There were a few times a guy came into fill our glasses. I immediately recognized him from the bar. He seemed to recognize me, too. The way he was glaring at me, made me wonder if they were dating. Just the thought had me feeling jealous and possessive of her.
I planned to pull her aside at the end of our dinner, but she never returned after our food was served. Christopher arrived in her place, letting us know the meal was on the house. He spoke with my parents for a bit. Before he departed, I stood, stopping him.
“Christopher, do you have a moment?” I asked, guiding him out of the room into the hall as my family and the Archibald’s finished off their glasses of wine.
“Of course, what can I do for you, Mr. Blackwood?”
“The young woman that waited on us…”
“Ah, yes. Ms. Conner.”
“Yes. Ms. Ava Conner,” I said, trying her name on my lips. “Could you please give this to her in appreciation for her service? She did an excellent job,” I handed him a wad of cash. I didn’t even know how much was in it. It didn’t matter. I would give her the world if I could.
“I’m glad to hear that,” he took the money from me. “She’s a hard worker. She’s one of the servers that will be coming to help with your father’s party in the Hamptons.”
“Good to hear,” I replied more than pleased to hear that. It meant I would be seeing her again and soon. “Well, I won’t take any more of your time. Thanks again. The food was excellent.”
She would be at the party, making me suddenly look forward to the weekend – to seeing Ava Conner again. There was something about her and the way our bodies seemed to respond to each other. I needed and planned to delve into that further. I was determined to find out more about her and what made her tick.
Leave it to Serena to ruin the one night I had been looking forward to in a long time. We were running late for my father’s party. I was moments away from leaving her to find another way there. I hadn’t wanted to show up to the party with her anyway, knowing Ava would be there. But she begged me to escort her.
She was one of those girls always concerned with her appearance and social standing. She wouldn’t dare show up at a social event alone. It was annoying. Despite her being hot, her pretentious attitude had always made her unattractive to me.
When we finally walked into the foyer of my family’s Hampton home, my parents greeted us. “Serena, dear,” my mother said, air kissing Serena, “You look stunning.”
“Thank you, Vivie. You look gorgeous yourself.”
“Son,” my Dad shook my hand as Serena annoyingly remained attached to my other arm.
“Happy birthday, Dad.”
“Glad you guys made it.”
“Of course,” I said, suddenly distracted from our conversation. I could feel her presence before I even saw her. I turned my head searching for her, for those eyes. I found them immediately. Our gazes connected. I started to excuse myself, but just as quickly as I found her she was gone. Again. Running from me. Shit.
I guess I would have to just wait for the right moment. She was serving champagne, so I could easily talk to her, pretending to only be interested in a drink. I would have to be discreet about my approach. I knew Mrs. Williams ran a tight ship and would be watching the staff.
I waited for her to make her rounds to me, but she never did. She frustratingly kept her distance. I watched her from the corner of my eye, not wanting to draw attention to her. I also couldn’t seem to shake Serena from me which was only irritating me further. To an outsider we would appear as a couple, but we couldn’t be further from that. When I did finally get the chance to speak to Ava, I needed to make that clear.
I saw her disappear back into the kitchen. I assumed to refill her tray, but when she didn’t return for a while, I excused myself in search of her. I went into the kitchen, finding Mrs. Williams’s disapproving stare, but no sign of Ava. I ignored Mrs. Williams. She worked for me, after all. She would keep her mouth shut and would get over it.
I continued my search into the server’s quarters, concern growing that something had happened to her. I had no idea where she would be until I heard some commotion in one of the rooms. I stood in front of the door. I was about to knock when it opened. Ava stepped through it, nearly running into me, once again.
I thought she might scream from my mysterious appearance. She didn’t. Instead, her beautiful eyes swept down my body. I could see the craving in her eyes which fueled my own. God. She was gorgeous. I had to have her and not just once like all the other women. I wanted her to be mine for as long as I breathed.
When her eyes dropped to where I couldn’t see them, I instinctively raised her chin with my hand. Her body was already responding to me, telling me everything I was feeling was mutual.
“I’m not with her,” I told her, needing her to know that immediately.
“What?” She asked confused, her brow furrowing together.
“The girl. We aren’t together. She’s only a family friend,” I explained my relationship with Serena further.
“Why are you telling me this? …It’s none of my business and you don’t owe me an explanation,” her voice was shaky when she spoke. The way her body was begging for me made me question what she was scared of. It made me want to wrap my arms protectively around her.
“I know I don’t owe you an explanation,” I said firmly, “I wanted you to know.”
“Why?”
She asked the question, but I knew she knew the answer. The chemistry between us was undeniable. My face stretched into a smile. I stepped forward, gently pressing my body into her, pushing her up against the closed door as I stared down into those eyes that reminded me of the bright, blue sky. I could get lost in them.
“I think you know why,” I said, letting our bodies do the explaining as hers melded into mine.
Her body felt so right, fitting perfectly to me like the puzzle piece I had been looking for. As much as I wanted to savor our first time together, I was about to lose it and take her right here in the hallway. Before we could continue our conversation any further, someone interrupted us.
“Ava? Is everything okay here?”
I turned, seeing the same guy that had been with her the last few times, standing in the hall with an angry protective look that told me he was ready to fight. She hadn’t said she was taken, so as far as I knew she was fair game. I clenched my fists ready to make that clear.
She pushed her body forward from the door, forcing me to step back slightly. She looked between the two of us, concern growing on her face, “Yes, I’m fine. I was just headed back,” she explained, turning away from me to walk away.
Not wanting her to leave, I latched onto her elbow to stop her. I felt the sparks shoot through me like a bottle rocket. I knew now was not the time. She was working, and Mrs. Williams likely sent this guy to find her.
