by JoAnn Durgin
Ava snapped out of her musing and focused on Sawyer. He must have noticed her momentary inattentiveness, but he said nothing. By the time they’d finished the delicious main course, she was stuffed. After lingering over coffee, she suggested they have their dessert—sweet vanilla cream wontons—boxed to go. Sawyer agreed and summoned the waiter. His self-confidence impressed her but he was anything but arrogant. As much as he’d been in his element the night they first met—messy hair, biking clothes—Sawyer seemed every bit as comfortable tonight in his casually elegant suit. Likewise when he’d worn his jeans, down jacket, and red knit hat at the dancing school.
“Ava, I need to tell you something.” Sawyer’s expression was earnest, but his words gave her pause. From experience, Ava had learned those words could be a portent of something she might not want to hear.
“Should I be scared?” She lowered her gaze and stared at her napkin on her lap.
“Nothing like that. I volunteered to help out for a Valentine’s Day charity event on Saturday night. It’s to benefit Peyton Manning’s Children’s Hospital.”
“That’s wonderful,” she said. “I admire you for jumping in to help a great cause.”
“Thanks. Allie and Matt are members of the hospital board and this is their biggest fundraiser for the year.” He shrugged. “I figure it’s the least I can do, and it’s about so much more than making a monetary donation. Anyone can do that, but the thing is, it’s… Well, it’s one of those bachelor auction things. Silly and cheesy but, like you said, it’s for a great cause. I blame it on Allie since she dragged me into it.”
Ava bit her lower lip not to laugh. “So, women are going to bid for a date with you?” That’s how she thought it worked, but she couldn’t be sure.
“Right. The only reason I’m doing it is—”
“For the kids.” She squeezed his hand. “It’s okay, Sawyer. You don’t owe me an explanation, but I appreciate your telling me.” Why he felt the need to tell her in the first place, and why he seemed hesitant about it, made her wonder. They weren’t a couple and were barely dating at this point, although she was glad he’d told her. She had no doubt a lot of women would clamor for the opportunity for a date with him. A quick stab of something—jealousy?—shot through her.
“I’m not a player, Ava. I never have been, and I’m not now. I’m also a straight shooter.”
She met his gaze. He spoke the truth. “I know.”
After taking a final bite of his meal, Sawyer pushed aside his plate. “I’m supposed to pick up the winning bidder in a limo and take her to dinner on a mutually agreed date and time.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin and laid it on the side of his plate. “I guess one reason I’m telling you is because there’s probably going to be some hype about the event this week. Local TV spots, radio advertising, a couple of billboards. So, in case you see my face on the news, and—say, for instance, you’re exercising at the time and have the sound muted—I want you to know that it’s definitely not because I’m a wanted man.”
Ava burst out in giggles. Sawyer grinned and then joined her laughter. How long had it been since she’d laughed like this? From the deepest part of her? After settling the check with the server, Sawyer helped with her coat and then carried their dessert box as they departed the restaurant.
“You’re good for me,” Ava told him after Sawyer tucked her in his SUV and slid behind the wheel. “Thank you for a wonderful evening.”
“The pleasure’s all mine, I assure you.” His gaze was appreciative as he lightly tugged on a long curl in an almost playful manner. Releasing it, he inserted the key and started the engine.
Ten minutes later, Sawyer stood inside the front foyer of her apartment building. “May I see you again soon?”
“I’d like that very much.”
“Okay, here’s what we do. You go inside your apartment, change, and come out again. We’ll go for a midnight spin in my pedicab.”
She lifted her gaze to his. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but I’m not being very practical. It’s getting late and I’m running the soundboard for the church services tomorrow morning.”
“I’m scheduled for the nursery.”
“You like children?” The way his eyes lit, she knew her sentiment pleased him. He obviously loved children as evidenced by his interaction with Sophia and Katie.
“Love them.” Ava swallowed, finding it difficult to breathe. He caressed her cheek, gently skimming it with his thumb. “Remember, I choose to teach them, so I’m around them quite a bit.”
