Page 54 of Make It Last

Beck waggled his brows. “Exactly.”

“Are you fucking serious?” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I can’t with you guys. I’m just gonna go have some pizza. Lecture them,” I added, pointing at Joey. “They’re all married or close to it.” I dropped a tip into the jar, narrowing my eyes. “Speaking of, I won’t keep tipping you so well if you’re gonna lecture me about my love life.”

Joey rolled his eyes. “Yeah, you will. You’re not an asshole.”

“Oh my God,” I muttered under my breath as I turned to leave.

Griffin clapped me on the shoulder. “Catch you at the station.”

“Uh-huh.”

In short order, I was back in my truck, two pizzas on the passenger seat, and one long string of commentary about Ava still echoing in my head. They weren’t wrong. I hadn’t dated anyone seriously at all since Laney left. Ava was the first person I’d met who made me even contemplate wanting something more. The chemistry with her burned hotter than anything I’d ever experienced.

It eclipsed what I’d had with Laney. We’d been young. High school sweethearts fumbling our way into adulthood. Ava wasn’t from here. She wasn’t staying. Or so I told myself. And I skirted away from how much I wanted to hope that, somehow, she would.

A few minutes later, I pulled up in front of her little rental house. My gaze flicked to the side—Josie’s and Tate’s trucks were parked in front of their house. Of course they’d know I was coming.

Not that it mattered, but damn. The gossip was flying fast. I took a breath. The anticipation alone lit my nerves up. With pizzas propped on my forearm, I walked to the door and knocked.

Ava called, “Come in!”

Carefully, I cracked the door. “Is the coast clear?”

She smiled at me from the couch, and my pulse started to hum. She gestured to the cat snuggled against her hip.

“I don’t think he’s going anywhere. But maybe move quick.”

“Got it.” I stepped inside rapidly, nudging the door firmly shut behind me. “Pizza’s here.”

The cat still hadn’t moved. I paused to toe off my boots. “How’s the cat? He looks like he likes you,” I said as I moved toward her.

She grinned. “I think so. I’ve never had a cat.”

“What’s his name?”

“Well, he came with the name Growly. Honestly, his purr does sound a little growly.” She blinked, looking down at him. Her fingers stroked under his chin. “I’ve never had a cat,” she said again. She shifted like she wanted to get up, then leaned back with a sigh. “I hate this.”

“The cat?”

“I always want to just do something, you know? Be helpful. Then I remember…” She gestured toward her boot. “It’s fine.”

“You don’t need to get up. I’ll bring the pizza to you.”

“I know, but should I get up and move around some?”

“I can’t answer that for you.” I chuckled. “But knowing you? I’m guessing you’ve gotten up and down plenty today.”

She rolled her eyes. “You don’t know me that well, Tanner.”

Heat surged in my chest. “Are you sure about that, Ava?” I teased.

Her cheeks went pink, and I grinned. “Sit tight,” I added. “Let me get some plates. Want something to drink?”

Just then, Growly decided to come inspect me. He gingerly leaped off the couch and padded over. As I crouched, he rubbed against my legs. “Hey, dude.” I scratched behind his ear. “Wow. That is a growly purr.”

He looked a little beat up with his chunky face and battered ears. But man, he was perfect for Ava. “How’s he doing?”

“I think he’s okay,” Ava said. “He’s used the litter box a few times and eaten some food. Josie got me all set up.” She looked down at him fondly, stroking his head. “I want to keep him forever. I’m so in love.”