“I’ll find you,” I promised in a voice low enough that only she could hear. She didn’t respond, but I didn’t expect her to. She turned, walking away from me. Leaving me alone in the hall, desperate for her. I took a minute to gain my composure before rejoining the party.
I kept my distance from Serena the best I could, and I continued to watch Ava. I knew my parents would have paid for the hotel expenses of Christopher and his staff, so I could find out where they were staying. I impassively asked my mother and she looked at me knowingly, glancing across the room. I didn’t follow her gaze. I knew Ava was there, and I knew that was who my mother was looking at.
“Rhett,” she warned. “Your father–”
“Mom,” I interrupted her, “It’s not what you think. It’s different.” She studied me carefully and then nodded with a small smile, telling me where they were staying.
Her hand caressed my cheek, “I really hope this is different, Rhett. I want to see you happy again.” She kissed my cheek before walking away to bid farewell to the departing guests.
I waited around awhile until after all the guests had gone and I knew th
e staff had departed. I told Serena to find another ride. She looked disappointed, but I didn’t care at the moment. I had plans, and I wasn’t letting anyone or anything deter them, not even my own guilt.
I knocked on the door to the room she was supposed to be staying in. When there was no answer, I tried again. I waited for a moment. Still nothing. I threw my head back in frustration, but then heard a group of rowdy people walking down the hallway, headed towards the beach. I recognized one of them from the party.
I followed behind them, keeping my distance, hoping they would lead me to Ava. They walked out on the beach towards a bonfire that had a group of people surrounding it. I halted my strides, spotting her. My heart dropped, my body tensing.
She was sitting by the fire with the same prick’s arms around her. Seeing him touch her, had a rage boiling inside me that I’d never felt before. What the fuck? She never mentioned that she wasn’t available. She could have said something in the hallway.
I felt myself losing control. I started to walk towards them to demand an explanation and fight for what I wanted. But I was halted by her smiling face. She looked up at him so sweetly and endearing. I felt an ache shoot through my chest. I wanted her in my arms, looking at me that way. She seemed so happy, sitting there with him. Content. Fuck.
I couldn’t be the man to bring her pain. I wanted to protect her not hurt her. I watched her for a few more minutes, knowing I should walk away, but having a hard time moving. Her laugh carried across the cold, dark sky, knocking me from my internal debate. I glanced at her one more time before reluctantly walking away.
I felt more loss and pain in that moment than I had ever felt in my life.
The next weeks I felt like I was in a darker place than I had been before Ava crashed into my life. Knowing that she existed and I couldn’t have her, was like living in my own personal hell. I spent most nights at the Biltmore, sitting in my private office. It was more like a party room than an office. I had spent more late nights drinking with my friends and screwing random women in it than I had done actual work.
It had the perfect view of the club. And tonight I sat alone, watching people mill about, dance and get wasted. It was a typical, boring night. Nothing exciting happening - no fights to break up or pricks to throw out. Everything at the bar was running smoothly.
I was tempted to call it a night and go home. Our manager was here, so there was no need for me to stay. Most nights, I only stayed here to drink after going over paperwork and signing off on various things. I didn’t bother drinking tonight. All I was doing tonight was sulking.
I stood to leave, but was halted by the vision below on the dance floor. I couldn’t see her face, but I knew that body and those soft locks of brown hair. I watched as she swayed her hips with the music, her damn body taunting me. She was sexy as hell.
I started to go to her, but stopped. The appearance of her boyfriend impeding me. Shit. I gripped the back of my neck. He hadn’t been dancing with her initially, but now he was.
I sat back down watching them. I had no idea why. It was torture watching him touch her when I wanted to be the only one to have my hands on her. She was so beautiful. I don’t think I would ever want anyone else the way I wanted her. If I couldn’t have her, then I would likely be alone forever.
He left her side again, leaving her on the dance floor alone. Idiot. I watched her dance near a couple of friends, but they were too focused on each other to notice Ava. Fuck it. I didn’t like her exposed and vulnerable down there by herself. I threw my resolve to keep my distance out the window.
She was the only one I could see. The only one I’ve ever wanted like this. And she was here. In my club. That had to mean something. I had to at least try to make her mine. The number of times we had crossed paths - that had to be fate bringing us together. I couldn’t give up on the idea of us without even trying.
I stood determined, striding out of my office to the dance floor. Nothing was going to stop me from making her mine…
THANK YOU FOR READING!
I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you did, I would greatly appreciate a short review on Amazon, Goodreads or your favorite book website. Reviews are crucial for any author, and even just a line or two can make a huge difference. Thanks again!
THE BLACKWOOD SERIES CONTINUES IN
A REASON TO LEAVE
Maybe that was the problem with David and me. He obviously didn’t know me well. Didn’t know that I looked forward to my thirties. That being married was the last thing on my mind. In fact, I didn’t ever want to be married. I wasn’t the kind of woman that dreamed of her wedding day or wanted a house full of kids. Nope. Not me. Ever.
COMING SOON!
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First, I want to thank all my readers. Hearing all the excitement, feedback and support, makes writing so much more enjoyable and worthwhile. It has been a fun adventure writing this series so far. I can’t wait to share all that is to come in the Blackwood Series.
As always, I would also to like to thank my personal support team – my sister, Christy, my friend, Ryan, and my mother, Mary. Thank you for always being willing to be my beta readers and give me feedback. This book wouldn’t be what it is without having you guys to bounce ideas off of.
Table of Contents
Copyright
Table of Contents
About the Author
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Epilogue
Thank You
Coming Soon
Acknowledgments
The Only One Page 26