“Babies?”
Her pulse pounded loud in her ears. “True. My students are at least five. And you must like…sound.” She lowered her gaze. That statement had to be the dumbest thing she’d ever said.
With a light chuckle, he lifted her chin. “You could say that.”
Ava’s smile faded as she glimpsed how the color of his eyes deepened. She recognized that look in a man’s eyes. Sawyer wanted to kiss her, and although she sensed kissing this man would be wonderful, she wasn’t ready for more physical intimacy than holding hands, a huge first step as it was. Kissing on a first date wasn’t something she’d ever done. Even with a man as appealing as Sawyer, she couldn’t open herself to being that vulnerable until she knew him better.
“You make me dizzy, Ava Carlisle. I’m finding it difficult to say good night to you.”
She lost herself in his touch, the way his gaze conveyed so much.
Breaking eye contact, he took a small step back and ran one hand over his head. “That’s another one of those statements that probably didn’t sound…appropriate. I’m obviously a little out of practice.”
“I know the feeling.” Ava’s mind was muddled. As cliché as it might sound, she had a connection with this man. “I had a great time tonight. Thank you again.” A breath of relief flowed through her that he’d taken charge. The perfect conclusion for the night.
Sawyer feathered a soft kiss on the back of her hand before covering it with his own much larger, warm hand. Releasing her hand, he skimmed the back of his fingers over her cheek one last time. At the front door, he stopped and glanced back at her with a smile. He nodded at the painting on the wall. “You’re right. Interesting painting.”
“They changed it later than usual this month…” Ava’s cheeks flushed immediately with warmth. “That painting is not me. I mean, I didn’t pose for it. I wouldn’t. I couldn’t.” When she saw his smile widen and he walked back to her again, her pulse raced. She closed her mouth from further protest.
“You are adorably fetching when you blush. It’s very becoming.” Leaning close enough for her to feel his warmth, to be swayed by his cologne, Sawyer planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. “And I know the woman in that painting isn’t you. If it were you, the artist would have added that charming little mole on your right shoulder. Good night, Ballerina. I’ll call you soon.” With a small wave, he was gone. The heavy, wooden front door closed behind him with its customary click.
Oh, my. Ava moved one hand to her shoulder. He must have noticed the mole when she’d worn the tutu since her shoulders were bare. Coming from some men, that statement might come across as borderline creepy, but not Sawyer. The man noticed everything in the most flattering way. Besides, he used the word fetching. He was uncommonly gentlemanlike for a guy of his generation.
Hearing a door close nearby, she shook her head. You are certifiable, talking to yourself. With the tile floor, every sound in the long, narrow corridor echoed loudly. Slipping off her high heels, Ava carried them as she slowly walked down the quiet corridor toward the elevator.
Humming “Moon River” the entire way.
Chapter 9
~~♥~~
“Ava, you seem a little distracted. I haven’t seen you smile so much in…well, ever.”
Glancing up from where she worked on the budget spreadsheet, Ava gave Heather a bright smile. “Financially, the month is shaping up nicely since we added a few new st
udents at the beginning of the year.”
Heather slipped into the chair opposite her desk. “I think there’s more to that smile than the healthy budget. You’ve met someone, haven’t you?” Pushing her wavy blonde ponytail over one shoulder, Heather gave her a coy grin. “You have the look of a woman in love. I have to say, it’s great to see.”
Love? Infatuation was more like it but the comment almost made Ava wish she had a mirror. Placing the pen next to the ledger, she clasped her hands together to keep them still. “His name is Sawyer Mancini and he owns a pedicab business in town.”
A slight frown surfaced between Heather’s brows. “Nice name, but why does it ring a bell? And what’s a pedicab? Is that like a rickshaw?”
Ava laughed. “I called it the same thing and Sawyer didn’t waste any time correcting me. A pedicab is a bicycle-drawn vehicle. Sawyer is Sophia Randall’s uncle, so that’s probably why his name sounds familiar. He brought Sophia and her friend, Katie, to the lesson last Tuesday afternoon and then we talked when he picked them up afterwards.”
