one little bit. He’d married his high school sweetheart, but that didn’t mean he only found women his age attractive. Ava was fit and healthy and looked no older than him and even if she did, it wouldn’t have mattered. He’d fallen for her—her wit, her charm, her brains—the way she looked was only part of what made up the woman who was Ava Wolfe.

  “Hi,” she greeted him with a soft smile.

  He stared back at her. Like at the wedding, she wasn’t wearing glasses. He could only assume they were for close-up work. She always had them on in her office. Or perhaps she wore contacts on social outings? He didn’t know and he didn’t care. She was gorgeous, either way.

  Her dark brown eyes shone brightly and her teeth glowed white in the porch light. A faint scent of cinnamon and vanilla, and warm, soft skin reached his nose. All of a sudden, he couldn’t wait to spend the next few hours with her by his side.

  “You look beautiful,” he said and then leaned in and kissed her cheek. He couldn’t help it. He needed to touch her.

  She tensed a little, as if taken by surprise and then reached out for his hand. Giving it a gentle squeeze, she murmured, “Thank you. So do you.”

  “Shall we?” he asked, indicating his white Ford Ranger parked in the drive.

  She smiled again and nodded. “Sure. Lead the way.”

  * * *

  Ava followed Lachlan to his car and her heart beat double time. It had been that way ever since he’d kissed her. Okay, so it hadn’t been a real kiss, full of passion and fire, but her cheek felt warm where his lips had brushed her skin and the smell of his expensive cologne still lingered in the air. She drew in a surreptitious breath in an effort to get her pulse rate back under control and caught the teasing look he tossed her way.

  “Are you all right?” he asked softly.

  “Yes, just a little…nervous.”

  He breathed out a sigh of relief and laughed. “Good. So am I.”

  Ava raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Really? You look so calm, cool and collected.”

  He laughed again. “That just goes to show how good an actor I am. I was sweating buckets a moment before you opened the door.”

  She smiled in relief. Their eyes connected and an arc of awareness ran between them. They reached the car and, as if in a daze, Lachlan stepped forward to open her door. Halting mid-stride, as if changing his mind, a moment later, he pressed her back against the cold panel and threaded his hands through her hair. She gasped at the need in his eyes.

  “Lach—”

  His mouth came down on hers and ignited a blaze of heady desire. Warm and full, his lips moved across hers, urgent, but somehow gentle.

  “You taste so good. As good as I remember,” he murmured against her lips.

  Ava could do nothing but moan in agreement. Her arms crept around his neck. She leaned into him, needing to get close. His body pressed hard and urgent against hers. His erection strained against her stomach. There was no question he wanted her as much as she wanted him.

  But they were supposed to be meeting their friends for an evening of fun at the country fair. It was ludicrous to think for even a moment that they could call the night off and spend it in each other’s arms. As much as the idea appealed, common sense prevailed. Loosening her hold on him, she gently pushed him away.

  “We’re double dating with the Griffins, remember?”

  He smiled, slow and sexy and her heart did a somersault. “Ah, so it is a date.”

  She ducked her head, but then gave him a grin. “Would you rather have it any other way?”

  * * *

  The townsfolk of Moree and the surrounding district had come out in full force to enjoy the spirit of the annual fair. The balmy fall evening was filled with the sounds of cheerful screaming as people terrified themselves on the rides. Music pounded out from each stall, doing its best to entice customers. The bellowing of cattle penned up in anticipation of the rodeo added to the cacophony of sound.

  Lachlan sauntered along beside Martin, while Ava and Pam walked a little ahead. The two Griffin kids, Montana and Patrick, ran to and fro, taking in the sights and sounds, smiles of delight on their faces. It warmed Lachlan’s heart to see the innocent pleasure in their expressions and the stress-free look on the face of their dad. It was the most relaxed Lachlan had seen Martin in a long time and he was filled with contentment.

  His gaze drifted to the rounded curve of Ava’s bottom, hugged lovingly by her jeans. He remembered the feel of her pressed against him and forced down a surge of need. He intended to keep his promise to do what he could to save his marriage, but he couldn’t deny his feelings for his therapist would make the task more difficult.

  Martin looked at him sideways and then looked back at Ava and Pam. “She’s a good-looking chick,” he murmured.

  “Yes, you’re a lucky man,” Lachlan replied, deliberately misunderstanding him.

  “Don’t be a cock, Coleridge. You know I was referring to Ava. Are you sure there isn’t more between you than the fact that she’s your therapist? You’ve barely been able to drag your eyes away from her all night. What gives?”

  “Nothing,” Lachlan replied, averting his gaze. “We’re friends. That’s all. In fact, I’m meeting up with Kristy in a couple of days.”

