Vulnerable

“You’re a very beautiful woman, Ava. Any man would be lucky to have you as his woman.” Steve complimented Ava as they sipped their wine and waited for their food.

“Thank you, Steve. I really appreciate you saying that.” Ava replied.

The compliment warmed her heart, especially since it was coming from someone like Steve, who himself was one of the hottest men in the country.

Ava was beginning to like him more than she had thought she would, which was no surprise because if there was one thing that Steve possessed in abundance, it was charm and charisma.

It was a different kind of charisma from the one that Derek possessed or used to possess. Whereas Steve was light-hearted, easy-going, and happy-go-lucky, Derek was the opposite in that he was dark, brooding, and oh-so-serious.

“Earth to you, Ava. Your mind is elsewhere. Am I that boring?” Steve asked her, but he was joking.

“Oh, no. I was just thinking to myself how different you are to Derek.” Ava replied.

“Oh? I guess you could say