Heather sat up straighter in her chair. “Wait just a second. The tall, Italian-looking guy? He’s gorgeous! I felt a little sorry for him, though. He looked so awkward since he was the only guy in the lobby. He shoved his hands in his pockets, whistled, looked all around the room…”
“I actually met him after the recital at the Hyatt last Saturday night. Remember when you called me to make sure I got home okay? I was sitting in Sawyer’s pedicab at the time.”
A slow smile upturned Heather’s lips. “He pedaled you home? That’s a new one.”
“He did. You have to admit, it’s inventive. And it was six blocks, not six miles.” If it had been six miles, she’d have learned the man’s entire history.
“Not to mention it’s a great way to keep in shape. A pedaling man. Huh. So, does he pedal all day and evening long?” Heather was having fun with this.
Ava laughed. “No. He owns the business and sets his own hours.”
“A self-made, gorgeous and successful business owner who calls the shots? Sweet. Not to mention he seems like a great uncle. And when he came back to get the girls and whipped off that cap? All those dark curls?” Collapsing into the chair, Heather put one hand over her heart. “Goodness, girl. What’s not to like? Have you been out on a date with him yet?” Propping one elbow on Ava’s desk, Heather’s blue eyes widened.
“When he was here last week, he asked for my phone number. He called a few nights ago, and we went out to dinner this past weekend. I really like him, Heather. Sawyer has such a good heart and he’s a man of faith. Doesn’t get much better than that.”
“You’re smitten, girlfriend, and I couldn’t be happier for you.” Heather rose to her feet. “Well, I have a class to go teach or Miss Carlisle will be after me for slacking off. Maybe Sawyer will bring Sophia to class again this afternoon, seeing as how it’s Tuesday.”
“I doubt it.” Ava’s heart skipped a few beats at the thought. “He did that purely as a favor for his sister, Allie, Sophia’s mom. And I don’t think you need to worry about Miss Carlisle.”
Ava glanced up as her friend planted both palms flat on her desk. “Cole was a fine man, but I have to say, you never had this”—Heather gestured to Ava’s face—“glowing radiance or whatever about you when you were with Cole. It’s like you’re lit up from the inside out. When you talked with Sawyer in the lobby last week, you looked great together. Comfortable, teasing, and friendly even though you’d apparently only met him a few days before.”
Heather leaned closer. “Cole was your past. Keep him there and move forward. It’s time.”
Before Ava could say another word, Heather pivoted and left the office. Swiveling in her chair, Ava hopped up and crossed her small office. She examined her reflection in the mirror. Did she look different since she’d met Sawyer?
Bringing one hand to her face, she touched her cheek. They were rosy, and she hadn’t put on any makeup this morning. She couldn’t attribute it to the cold temperatures since she’d been inside the studio for hours. In her mind, she pictured Sawyer telling her one of his funny stories. He’d called her last night and asked to meet her for lunch tomorrow. Lifting her gaze to the mirror, Ava almost gasped. Sure enough. The image staring back at her—bright eyes, pink cheeks, curved lips—were undeniably that of a woman who was smitten.
~~♥~~
The expression of pure delight on Ava’s face when Sawyer escorted her outside the dance studio on Wednesday at noon would forever be etched in his mind.
“Sawyer! You pedaled all the way out here from downtown? That’s like 20 miles!”
“I’d pedal a hundred miles for you, baby,” he said in his best Humphrey Bogart impression, “but I didn’t. I called in a favor.” He explained that he’d borrowed one of the pedicabs from the hotel closest to the dance studio. “One of the perks of being the boss. It was still a good brisk eight mile drive. Invigorating.” He shivered for emphasis.
“You must be freezing!” Stepping closer, she captured both of his hands between hers, rubbing briskly. “These biking gloves might be insulated, but I doubt they’re warm enough for a long drive.” Sneaky or not, that exaggerated shiver had worked well to accomplish his goal.