  The distraction worked as he’d hoped. Martin’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wow, that’s great. From the way you spoke before about it, I sort of figured your marriage was over. Like, for good.”

  “Yeah, well, things didn’t end well, that’s for sure, but I’m now in a better place. I want to see if she’s willing to give me another chance.”

  “I see.” Martin’s tone was non-committal. Lachlan narrowed his gaze.

  “What the hell’s that suppo
sed to mean?” he demanded.

  “Nothing. It’s just that, it was obvious you two weren’t exactly getting on, even before. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I recall you two would argue just as soon as look at each other right from the moment you and I met. Pam and I figured you were just one of those couples who liked to fight a lot. Some people get off on it, you know. They fight so they can enjoy the make-up sex. If you ask me, it sounds like a whole lot of trouble for not a lot of return, but each to his own.”

  Lachlan shook his head, unable to believe what his friend was saying. “We weren’t like that! You’re exaggerating! I don’t think Kristy and I ever had make-up sex. We fought and didn’t talk to each other, sometimes for days on end. Then, eventually one of us would get over whatever it was we were fighting about and things would return to normal.”

  “Until the next time,” Martin quipped.

  Lachlan stared at his friend as the grim memories came flooding back. “Yeah,” he said slowly, “until the next time.”

  “Hurry up, you two! You’re falling way behind!” Unaware of the somber tone of the conversation taking place behind her, Ava smiled laughingly back at him and his heart clenched.

  She was so sweet and kind and beautiful. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. He was sure of it, and yet, she’d urged him to try and reconcile with his wife, to do what he could to fight for his marriage.

  And for what? She had nothing to gain by him returning to Kristy’s side. No, she’d made the suggestion because she believed in everything marriage stood for and the commitment he’d made to his wife.

  No doubt as a psychiatrist, she also knew firsthand the effect divorce had on the kids. It was a sad reality and one he didn’t take lightly. As much as he wanted to ignore her suggestion, he knew he’d follow through on his promise. He’d meet with Kristy and gage the strength of their relationship and whether they had what it took to take it the distance. He owed it to Ava. He owed it to his kids.

  “Daddy! Take me on the merry-go-round!” Montana tugged on her father’s hand. Martin smiled softly down at his little daughter and then bent down until he was at eye level. With a gentle hand, he brushed the hair out of her eyes and gave her a wink.

  “Of course I’ll take you on the merry-go-round, Miss Montana. Now, which carriage would you like to ride in?”

  “The blue one, Daddy! The blue one!”

  “All right, the blue one it is.”

  Martin stood upright and then picked up Montana in his arms. She squealed in delight when he tossed her high and then safely caught her.

  “Higher, Daddy! Higher! As high as the merry-go-round!” she shouted, laughing.

  “Wow, that’s pretty high, Miss Montana. I’m not sure I can toss you as high as that.”

  “Of course you can! Nobody’s as strong and tall as you! Throw me higher, Daddy!”

  Lachlan watched the two of them together and swallowed a lump in his throat. Montana was the same age as his daughter and he couldn’t help but think about how much time he’d lost with Charlotte. It had been two months since Kristy had taken his children. Two months since he’d seen his kids. Kissed them. Hugged them. Tossed them in the air. His heart ached with loss.

  It was time he lay it all bare for Kristy and convince her that he’d changed. He felt almost like he used to, before he became a cop. Like he’d told Martin, he was in a much better place now. He deserved to be a father and to take an active role with his kids.

  As for him and Kristy, they’d have to wait and see. He was less sure of his footing where she was concerned and even less certain he wanted to try all over again.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  From the neon lights of the fairground rides, Ava watched the shadows chase themselves across Lachlan’s face and wondered at their cause. Earlier, she’d seen him look with longing at Martin and Montana and could only imagine he was missing his own kids. It had been a couple of months since he’d seen them. It had to be tough.

  Amid sticky trails of pink cotton candy and soft, sleepy good-byes, she and Lachlan said farewell to the Griffin family and continued to wander around the fair. Lachlan wowed her with his target shooting by winning a huge panda bear. He handed it to her with a wide smile and a flourish and she could hardly believe the carefree man with the sexy grin was the same tortured officer who’d first appeared in her office.

  He’d worked hard on his therapy and deserved the mental health benefits that were obvious for all to see. Apart from the frown that now creased his brow, he appeared to be at peace.

  “What’s the matter?” she asked quietly, reaching for his hand.

  He entwined his fingers with hers and applied gentle pressure. She loved the feeling of his hand, warm and strong and secure. Safe. That’s exactly how he made her feel.

