*Ava’s POV*Dinner had been perfect. A lovely Italian restaurant tucked away in a little line of unsuspecting shops was the right choice. I’ve smelled the food while walking by before but never had a reason to go in. Seymore had put in work and chose a great place for a date. I love that he hadn’t looked for an expensive place where he could have flashed money around. Now we’re standing in front of my door and he asked to kiss me. I was hoping he would, as I think I’m ready to let fate take over and see where things go. I closed my eyes as he slid his hand into my hair and leaned in.Then it happened. Not the kiss, but Anne running up yelling for me, ruining our moment. I can tell Seymore is frustrated, and I share his disappointment. But Anne has a good reason for interrupting us. Conner was in the condo while I was away.“You stay here with Anne, I’m going to make sure it’s safe,” Seymore says while I unlock the door. He slips inside, leaving me in the hallway. “He’

I dig through my closet looking for my best suit. Today is a special day. I had left Ava’s last night knowing she’s just as invested in making things work as I am. The kiss she gave me after her gift still lingers on my lips, and I can’t stop thinking about it. I can’t wait to experience more. I find what I’m looking for and get ready. Everything has to be perfect as I begin exacting revenge against Conner Brown. Marcus and I grab a quick bite to eat, even though the excitement makes eating difficult. I make sure to pull through a carwash before heading to Better Car Imports. That’s where Conner works, and I made an offer to the owner that he couldn’t refuse just two days earlier. Once the owner found out he was speaking to the heir to the Lewis empire, he was quick to make a deal.Once I finish here, I will send the company information to the family business manager. He will add Better Car Imports to the already lengthy list of auto lots the Lewis family owns. I pull into t

*Seymore’s POV*Ava sits next to me on the couch and I close my eyes in an effort to control the demon within. I want to hold her, but I don’t know if I can control myself if I do. She smells so good, and I’ve had nothing but lustful thoughts all night because of her short, green dress. While in the museum, I had thought about dragging her into one of the dark corners and convincing her to fool around with me. I don’t know when Ava got up, she went to grab something to eat and left it in front of us, but my eyes pop open as I feel her brush against my legs while passing by and my hands shot up and pull her down to my lap.She freezes but doesn’t pull away. I know this was a very bold move by me, but I needed to make a move before I lose her again. She doesn’t move, I worry a bit but she swallows hard and then takes a deep breath.The warmth of her womanhood can be felt through my slacks, causing me to look hungrily at her. Any thoughts of keeping my hands off of her fade away

*Ava’s POV*Seymore walks out the door and I hurry around the corner to confront Dr. Davies. My father has been a pain in my life for a while. I feel bad for him, so I stay. Everyone else left him and his impossible ego years ago. First Nick, leaving permanently, and then Mom. Ellie has been telling me to stand up to him for years. She told me that it sucks when family is toxic, but you need to cut them off like you would any other toxic person. “What did you do?” I snap, anger in the back of my throat. He shakes his head and slowly walks down the steps toward me. Even his walk is condescending, and I’m made to wait for an answer until he’s ready. Today isn’t a day for dramatics. Seymore was upset, even if he tried to mask it with a smile. He puts the need to comfort me above all else, and I love that.“Ava, you won’t understand,” Desmond says, walking over to my desk. “You’ll think I’m trying to control your life when all I’m doing is protecting you.”“Protecting me? Th

I make it home from Ava’s, but I don’t remember the drive. I was in a daze the whole way home. I don’t know why, but Sophia Ambrose had been sitting on the couch with Ellie when I glanced through the door. I know it was her, I was able to get a good look at her face. For some reason, that face brought back memories I didn’t know I had.A drunken night about eight months ago had been one of the reasons I sought help for my addiction. I had never been so drunk in my life, and I wound up bringing someone home. I hadn’t remembered who it was, and she left before I woke up. The whole situation scared me.Now I can’t get the thought of Sophia out of my head. Was the mystery girl all those months ago her? I walk into the house in a daze. Marcus is sitting on the couch with the dogs and he doesn’t say anything as I walk past. Before I know it, I’m sitting on the edge of my bed with my phone in hand.I start scrolling through the names and numbers of the various contacts I’ve added over t