“You’re worth every mile.” Sawyer scrunched his face when she put one hand over her heart and then fanned her face, pretending to swoon. Maybe it’d been foolish to undertake such a long ride in the cold weather, but the temperatures hovered just above freezing. Most importantly, the appreciation in Ava’s warm brown eyes—like rich, delicious caramel—made the trek completely worth the effort.
“Listen, since Carson’s isn’t far from here, I thought we could go there,” he said. “They have great homemade soups and sandwiches. Sophia would tell you they also have the best hot chocolate in the greater Indianapolis area.”
“Believe it or not, I’ve never been there, although I’ve certainly heard a lot about it. Sounds like a winner.” She hooked her arm in his and stepped up into the pedicab.
“I left the foot warmer on when I came inside to get you, so it should be warm and toasty.”
He handed the blanket to her. Taking one corner of the blanket, he covered her lap. “A few months ago, I applied for a patent for the heating device.”
Ava lifted her feet. “It’s not tested?”
Leaning close, Sawyer gently pressed down on her lower legs so that her feet once again touched the floor. “No worries. I should have said I’d been granted the patent, so it’s approved. Completely safe.” With Ava so close—her beautiful mouth, those gorgeous eyes, and smooth glowing skin—he steeled himself not to kiss her. Pulling back, he knew it wasn’t his overactive imagination that she’d leaned in closer to him. When he did kiss her, he’d make it memorable for her. Lord help him, it’s all he’d been able to think of since their date.
An hour later, they sat across from one another in a booth, neither one making the first move to leave. Every time he was with Ava, Sawyer learned as much as he could about her. He drank in her words and memorized the sound of her voice. Some women he’d met—through no fault of their own—had grating voices that irritated him. Ava’s voice was slightly husky as if she smoked, but he highly doubted she was a closet puffer. Even when she sang in the restaurant, the huskiness only enhanced her voice.
She was afraid of spiders, had never played cards in her life, her first car was a vintage Mustang, and her favorite flower was the tulip—yellow, not red. From what he could gather, her singular flaw was that loved asparagus, a disgusting vegetable that made him gag. His mistake came when he admitted he’d only tried it once when he was ten. When Ava offered to make grilled asparagus for him sometime, promising he’d love it, he jumped on that offer. He’d eat anything and force it down for the privilege of her making it for him. He might talk too much sometimes, or get too personal and say the wrong thing, but he wasn’t completely clueless.
After another fifteen minutes passed, Sawyer reluctantl
y checked his watch. “What time do you have to be back at the dance studio? I need to start psyching up my muscles for the ride.”
“Heather’s covering the classes until four and then I’m due to teach. We can stay a while longer, if it’s okay with your schedule. To let your muscles prepare a little more.”
“I like Heather. She sounds very helpful. Thank her for me.”
As they shared a banana split, Sawyer answered more of her questions. He’d told her about his crush on Miss Abercrombie, his third grade teacher, his soccer trophy from when his high school squad won the state championship his senior year, how he backpacked through South America one summer while he was college, and the time he was mistaken for an Italian celebrity in Manhattan.
“My grandparents on my dad’s side were born in Italy, in a village outside Rome,” he said after Ava asked about his family background. This woman asked no idle questions. Unless he was totally off his game, the way she listened to his responses indicated someone who hoped to be more than casual friends.
When he escorted her outside, huge snowflakes fell all around them. Like a kid, Ava tilted her head to the sky and stuck out her tongue. Then she glanced over at him and giggled. “I always loved doing this, but I haven’t done it in a long time. Come on, Sawyer. Be a kid with me.”
So he did. Modeling her stance—arms wide, feet planted apart, he stuck out his tongue to catch falling snowflakes. His brows quirked when he saw her almost double over with laughter. Was she laughing at him?
“Okay. That does it. No one plays Sawyer Mancini for a fool.” Lunging for her, Sawyer slipped his arms around Ava’s waist as she squirmed and tried to run away. The feel of her in his arms was right. No other word to describe it. Like she belonged there. “Is that the best you can do? That pitiful effort? I thought dancers were light on their feet.”