  “I’m meeting with Kristy the day after tomorrow,” he replied without inflection. “I wanted to let you know.”

  Her heart tightened with dread, but she nodded bravely in encouragement. “Good. I’m glad.”

  He stopped and turned to face her, shaking his head back and forth. His expression flooded with confusion.

  “I don’t get it. Why do you keep pushing me away? I know you feel the same connection that I do and it goes way beyond the sex. And yet, it’s like you’re prepared to sacrifice the way we feel, sacrifice a chance at true love. For what? I just don’t get it.”

  She stared up at him and her heart thumped. “I don’t get it, either. In the light of day, it seems the right thing to do. I’m not going to be responsible for breaking up your marriage. But… Right now, with the warm evening breeze ruffling your hair and your cologne overwhelming my senses, my reasons seem…less than compelling.”

  She heard his sharp intake of breath and desire glittered in his eyes. In silence, he drew her unresisting form further into the shadows. His warm lips found hers and she groaned a heartfelt sigh of relief. For this night only, she belonged in his arms.

  The kiss deepened. Ava opened her mouth and his tongue stole inside. He tasted of cold beer and corndog and spicy ketchup. He tasted delicious. She pressed herself against him and threaded her fingers in his hair. Holding his head in place, she kissed him until she was breathless.

  They pulled apart simultaneously, both of them panting hard. “Let’s go back to my place,” he murmured against her ear, his voice husky with need.

  She managed to nod and together they walked hand in hand back to his truck. She didn’t know where he lived, but she hoped it wasn’t far.

  * * *

  Lachlan stepped on the gas and arrived at his modest, four-bedroom, brick-and-tile house in record time. He unlocked the front door and ushered Ava inside. She looked around at the homey furnishings and the family photos that hung on the wall. Too late, he realized the last thing she probably needed was a reminder of his marriage.

  “You have a nice place,” she said quietly and pulled off her jacket. Hanging it over the back of the couch, she continued down the hall.

  He followed her slowly, a little uncertain about how to put her at ease. She came to a halt in the doorway of his bedroom. Like the living room, it contained photos and other evidence of his wife.

  “Let’s go outside,” he suggested hurriedly and reached for her hand. Leading her back the way they’d come, he strode through the open-concept kitchen and dining room and then opened the door that led to the deck.

  Though it was late, the night was mild and the sky was filled with stars. He led her across the back porch and down the stairs. Halfway across the yard, he came to a halt. The outline of a trampoline glinted in the moonlight. In silence, he turned to her and with one hand, lifted her up in the air.

  She gasped and clung to his shoulders. “Your sore arm! Put me down! I’m way too heavy!”

  “It’s fine,” he murmured and set her gently down on the pad.

  She bounced lightly up and down and giggled. “I haven’t been on a trampoline since I was a kid.”

  He smiled. “Well, t
onight you’re in for a treat. Lie back and enjoy the ride.”

  Giggling again, she lay back on the pad and stared up at the sky. Lachlan joined her.

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she whispered. “I never get to see the stars like this in the city. Too many tall buildings. Too much light. It’s so dark here, it’s like the sky is cloaked in sequin-covered, black velvet.”

  He reached for her hand and pressed it against his lips. In silence, they absorbed the grandeur of the night around them. Crickets chirped in the grass. An owl hooted in the distance. The air was filled with the scent of orange blossom from the Murraya hedge that bordered the back fence.

  Lachlan traced the soft skin of Ava’s hand with his finger, learning its unique shape and feel. He heard her soft intake of breath and was pleased. Though they’d both done their best to ignore it, there was something special between them; a connection he couldn’t explain. And it wasn’t just in a physical sense. It was like they really understood each other; saw beneath the tough exteriors, the faces they showed to the world, to the real Lachlan Coleridge and Ava Wolfe, beneath.

  He’d never felt like this with any woman, certainly not with Kristy. They’d fallen madly in love in high school and things had been great for a while, but as they grew older and more mature, they’d seemed to have less and less in common. The stresses and strains of his job didn’t help. His emotional withdrawal had been the final blow.

  Still, he meant it when he said he’d meet with his estranged wife and be completely honest with her—and see if there was anything worth fighting for.

  But for now, he’d enjoy his time with the woman in his arms. Knowing it might be the last time he held her filled him with a sad melancholy that was bittersweet, but he wouldn’t change anything about it; wouldn’t deny himself this precious time. The future would bring its own set of problems. For now, he’d surround himself with the wonders of the present.

  Turning on his uninjured side, he drew her close against him. The gentle slope of the trampoline aided his cause. She rolled into him and her hands splayed across his chest.